Can I ask a Question?

Definitely online. I wouldn't really consider purchasing an item through the telephone as it feels like a bit more of a faff - I much prefer to type out my delivery address rather than read it out and have to spell everything plus I don't like giving my credit card details through the telephone. Not sure why.

Sorry to sound vague but I like both. Because of being busy/ time strapped (apart from being on here!) I like to buy on impulse in the evening on line using easy payment like paypal or credit card. BUT if I'm not sure about something or want something customised I want to be able to contact the seller - I normally do this by email and sometimes directly by phone.

I think all businesses should have e commerce these days and businesses that don't put me off a bit (whether that is stupid or not I dont know) because I don't feel they are investing in their business/up to date.

My twopenneth worth! Love your stuff by the way.

CT

Sorry to sound vague but I like both. Because of being busy/ time strapped (apart from being on here!) I like to buy on impulse in the evening on line using easy payment like paypal or credit card. BUT if I'm not sure about something or want something customised I want to be able to contact the seller - I normally do this by email and sometimes directly by phone.

I think all businesses should have e commerce these days and businesses that don't put me off a bit (whether that is stupid or not I dont know) because I don't feel they are investing in their business/up to date.

My twopenneth worth! Love your stuff by the way.

CT

Sorry, maybe I didn't explain.

The site I have now, you send an enquiry and then I get in touch with the client to discuss their requirements. When they are happy to order, I send them an invoice and they can pay by paypal, BACS or cheque.

Nat

Hi

Please don't be offended (you asked for opinions - and for the record your stuff is great) - this would make me click off your site straight away because I couldn't be bothered waiting for a supplier to phone/email back . I just want to buy the product and ideally do the whole process on line - like when you fill in a comments form to explain the font/size etc you want.

CT

This is fab feedback and am really glad I asked now.

Was in 2 minds as I know personlised items, a lot like to discuss their order first but I suppose that could all be done afterwards before I make the puzzle.

Not offended at all. Am really greatful for the honest feedback

Nat

Well that sounds fine with me... you just need to display prices (your price guide is currrently empty). To be honest, for the amount of items you have on the website plus if some would perhaps require a custom quote, it probably isn't really worth paying to develop an ecommerce website unless you know someone who can do it for a very good price.

Just be careful with who you hire though. Make sure the person/company has a lot of experience developing eccormerce sites.

I think it's definitely worth it. I like to do everything online, and know immediately that I've paid for it and its in the process of production. Sites where you have to enquire and wait put me off quite a bit. Of course, your product means that some items will be fully customised and therefore you would been discussion with the customer, but I think you could offer a whole range of standard designs which can be paid for immediately.

I also have the luxury of being a developer and work on some of the larger ecommerce sites in the country so have learnt a LOT from those guys so there is no outlay to build myself an ecommerce site except for the security certificates and the merchant accounts.

Nat

I think it's a great idea. I HATE talking to people on the phone and would much rather just choose a design type in the personalised bits, pick any sizes, fonts, colours, number of pieces etc from drop down boxes (with an extra 'customise' option) and buy it. I hate explaining myself and get very babbly and confuse people a lot.

I much prefer ordering products online, to be honest, i hate phoning people and it puts me off. Also with the card details over the phone, i don't like doing it.

I think I might be lazy but I don't like having to phone someone, I much prefer being able to do it all online. I think it's easier for people who perhaps can't find that spare 10 mins til after work, after the kids are in bed and it's probably too late to phone someone.

Just from the other side of the fence, if it helps I would say only 1% of my business is over the phone. Until I put paypal on the website I had no customers ☹️ Also I get more orders in an evening and particularly between midnight and 1am, and also weekends. Sometimes if you are chilling on an evening you don't hear the phone and if you have it constantly to hand it can be a bit of a pain.

I buy everything online and would never buy something if I had to ring up for it I just look for another seller.

Just a bit more information, I hardly do anything over the phone. It's all done currently by email.

I have an "Enquire" button on my site which emails me the details. I then send a quote by email and discuss colours, shapes etc.

However, I have taken your advice and now developing the ecommerce site.

Thank you all so much for all your help and advice.

your all great as usual ?

Nat