Idea for my shop

Lkasp on 08/11/2013 - 10:44

Hello everyone,

I had an idea for my shop which I thought I would run by everyone. Basically right now my shops stock range is incredibly small which I want to increase. At the same time I don't just want to fill it with untested crap. So when I place my next order for stock I might ask for a bunch of samples of different products I wouldn't mind selling but it is always a mixed bag with the quality of these kinds of products. The issue I have is that I don't have the time to actually test these products in any kind of meaningful way and the best kind of testing is proper use which I have done with my current range.

So I was thinking I would offer these samples out for free to my customers (except shipping or they can pickup if they want) in exchange for a small review of the item in a week or two time. I am not talking a huge review but just general comments on the quality and whether or not they would be willing to purchase it for the price I will sell it at. I would want this review as honest and critical as possible. (Small review meaning a paragraph or so)

So I guess it isn't really free as I expect a little bit of work for it. The only real conditions on getting the product is that you are a prior customer of mine and actually intend to use it in the next week or two and are willing to write a small review..

Would people be happy with that? I guess my main concern is the people who might miss out might feel a bit ripped off since there will only be a very limited amount of these.

Thanks

Chris

General Discussion

Comments

  • ilostnemo on 08/11/2013 - 10:48

    The issue I have is that I don't have the time to actually test these products in any kind of meaningful way and the best kind of testing is proper use which I have done with my current range.

    Make the time!!!

    You have to be able to answer questions that may arise.

    Can I ask what kind of shop you have?

    If you are selling for eg, cheap iPhone usb, I wouldn't worry, but if there is good markup, just swap them if a customer complaines/returns.

    • kasp on 08/11/2013 - 10:59

      I can deal with any technical support issues which may arise as my knowledge in the area is very good and I am always willing to give refunds if a customer is unhappy with the product.

      I am selling retro controllers for PC and older consoles currently. I only really want to be selling good quality items and I don't want my customers ever wondering if a product is good value or feeling like they got ripped off.

      It takes hours of gameplay to work out the quality of a controller and I thought this might a good way to reward my customers and save me a bit of time.

  • _Bruce_ on 08/11/2013 - 11:04

    The way many stores do this is with some kind of reward points for reviews. Perhaps ask customers to review existing products, and those that do you can send free samples to. If they review these you can send them more samples.

    • kasp on 08/11/2013 - 11:12

      That's great.

      I only want honest reviews though so I wouldn't want people to feel pressured to give something a better review in case they think it increases their chances to win the free product.

      The main issue I have with that is the products I am getting in can be very specific like N64 controllers or ps3 controllers. If next time I have a deal perhaps I should say that previous customers who do a review for a chance to get the next controller at the end of the review mention this code. All I ask is that they flick me an email telling me how they found the product.

      • voteoften on 08/11/2013 - 11:24

        Yes, you do not want false positive reviews. That would be the worst case, IMO. Do you have any regular customers? Maybe you can offer it to them quietly in exchange for honest feedback? Or maybe a club or group or school that uses that product type.

        • kasp on 08/11/2013 - 11:43

          It's a brand new shop so no regulars yet and I have done the one deal which led to all my stock being sold out in two days. (I had 150 controllers I was amazed at the response)

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