Website available page????

J

Jon Christensen

Joined
Jan 28, 2000
Messages
155
A comment about the lack of an availables page on my site got me to thinking that I should ask the collectors what they like to see on sites regarding this.
This is one of the things that still needs tweeking on my site.

Should interested collectors be notified of new pieces before they are posted on a site or is it best to have them posted on the site and then mailings sent out notifying them on the new piece?



I'm open for any suggestions.

Jon
 
A few suggestions for your consideration:

1) Have a knife available when you first add the page.

2) Thereafter, aim to make something available at least 3 or 4 times a year.

3) The page should have a standing invitation for future notification of available pieces.

4) I would recommend sending out notification of an upcoming knife a few days ahead of time to give people a heads-up. This creates an incentive for them to get on the list in the first place, as they have advance warning of the upcoming knife.

5) I would recommend leaving pictures of the knives previously sold in this way as a growing gallery so peole can see whan they missed and be inspired to get on your notification list (or order something similar directly). This way the page will never be completely blank.

Roger
 
A few suggestions for your consideration:

1) Have a knife available when you first add the page.

2) Thereafter, aim to make something available at least 3 or 4 times a year.

3) The page should have a standing invitation for future notification of available pieces.

4) I would recommend sending out notification of an upcoming knife a few days ahead of time to give people a heads-up. This creates an incentive for them to get on the list in the first place, as they have advance warning of the upcoming knife.

5) I would recommend leaving pictures of the knives previously sold in this way as a growing gallery so peole can see whan they missed and be inspired to get on your notification list (or order something similar directly). This way the page will never be completely blank.

Roger
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Roger, great suggestions. I would like to add one. Please have an eye for your non US-based customers and keep in mind the time difference. Many a time I have lost out on a beautiful knife just because I was too late.

Marcel
 
Roger,
Great suggestions!

I wonder if a collector who bought the knife would want the price to remain on the site or not?

Marcel- I'll have to talk with Mitch about the time difference issue. I'm pretty handicapped when it comes to puters.

Jon
 
I wonder if a collector who bought the knife would want the price to remain on the site or not?
Click to expand...

I like it when prices are listed and stay listed because that gives me an idea of what I can expect if I loose out on a knife but want to order something like it.

Marcel
 
Hi Jon,
I love your new website and enjoyed having a good look at your work. The addition of an "available" page and some indication of pricing would both be big plusses to me. I second all the suggestions Roger and Marcel make above. Each one makes a difference to me when considering a maker's work.

To voice an opinion as fact, the best websites offer:
- information that's current and lots of it
- opportunity to at least get a chance at purchasing available work and be apprised of new work (mailing list)
- consideration for my time (e.g. don't expect me to check back for new work)
- more or less an "invitation", i.e. a clear indication that the maker wants my business and will do his best for me

Best regards,
Dave
 
Personally, I think you should post the knife, and then send the mailing. After all, it's meant to be an "available" page, not a "recently sold" page. If you prefer to sell items from a mailing list, that's fine too, but if you have an available page, then you need to post to it knives that are available.
 
Joss said:
Personally, I think you should post the knife, and then send the mailing. After all, it's meant to be an "available" page, not a "recently sold" page. If you prefer to sell items from a mailing list, that's fine too, but if you have an available page, then you need to post to it knives that are available.
Click to expand...

I don't really follow this. I mean, I think both methods are fine - but I don't see how posting it first - then sending out the mailing will make much of a practical difference. The knife still might or might not sell very quickly.

But I DO see how someone who gets the notification that a knife HAS been posted, only to log on and find it HAS been sold, might ask himself what the real benefit of notification is.

I like the way Burt Foster does it: "Look for an available piece to be posted on x date at y time." Everyone on his list has an equal shot (timezone differentials aside). And everyone on that list has a better shot than those not on the list. Hence, the motivation to get on the list in the first place.

Roger
 
I like the idea of a mailing that lets the collectors on the list know when the knife will be posted on the site.

I still don't like the idea of leaving the prices up.

What about giving a base price for each type of knife I build.
ie. 10" straight steel bowie, oval guard, wood handle sells for $$$ (and put a date for this quote). This would give the collector an idea of where my prices start.

Jon
 
Jon Christensen said:
What about giving a base price for each type of knife I build.
ie. 10" straight steel bowie, oval guard, wood handle sells for $$$ (and put a date for this quote). This would give the collector an idea of where my prices start.
Click to expand...

That would work. It would give people an idea what your knives sell for, and if they are interested, but would like something fancier, they would probably be inclined to contact you.
 
Jon Christensen said:
Roger,
Great suggestions!

I wonder if a collector who bought the knife would want the price to remain on the site or not?

Marcel- I'll have to talk with Mitch about the time difference issue. I'm pretty handicapped when it comes to puters.

Jon
Click to expand...

The collector who bought the particular knife may not want the price to remain, however it's very good information for collectors as a whole.
A previously sold page with pricing (especially on a dealer's site) really provides a collector and even other makers with worthwhile information.

I wish makers/dealers would send out "knives available" e-mail notifications after normal business hours as so many don't have the luxury of being in front of a computer all day. Since 911 many companies have blocked employee access to websites that mention any kind of weapon in the address.

But then the problem arises as to what's after "normal business hours" when you are reaching a worldwide market.
 
As buyers and collectors each one of us would love to see a pricing history. I would.

A a seller this has marginal informational benefit and potential negative repercussions.

Jon, are you a buyer or a seller....? ;)

It may be sporting to post a range of prices for any piece, as materials or your value may increase it. Or, it may lessen the cost.

Ex: Carved Hunter - $300-$700 depending on work. Please call.

Coop
 
RogerP said:
I like the way Burt Foster does it: "Look for an available piece to be posted on x date at y time." Everyone on his list has an equal shot (timezone differentials aside). And everyone on that list has a better shot than those not on the list. Hence, the motivation to get on the list in the first place.
Click to expand...

Yes, that sounds like a best of both world solution to me. Thanks.
 
Jon - Coop is right. Leaving the prices on has the potential of creating loads of headaches for you. Try to think about some of the potential bad scenrios, and think about what best you think you'll get from it.
 
I post the knife on my available page, and if its not sold in 24 hours I will post here and/or send an email out. They usually sell directly on the available page.
 
RMLamey said:
I post the knife on my available page, and if its not sold in 24 hours I will post here and/or send an email out. They usually sell directly on the available page.
Click to expand...

I like your process as your most loyal customers who visit your site most often get rewarded for their efforts before opening up to the rest. :thumbup:
 
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