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xppman · 09-21-2006, 03:12 PM,

I use Tiger Direct, Musician's Friend and a few other majors.

Can't remember them all because I'm not one of those loyalty type shoppers
unless it is a mom and pop shop or you really have what I want and are consistent.

Besides I can get most anything I need locally and yes the prices online
for most, all have went up since the gas price increases.
(I think due to higher shipping charges being slipped in by all the shipping carriers
including USPS).

But hey if your site is clean and your terms and price are right
and if I don't have to SIGN UP just to buy something.
I'll buy my widget from you.

But if after my purchase you have me on auto spam specials or
some stupid news letter list.

I won't be back.

PS
The 2 majors above I mentioned are the only two I have ever
created an account with because I do buy frequently from them...

BellisimaJ. · 09-21-2006, 03:25 PM,

I never bought much on ebay---just too much trouble to find the thing I'm looking for.

The last two purchases I made were okay---they arrived as described, but very unprofessionally packed.
I haven't bought anything on ebay since I closed my store, and don't plan to in the future.

Where I do buy:

books and music:

amazon, barnes&noble, borders

art supplies:

http://www.artisan-santafe.com

http://www.artboxandpanel.com/products_linen_panels.htm

http://www.danielsmith.com

http://www.artworkessentials.com/

http://www.canvaspanels.com

http://www.openboxm.com (primarily plein aire supplies)

www.aswexpress.com (best overall pricing)

And finally, my favorite, NY Central Art Supply, the best real source of supplies for artists in the country, imo. They currently sell only from their stores and a catalog, but are developing a website. Very personal service.
http://www.nycentralart.com

Gifts/Clothing:

Sak's online

precious metals and gems(raw)

http://www.sfjs.com

http://riogrande.com (catalog sales; best source for jewelry designers)

cranky_hippie · 09-21-2006, 03:35 PM,

Slightly OT:

With all of the people who think "Amazon, B & N, etc." for books, I am beginning to wonder if it is worth it to sell books online. I guess that's why I am looking at reducing my costs to do so and why I am not actively working on the present website right now. It's too bad because I would miss it if I gave it up.

Maybe the reason why I say "slightly OT" is because, in a way, it's not OT. If we who have independent websites don't even look to other independents when buying on the internet, what does that say for OUR prospects? :-\

BellisimaJ. · 09-21-2006, 03:42 PM,

Cranky,

If I were going to buy a used book, I would go to you first. The biggest problem I have with buying books, is obscurity. I buy primarily art and design books, usually looking for a specific title---this makes it difficult, and causes me to resort to the big guys.

I think we should have a place to post our urls, along with descriptions of our widgets/business. Then we should probably make an effort to at least try to buy from each other/other independents, where at all possible.

You make a good point, Cranky. Smile

***regic*** · 09-21-2006, 04:02 PM,

Related:

Shopping Online with eBay Express, Amazon, Overstock and Google Checkout
http://auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y06/m09/i21/s01

Overstock won.

xppman · 09-21-2006, 04:52 PM,

Ha ha The big O won. Great news.
Now on to Cranky:

Cranky, mom and pops websites can and do make it.

I think most peeps here so far are talking about New stuff for the most part.
Like me for instance, if I was looking for a computer part or pedal for my son's guitar.
No way I'm buying used or from a user ID seller like on feebay.
(I'd buy used locally where we can test it out or with the majors)

But old title books or anything unique like a cool designer hand painted T's
or hand crafted jewelry or something.
I'd do the search engine thing and would buy from a mom and pop
in a heart beat as long as they had verifiable contact info on their site,
flew credit card logos and the site was easy to navigate.

The search function on oscmax will allow your customers to enter your store then look
for the book or (items) via that engine if need be.
The major search engines will get them there as long as many of your key words include
some titles and content that will be picked up.

Another good thing to do is place some stuff on FREE or very low fee alternate sites.
FOR SEO and exsposure.

If a customer buys from your website, take it off the alternate site.
If you get in a pickle and one item sells twice (at alternate and on your site at same time)
Simply refund one of them and move on.

But don't give up. I'm telling you guys I think the peeps (the public)
want to see this stuff and will come and BUY.
The trend is moving to individual website because as I've stated so many times.
Peeps are looking and craving for some good customer service and a hassle free buying experience.

Around the time of ebay start up, there was some mom and pops and I
bought from them... but good old ebay came, and it was the biggest craze.
Hell most of my first suppliers (when I just was starting out)
where those mom and pops already on the new but expanding web.
they are still out there and are making a come back IMO.

Now will the majors get most the new and current books, CD's and consumer goods
available anywhere?
Probably... but their is still room for mom and pops too.

Again the peeps just want good service, feel like they DO mean something to you
the store owner, and they must feel that you are a trusted merchant.

You Can do IT.

cranky_hippie · 09-21-2006, 05:00 PM,

I'm not giving up at all, XPP. I just found it telling that those of us with websites didn't "seem" to think independent first rather than big box or major retailer. Now maybe you are right and they were thinking of new items.

I just thought that it was good thing to consider. I've been looking at changing my strategies and this kind of thing should probably enter into those strategies.

xppman · 09-21-2006, 05:12 PM,

[quote author=cranky_hippie link=topic=5215.msg24143#msg24143 date=1158858012]
I'm not giving up at all, XPP. I just found it telling that those of us with websites didn't "seem" to think independent first rather than big box or major retailer. Now maybe you are right and they were thinking of new items.

I just thought that it was good thing to consider. I've been looking at changing my strategies and this kind of thing should probably enter into those strategies.
[/quote]

Yea your right. See I'm not a collector or anything like that.
I'm not into a lot of "stuff" like others are .
Heck I get my music for free if I wanted bad enough
and I don't do books much either anymore.

Just a simple non matrerial dude pretty much.
I concider most "stuff" just clutter and I can't take it with me when I go so whay have it in my way now.

bud · 09-21-2006, 05:31 PM,

Sometimes I use ebay to search for items locally by zip code, contact the seller and cut out ebay at the quick. That way I can look the seller in the eye, inspect, test etc. Otherwise, I avoid ebay these days.

Shopping on Ebay was a craze onceuponatime, now it is just plain crazy.

thentavius · 09-21-2006, 07:05 PM,

Quote:http://riogrande.com (catalog sales; best source for jewelry designers)

I live a few blocks away from these guys and I pick stuff up in person. LOL.

Tigerdirect is another good one. Thanks, Xppman.

And you're right--I think we've been talking about new stuff. Where does everyone buy older collectibles? I find myself still going to eBay because as much as I like the way BluJay works, or iOffer, I can *never* find some of the stuff I collect.

Anyone recommend any antique or used item sites?

Also, odd request, I'm looking for a site that sells artifical flowers and fruits. I've found a few, but some of the prices are a little high (I think). Does anyone know of one they've used before?