Advice on Sales!!

thank you
I did it for awhile

I think most folks prefer to do their own ads, as then they get them the way they want them

Hmm... trying to think of something different in relation to Gor...do you do shoes? I am reminded of Talena and the ridiculously high heels she wore when Tarl was dragging her around the swamps.. long time since I read it- that was Talena right? Whoever it was she lost one and he comments on the high heels - not too clear on it -...Other than that.. jewels and more veils I guess- FW had a boring existence.

I don't rp Gor, but there is definitely a need for demure freewoman clothing. Silks are more fun to make, for obvious reasons, but not much freewoman stuff, not much Panther either.

Catching up on reviews....(from a shopper's perspective)......

Marcel....you have great items at great prices....and arranged very nicely, according to category....plenty of room in the store to navigate, without stubbing your toes.....and for some reason (although I flew, and didn't drive).....I think the parking lot is totally cool outside....I guess it makes it feel like a real department store.

Miles.....you have such a cool niche. What fun. Your cards are organized perfectly, and very easy to find the category you are looking for. Thank you for sending the card so promptly....my friend thought it was adorable. The tip I get from your store....is the sign reminder to post your store in their pics....great reminder.

Eclectic.....you have some very unique items! I loved the hair picks....and I don't run across those very often....even willing to buy new hair just to wear them. Your display boards are great....I didn't have any trouble reading them at all....shop is organized....very nice assortment of many different items. A clothing designer would really benefit by having you involved with them....it's such a treat to be able to get the outfit plus accessories, all in one trip. I stayed in your place for a long time....your store is a great example of offering a wide assortment....so that there is a reason to come back over and over again.

Rhaorth....I was impressed the minute I landed, by your logo on the front door....someone else had mentioned that too.....stunning. Your store is laid out wonderfully....and your clothing is beautiful. Loved the fact that you offered the clothing in many different colors....that is such a treat, to be able to have a selection. You have such a great variety of items...that someone is sure to find something there. You obviously have spent a lot of time, with attention to detail....and it shows.....awesome presentation.

Skell....You and Daros have some very unique items...very nicely done.....great textures and details. I bet you will do really well with those on SLX....because they will grab some unique keywords....and are very specific. I saw your new offering today...the Gentlemen's Study....awesome. The photo you have is perfect. It's hard to capture a room setting like that.....and it came out great. I've been decorating "theme" rooms for people....and it's not so easy to do....many trips to different stores....and that room has it all in one package. I bet you do really well with that one. I'm currently working on an artist's studio, if you need an idea for the next one....had to go to many stores for that.....would have been nice to see it in one package.

Such a treat to see all the cool things you are creating....and will be headed to the other stores....please stop by my store, when you have time....also the beach home for sale....still have 2 rooms left to decorate, and could use some suggestions. Thanks.

Amaranthim....those final pics of Enchanted look lovely with the new background and logo. I see you are picking up tips AND men in this thread....very industrious of you

If you mean my upcoming dance partner... I had a head start .

Thank you
my only problem is I tend to want to change things a lot hehe

I took some of the tips from this thread and enlarged the pictures and did a different style of displaying them, which I think helps a lot

I also made it so that one can tell which hair goes with which hair box sets below it, before it was as someone mentioned, almost forgotten hehe

still working on reorganising some stuff and will also be redoing some item prices and some ads and prices

I decided to redo the way I sell the footwear too (I may even end up redoing some of those as well, now that I have a new thing to offer on shoes, which is the color change and shine)
that is not so new to SL but it is new to me (as in using it in my own products hehe)

that stuff will take time though, I spent so much time redoing the store that I had slipped up on releasing stuff, so now that I have the boots and shoes out, the shirt is next then I will revamp some of the older stuff and re-release it

on another note...

I decided to not review any more stores unless someone asks me to do it specifically as it does take time and I have no idea if anyone is even reading it, or getting anything from it.

so that being said, if you own a store of any kind, and would like me to review it on my blog, just drop me a line (either PM here or IM in world) requesting a review

Thanks for understanding

Ok ..here is my first shop review : let's start with Rha ! I'm going to give my very first impressions.

* really great logo design and nice logo also on your entrance doors but i would add a slidding doors script to add more fun to enter.
* I love your models picts on windows . ..black vs pink models on windows, that's attract a lot.
* vendors a nice and clear.
* the symetric shop design is ok especially with half circle gate.
* in some shops rooms, i was thinking ..a bit empty, i think i would have set some decoration as green plant or something else (specially in bear avatars room) (as the green plant i saw in the entering room)
* Also I would add more group kiosk especially one in the dollarbie room.
* on Jewlery room, a tree is coming throught the wall ( but really just a little), not everytime and really depending of view angle.
*also, as your logo looks great, i would put it elsewhere in the shop as a reminder to really catch the custommer eyes everywhere in the shop.
* perhaps I would add some spotlight or light effect texture to create an initimate atmosphere in each room.
* about the clothes design : really nice and cute. I love the way you mix colors..
* I have not seen a "new items" section ... perhaps it will be helpfull for custommer who comes to see if new items available.

ok ... i hope all of this will be helpfull for you ... anyway confrats for your design and your shop !

PS If you have time to look at mine, i will really appreciate your comments about.

Hi Saku thank you

Just gonna cover some of the things you mentioned

I would have put a sliding door, however if I did it would slide into the window, as it is the door is phantom so folks can walk right through it if they want to hehe

yeah some of the rooms are still kinda empty as I am still in the process of remodeling it so unsure right now what I will be doing with the bear room for example (might move the kids stuff in there.. only time will tell though, I tend to change my mind a lot)

when you say group kiosk, do you mean the subscribe o matic join group sign? if so I never thought about putting out more, but I can

that room with the tree coming through is not my own tree, it is on my neighbour's plot and I have not had a chance to ask him to shift it a little (I got good neighbours, just need to catch him online LOL)

never thought of utilizing the logo elsewhere, I will give that some thought.

the biggest one though, is you did not see the new releases... they are right as you walk in... there should be a sign that says new releases... I will have to have a look and see if SL decided to mess with me again and delete it (been having that happen off and on, random things being deleted, or prices being reset boxes unchecked, permissions changed, etc

once again thank you, I do appreciate getting the feedback
I will have a look at yours and do the feedback/review on my blog

Well- I am enjoying all the store reviews since it gives us different out looks- I hope we can continue carrying it on and even going back thru them since we are making changes. I believe the most recent store i have seen was Malina's? Poses and maybe two other things- maybe one was a hair?

The store had a nice lay out but was extremely sparse - there were not enough signs to build excitement for product but there was minimum product so I guess the store is under construction.. I look fwd to returning after more has been added. Good luck.

Gawd I love this thread, lol. Still catching up but everyone is so friendly!

I've already asked for a review and have only time to do a quick one, so I won't ask again It's so cool everyone's sharing opinions and such! It really is the way to even help your own name out.

I've also 'taken' a few ideas from the thread and re-did my 10x5 store, lol. I gotta say it looks loads better than the bland ole thing that was there. Gonna see if I've any time maybe tomorrow to run through some of these stores here.

Amar, i emailed this but it came back undeliverable....
my take in general (the font sizes need to be altered):

I am getting a lot of nice info from here, not really increasing sales that I can see yet, but I am seeing my store through different eyes now

and yep the new releases sign is gone, blah, I think I might figure out a better way for that area anyway hehe

Awesome 3! - it is Amaranthim.Talon at gmail period com

it is gorgeous! Love the font Resend when u can - thank you- holler for what i can do for u

it is nice 3ring but the outfit doesn't catch my eye as quickly as the rest

(also I kept it the same size as amar had it just in case that was how she needed it for display purposes hehe)

but I like how you did the background

I personally do not like the fancy font, so hard to read

IMO, the logo is not important to put on each prim. This is a good box image if the dress is boxed. If I am in a store, I should already know where I am and don't need to see it on every prim. I just need to see the item in a couple of views, its name, its perms, and its price.

ok ..another one ... Rhianna Shop : Rose Encrusted Fantasy

*nice litlle shop with grey and light texture, looking good.
* vendors looks great but the problem is the way they are set, you cannot see all items from oustide. Perhaps it will attract more if more items can be seen without entering the shop.
* nice design ..perhaps you have to work a bit more on some as the belt (too much circular) in the Satin Sparkle outfit (on ads, skirt can be seen throught the belt).
* also about vendors, some have your logo, some not. perhaps better to have all the same style.
*your oustside logo, on the right on pedestal is not set full bright
* in the empty vendors, perhaps put your logo with a "new item coming soon" comments
* the Jean Shortie Outfit (in Blue) is not set for sale, 1st vendors on left side.
* Over text above the Group Invite sign : looks like a mistake.
* perhaps, try to propose all your outfit in different colors (i try to propose at least 4 different colors for each outfit with always black or white).
* on your profile, i saw many tp on picks (4) and one in classified but I think you will need to identify the one with your main shop, to help custommer to chhose the one where they can find all your ceation.

the mock up i made would be for a feature item within the store, or an online ad.

i agree that just the pics are good enough while inside the store.

hmm .still on going .. another one : Talon Faire.

wow .. nice floor texture ..really unique.
I have to confess that your design looks great but if i may say , the price are perhaps a bit too expensive, I think i would go not higher than 250$L, but just a personnal feeling.
Also, try to propose some others colors for each design ...never forget that white or black are the classic ones.
A black texture is shown throught the wall on the back of the shop.
I don't like how the clouds are coming into the shops ..it make some bright and not bright halo while i was staying in the shop.
The land is bigger than I was thinking, perhaps, the shops need to be set on half of the land, to create more space inside.
Honestly with all the neightbours around the shop, i would prefer to set it in the sky to avoid this strange landscaping and land for sale, or else all over the sim.

I tend to use it on every prim as it is part of my packaging
that is like saying nike should not put the nike brand name on there boxes if you are in a nike specific store

I like seeing it on each ad as well when I am shopping

Hi guys...just catching up on this after spending two days making stuff....I added a number of new statues, lace curtains with things on windowsills and wooden blinds...put them all out and rearragned things. If you would be so kind as to take a look at my store id love your input.

Sounds like lots of good changes going on. Amar i LOVE the ad 3ring did...very classy.

I agree Rha that all the store changes in the world wont increase sales if folks do not ALSO increase marketing efforts. When i made my new items, i added two to the group gift box, imd my group and told them to come and get them. I also added the new items with description and slurls to this forum under new products, to slex forums and also sluniverse. I also added the info about the free gift to the events in search for one 3 hour period. First day with those new items and promotions i had sales of 5K plus, so im happy.

I did add another group join sign that is easier to see, so now there are two in my store. I also added back welcome rugs that offer a greeting in chat, but changed it to say free gift but joining my group etc. I have had quite a few join since i did that so id say that was a success.

While in my store working on all of this i spoke to the steady stream of customers, dropped a few of the new items on them for free and asked them to give me their opinion of them. They were happy and ill hopefully get some input as well.

I also added 6 new shops on etopia so i think that is a good two days work lol...take care guys...ill try to invite everyone over again soon...maybe on sun.

Thanks Jo Jo, you and Rha are right in that we have all basically dusted, straightened, resized and changed a few things that were obvious (to others) and for the most part easily fixed once they were pointed out (except for those people who are just coming into the thread and I will do some more exploring once I log in today!); and now it is time to look at all the ways we can improve our marketing strategy. I want to try to synopsize some of the strategies I have seen in the thread (and yes, Pep, I did get a red line but I don't feel like looking it up at the moment ) If I have missed one, please poke me and I will add it! There are a lot of posts here lol

Advertising:

Posting new products in the forums here and in other locations (SL Universe was suggested)
In world Classified Advertising
Maximizing your businesses 'search' potential
Putting our shops in our 'picks' with a priority placement
Using outside venues (SleX and Onrez)
Using a blog and linking to/posting links to other blogs
Placing our SLurl and some info about our store into our Signatures on forum
Advertise in Fashion Magazines
Get people to join your group!


Promotions:

Use full bright on signs and displays, and showing the item clearly (including sides) on box faces
Use malls if you can afford them, they don't get much business but they do get your name out there
Sponsor/provide prizes for events in popular clubs
Join groups such as Fashcon

That's it for now, it's kind of hard to scan thru this thread because it's huge and there's a lot of back and forth on different topics, I'm sure I missed some! I already see a few I forgot to do hehe

And thanks Mickey, while scanning this thread I found this post I missed before and got a giggle out of it!

Mickey Vandeverre

[q].....I used to do that.....but missed a few times, and clicked on their Xcite parts. [/q]

Hmm.. Not sure when you came since I didn't see you while I was there at the time of this posting (earlier of course) =p I had to re-add some fussy things that kept coming back into Lost and Found. I have issues with setting Group apparently, lol.

But, yes, a person can only place out in their shop what they have made It's why I've added other 'decorative' things and shifted them around some. You may have seen an older version. As for the hair, that isn't mine.. ::EZ:: will be placing her wares likely later today or tonight.

Question: Ok, the one item didn't return to Lost and Found nor my Trash.. So I'm missing two copies of an item I made. Don't really mind re-making it, but not sure how to find it on the SIM either.. Is there something the SIM owner (or I) can do/look up?

Re 3's packaging- I loved the background- I would perhaps make the the ourfit larger than the writing yes, I don't think u need the price on the box because it wil appear regardless when u float over it. As for the logo- agree with Rha- it is branding and I prefer the unity that conveys by being there and wd expect it or at least wonder vaguely about its absence.

Re Talon Faire @ TERMINUS GARDENS - the weird landscaping is part of the point. The idea is to have a place to stroll about besides shop. It is how Terminus started a couple years ago and has gone thru some changes but is always at heart a garden area.

Thank you folks for all the input - as much as I like the building itself though- I may be replacing it- it really is far too small



Well- I will try and return as I can- but we have Tropical storm Fay to prep for ... so RL may be bugging me here for a bit.

Be well all - good weekend.