New retail website advice

[bloodugly]

I'm about to launch a new website dealing in computer mods (I won't give the site name because I don't want to spam/advertise), so I"m just wondering what it takes for the typical AT member to buy from a new website....the look? Guarantees? Price? Any input would be much appreciated.

 

[se7en]

If the store doesnt have ample feedback from various locations then I expect the price to be slightly less to reflect the lack of confidence I'll have ordering. A well thought out FAQ on returns, exchanges, restocking fees or stuff like that would be a big plus for me too in case there is some kind of ussue.

Site layout inst crucial as long as it isnt too bulky forcing me to click through endless pages trying to get to checkout. I also prefer to shop places where I can get tracking confirmation once a package has shipped for obvious reasons.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Be honest about it being a small (single-person?) operation on the About page, instead of photoshopping a company logo onto some building.

Do you have eBay feedback, Heat and/or Beerology references you can link to on that about page?

Edit: missed the Heat link in your sig, you should mention that along with the others in your about page.

Play up the individual service instead of trying to act big.

Don't expect people to buy standard parts without services, that's what Newegg is for.

 

[Zolty]

I generally only buy from newegg paying a little bit more is worth the service that I have gotten in the past. If you are doing computer mods (providing a service) I would start by showcasing some of your work on computer forums sort of a "hey look what I can do" then put a little post saying that you can provide this service to others and direct them to the site. If you are just selling the same stuff that you can find elsewhere good luck as a new retailer.

 

[Soundmanred]

I'll be honest and say that nothing would make me buy from a new online retailer. If you have better prices than Newegg, I'd think it was a scam. The look of a website generally doesn't matter as long as it's well done. Online guarantees are worth as much to me as a 3 dollar bill.
Not trying to be discouraging or mean, just honest.
Are you selling parts or services or both?

 

[Nik]

First, do I need this? Second, if I don't need it, will it improve my quality or efficiency of computing?

Price is always in the list, of course.

Last is reputation. If you don't have an already-established positive rep, I ain't buyin yer shit.

 

[nutxo]

Originally posted by: Nik
First, do I need this? Second, if I don't need it, will it improve my quality or efficiency of computing?

Price is always in the list, of course.

Last is reputation. If you don't have an already-established positive rep, I ain't buyin yer shit.

Newegg had to start somewhere too. Newegg started by word of mouth on forums like this and HOCP. LAter they started payign people for positive reviews. Leave a review, send them a link to the review and theyd send you an intel coffee cup, amd pen, evga t shirt kinda thing.

Be prepared to not make any money for a while until you get a decent rep.

Dont set up shop on some yahoo store or something...

Contact info is crucial. First thing people around here check is domain registration and if its possible to actually reach someone.

 

[Corporate Thug]

how about some modding services like powder coating for cases, etc...

 

[bloodugly]

I appreciate all of the comments you guys have given so far. Its just hard to start a new website, no matter how honest you are because (like myself) people are looking to be scammed. I have REALLY low overhead, so I'll be able to offer great prices, its just a matter of getting people to trust me, I guess. I have great Heat, I just wonder if that would make me seem more "small-time" to mention it.

 

[Fayd]

Originally posted by: nutxo

Originally posted by: Nik
First, do I need this? Second, if I don't need it, will it improve my quality or efficiency of computing?

Price is always in the list, of course.

Last is reputation. If you don't have an already-established positive rep, I ain't buyin yer shit.

Newegg had to start somewhere too. Newegg started by word of mouth on forums like this and HOCP. LAter they started payign people for positive reviews. Leave a review, send them a link to the review and theyd send you an intel coffee cup, amd pen, evga t shirt kinda thing.

Be prepared to not make any money for a while until you get a decent rep.

Dont set up shop on some yahoo store or something...

Contact info is crucial. First thing people around here check is domain registration and if its possible to actually reach someone.

alot of decent stores got started on yahoo stores...

 

[Fayd]

Originally posted by: bloodugly
I appreciate all of the comments you guys have given so far. Its just hard to start a new website, no matter how honest you are because (like myself) people are looking to be scammed. I have REALLY low overhead, so I'll be able to offer great prices, its just a matter of getting people to trust me, I guess. I have great Heat, I just wonder if that would make me seem more "small-time" to mention it.

what determines prices isnt just overhead. if you dont have the purchasing power to negotiate big contracts, then your prices are still gonna suck.

 

[Old Hippie]

Just tell the truth.

If customer service is 9 to 5, I don't care if you haven't had a call in 6 years, somebody should answer from 9 to 5.

I have no problem with low/no feedback as long as it's not negative.

 

[bloodugly]

actually, my site is a Yahoo store, just with alot of custom programming for the features I wanted. Some I did myself, the others I did mockups for to give to the programmers. I'm really picky, and that same philosophy extends to how I ship, I tend to "Overpack" things, just because I don't want someone to receive something beat up by the shipper.

 

[bloodugly]

Originally posted by: Old Hippie
Just tell the truth.

If customer service is 9 to 5, I don't care if you haven't had a call in 6 years, somebody should answer from 9 to 5.

I have no problem with low/no feedback as long as it's not negative.

Its hard to answer the phone in those hours if its a 1-2 man operation. I will take messagew, and call people back, though.

 

[bloodugly]

FYI, Newegg doesn't always get the bet prides. Thermalright won't even deal with them now.

 

[Old Hippie]

Originally posted by: bloodugly

Originally posted by: Old Hippie
Just tell the truth.

If customer service is 9 to 5, I don't care if you haven't had a call in 6 years, somebody should answer from 9 to 5.

I have no problem with low/no feedback as long as it's not negative.

Its hard to answer the phone in those hours if its a 1-2 man operation. I will take messagew, and call people back, though.

Then say that.

It'd be part of being honest.

 

[se7en]

Originally posted by: bloodugly
I tend to "Overpack" things, just because I don't want someone to receive something beat up by the shipper.

OMG what a concept!! Seriously though I just got a HDD last week in a box so big my 3yr old can fit in it with no padding lol.

 

[xanis]

Information, information, information.

If your website has good contact information (phone number and mailing address) I'm more likely to buy from you than from some shady-looking site with only an email address or contact form. Why? It makes you look established and gives people the peace of mind that you're not going to gank their money and run. Also, make sure you have clear and concise information regarding RMA and refund policies. I want to see that you're upfront about everything and that if something goes wrong I'm not going to take it in the ass.

 

[bloodugly]

So you guys think that advertising that we are small, can't always answer the phone, but still respond to emails within a few hours and ship quickly would be good?

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: bloodugly
So you guys think that advertising that we are small, can't always answer the phone, but still respond to emails within a few hours and ship quickly would be good?

Yes. As long as you meet the expectations that you DO advertise, being upfront and honest about them is perfectly fine. Bear in mind that wording is key too. You can be honest without making yourself sound lazy.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Originally posted by: bloodugly
So you guys think that advertising that we are small, can't always answer the phone, but still respond to emails within a few hours and ship quickly would be good?

Don't mention that you can't always answer the phone, just put a little note on the contact page that email is preferred or something. But don't make any illusions about being bigger than you are. Definitely ship quickly.

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: bloodugly
So you guys think that advertising that we are small, can't always answer the phone, but still respond to emails within a few hours and ship quickly would be good?

Don't mention that you can't always answer the phone, just put a little note on the contact page that email is preferred or something. But don't make any illusions about being bigger than you are. Definitely ship quickly.

Yep, that's pretty much what I was saying. For example:


Customer Service

Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm EST

(XXX) XXX-XXXX

support@yourwebsite.com

If you are unable to reach us immediately, please leave us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

[se7en]

Originally posted by: bloodugly
So you guys think that advertising that we are small, can't always answer the phone, but still respond to emails within a few hours and ship quickly would be good?

Yes. Honesty is a big +++++++++++!!!

If you cant answer the phone thats cool but give me a time frame on when I can expect a call back and the same goes with email. Being a small operation isnt a negative thing by any means so I wouldnt try to conceal that fact. Now I wouldnt go so far as to say "oh its me the wife and our 9 kids who run everything" but you hopefully know what I mean.

If your offer good prices word will get around with some time and effort as long as the quality doesnt suffer.

 

[seemingly random]

You need to make people want to come to the site. A small op isn't going to be able to compete on price, so you need to offer something else. One of the reasons I go to newegg is the info. They have pics and feedback (with a grain of salt). If you have lots of knowledge and can convey it, people will visit and eventually buy.

If you are primarily technical, find a market aware partner.

As others have alluded to, do what you say when you say you're going to. If things change causing delay, inform your customer.

Be prepared to eat a lot of shit.

 

[bloodugly]

I really appreciate the feedback, seriously, thanks. I'm just trying to build a site that can offer great prices and not scam anyone, becuase i've been in that spot before getting f'd over by a website. I'm not looking to get "rich", just want to give some fellow modders some deals while making enough to make my car payment