Thread: your thoughts please...

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I wasn't exactly sure where to put this, so I hope this discussion area is ok.

I'm working on opening an online Halloween business. For this first year, I'm using E-bay as a venue to conduct business (it lets me focus on product and customer service, rather than credit card processing companies, web site maintenance, etc. in the beginning). Most of the product I'll be selling won't be here for another week or two... so I'm using what I do have in stock so far to get everything set up and working in the meantime.

All of this is to ask, would you all mind taking a look at the site and give me your comments and/or suggestions about what's good and also your idea(s) of what I can do to improve.

The website is www.absolutelyhalloween.com

Thanks in advanced for your help.

Halloween cheers!
Jim

I'm brand spanking new here, but have been buying things on eBay for years, especially Halloween items.

I think everything looks pretty good, but I'd rethink your "no returns" policy. It might deter some buyers from purchasing from you. However, I understand why you have chosen to do this since someone might choose to purchase something two weeks before Halloween and return it the day after Halloween.

I'll make this suggestion which you can choose to ignore. If it were me I'd say that you do not accept returns for items purchased one month before or after October 31st. All items purchased outside of this window can be returned within two weeks of receipt... or something to that affect. Also, the buyer is responsible for the cost of return shipping and perhaps a reasonable restocking fee of 10% or something to that affect. I personally wouldn't buy from someone who charged a restocking fee, but it would ease your trouble a bit for offering returns.

With absolutely no returns, some people may not purchase something that they're not sure that they want. Some people are willing to spend the money for shipping back and forth on an item that they're not positive that they will want to keep. Of course for items where shipping exceeds (or is close to) the cost of the item, buyers would not bother returning and at least your posting doesn't seem as rigid.

This is just a thought to help increase your potential for sales. GOOD LUCK with your new business!!!

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Regards,
Leo

..or you could stop shipping items after October 21 and offer a 10-day return policy.

That way people are guaranteed to have their items by Halloween, there is a decent return policy and you don't have to worry about post-Halloween returns.

No returns is a bit discouraging. It would make me think the quality of the items is questionable.

Tim

When I set up a storefront, we created a pretty strict return policy, because we were dealing with items for infants. I think with your type of products, you could implement the same.

I assume your vendor allows an ebay storefront, btw? Most of ours specifically said if they saw their products on ebay they would close the account.

-Allow a time frame for returns. 15-30 days, whatever.
-Require them to contact you for permission to return it (make up an RMA#)
-Unauthorized returns won't be accepted (you might really, but the wording helps ward it off)
-Give full refunds for items in unopened, perfect condition.
-Charge a restocking fee for items that are open or used. Charge whatever you want.
-Buyers pay all shipping costs. (unless it's a high margin item and you negotiate that with the buyer)
-Some items simply can't be returned, anything where sanitary conditions are required.

It sounds strict, but if you are casual in the reasoning that you want to keep prices down by eliminating expenses, etc... people won't care. Your shipping is free or cheap, which people will like.

Here's FC's policy:
http://www.frightcatalog.com/Assistance/Returns/

These are all good points. This is something I've really struggled with. I ended up where I did, because all of the local Halloween places (Spirit, etc.) Don't accept returns, period. I do realize the difference is that at Spirit and other brick-and-motor stores you can physically touch and look at the merchandise.

I'll give this some more thought.

Thanks,
Jim

Originally Posted by wilbret

I assume your vendor allows an ebay storefront, btw? Most of ours specifically said if they saw their products on ebay they would close the account.

Yes, I've made a point of telling all of them all that I'm starting with an e-bay store to get the business off the ground. The only think they all really seem to be concerned with is my tax resale number, business registration, buisness checking, etc... all of which I've done/have.

J

Our plan for returns was to sell them on ebay, but they put the kibosh on that. We figured we'd ask for forgiveness anyway, since we didn't get many returns anyway. It worked out that employees would buy the stuff anyway since it was dirt cheap.

Good evening everyone,

I spent the day working on changes for the store. I eliminated the "pay immediately" requirement to make combined shipping easier... and also created a return policy.

Thanks again for all the great comments. They were very helpful.

Halloween Cheers!
Jim

Good luck, keep us posted on how things are going!