I took a quick vacation with my favorite man - that loving husband of mine - (I had gotten him RUSH tickets for our Valentine Anniversary) - and we hopped a late flight to Vegas Friday. I spent a lot of time people watching - when we weren't rockin' away at the concert. I watched employees at the casinos, and I watched customers, etc. I wondered about the customer service - mainly where it's gone!
If you have become a regular here you may know - we ran a poll - what was most important to you, the customer - percent off, low prices, free shipping, or free stuff. The main winners were low prices and free shipping. We were already planning that - and I was really pleased to get the customer input, feedback and confirmation. Your opinion really counts at this hometown business! Some of the things we have in mind - no special cards - we installed a rewards system - ALL your purchases go towards rewards - when you hit a dollar amount - I set it to give you a 25% OFF shopping spree. And that has no strange limitations - you can use it whenever you like. And then, the rewards start all over again! And shipping - here was my thought (because it's just gotten MO' expensive - FREE with your $60 order. I'd like to hear how these incentives sound - that's not a "contest" question - you can directly gritch or applaud at croppinsville@att.net. Anyone who e-mails me will receive something extra speshul direct from me!
So the current CONTEST - lemme get ya thinkin' and hear your opinion. What will REALLY keep ya coming back? PLEASE Tell me what it will take to be THE best scrapbook scrappin' and stampin' spot on the web! I wanna be your favorite place... You rock and I wanna be that rockin' place you love to hang at! SOOOO - There's the subject - ramble on, and be entered to win one of five prizes. Help me build a great place to visit - not just shop - sure I'd love to be the place you like to spend your hobby dollars, but I really want to help provide inspiration, education, and a LOTTA fun and games as well. Your time is precious, and I don't want to waste it! Let us hear from you again - and we have a few more Randomly Generate prizes this time. We have FIVE. And what's more, I really plan to input what you have to say. Because it's all about you - without our designers and customers - where would I be?
I've teamed up with our friends at BoBunny - and we are offering a fun package of goodies to celebrate customers and National Scrapbooking Month. I try to be a smart shopper, and was able to get lots of specials opening up around this fantastic time of year.
So, help a sistah out, I'll reward you! I have FIVE prizes this week - previous winners, you are SO welcome to play again. Leave a comment - rambling on about the subject...
What will REALLY keep ya coming back? What will it take for Croppinsville to be THE best scrapbook scrappin' and stampin' spot on the web!
and then watch for the winner on next Tuesday morning - contest ends Monday, the 19th at Midnight! No need to leave your personal info!!! Spammin' trolls gather that info and mail you nasties...
Check It Out!
4 days ago
85 comments:
Hey Allie! My LSS gives us a certain $$ amount coupon once we've spent $200.oo in there store. We ALL love it!! Just an idea!
My choices for online shopping are the sites that consistently have great prices. I prefer to shop with the same places rather than hunt for one bargain.
Thanks!
Susan M.
moore5947(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Can't wait to see your Grand Opening! You gave me a great tip on the Stamp Press!!! It works fabulous! Even works on Shrink Plastic and transparencies! Thanks Again!!!!
I would like to see just plain ole low prices. Some of us really have to pick and choose what we buy... If I like it and I can't afford it then I just go my own way. One thing one site does that I have ordered from is a treasure hunt one day a week and you get that stamp free with a purchase... not that all the stamps are to my liking so if I don't like the free one I don't order just to get it. But there are plenty I do like and their prices are very reasonable! So IF I do like it then I get a couple stamps on my wish list and get the free one too.
Not sure that REALLY helped any but it is my 2CW
I am a visual idea person, so I like galleries where i can get ideas......I also like the idea of the key punch- where you get punches for the amount of $$$ you spend, then when your 'punch card' is full, you get a dollar amount or a % off your next purchase (or a free stamp set with a purchase of ___X amount of a purchase.......). Looking forward to the Grand Opening!
I look for a good inventory, competitive prices, and low shipping fees.
I find that since I live in Canada it is hard to find an internet shopping experience that I like. I tend to use ebay for most of my US purchases as I have the option of paying with paypal. I would also say that if you want repeat customers is to keep things simple. Pictures of product with ideas, keeping pricing resonable, a reward system that works, it can be harder to have one online for coupons or key tag but one idea would be if you spend this about you have this option and if you spend more you have other options for free product, also using customers for word of mouth sales on new product making it regular customers sell the new stuff rather than a "design team member" as I find some of what they do and what I can do intimidating...I would also love to have a place to go where I can find things for boys...I have 2 young boys with a third on the way and it is so hard to find things that appeal for them, you can only look at blue so much and can't really use any type of floral things...and when it comes to younger boys the teen stuff doesn't apply very well either...lets just say that I find it frustrating just to scrapbook for them right now...
well, there are the obvious ones.... reasonable prices, reasonalbe shipping, good customer service, but I think what keeps me coming back to an online store is great variety and simplicity in shopping. I hate online stores where it takes 5 minutes just to add one item to my basket because you have to click through pages and confirm and reconfirm and be directed back and so forth. If it is simple, quick and easy to shop.... yeah, I will shop and come back.
You rock by having freebies like this! ha, ha. Everyone loves good service, good shipping prices, good inventory, coupons, incentives... keep at it!
I mainly look for a gallery, instructions or recipes for cards and layouts, give aways, special offers, free shipping, payment options. Pay pal protects both the buyer and the seller, that is important to me.
I look for bargains, current supplies, free shipping, and a great store that has great customer service. Thanks and have a great and creative day.
Hi, I think some of the things that keep me coming back are definitely low prices, a sale once in awhile, low shipping and inspiration. I love to see how a companies designers use the items. I am a very visual person, so believe me that helps a lot. Also, I want the shopping to be easy, I don't want to have to have a PHD to make it through a shopping trip to a site. LOL. And a sense of humor is great, too. I think you have that down pat already. :)
To keep me coming back... a really good variety of product, always low prices, great sales every so often, quick shipping, good customer service... that about covers it! :-)
What keeps me coming back to the online sources that I shop at are:
1) quick customer service (e.g. don't have things listed in the store that are not in stock..)
2) Competitive prices
3) Easy navigation on website, very very few clicks! I hate catalogs where I have 20 pages to click through to see it all, I usually get tired after the thired click, just give it to me on one big page to scroll
4) well functioning search engine where I can type in what I am looking for and it actually finds it, this seems to work with very few places....
5) consistency!! don't switch or change stuff around all the time, I like to feel familiar if I visit, not have to relearn each time I come :)
6) definitely a special section for "new stuff" that I can browse
But I think most of all what keeps me coming back would be friendly attitude and easy to navigate website:)
For a brick and mortar store, subtle attention and being friendly to me will do it. For heaven's sake KNOW what's in your store ;) One of my pet peeves is that the store people have no clue what they have and where it is. If there are samples in the store DO have the materials available to work those things, don't show me a stamp image that I can't buy, don't tease me with a glitter that you don't carry etc etc.
It's important to me to be able to get fair prises and lots of great inspiration..
Vicky
Customer Service Customer Service Customer Service! Yes, even over low prices and low shipping. You know that place you can buy scrappin' stuff online (Wilde)WI They have great prices and awesome shipping costs but I'm still waiting on a birthday gift and my birthday was in Feb. Yah, My Mom who made the purchase off my wish list (hint hint-awesome web feature Allie)has contacted them 4X via phone, email and online email chat thingy. I've contacted them 6x (well who wouldn't want her wish list items (:) and still no response! UGG City.
One thing that I look for in paritcular when it comes to hobby shopping is the most up-to-date hot items..My local store is okay, but I prefer to shop somewhere that carries the most current stuff..They have a lot of the basics, but honestly they lack the variety and the up-to-date hot items. So keeping up on the latest and greatest is a big one for me.
Low prices is good as well. Incentives like a free inkpad with a certain $ purchase of stamps could be a good one...opening your package and finding small free item is alway exicting...
One thing I left off is quick shipping...No waiting three weeks just for the product to get out the door.
Of course, I love good deals on my stamping stuff (I giggle when I get something on sale!LOL) but I really have to LOVE the stamp before I buy!!
Things that keep me coming back to a particular B&M store or online site are:
* GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE
* Competitive Pricing
* Good Product Selection
* Low/Free Shipping Costs
* Quick ship of products
* Knowledgable Staff
* Video Tutorials
* Galleries
* Freebies
* Classes
* Coupons
Inky Smiles, Sherry Ü
I can't come up with anything the other posters haven't already said. It's important to have good customer service and great prices and up to date inventory.
Claudia
scfranson@charter.net
I'm always looking for the best customer service, low low prices and reasonable shipping. Nothing like getting a bargin only to find out that the shipping ate up all you saved! My LSS uses the punch card savings as well, but I imagine that will be more difficult to do with online orders, so maybe email coupons monthly to those receiving email specials. Good luck with the store and can't wait to see whatcha got to offer.
Lynna
Things that will REALLY keep me coming back is if you carry most of the products I want to buy and if the website is very easy to navigate and if each product has plenty of information about it so that I'm not left wondering what size something is or whether or not something is included or not. Thanks for asking for input!
I am looking for something easy to navigate along with latest products and great customer service. I spend too much time price comparing. Also each product with plenty of information about it so that I'm not left wondering what size, etc.
barbglasier(at)comcast(dot)net
Well, I am brand new to stamping and scrapping. In fact, I have made only 2 cards and no scrapbook pages yet. So what would really keep me coming back is if there were some tutorials or things to just get started if you're new to all this creative stuff. Maybe even a starter kit; because I get so overwhelmed at all the options!
What would keep me coming back? I like a mix of stuff on a site, products for sale (great prices don't hurt and I love when the shipping to Canada is actual prices instead of an arm and a leg), tips on new products, sketches, LO ideas, LO contests are always fun, and personally the fact that you are going green is a big incentive for me. I love scrapping,but I hate all the waste it generates. I reuse and recycle as much as I can and have often wondered if other scrappers have the same concerns. It is great to see that I'm not the only one who has this beautiful world in mind while still enjoying scrapping! So lots of contests and challenges along with great prices and a green attitude is what I think will be the winning combo. Keep up the good work!! (thanks for the link Jodie!)
What keeps me coming back to my favorite stores, online or B&M is:
*good customer service
*fast shipping
*sales
*the latest and greatest products
and freebies (little goodies for free with your order)
I cannot wait to shop with croppinsville!
Jen
The newest items and fast shipping will keep me coming back! Also LOVE contests!! Cant wait for the grand opening!!!
I'm about the low shipping cost, I don't like to have to pay an arm and a leg. And who does love sales, specially holiday sales, since thats usually when we have a little extra money.
What will keep me coming back to shop is inventory. I know that that's hard when you first start out, but I love to be able to get what I want all at the same place. What will keep me coming back to look is lots of pictures...examples. Oh, I love to be able to "see" the products, too. In the store, I'd like to be able to see what everything looks like. Once again, I know that this is a tall order. But that's my two cents worth. Thanks for asking.
I look for good prices, low/free shipping...another thing that is great is a freebie with $XX purchase.
I look for low prices but will usually (most probably buy) when there's free shipping. That's what will keep bringing me back. I may see something in a magazine but if I know I'll get free shipping at your store, I'll buy from you. I also look for an easy to navigate and attractive wb site. I want to see your merchandie at its best. Make the pics BIGGER. Give me more info about the items, show me how to use it!!!
Nadia
I love to see examples and great prices!
Hi. What works for me is what is easy to get to. Have the site accessible..just a click away.
Of course, good product with good price, because no matter much I like a stamp, it has to be affordable. So--basically--you probably won't be able to make all the demands.
Just be easy..
Tish Rowe
cattish@verizon.net
I love contestes and cheap shipping!! and of course Jodie.. will keep bringing me back
Thanks for the link Jodie :)
I have to agree with another comment, I love good prices all the time because I don't want to waste time looking for a deal. Plus galleries are nice to browse for ideas :)
First of all, if Jodie keeps updating me like she's been, I'll be back alot! :)
I think running specials once a month are good (free shipping, discount items, clearance items). And of course a variety of items is always good so you're not just limited to a few things. With shipping getting more expensive, it's nice to buy everything you want at once to cut down on shipping costs.
I think that customer service is the main thing that keeps me at one place. I alos love a variety of items.Great prices are good too and contests make it fun.
I wanted to add also that Jodie keeps updating me too! It is great that she lets me know about all the fun stuff on here! I will keep checking back for more great things!
Hi Allie - It seems like alot of the prices at online scrap stores are very close to the brick-n-mortar stores, so it doesn't matter as to me where I actually get the product. The one thing that always stops my online purchases from going through through is the shipping charges! That makes it harder to justify spending more overall for online orders. I think you're idea of a 25% off after a certain volume of purchases is great though!
Well, you site certainly has caught my interest just from your postings. It is refreshing!! I can only imagine what your personality is in RL cuz you certainly keep me smiling in print!
Low prices appeal to all but if you add shipping, it makes it as high or higher than LSS prices so finding a work around for that would be great! Thanks for the smiles!
I think Sherry said it all for me:
* GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE
* Competitive Pricing
* Good Product Selection
* Low/Free Shipping Costs
* Quick ship of products
* Knowledgable Staff
* Video Tutorials
* Galleries
* Freebies
* Classes
* Coupons
She hit on them all but I think my biggest concern is QUICK SHIPPING, I don't want to save money if I'm not going to see the product for weeks! Best of luck, I will keep an eye on you and watch you grow. You sound motivated, I love that already.
Hi there! What will keep me coming back. Several things are important. I think QUICK and Low shipping is first. Because even free shipping doesn't have to be SLOW... Ugh. That will turn me away quick.
Variety of Products, and freebies every now and again. Of course, Jodie keeps me coming back for more too! :D
I love good quality products at competitive price and FREE shipping worldwide!! :) Oh, and cool giveaways are lovely too.
Thanks!
bunnybox9 at gmail dot com
I like to see low shipping costs, especially if you are only buying a small $3 item or something. Of course, free shipping with a minimum purchase is great. And I love contests too!
I love the idea of a wish list! Great idea Nina! It would make it easy for our husbands and friends to buy gifts..now if we only hint around and get them to the wish list, ROFL! Another idea I had was to have a project of the week where the items used for that project would be on sale..say 20% off or so. Maybe have certain designer weeks...Cosmo Cricket 20% this week, etc. I've been reading over all the ideas and they are all fabulous, keep them coming girls!
I can't wait to come back and explore the store!
My feeling is to have a site/store that will offer all the newest trends b/c who has time to bounce around from store to store to see what's new in the world of scrapbooking. Competitive pricing with low or free shipping will keep me very intersted. Also, a customer loyalty discount of some sort would definately keep me coming back! Wish you lots of luck!
Prices, occasional sales & actual shipping costs are what keep me happy. It is very nice of you to ask us up front. Thanks!
I look forward to seeing the latest items in the market. I also am big on good customer service if I have an exchange and free shipping is great but good prices consistently, not just when you first open, is better. Being well stocked and not having to wait for an item is probably at the top of my list!
www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com
Things I like in an online store (cause I'll be too far away from your Brick and Mortar Store):
*low/competitive prices
*large selection of merchandise
*easily viewable product - not 4 itmes per page - show lots of pictures that aren't itty bitty thumbnails
*sale, clearance, and NEW section
*gallery of artwork with products in store
*easy to use search engine to find products fast
*incentives and special sales
Thanks for asking for feedback. That really shows your dedication to your customers and we all appreciate that!!
Heather D. :-)
I love low shipping rates. Right now I do not have a LSS so I have to order online or drive to another town. I really like being able to get everything I need in one place. Contest are fun also!! I know Jodie will keep me posted on upcoming events. Can't wait to see what you have next!
What would make you my favorite internet store would be
1. good service
2. competitive prices and bargains
3. good selection, not just what is in right now
4. low shipping costs
5. fast shipment of order
6. proper packaging of products in shipment
7. printable project instructions
8. video tutorials
9. contests
10. freebies
To get me to hang out you would need to have cyber crops with prizes.
I don't need gossip, chit chat or unrelated activities.
It looks like you are well on your way to achieving these things.
What Heather and Char said! Yikes! That just covers it all.
I'm sooooo looking forward to sharing my designs with all you croppinsville customers. The creative crew have all been working really hard behind the scenes to make sure our galleries are full of inspiration for you ... right from day 1!
Hi!
I have ordered from a lot of scrapbooking stores and love the certain % off on some and the free shipping on the other. It is so much easier to order online than to go out to a LSS. Plus the selections online are so much better.
You know, for me it is having current product. It seems like so many on line stores just don't. That is what I would really like to see.
I like consistently good prices and Free Shipping often makes the difference in whether or not I order something. Otherwise, just good selection and customer service. A reward program encourages me to keep buying too. Thanks
DianeL
loyaz1@wbhsi.neet
Sounds great to me! I love current products, good variety, easy site to order from and discount incentives! That always keeps me coming back!
(Thanks for the info Jodie!)
congratulations! best of luck to you! I have two favorite stores that I shop at. Their prices are low, they hold 15-20 percent off sales every once in a while. They have a low (between $50 and $70) free shipping minimum and I usually get it in 2-3 days. They have frequent buyer discounts. Easy product search, large images of the products (if it's small and unclear, usually I won't buy it). They carry products from the trade shows and are not slow in getting them in. I know I can rack up a hefty bill if everything that I am looking for from companies like Scenic Route, Pink Paislee, Sassafras Lass, Making Memories is all in one store. Great paper, chipboard, great letter stickers and rub-ons are what I look for. Not so much cutesy stuff. Great products, great customer service. That is what keeps me coming back.
Ease of navigation is my number one priority. Even super great prices do not make up for difficulty finding what you're looking for or waiting 5 minutes for a page to load. Since I'm getting up in years-easy to read is also important. Also due to "advanced" years, a shopping cart I can easily check and than go back to shopping.
Really looking forward to the big day!
I love learning new techniques so that would keep me coming back. I am always thrilled to learn a new way to do something. And,,,money off is always great. Who can say no to a great sale. I always like...buy more save more ideas.
Retired Heather
learned about this through Heidi. I love going back to site because
1. of contests and challenges going on.
2. friendly site members that we eventually become friends and trust to tell everything under the sun
3. online crops with lots of prizes
4. reasonable shipping rates especially for overseas. yup, I'm from the other side of the world.
I don't buy much online because I don't use paypal or credit cards, so other payment options are a must for me.
I prefer places that have true inventory listed - if you don't have it in stock, say so.
Quick shipping is a must. Good customer service is a must. Incentives are nice.. some of my favorite places have added little bits of embellishments (ribbons, buttons, pack of minibrads) or a couple of pieces of chocolate (or other things based on conversations she has had with board members!) Shows that you care about the customers, and not just their money.
Brick and Mortar stores - I go back for good customer service and quality, up-to-date products. I don't want old or outdated trends. I want nice papers and tools that are versatile, and new stuff. Since there are sevearl larger stores that have basic stuff, I want my LSS to have different stuff that what HL carries. (and mine is pretty good at that.)
I am a SERIOUS scrapaholic!!! I rarely pass a scrapbook store without stopping ....and YES...spending!!! I'm the same when I'm online too....the sites that get my repeat visit are the sites that have the advertised product IN STOCK, have competitive prices (not necessarily the lowest)...but definitely competitive.....I like to get my order within a few days....and I LOVE it when the sites I order from "throw in" a little extra "goodie"...sometimes it's just a tag....but it's the surprise factor that so exciting....Yes....I happily admit...I AM A SCRAPAHOLIC!!!...but I'm a happy one!!!
another option...can't wait....I like places that have a standard shipping depending of how much you spend...but real costs...I was browsing a site last week and for a $6.81 shop..they want me to give them the ridiculous amount of shipping of $21...what you think>>>>>???Good luck....
Great site so far! I am likeing your ideas :-)
I like to see good shipping deals -- like how about a different option/cost for when you order small items that can be shipped in envelope, and also a flat rate. Being Canadian, it's difficult sometimes to get good shipping. One place in the US I looked was going to charge me $30+ for shipping! Then another was able to charge a flat $6. Why such a big difference?
New products and a large variety with cheap shipping... hard to beat! Contests are great too.
What will REALLY keep ya coming back?
-- quick and NICE customer service
-- competitive prices
-- variety
-- consistency
-- NEW STUFF
-- not expensive shipping...
-- AND throwing some bargains once in a while...
What will it take for Croppinsville to be THE best scrapbook scrappin' and stampin' spot on the web!
Being Nice...it matters big time..
I don't shop that often on line, however, I do like fast friendly service, easy to see merchandise and GOOD prices!!!!
Top notch customer service is a must !! And , so far, I think y'all are rockin' it!
Low prices, large selection, what's hot and yet, still keep some oldie but goodies!
Samples (examples) , tutorials or how a certain new item may be used.
Don't list stuff as "in stock" and it's not! :)
Low shipping prices and email updates!
Much success to you!
oh my, I am not even sure how I ended up here, but I am sure glad I did. First off, just the way you communicate with potential customers on this blog made me keep reading and reading. So that kept me wanting more. Then I found this, asking us what we want in a online store. Whew hoo!!!! I hit the jackpot.... LOL
Personaly I want low prices, as low as you can shipping.
One place I visit alot, sends a little something, that you didn't order with your package. So your not only getting what you order but also a little surprise, you have to love that.
One thing I always do when surfing the net, is immediatly go to the sale or clearance section. Because there are times where I shouldn't spend any more money on scrapbooking, but the I see a clearance item that is to good to be true and have to get it. Lets see...would love to see contests and prizes, maybe using a certain something you are selling, and we have to do something with it. jSpend so much money and receive money off is always a good one. Weekly specials that you email us about. You know reading back at what I am writing, it sure seems I want something for nothing. LOLOLOL That really isn't what I am trying to do. But I do love a good deal. And lets not forget Pay Pal...... Treat your customers well, keep up on your blog and your emails, follow through with what you say. Be honest and fair and y ou will do awesome. I am cheering you on. Thanks for doing this for all of us out here in internet land. Kim Lau
Lauhouse@yahoo.com
I'm back. What a week. Anyway, I want to say there are few websites I like to order from, because of some things they offer. I really, really like FAST shipping and combined with consistent prices, you always win. Free shipping is always good too. Sanela
Im all over free shipping! great regular prices and SALES! Good luck cant wait to see what this is made of! Jodie has said so much about you!
~ Katrina (kaitsmommie@yahoo.com)
(sorry cant seam to logg into the google thing, grrr)
low prices+free shipping+innovative fresh products and manufacturers = happy customers. Can't wait for the grand opening!
I think that it's important to not giveaway the whole store! Be careful that you aren't giving out more than you can afford. The free shipping with a $60 order is totally on track with what a lot of other stores do. An occasional coupon is nice, but what gets me coming back to certain stores is the customer service and shipping turnaround time. I love to find the latest greatest products as well, but I'm all about coming away from a purchase feeling good. :) Heidi Baldini linked me over here from her blog.
I would like to see competitive prices and free shipping after spending a certain dollar amount. It is important to have a wide variety of products.
I agree with a lot of what has already been commented on. Be sure there is a way we can contact you about any product in your store--as to its use and ideas. Good selection--I love being able to get most in one place. Also, I'm very wary of using onlne payment--will you be making paying by check a possibility? I don't mind waiting for a check to clear.
Looking forward to seeing your store!
Gail
I have to watch my p's and q's so I am always looking for the best prices to buy. And I love to see things in a part of the site with people having samples.
i like stuff i cannot find in my local stores and deals on shipping!
Tracy Stamps
The things that would keep me coming back are pretty much what other people said but I also like the idea of being able to use PayPal....makes my shopping experience a lot easier!!!
Being able to use paypal, reasonable shipping rates, and reasonable prices. Maybe a frequent buyers bonus?
I shop online for items that I can not find in local stores or for items that are cheaper then in the local stores.
Shipping shipping shipping, of course great products and really great sales will help too! Since I am from Canada, I find that shipping is my biggest concern. I love to spend my Canadian dollars across the boarder, but if it's going to cost me less to drive and get it, then I will.
I can't wait to spend those dollars at your fine establishment!!
Carla
Can't wait until your grand opening. I'm excited to see what you'll have!
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