Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello from China! I am here working out some operational issues for our new Nankeen Brand products (www.nankeenstyle.com).

Just as some background before you review the site. These products are made using a historical Chinese print making technique called Blue Nankeen. We have taken the fabric and applied them to more modern designs. We launched with women`s bags and pillows and now we are about to expand into the men`s line (belts, ties, scarves, etc.).

The challenge we have is that we want to stay solely an online retailer. We feel that this will allow us to maintain our brand, control (and hopefully enhance) the online customer experience, and take out the middle man. This is a huge challenge since we have a very tactile product. People love the product when they see it in person but we are having trouble convincing people to purchase online.

We have recently added more features on the site to build customer trust, including media quotes, more photos, etc. We are also working on building our blog. Our goal is to keep the web site clean and simple but convince people to buy.

I am wondering what else we can do at this point to drive people to the site and get them to buy. The bottom line, how do we make a product that most people want to purchase in person attractive online? Hence, my huge challenge....

I appreciate any and all feedback. I am new to this but think this is a great resource. www.nankeenstyle.com


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Solomon
Nankeen
www.NankeenStyle.com

For discounts and the latest information, join our Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4054633442#

Hi Soloman,

I think you`re site is very nice.  Both the pictures and product are very attractive.  It looks like you`ve also had, some great media.

Are you advertising anywhere? I really think it takes time, and a lot of word of mouth. As you said you only offer one avenue for them to find you.

Good luck.  I wasn`t ready to purchase today, but I did add you to my favorites!

Janie

Thanks Janie. I appreciate the feedback. You just never know how many people are bookmarking your site or adding to favorites for another time...hopefully all those bookmarkers will come back for the holidays!

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Solomon
Nankeen
www.NankeenStyle.com

For discounts and the latest information, join our Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4054633442#

Yes, I know it`s an important time for retail!

Hopefully others here will have some great ideas for you, but I would think it would take alot of advertising to drive them right to your site.

Good luck,

Janie

If people like it when they see in person but not willing to buy online, WHY NOT open a retail store?

Open it at a tourist location (I think San Francisco China Town would be an idea location - good traffic, people from all around the world, and they are looking for China-related items). Once you have foot traffic and people purchase, they will show the products to their friends and families and bring in the web traffic.

It is just difficult to pursuade people to buy certain types of products without seeing and touching it in person.