Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Maybe some testing is required here...free item vs. free or reduced shipping?  I know that on high-end items, customers appreciate free shipping.

Kim,

I agree that I should test to see whether free item vs. free shipping gives better results.  I`m also planning to feature a "Product of the Month" which will include free shipping. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

WG

Hey WG - I would guess you`ve already done this, but since I didn`t see it mentioned, I just wanted to find out if you`ve already messaged (through a newsletter or email blast) your existing customer base to let them know about the product introduction?  If so, how did that convert?  If not, is that in the works?


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chuck fuller

Hi Chuck,

My email community was the first to be notified of the new products.  I offered an exclusive "email only" discount.  Lots of lookers!

WG

So by lots of lookers, I`m guessing you had few conversions...

Surprising given the discount, did that result jibe with past efforts in email marketing for you?  How`d the open rate compare with previous emails?


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chuck fuller

Chuck,

Your guess is as good as mine.  I`m baffled as well.  This is our third collection, and it`s a little more upscale than the previous (2).  Of course, when you don`t see the sales you`d like, the first thing you question is price!

 

WG

I would recommend getting some media coverage around the launch.  Do you currently have a PR agent.  If not, I would at least try get on talk shows such as Startup nation or Brain Brew Radio (Also a Podcast).

Are you connected with any of the People Magazine, Ok, etc.  Magazines like these should be reporting on what is going to be hot for 2007.  If you had a PR agent they should probably be spending sometime work this opportunity.

Good Luck, I hope this helped.

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Erik
www.usspin.com
www.unitedbusinessalliance.com

Hi Erik,

Thanks for your feedback! Yes, at this point in my business development, I`m the PR agent for the business.  I`ve started a campaign sending out press releases to fashion magazines, as well as contacting very heavily-trafficked fashion & tech websites to request a product review.  The product reviews work great and generate a lot of traffic.

WG

Well, it`s been a while.  What`s the latest?  Have you figured out a strategy?  I`m curious to know what has worked and what hasn`t.

Ryan
www.starpointemarketing.com
Web Development, Hosting & Marketing Consulting


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Ryan J StarPointe Marketing Website Development, Hosting & Marketing Consulting