Looking for other Designer's Input

I'm sure those of you that have been in SL a while designing have most likely experienced this...one day you walk in your store and your realize, wow, I can really see improvement in my things. More and more lately I have noticed the difference in the quality of my things to the point where my store almost looks like two different people designed in it...or that I have a split personality and one is a total newb when it comes to making things..lol. This has really started to bother me. At the begining of summer, I ran a sale and took down the things then that I thought were horrible based on the quality of my work then. Now, I'm feeling the same way all over again.

I have started thinking about possibly closing down my current store and to open a new one with a new name, putting in it only my good stuff from my current store and to start fresh. My current store name, I came up with when I was a new resident to SL. I wasn't very smart and I picked a very unoriginal name..and to top that off, it's a genre type name. The current name is Rave Nation, and man have I ever veered off that path! Closing down my current shop though, and opening and building the name of a new store is a big move, and one that will take alot of work. I wonder if it is worth it.

I worry though, that people may remember my store name and associate it with the lower quality things they saw before, or that people coming into my store will see the lower quality things and be kind of put off. I don't really care that much what anyone thinks...but I don't want to hurt my business by keeping the lower quality things around either if it is hurting it. I also worry now that with this genre based store name that my things aren't reaching the full audience that they could....

So my question to others that have maybe gotten into this position is this::

In this kind of situation would you

close down the current shop and open a new one, building a new store name and inventory based on quality items only...
or
Remain open with current store, holding onto store name but getting rid of bad quality things..
or
Remain open with current store, holding onto store name and all inventory you already have
??

Any advice, thoughts, inputs...would all be appreciated as I'm really unsure what I should do, but it is something that is literally driving me nuts and stressing me everytime I walk in my store. I'm currently having my store rebuilt so it doesn't look like a circus ran through it (lol), and I'm hoping to have decided what to do by the time I have to put my store back up.

Hello sae .

That split personality comment was hilarious.

Moving on, I`m a very opionated person and it sometimes gets the best of me. But here goes..

"Rave nation" yes, I associated that with something not-so-good. (No not all rave stuff is trashy or low quality, but... concerning SL, what came to mind were some neon flashy in your face shops I remember from my new days ). I also had no idea a store named "Rave Nation" would sell clothing....When I saw your little stall on my sim I was totally loving your stuff, and even bought one of your coats. I was lost as to why your name was "Rave Nation".

You need to think if it will do harm to your business to change name, or if you change it you may have to do it NOW before the name gets too embedded in peoples head. Or is it already?

I can relate to good and bad working coming from me, and it looking like perhaps 2 different people did it. Infact, I personally have changed my shop design about 8 different times, why? Because im NEVER happy with the layout. To me, its like drawing something, erasing it multiple times, and keep working at it til you get the perfect art piece. Unfortunately, I have a real hard time doing that in the sky above my shop, so I am always tearing down the actual shop (yikes) and rebuilding when people are trying to shop..but its just what works best for me. with my most current change, I plan to do away with, greatly discount, or redo from scratch many of my tattoos. I have gained much more skill now then when I first started 2 years ago, and I am ashamed of many of my tats,and they need to come down.

So, for you maybe redoing older items, doing away with, or discounting them (Or maybe even setting them for free) may be a good move. However, if you continue selling, or giving away, these lower quality items many more people will see them and may think that is the quality you produce, so it may be best to just delete them or redo them with your current tallent.

One thing you dont want to do is lose customers, so be careful. A name change may work. but do you think its too late for that? When I first did my clothing shop i titled it "Renown" but then realized, for the best, its better to just have everything as "aitui"... I had to close down the renown group and make an "aitui" group and invite everyone individually to that new one. I do not regret it one bit.

If youre contemplating a name change, maybe its best.. you dont want to end up a year from now with a huge customer base WISHING you had changed it, do you?

Good luck.

Hi Sae!

I can relate, as I have just gone through the same thing not a but a few days ago.

Personally I don't believe I have seen any of your products (or I did and didn't know it was yours)...but if *you* don't feel they represent your true talent...then get rid of them. I'm with Jesse though that if you don't want them everywhere, then get rid of them or only keep the ones that are not substandard and set them for clearance (that was my solution). Don't keep anything for sale that you're not happy to sell or that you don't think reflects you as a creator.

As for changing your name, I advise against it. Part of being successful is getting your name out there and while I know who you are, newer residents may not and you will have to play catch-up with a new name.

What you *could* do is change the current name slightly...e.g. RV2 with Rave Nation as a small byline until you build up name recognition for the new title.

But if you're going to change it...do it now (yes Jesse I'm quoting you here!).

The best solution may be to close done for a bit and put out your new items, then have a grand re-opening and showing your new image with a party/celebration/fashion show/scavenger hunts/give aways...etc and whatever.

Make it a big deal showing how you've reached a new level in your creativity, perhaps with a new marketing campaign or a fashion book showcasing the new items.

We are always learning and getting better...so I'm sure we're not the only ones who have gone through this (and probably will again!).

Best,
~Ari

ps...if you have a party I can I come?

your old stuff versus your new stuff, think of it like you opened shop in London in the 1960's you have some mini skirts, thigh length boots etc, now it's the 1970's you still have the same quality stock, will your sales be the same doubtful. Always keeping moving ahead improving. But also consider if something in your old stock still sells reasonably well even if you don't like it so much now, think how you can improve it, make it look like new but keep the same essence.

Thanks for your thoughts.
I have thought baout remaking a few things that sell well...that may be a good option for me. I have scared myself off from renaming alot this past couple of months...I do not want to lose the customers I already have over something like them not knowing the store name anymore. Doing a grand reopening though of Rave Nation could work as well, redoing old favorites and releasing some new stuff. This ideas are good, thanks for the advice.

I'm still not sure though...it's like Jesseaitui said
"I associated that with something not-so-good. (No not all rave stuff is trashy or low quality, but... concerning SL, what came to mind were some neon flashy in your face shops I remember from my new days ). I also had no idea a store named "Rave Nation" would sell clothing...."
I think alot of people may feel this way, which is a big part of why I'm thinking what I'm thinking. I've lately tried to play up the fact that "rave" doesn't always only mean "party," but my lil brain can't think of many more excuses for why my new stuff isn't all neon and flashing lol.

If I have a party of course you can come LOL...I'll be the short girl in the back of the room too shy to talk to anyone

This is something you have to decide for yourself (of course, right?).

Do you think you’ve been around long enough that your company name and product are recognizable to a large amount of citizens? See…neither ‘yes’ or ‘no’ matters here…because you don’t even know if you want to associate your old brand, with your new skills and products. That’s the first thing you need to decide…you have to weight out those two options.

If you start anew, will your previous customer base loose track of you, or could they track you in your new identity? Perhaps you should keep the same location, and do a complete overhaul of your design, look, and feel. Or perhaps you should pack up, count your time in SL as a learning experience (which clearly you have), and seize this new opportunity while it’s fresh on your mind.

The way I feel? I don’t think a designer should showcase ANYTHING that does not pass the mark of your current standard—especially the standard set by your ‘competitors.’ I’m not saying that just because you can’t make a dress as cool as so-and-so you shouldn’t make it…I’m saying, if you are capable of making something better, then take that product down, and put something better in its place. You should have enough quality product that you shouldn’t need inferior ‘buffer’ product. I understand a lot of beginner business owners may need to put something out for the sake of having something to put up…in this case, just keep creating, all the while replacing inferior goods for superior.

Let’s lay this out flat: Is your income right now coming from repeat customers or new faces? If the latter is what you believe…then start anew and don’t look back. Burn like the glorious Phoenix, and return more powerful then ever!

Good luck.

Just retire your old stuff as your new stuff is ready to place.

Dont do it all at once - Just as your new stuff is ready replace chunks of the old stuff.

KEEP the old stuff that sells well. Youll never know when people want to come and pick up one for their freind or their alt.



-OR-

make a platform in TP range and add a telporter -

Make a bargain attic - with all of your old stuff for sale for 1/2 price.

I'm not a designer or anything, but as a consumer, I would have no problem with a designer I liked changing their name and taking down the lower quality work in favor of their newer, better quality work. I would just want to make sure I could still find them.

I've been working hard on learning how to design. It's come a long way, but it is nowhere near ready to be sold, although I've seen lower quality stuff out there. But in the time I've been working, I've had a complete shift in genre. If I had opened a shop early in the game, I don't know if I would have explored this new area, so I'm glad I held off. Now, as soon as I get the quality there, I'll be a lot happier.

I would definitely roll out your new store and line. And I would have a bargain bin or outlet store for your favorites. I LOVE outlet stores, I can spend all day in the 9 West outletin

Interesting.

Some days I make awesome stuff.

Other days it's pure crap.

THIS I have thought about too...more than anything else, and I'm not sure why I didn't mention it. I know closing down Rave Nation altogether may be not the best idea, but I was thinking I could just build it down to a small store with the best thing and top sellers from that store, and stick it beside my NEW store. I have an island, so prim amount is no concern and I don't have to worry about running out of room anytime soon.

I can't even begin to compare myself to the work of Last Call, but I do remember well when Dazzle closed and opened a new store, Last Call. I didn't observe that she had much of a problem, of course, I don't do that quality of work either lol.

I think I may be a bit bored with my original idea for my store also...and that maybe it's just time for soemthing new. If that's the case, I know I'll only be happy once I open a new store ha ha. Rave stuff is so dead to me. I still love particles and making the lil particle toys, but I have no desire to make club clothing anymore... I guess in RL I have REALLY grown out of alot of the things I was into even a year ago. I suppose I'm just at that age where I'm outgrowing everything about myself lol.

I guess I have alot to consider and in the end I have to decide and no one can really do that for me. I'm just curious to see what everyone else thinks about this situation

Hi Sae,
First off I would like to say, you have came a long way! Congrats!

As far as getting rid your old products, BAD MOVE, if they are selling and people like them, leave it that way, perhaps you can put them in multi item vendors or something to keep them a bit off to the side, but I wouldn't suggest getting rid of them.

You can also make a sub store inside your store called Rave Nation, where you would keep these products and all your new products would be, whatever you decided, and in the main part of the store..

Speaking from personal experience, when Le Cadre was rebuilt I had the opportunity to box up all my old stuff and thats what I did... It didn't take but a a few hours for people to start IMing me saying, they are looking for this or that, and where can they find it... so for awhile I explained I took out of the store and I would either just toss them one or sell one out of my inventory... it became much more of a hassle, and I had no idea how popular the stuff I wasn't so proud of was... so basically I was hurting myself by not selling them anymore and it saved time and was much more conveniant for the customers if I just simply put them back, even if they were a little hidden. So thats what I did =)

As far as changing your business name, that is a tough choice, and not one I would want to make. My business is Sensual Designs & Animations and although it's not an easy or catchy name, I believe peolpe have become quite familiar with it and if I were to change it, I would lose alot of business.. even though most people know Sensual Designs & Animations = Sensual Casanova.. only a small percent of them would take the time to learn that I am still around and only changed the name...

Anyways... I hope this helps, and good luck with whatever you decide =)

I think everyone eventually improves or changes styles etc over time. when I first started I had some staples that people to this day still buy however I had gotten better at making things. Instead of retiring the items I redesigned them and took new ad photos etc and replaced about 2/3 of my original inventory with new improved versions. I have two store names right now and they both kinda represent each other. However what you will find in the newer named company/store you will not find in the older one, but you will find my older store products in the newer one.

Right now they are side by side on the same lot due to the fact that I'm slow and dont produce more then 1 item per week (if that) It depends on what I am doing if i am busy trying to teach myself a new trick and what I feel like making. One day... the stores will split and be seperate entities.

with the newer store carrying the inventory from the older named one in some fashion.

I know one person who over time created 4 different stores that sold 4 totally different things. They then created a main name which housed all 4 stores and plopped it on an island. This is probably what I will end up with because I dont just do one thing i want to do it all hehe just cause its fun.

On top of it i created a strange newspaper so basically there are three names with my pawprints already floating around SL plus 3 brands of items floating around SL. I doubt I will ever change my latest project has me working on somethign I have never done. After that I might try my hand at arcade games.. They are all made by me I probably will come up with some kind of trademark idea make it look like a "stamp" that goes on the stuff somehow one day and link them all that way.

ooh yeah I also want to make a camera shop .. so uh .. it will of course have a completely different name too.

*ponders* i think i'm busy building a city ..... or what will amount to one with all the little stores and ideas contained in that city eventually

I suppose it all depends.
I have changed the name of my store from Diabolic Designs to something more suited to me. Well a nickname that a very good friend gave to me. Anyway, my sales in world have gone up quite considerably...then again I have gotten a little better as well.
Eventhough, I pretty much HATE everything I make...I think/Hope SOME one will like it, and it turns out, the actually do.

I say go for the gusto! Change the name. If you lose sales because of my advice tho, you can kick my butt later.

TC and GL!

I noticed yesterday that Calla has a bargain room for their earlier hairs. You can tell they're earlier hairs, but they're on sale for half the price, so are great for newbies or people without a lot of cash. Actually a LOT of the hair stores do this; I know that ETD has a bargain room, Gurl 6 has a reduced price area, etc. We all know that it's older stuff, but if it's half price, it might be a great bargain!

My bangs come from Lost's bargain area - in fact they are the same style bangs I bought new back in 2005.

I think they look pretty good.

Hmm.. Restablishing a customer base can be a bit trying, I have been to your store, and depending on what mood I am in on any particular day, will show in what I wear.. I think doing a bargain basement or something along those lines, and perhaps shortening the name, or somehow incorporate part of it into a new one.. Ya know.. redo the store, redo the name.. but still have something in it that your old customers will cling to.. I know that sounds weird, but honestly with the number of stores out there.. completely changing your name could be misleading to your customer base, and make them search elsewhere.. Just food for thought.. I too have grown much in the past 9 months since I started building and the quality has too.. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I can totally relate to what your saying about older items.. If you do decide to totally redo it, just market the hell out of it lol.. IM me in game sometime.. I would love to chat with you more about this..
Sometimes the best perspective is a fresh one

Best of Luck!
Jeza

You won`t lose too much if you do it right, this is said earlier by Arikinui (Maori, love the name)....

"What you *could* do is change the current name slightly...e.g. RV2 with Rave Nation as a small byline until you build up name recognition for the new title."

And its a brilliant idea really. Its not like you would just throw th name "rave nation" away right then and there. You would continue putting "rave nation" in your land title description and classified keywords so if anyon is searching for it, you will come up.

If you have an update group you will notify everyon of the upcoming change.

If "rave nation" is making pople think the same thing I did, it will do you good in the long run to change it.

Hi Sae

I can completely empathize with you on this one. I am currently in the middle of a store name change and redevelop, and have had all of the same thoughts. However, I think it's a good idea to change the name of your store sooner rather than later. Although I do not consider myself a big designer I do know that I will probably end up losing some customers with the change. I wish I had done it sooner, but better late than never. Some suggestions that people have given me when I eventually change the name over (I'm building a new store before I do that) is to mention the previous name in the new classified. I think it's also a good idea to include your own name in there too in case customers decide to try and find you that way in the classifieds. Whenever you do it though, be sure to advertise, a lot. Blog it anywhere and everywhere, post a notice in the forums, release new items and clearly state your old store name and new store name in the ads on the forums. Perhaps even think about giving away a couple of free items with new landmarks in the new store name when you re-open (these are all ways I intend to publicize the new store name when I change it).

As for culling old items, I tend to do that on a regular basis now. A bargain section is a good idea, but off to one side or in a basement so it's clearly separated from your current range. I will be retiring a LOT of items when the new store opens. I feel, like you, that some of the older stuff just isn't reflective of my current abilities. Older stuff I still like and that still sells will go in the bargain section. It may mean that I don't have masses of items in my store, but everything I do have will be something I am proud of (I have come a LONG way since the beginning, lol).

Anyway, that's my plan in your situation. As long as you continue to release new items and advertise, your new store name should soon be known and sales should continue as before.

Oh yeah, and whatever you do, don't under any circumstances decide to update every single sales box in your shop with new photos...only an idiot would do that...

*wanders off to continue being an idiot*

Wow, someone actually knows the origin of my name Hugs Jesse!! LOL

Just a thought...if you wanted to redo the popular "older" stuff, I don't see why you couldn't have a sub-label within your new store, or a section dedicated to that to keep your current customers happy and to differentiate your new style from the older ones.

And the clearance area/clearance attic...etc works well (as everyone has said...). I've had one for a while and it's a good way to cycle out older items but still have them available to customers.

Best wishes Sae! Let us know what you end up doing..I wanna come and have a peek when you're done

~Ari

haha yeah i`m polynesian (Samoan) in real life so I`m pretty familiar with maori, tongan, hawaiian, etc..cultures are closely related