posted on December 27, 2004 01:28:29 PM
Hey Gang!
I need some feedback on which is the best option for an online store. I have been quoted $6K for a custom setup and it seems that this functionality is already available right online with Vendio and Paypal. To be clear, I am talking about a store that is independant of Ebay...where I can sell directly from my website (shopping cart etc). The only trick will be sync'ing our retail store inventory with what we are offering on the web. We offer so many different items that I am afraid it will be tough to balance phone orders, retail traffic and web sales. The 6K quote included some custom coding that would allow me to upload an excel spreadsheet each morning from quickbooks that would edit the quantities available with the quantities we actually have on hand. Once it got to "0", a "Sold Out" would be posted.
Any thoughts?
Best,
Don
www.normsoscale.com
Ebay Seller "normsoscale"
posted on December 28, 2004 06:54:34 AM
I used MarketWorks (formely Auctionworks) for several years, but only for auctions, no store. They're ok, but there's a steep learning curve, their prices are quite high now (that's why I switched to Vendio since I sell low volume part time). MarketWorks has a toll free number you can call for help during business hours, but they're getting too full of themselves now that their big & famous. Prices doubled, customer service about half as good as it used to be.
But, nobody's perfect. I think every company like that has some shortcomings. If it makes anyone feel better, I had trouble with images not showing up sometimes too (though not as often as with Vendio). But, Vendio is easier to use.
I can't comment on stores though, never used one. But if you go with Marketworks, keep in mind what I mentioned above.
posted on December 28, 2004 07:30:48 AM
We looked at alot of online web store options
about this time last year and decided to go with easystorecreator. Very easy to use and prices for every budget. They have alot of templates to choose from, or if you know some basic HTML you can customize your store in no time. If you do not have the time or do not know HTML...they will build your store for you...$150 for 10 items...$25 for each additional 10 items.
posted on December 28, 2004 07:51:39 AM
Tom, I'm not gonna argue that Vendio is easier- it definitely is easy! But it's also easy to outgrow.
But if you want ADVANCED features, you have to work for it. The original poster wanted auctions integrated with a storefront. Vendio doesn't really do this, or they do it poorly at best. The site I mentioned, it's all transparent. Take a look at my site,
http://www.replaymedia.com
Which is hosted there. Notice how "bare" the categories look? That because of the 10 cent listing day. When I launched the auctions they came out of the store automatically. I never did the first click of work to reduce my store quantities.
The items I had two or more of still show in the store.
If you're a very small seller, $29.95 can be a lot. But I wouldn't call it outrageous considering the benefits.
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Replay Media - The best source for board games, card games and miniatures on the web!
posted on December 28, 2004 07:54:08 AM
As far as their support, I sent in a question about an hour before the FLD was announced. I got a message back first thing in the morning, and you know those guys had to be swamped with questions.
I've never tried phoning them, but last year, I had an urgent problem, and they phoned me a couple of times in one afternoon.
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Replay Media - The best source for board games, card games and miniatures on the web!
I looked at your store. It is really nice. Looks good.
I don't know anything about MarketWorks, so I won't comment of it. I do want to mention that Vendio's new Inventory Edition will do all the things you just talked about. I am very pleased with it. They have also announced some changes coming for the stores and the checkout.
I like Vendio enough that I am going to wait for the improvements. They have always been very helpful to me. Always got right back with me when I had a problem. I'm not saying they are perfect, but I'm not unhappy.
Be kind. Everyone is fighting their own secret battles.
...Author Unknown
posted on December 28, 2004 05:38:43 PM
Thanks to everyone for their thoughtful insight. I will def take a look at the VD inventory edition when it comes out.
Best wishes for a prosperous new year,
Don
posted on December 28, 2004 06:01:38 PM
VD Sales Manager Inventory Edition has been available for a couple of months.
I liked the interface, but as I've complained before, there is no way to export your listings. I have literally thousasnds of inventory items. There is no way I want to be locked into any auction service where I can't get my data out if I want to move on.
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Replay Media - The best source for board games, card games and miniatures on the web!
