Summer Chat Transcript 5-28-08

[2008.05.28 18:54:51] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.05.28 18:54:51] Dooni Designs has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 18:54:51] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2008.05.28 18:56:36] TexasFiddler has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 18:58:12] BrittaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:00:12] Lorilei has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:00:30] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:00:56] TexasFiddler: Lorilei! Haven't seen you in a while!
[2008.05.28 19:01:07] kaosnorway has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:01:34] BrittaCP: Greetings and salutations! Welcome to another action packed Shopkeeper discsussion!
[2008.05.28 19:01:37] Lorilei: :)
[2008.05.28 19:01:54] Sag: :-D
[2008.05.28 19:02:08] BrittaCP: Alright... what do we have for you today?
[2008.05.28 19:02:13] BrittaCP: Summer Sales
[2008.05.28 19:02:15] CAMO BABY: ;)
[2008.05.28 19:02:24] PhotoGirl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:02:45] BrittaCP: I beleive the official first day of summer is 6/20 or 6/21
[2008.05.28 19:02:47] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:03:08] PeggyWvB has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:03:19] arty1 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:03:40] BrittaCP: And as we head into those warmer days... what are some ways as shopkeepers that you can boost your sales, and cash in on the season?
[2008.05.28 19:03:47] PeggyWvB: Britta I owe you a cookie, but all I have are scones
[2008.05.28 19:03:50] BrittaCP: i like scones
[2008.05.28 19:04:10] PeggyWvB: Fresh from the ovven too
[2008.05.28 19:04:12] BrittaCP: awesome
[2008.05.28 19:04:49] BrittaCP: Summer has a lack of super holidays... like vday or xmas... and motehrs day has passed
[2008.05.28 19:04:54] PeggyWvB: v
[2008.05.28 19:04:57] CAMO BABY: do some spring cleaning in your shop and get it ready for summer
[2008.05.28 19:04:59] BrittaCP: right
[2008.05.28 19:05:09] BrittaCP: There is Fathers's Day just around the corner
[2008.05.28 19:05:33] electricgreen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:05:35] BrittaCP: if you haven't added anything in your shop yet, there's still a little time to get something in the Marketplace
[2008.05.28 19:05:39] PhotoGirl: 4th July
[2008.05.28 19:05:41] CAMO BABY: forth of july
[2008.05.28 19:05:48] BrittaCP: right... 4th of july
[2008.05.28 19:06:12] BrittaCP: What does a Shopkeeper do with 4th of July?
[2008.05.28 19:06:36] CAMO BABY: you can do alot tee's yard signs ect
[2008.05.28 19:07:18] BrittaCP: Yard signs... right, especially since many people will be havinh large parties in the park, or in the back yard
[2008.05.28 19:07:20] Sag: They bar-b-que and have a party!
[2008.05.28 19:07:51] CAMO BABY: bbq aprons
[2008.05.28 19:07:53] yogaspeak has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:08:34] BrittaCP: Right... so something you may want to consider doing is moving all your summer products to the front of your shop
[2008.05.28 19:09:05] nanwrightart: the new denim shirt?
[2008.05.28 19:09:33] BrittaCP: T-Shirts and Tank Tops for these warmer months... BBQ Aprons and Steins for the bakyard party crew
[2008.05.28 19:10:02] BrittaCP: Hats are great summer item too... and with the new styles InfiniStitch offers... it's worth promoting
[2008.05.28 19:10:17] nanwrightart: There's Garfield the Cat day on June 19th! And "Take your dog to work" day the 20th?????
[2008.05.28 19:10:27] BrittaCP: Is there really a Cat Day?
[2008.05.28 19:10:34] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.28 19:10:36] BrittaCP: and Dog Day?
[2008.05.28 19:10:42] Dooni Designs: july 21st or something is monkey day!
[2008.05.28 19:10:52] BrittaCP: jeez, who knew!
[2008.05.28 19:11:14] BrittaCP: well I suppose a pet bowl could be good for Monkey Day, or dog day
[2008.05.28 19:11:16] Lorilei: I got a hat today! I love it <3
[2008.05.28 19:11:18] Sag: weddings - class reunions - sports - etc. etc.
[2008.05.28 19:11:35] BrittaCP: Weddings are big in the Spring and summer
[2008.05.28 19:11:56] Stratman has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:11:57] Sag: Oh and tons of beach activities so get that beach wear made.:-D
[2008.05.28 19:12:19] CAMO BABY: back to school
[2008.05.28 19:12:49] BrittaCP: Yes... right now is the perfect time to start planning your Back 2 School Campaign
[2008.05.28 19:13:17] Scarebaby has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:13:39] TexasFiddler: When do the Back to School sales really start?
[2008.05.28 19:14:46] BrittaCP: colleges will start usually in late august early sept. I believe most elementry, middle, and high schools start in mid Sept... of course it's been forver since i was in HS.... so I'm sure it's changed
[2008.05.28 19:14:50] PeggyWvB: school starts in late August here...
[2008.05.28 19:14:53] CAMO BABY: here is ga they start in july kids start aug. 1
[2008.05.28 19:15:06] PeggyWvB: so figure a few weeks ahead.
[2008.05.28 19:15:09] PeggyWvB: but it can start as late as the week after labor day
[2008.05.28 19:15:42] BrittaCP: By starting on B2S now, you can make sure your stuff gets picked up by Google, in time for the B2S rush
[2008.05.28 19:15:44] HooahGirls has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:15:49] Sag: No, schools in this area start in Aug.
[2008.05.28 19:16:09] BrittaCP: We'll be having a B2S chat in the upcoming weeks
[2008.05.28 19:16:21] TexasFiddler: gr8
[2008.05.28 19:16:35] BrittaCP: So start your planning now, and come to chat with your ideas!
[2008.05.28 19:16:37] PeggyWvB: summer isn't as long as it used to be..
[2008.05.28 19:16:45] BrittaCP: it really isn't
[2008.05.28 19:16:48] nanwrightart: what beach wear:-o
[2008.05.28 19:17:01] nanwrightart: :-c B2S
[2008.05.28 19:17:19] BrittaCP: Back 2 School... sorry that is the way of chat lingo
[2008.05.28 19:17:26] TexasFiddler: I grew up in NY and moved to TX 23 yrs ago. Here it seems summer (weather at least) starts in April and ends in October
[2008.05.28 19:17:33] CAMO BABY: you can also do a christmas in july camopaign
[2008.05.28 19:17:35] Sag: You can have a Christmas in July sale! Love those sales:bow:
[2008.05.28 19:17:51] BrittaCP: It seems the two of you are on the same brainwave!
[2008.05.28 19:18:09] CAMO BABY: lol
[2008.05.28 19:18:12] TexasFiddler: I haven't been successful with that...what's the secret on Christmas in July?
[2008.05.28 19:18:18] Sag: I think so too!:-D
[2008.05.28 19:18:28] PeggyWvB: fruit cake!
[2008.05.28 19:18:38] PhotoGirl has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:18:38] CAMO BABY: i seel the ornaments 1.00 above cost
[2008.05.28 19:19:18] BrittaCP: you can easily do the same with bulk xmas cards
[2008.05.28 19:19:52] BrittaCP: Has anyone thought of or tried have a "sale" with your long sleeves and sweatshirts?
[2008.05.28 19:20:02] BarbD has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:20:03] Sag: Tex - advertise it - reduce prices as low as possible and go for volume.
[2008.05.28 19:20:46] CAMO BABY: thats true to great to buld 3rd teir sales bounis
[2008.05.28 19:21:06] Sag: People buy early on the net and you can make donots with winter and fall wear in the summer.
[2008.05.28 19:22:08] BrittaCP: I know personally... I buy winter wear all year... there's nothing better than a warm hoodie to me... so I am always picking through the clearance section of shops around this time of year
[2008.05.28 19:22:14] PeggyWvB: just be sure that your designs fit the merchandise (sizing, ect..)
[2008.05.28 19:22:24] CAMO BABY: im still selling vday and ground hog day items
[2008.05.28 19:22:52] Sag: Ah heck, you can check out the local schools mascots - design your own (don't use their logos) and advertise locally and sell to the parents and kids for B2S specials.
[2008.05.28 19:23:12] PeggyWvB: also remember that summer here is winter in Australia
[2008.05.28 19:23:47] PeggyWvB: about a quarter of my sales come from there
[2008.05.28 19:25:04] yogaspeak has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:25:28] Adam has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:25:38] Nan has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:25:38] BrittaCP: With Back 2 School... there's tons of things you can do with out actually using a schools mascot... think about the people in school... and the activities
[2008.05.28 19:25:48] BrittaCP: things like cheerleading, or football
[2008.05.28 19:26:19] Sag: Heck yeah, spanish club, drama club, etc.
[2008.05.28 19:26:30] PeggyWvB: band, theater, debate,
[2008.05.28 19:26:56] BrittaCP: another thing that's big in the summer... is craft and art fairs
[2008.05.28 19:27:26] BrittaCP: if you can... setting up a booth at a fair is a good way to promote your mech
[2008.05.28 19:27:29] BrittaCP: *merch
[2008.05.28 19:29:17] BrittaCP: this may take some planning... but if you are a fine artist... consider it
[2008.05.28 19:29:19] PeggyWvB: just be sure that if you a booth that the event is going to have enough people to justfy the cost.
[2008.05.28 19:29:21] PeggyWvB: you really have to doyour homework, or you can lose a lot of money
[2008.05.28 19:30:19] PeggyWvB: but a good fair with a lot of advertising a nd people coming to buy and not just look can be a good deal, IF you don't spend too much on your booth set up
[2008.05.28 19:30:20] nanwrightart: and make sure the event is well advertised
[2008.05.28 19:31:07] BrittaCP: if you don't have the funds to set up a booth... perhaps attending and passing out business cards is an option for some donw and dirty self promotion
[2008.05.28 19:31:14] Nan: I used to sell at the local swap meet. It was only $13 for a booth and I always made more :)
[2008.05.28 19:31:22] BrittaCP: Good to know!
[2008.05.28 19:31:30] PeggyWvB: be sure to sell things with a low cost, like value tees, and don't forget about the bulk discount too
[2008.05.28 19:31:55] PeggyWvB: some fairs require insureance for a booth too
[2008.05.28 19:32:00] nanwrightart: I have been leaving mine with my payment at restaurants with a handwritten note on the back side.:)
[2008.05.28 19:32:41] PeggyWvB: but many smaller locals don't
[2008.05.28 19:32:47] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:33:12] PeggyWvB: but look in to early, the big ones fill up fast
[2008.05.28 19:33:40] PeggyWvB: and established ones often have a waiting list
[2008.05.28 19:34:15] blackunicorn has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:34:34] BrittaCP: who has other summer fun promotional ideas that they would like to share?
[2008.05.28 19:34:36] nanwrightart: I am trying a blog to help get the word out.... published it this week. Hope it helps in the advertising end
[2008.05.28 19:36:52] BrittaCP: I know here in California, some cities have gay pride month in the summer. If your shop features GLBT designs, here's a great opportunity.
[2008.05.28 19:36:55] PeggyWvB: blogs take time to build a following though, so be aware
[2008.05.28 19:37:59] BrittaCP: Plus, now that same sex marriage is legal in California... there is a whole audiance out there looking to celebrate and show off thier pride
[2008.05.28 19:38:52] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:39:33] BrittaCP: Blogging may take time... but can pay off... the trick is to have something relevant and intersitng to talk about
[2008.05.28 19:39:57] BrittaCP: Like how does a current event tie into some of the merchandise that you have?
[2008.05.28 19:41:38] BrittaCP: Or maybe you have a cause like autism awareness... talk about it and refrence your merch
[2008.05.28 19:41:46] nanwrightart: I am doing a daybyday progression of a painting from beginning to end and then start another.
[2008.05.28 19:42:03] BrittaCP: will you have reproduction available in your shop?
[2008.05.28 19:42:19] Scarebaby has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:42:27] BrittaCP: like posters and framed prints or other items?
[2008.05.28 19:42:29] nanwrightart: My Obama buttons are doing great.
[2008.05.28 19:42:38] Sag: That's awesome Nan!
[2008.05.28 19:43:12] HeidiHoNeighbor has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:43:25] nanwrightart: With the economy in a slump, it seems that whimisical items that are funny seem to be selling the most in my shop. If you remember, when hard times are upon us, we need to laugh!
[2008.05.28 19:43:35] blipfish has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:43:36] Sag: There's always poltics that has everyone running around like a fart in a skillet to out-politic each other.:-D
[2008.05.28 19:44:01] BrittaCP: Yeah... politics will always be there
[2008.05.28 19:44:31] bignumpt has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:44:33] BrittaCP: what would be interesting to see is tying in 4th of july with the race
[2008.05.28 19:44:35] nanwrightart: :-D:-D:-D
[2008.05.28 19:44:36] TexasFiddler: Like a fart in a skillet?
[2008.05.28 19:44:52] PeggyWvB: still blinking over Sag's visual there...
[2008.05.28 19:45:07] blackunicorn: NBA finals start next week...and the world series of poker is going on between now and the beginning of August, so poke and basketball are probably good to push right now...
[2008.05.28 19:45:13] JMGNole has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:45:14] BrittaCP: excellent suggestions
[2008.05.28 19:45:17] Sag: Oh yeah, and fuel prices! Start your own war on the high price of fuel in a humorous way on buttons and small inexpensive products.
[2008.05.28 19:45:19] nanwrightart: Sag that was really good!
[2008.05.28 19:45:57] Sag: :-D
[2008.05.28 19:45:59] nanwrightart: Our fuel isn't that bad....YET!
[2008.05.28 19:46:08] BrittaCP: we're over $4 here in cali
[2008.05.28 19:46:26] donkeymart has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:46:27] bignumpt: Ours is the equivalent of $10 a gallon
[2008.05.28 19:46:30] BarbD has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:46:37] BrittaCP: scarey stuff... that's for sure
[2008.05.28 19:46:40] PeggyWvB: 4.35 where I am Britta!
[2008.05.28 19:46:43] nanwrightart: Minnesota isn't that high yet, but we get ours from CA
[2008.05.28 19:46:48] Sag: It's awful and folks are really wanting a way to express their anger about it, so give them something to do it with.
[2008.05.28 19:47:46] BrittaCP: think t-shirts, and bumper sticker (a bit ironic, but they are great for spreading statements)
[2008.05.28 19:47:49] JMGNole: I paid $3.65 last Thursday and was happy about it, sort of.
[2008.05.28 19:47:51] PeggyWvB: there's nothing like stock speculation!
[2008.05.28 19:48:20] blackunicorn: bumper stickers wrap around bike frames nicely as well
[2008.05.28 19:48:23] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:48:53] alma has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:49:14] Sag: I've got a shirt where a woman is being robbed by a gas pump, and a Christmas shirt of a guy begging santa for a full tank of gas for Christmas. They hit the mark with lots of folks.
[2008.05.28 19:49:25] CAMO BABY: 4.05 in atlanta
[2008.05.28 19:49:27] PeggyWvB: lol!
[2008.05.28 19:49:35] arty1: Michael Greenberger was on Cspan at midnight last night talking about the people in futures markets driving the pricce of oil sky high. He is a former director of the Futures commission.
[2008.05.28 19:50:00] Alan (deadhippo) has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.28 19:51:37] Stratman has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:51:39] BrittaCP: ok... so lets recap summer ideas: Father's day, 4th of July, Politics/ Elections, Gas Prices, Street Fairs, BBQ parties,
[2008.05.28 19:51:49] BrittaCP: gas prices
[2008.05.28 19:52:02] BrittaCP: infaltions
[2008.05.28 19:52:10] BrittaCP: *inflation
[2008.05.28 19:52:16] Kippy: ponies
[2008.05.28 19:52:22] BrittaCP: and pnoies... in a summer field!
[2008.05.28 19:52:34] BrittaCP: Xmas in July
[2008.05.28 19:52:47] TexasFiddler: I knew ponies would come up
[2008.05.28 19:52:49] Sag: Yeah, and ponies too!
[2008.05.28 19:53:05] BrittaCP: oh yeah... back to school
[2008.05.28 19:53:20] BrittaCP: and we mentioned winter clothing sales
[2008.05.28 19:53:22] PeggyWvB: ponies are cheeper than cars these days!
[2008.05.28 19:53:24] Adam: holidays!!!!!
[2008.05.28 19:53:53] bignumpt: Football here in Europe-Euro 2008
[2008.05.28 19:53:55] TexasFiddler: Start preparing for Christmas
[2008.05.28 19:53:58] BrittaCP: yup
[2008.05.28 19:54:01] PeggyWvB: fairs
[2008.05.28 19:54:14] Sag: Doing that now, Tex!:-D
[2008.05.28 19:54:29] TexasFiddler: Me too, hon
[2008.05.28 19:54:31] PeggyWvB: ditto hrer
[2008.05.28 19:54:32] bignumpt: Start preparing for Armageddon lol
[2008.05.28 19:54:41] PeggyWvB: that too!
[2008.05.28 19:54:47] Adam: not that sort of holiday muppets
[2008.05.28 19:54:48] CAMO BABY has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:54:54] BrittaCP: care to elaborate?
[2008.05.28 19:55:57] blackunicorn has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:56:03] bignumpt has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:56:09] PeggyWvB: and polotics too
[2008.05.28 19:56:34] cyi has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 19:56:36] TexasFiddler: Isn't that an exercise craze? Polotics?
[2008.05.28 19:56:52] PeggyWvB: with ponies no less!
[2008.05.28 19:56:55] Alan (deadhippo): Isn't that Pilates
[2008.05.28 19:56:58] Sag: :-D
[2008.05.28 19:56:59] Lorilei: :-D
[2008.05.28 19:57:39] nanwrightart: ditto to all and to all a goodnitte!:zzz:
[2008.05.28 19:57:58] BrittaCP: Great brainstorming guys
[2008.05.28 19:58:32] TexasFiddler: I gotta go. Haven't been to a rehearsal on time in two months. Have a good evening folks...when's the next chat and what's the topic?
[2008.05.28 19:58:55] BrittaCP: next chat is.... onthe 11th
[2008.05.28 19:59:04] BrittaCP: we'll be talking about CPV
[2008.05.28 19:59:11] nanwrightart: thanks Britta
[2008.05.28 19:59:14] JMGNole: I got here late, but it was worth it. Thanks folks, and especially Sag. More good ideas than I can imagine from one person.
[2008.05.28 19:59:22] nanwrightart: :-o
[2008.05.28 19:59:52] BrittaCP: CafePressVoice... we've got new member on the voice team... and new member in the community who don't know anything about CPV
[2008.05.28 20:00:24] BrittaCP: alright gang... i'll open the lobby for you. Thanks for the interesting discussion
[2008.05.28 20:00:27] Sag: :-D
[2008.05.28 20:00:28] nanwrightart: CPV:-o
[2008.05.28 20:00:29] nanwrightart: that's me!
[2008.05.28 20:00:32] blipfish has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 20:00:41] arty1 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 20:00:50] donkeymart has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.28 20:00:52] Kippy: thanks, Britta
[2008.05.28 20:00:53] PeggyWvB: Thanks Britta!
[2008.05.28 20:00:58] BrittaCP: have a good eveneing
[2008.05.28 20:01:18] Sag: Thanks Britta! You're a sweetie!

marketing

[2008.05.21 19:06:28] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.05.21 19:06:28] shopa has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:06:28] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2008.05.21 19:06:39] BrittaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:06:41] TexasFiddler has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:06:42] Sag has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:06:45] susanfaye has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:07:09] art1 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:07:14] chm has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:07:41] preggoprincess has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:07:49] BrittaCP: Hello, hello, hello!
[2008.05.21 19:07:51] Sag: Howdy CP shopkeepers!
[2008.05.21 19:08:00] BrittaCP: Thanks for showing up!
[2008.05.21 19:08:09] RickCP: Hey there, hi there, ho there.
[2008.05.21 19:08:18] BrittaCP: Today we've got a topic that's been discussed a few times before
[2008.05.21 19:08:32] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.21 19:09:03] BrittaCP: email/ direct marketing... i like to do this one every now and then because it's new to some... while others have new experiences to share
[2008.05.21 19:09:12] BrittaCP: Today we have Rick with us
[2008.05.21 19:09:22] RickCP: that's me
[2008.05.21 19:09:30] BrittaCP: he's an email marketing magic man of sorts
[2008.05.21 19:09:58] TexasFiddler: hi rick!
[2008.05.21 19:10:02] RickCP: email... voodoo... wizardry in general
[2008.05.21 19:10:02] BrittaCP: So... before I hand it over... let me throw out the rules of chat
[2008.05.21 19:10:20] RickCP: Hey Fiddler
[2008.05.21 19:10:43] BrittaCP: The chat is moderated... which means that all your questions and comments go into a queue where it will be reviewed and pushed out by a moderator
[2008.05.21 19:10:53] BrittaCP: So if you don't see your comment right away, that's why
[2008.05.21 19:10:55] Sag: Oooh, now that sounds interesting!
[2008.05.21 19:11:01] BrittaCP: voodoo usually is
[2008.05.21 19:11:15] BrittaCP: alright rick... share the magic
[2008.05.21 19:11:31] RickCP:
[2008.05.21 19:11:55] RickCP: Okay guys, does anybody know the mission of email/direct marketing?
[2008.05.21 19:12:01] Sag: Go for it Rick! Do yer voodoo.
[2008.05.21 19:12:19] Sag: uh huh!
[2008.05.21 19:12:43] BrittaCP: Or should we ask... is there anyone who has no idea what we're talking about?
[2008.05.21 19:12:46] NVRhonda: to get sales
[2008.05.21 19:12:48] Sag: drive traffic and increase conversions of sales
[2008.05.21 19:12:53] facesarewild has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:13:11] TexasFiddler: Depends, actual sale of merchandise, getting folks to the website from which they can buy, PR, establish credibility
[2008.05.21 19:13:24] RickCP: those are both very good answers
[2008.05.21 19:13:27] RickCP: ahhh
[2008.05.21 19:13:31] BarbD has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:13:53] RickCP: Fiddler has hit on a key piece, establish credibility
[2008.05.21 19:14:28] RickCP: In today's flooded market, it's important to try and establish a relationship with your customers
[2008.05.21 19:14:41] RickCP: an emotional attachment, if possible.
[2008.05.21 19:15:25] Scarebaby has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:15:27] RickCP: Once you have that attachment, there's much more a likelihood of someone making a repeat purchase.
[2008.05.21 19:15:44] RickCP: and believe me.... that makes ALL the difference to your revenue.
[2008.05.21 19:15:58] TexasFiddler: I'm re-reading One Minute Salesperson...sounds like exactly the same thing the author says in there.
[2008.05.21 19:16:20] RickCP: So... I know you're thinking... 'oh direct marketing voodoo, how do I do that?'
[2008.05.21 19:16:48] Scarebaby has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.21 19:17:04] RickCP: @Fiddler... I'm gonna have to read that book. Sounds like a genius may have written it :)
[2008.05.21 19:17:27] BarbD has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.21 19:17:36] RickCP: the key thing to do, is treat all of your customers, like they're you're only customer.
[2008.05.21 19:17:57] RickCP: if you can, try to find out more information about them and what they want.
[2008.05.21 19:17:59] Barb D has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:18:12] RickCP: maybe that means setting up a survey on surveymonkey
[2008.05.21 19:18:29] RickCP: or sending out a newsletter requesting some type of response.
[2008.05.21 19:19:10] TexasFiddler: surveymonkey?
[2008.05.21 19:19:32] CAMO BABY has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:19:35] RickCP: if you have a premium shop, maybe you want to set up a section that has a form they can fill out so that you can have automatically email to you.
[2008.05.21 19:20:38] RickCP: the idea is to find out the general consensus amongst your customers so that you can more easily identify avenues
[2008.05.21 19:21:47] RickCP: @fiddler - surveymonkey is a service that allows you to create your own survey. check this page for a a listing of more - http://www.google.com/search?q=make+your+own+survey&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
[2008.05.21 19:22:02] TexasFiddler: i use polldaddy
[2008.05.21 19:22:12] TexasFiddler: Can anyone recommend a script, service, or source to generate such a script?
[2008.05.21 19:22:33] RickCP: a script for the form?
[2008.05.21 19:22:44] TexasFiddler: yup
[2008.05.21 19:23:27] facesarewild has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.21 19:23:36] RickCP: yep... just a sec
[2008.05.21 19:24:21] RickCP: before I learned how to code, I used http://www.freedback.com/
[2008.05.21 19:25:09] TexasFiddler: thanx
[2008.05.21 19:25:24] RickCP: it's free (yay!!) and you can use it to set up your form and request just about any piece of information you could want. but remember, the more questions you ask, the less like someone is to complete the form.
[2008.05.21 19:26:48] TexasFiddler: i'm takin' up too much time...go ahead with the rest of the presentation Rick
[2008.05.21 19:26:48] RickCP: now when it comes to contacting your customers, as a general rule, you shouldn't contact them more than once a week.
[2008.05.21 19:27:45] RickCP: knowing where your customers reside, can have a large effect on the responsiveness of your population
[2008.05.21 19:27:59] Lekker Jen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:28:02] jessica has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:28:45] RickCP: if the majority of your customers live on the east coast, you may want to take that into consideration when you're sending something out.
[2008.05.21 19:29:04] RickCP: is there anybody in here that currently sends out any direct marketing pieces?
[2008.05.21 19:29:36] Sag: Yelp, I do.
[2008.05.21 19:30:01] armymom has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:30:09] mousecrafter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:30:09] RickCP: and how often do you currently send something out, if you don't mind me asking.
[2008.05.21 19:30:10] RickCP: ?
[2008.05.21 19:30:33] Sag: Once a month for a buyers club.
[2008.05.21 19:30:35] TexasFiddler: just starting to get involved with that. once a month.
[2008.05.21 19:31:11] chm: Monthly CafePress newsletter here.
[2008.05.21 19:31:23] RickCP: once a month is good, but 4 weeks is a long time between communications.
[2008.05.21 19:31:37] LittleLizzy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:31:51] RickCP: by the time you contact them again, they may have moved on to something else.
[2008.05.21 19:32:59] susanfaye: I'm a beginner--how does one get a good email list going in the first place?
[2008.05.21 19:32:59] RickCP: email lists can be purchased or rented. you can also do a co-registration with another company.
[2008.05.21 19:33:05] NVRhonda: I did an email flyer through Constant Contact, they let you use their service free for 60 days. They have nice templates etc. and you can put your designs on the email. There are lots of options. It also tells you who opened the email, who visted your site and some other info I don't remember. You can save the flyer you create and use it forever. I was able to change the text on my own too.
[2008.05.21 19:34:04] TexasFiddler: do you suggest weekly?
[2008.05.21 19:34:04] RickCP: Once a week is a good number and is used by most companies. Just try to make sure that you contact them with something new when you do. If you're at the beginning of your program, once every other week maybe be better.
[2008.05.21 19:34:44] RickCP: Rhonda, thanks for sharing that. There are other services out there as well that you can google.
[2008.05.21 19:36:04] susanfaye: Thanks!
[2008.05.21 19:36:31] NVRhonda: I don't understand how you would affect what you are sending out, in what way for example?
[2008.05.21 19:36:31] RickCP: If you're talking about where your customers reside, it really boils down to timing. If I'm on the east coast and I receive an email from you at 12noon (9am pst) then I may not even be at my desk to read it, and I may never even see the email.
[2008.05.21 19:36:35] Renee has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:37:07] RickCP: Thinking about what people are most likely doing when your email hits their desktop, can help in optimizing your communication.
[2008.05.21 19:37:47] Sag: I send out specials on products to shoppers who have signed up for my SagArt Buyer's Club because the discounts are featured for a month at a time. But, they also sign up for my blog to get special announcements on Lightening Specials once a week - so one feeds to the other customer base.
[2008.05.21 19:37:47] RickCP: That's a great idea. I may have to sign up for that... saving money is always a good idea ;-)
[2008.05.21 19:38:19] TexasFiddler: what's your success been with renting and buying email lists? And isn't that better B2B? Most of my contact is B2C.
[2008.05.21 19:38:19] RickCP: We don't rent lists here, at CP.
[2008.05.21 19:38:23] TexasFiddler: cool idea--weekly specials sag
[2008.05.21 19:38:59] RickCP: But outside of that, I've seen some success in other ventures by renting or sharing a list with another company that has a mutual interest.
[2008.05.21 19:39:57] TexasFiddler: and subject lines matter
[2008.05.21 19:39:57] RickCP: YES!!! This is the only thing that most customers look at. A good subject line can make or break your entire email strategy.
[2008.05.21 19:40:19] NVRhonda: I'm sorry, I meant to a specific area like the East Coast
[2008.05.21 19:40:19] RickCP: I was just using the East Coast as an example.
[2008.05.21 19:40:45] RickCP: Bad subject line: Open this and get FREE money!!
[2008.05.21 19:41:04] TexasFiddler: i hate subject lines lik....
[2008.05.21 19:41:11] Big Red has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 19:41:14] TexasFiddler: you know, the incomplete ones
[2008.05.21 19:41:16] RickCP: Good subject line: Save on summer-themed t-shirts
[2008.05.21 19:41:57] BrittaCP: The first one just looks like SPAM, which a reader will most likely delete
[2008.05.21 19:42:01] RickCP: First off, putting 'free' in your subject line can often get your email blocked at the ESP level (email service provider)
[2008.05.21 19:42:38] RickCP: True Britta, but with ever-tightening standards of most esp's, the reader may never even see it.
[2008.05.21 19:43:27] RickCP: Putting words in ALL CAPS is also an easy way to get your email sent straight to the SPAM glue factory
[2008.05.21 19:44:35] RickCP: The tone of your subject line should really speak to the general disposition of your customers, whenever possible.
[2008.05.21 19:45:31] RickCP: Also... while it's bad grammar, using as little punctuation in a subject line as possible, is also another way to keep your email from being blocked.
[2008.05.21 19:45:45] Beelzebeth has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.21 19:46:18] RickCP: Try and keepy your subject line down to 40 characters since a lot of esp's show the header preview.
[2008.05.21 19:47:51] CAMO BABY has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.21 19:48:18] Barb D: Speaking of spam, we should probably let the customers know the from address so they can put it on a safe list too, huh?
[2008.05.21 19:48:18] RickCP: Absolutely right. As a matter of fact, the first thing you should put is a link to a live HTML version of your email (if you sent an html email). Secondly, a statement asking them to add you to their safe list so that you won't get blocked or end up on the SPAM tram. Third, it's also a good idea to place an unsubscribe link fairly high on the communication.
[2008.05.21 19:50:53] TexasFiddler: Your example..."Save on summer-themed t-shirts" is pretty specific. And I guess saving is emotional. What are your thoughts on a "Look good this summer with...." or a "Don't get caught wearing a shabby..." with some appropriate ending? Is straight-forward more effective than something cute or creative?
[2008.05.21 19:50:53] RickCP: It's tough finding that balance. It really depends on your crowd. If you don't know your audience that well, I'd say stick to the clear, concise version. If the people on your list have been around awhile, you can afford to put a little more zing on the subject line.
[2008.05.21 19:51:52] RickCP: Also, try to remember the 40 character rule. Try to push the main point of your subject line as close to the front as possible.
[2008.05.21 19:52:53] Lekker Jen has left the room (logged out)
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[2008.05.21 19:53:23] TexasFiddler: And is text or html email better?
[2008.05.21 19:53:23] RickCP: HTML usually responses better but text is always accepted
[2008.05.21 19:53:31] Karen has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.21 19:53:32] RickCP: kinda like visa
[2008.05.21 19:54:11] RickCP: and cash
[2008.05.21 19:54:18] RickCP: actually, just cash.
[2008.05.21 19:54:30] brev87 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.05.21 19:55:00] RickCP: HTML, by default, is often blocked so make sure that if your email is heavy on images, fill out those alt tags!
[2008.05.21 19:55:12] RickCP: sometimes, that's just about the only thing a person sees.
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[2008.05.21 19:55:58] TexasFiddler: What are your ideas on getting folks to click once they've opened the email?
[2008.05.21 19:55:58] RickCP: Basically, get to the point, show them images first.
[2008.05.21 19:56:52] RickCP: Whether it be your designs or a picture of someone wearing your t-shirt. People normally don't respond well to a block of text right at the beginning. Most people filter it out and breeze on past it.
[2008.05.21 19:57:09] BrittaCP: We're at the final ten minutes... who's got questions they've been holding back?
[2008.05.21 19:58:42] armymom: it seems the only way to really promote ur shop is to spend a lot of money to actually get it going. like buying a domain name, web hosting and purchasing a contact email list. its a bit over whelming for the beginner shop keeper to take in and accomplish.
[2008.05.21 19:58:42] RickCP: Well, it CAN cost you money but some hard work, research and effort will go a lot further than the money, at our level.
[2008.05.21 19:59:19] TexasFiddler: Do you have any resources on email marketing that you can recommend?
[2008.05.21 19:59:19] RickCP: Sure... you can subscribe to the Email Sherpa newsletter
[2008.05.21 19:59:27] BrittaCP: Oh... i think this may have been covered... but this question came in from TexasArt, who couldn't be here today. Perhaps some of you may have an answer...
[2008.05.21 19:59:34] BrittaCP: Could you ask folks what scripts, services, etc., they are using to gather e-mail addresses on their own websites, independent of the newsletter system on the CP site? I'm sure there are a ton of them out there...many of them even freebies...but I really don't know which ones are working well, easy to implement, etc.
[2008.05.21 19:59:45] RickCP: Try "Effective E-Mail Marketing" by H. G. Lewis
[2008.05.21 20:00:02] RickCP: or "Permission-Based E-Mail Marketing That Works!" by Kim MacPherson"
[2008.05.21 20:00:19] NVRhonda: are those books?
[2008.05.21 20:00:31] RickCP: si
[2008.05.21 20:00:45] Sag: Not a question, but a comment. I have never figured out why 4 or 5 niche specific shopkeepers don't get together and co-op out things like email marketing, newletters, blogs. Get more exposure with less effort on a frequent and consistant basis. Just makes sense.
[2008.05.21 20:01:05] RickCP: The email sherpa newsletter is a great source to help keep up on trends.
[2008.05.21 20:01:09] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.21 20:01:23] BrittaCP: is this an open call for participants, sag?

infinistitch

[2008.05.15 18:00:23] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.05.15 18:00:23] sc has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:00:24] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2008.05.15 18:00:28] dieprettyponies has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:00:33] BrittaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:00:38] Heni has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:00:43] jean / rotemgear has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:00:54] firstbardo has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.15 18:00:58] Bob100 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:00:58] matisse: Hi Dan! Hi Britta!
[2008.05.15 18:00:58] BrittaCP: Hello
[2008.05.15 18:01:08] Sag has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:01:08] BrittaCP: We'll be ready to roll in just a minute
[2008.05.15 18:01:13] ThomasC has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:01:18] Shannon (hazeleyes7) has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:01:18] jucel: k
[2008.05.15 18:01:18] FreedomsRing has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:01:23] InfiniBlip: Psst... how do we turn off these sound FX? lol
[2008.05.15 18:01:30] MP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:01:38] Lee has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:01:38] Scarebaby has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:01:46] BrittaCP: I believe there is a setting in prefrences... however I ususally just turn off the sound on my computer
[2008.05.15 18:01:48] goatlady has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:01:50] Shannon (hazeleyes7): Evening everyone! :)
[2008.05.15 18:01:53] jean / rotemgear: Turn off sounds in Prefs (above)
[2008.05.15 18:01:58] Scarebaby: hi!
[2008.05.15 18:01:59] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:02:03] Tanith: Speaker icon
[2008.05.15 18:02:10] LA has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:02:14] InfiniBlip: Gotcha. Thx J.
[2008.05.15 18:02:18] Suzzie has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:02:19] matisse: I am waiting for my Talipia to cool down from the bake!
[2008.05.15 18:02:29] BrittaCP: sounds delicious
[2008.05.15 18:02:49] Pfoinkle has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:03:19] jean / rotemgear: Brrrrritttttaaaaaa
[2008.05.15 18:03:24] Winter: sounds yummy
[2008.05.15 18:03:28] ThomasC: Yea new products!!! Thanks CP
[2008.05.15 18:03:35] InfiniBlip: Britta, Angela said we're now calling this new embroidery process "Blipfish" instead. Trudat.
[2008.05.15 18:03:42] BrittaCP: yeah... i heard that rumor
[2008.05.15 18:03:44] Grace has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:03:49] jean / rotemgear: We now have Goat bowls!!!
[2008.05.15 18:03:54] tinymars has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:03:56] LoveJML has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:03:59] akjeff has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:04:04] Jaenne: lol
[2008.05.15 18:04:05] Michele has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:04:09] NinaPA has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:04:14] goatlady: Very cool!
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[2008.05.15 18:04:24] Shadow (Just try to run) has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:04:35] CAD has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:04:45] Shadow (Just try to run): Hello All
[2008.05.15 18:04:48] Message sent to moderator(s)
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[2008.05.15 18:05:10] las65 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.05.15 18:05:45] sc: hi everyone
[2008.05.15 18:05:47] Grace: Hello!
[2008.05.15 18:05:50] matisse: Ok got my lemon and I'm ready!
[2008.05.15 18:05:56] atawhisper: hi there from Florida
[2008.05.15 18:06:02] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:06:03] Shannon (hazeleyes7): Sounds like someone has already had too many Starbucks today *points to Blip and laughs*
[2008.05.15 18:06:09] gary0a1 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:06:12] Ne1512BLVD has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:06:15] AngelaCP: hi everyone
[2008.05.15 18:06:16] BrittaCP: mmmmm.... coffee
[2008.05.15 18:06:16] Romy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:06:20] ArmedForcesShop has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:06:30] LoveJML: Hi Angela
[2008.05.15 18:06:47] graphiicdeeziner has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:06:51] Shannon (hazeleyes7): Hello Madam Angela! (et al)
[2008.05.15 18:06:51] jucel: Hello from Florida!
[2008.05.15 18:06:56] matisse: coffee or a gallon of gas ...hmmmmm?
[2008.05.15 18:06:56] ThomasC: hello Angela and Britta
[2008.05.15 18:07:01] AngelaCP: Just give us another minute
[2008.05.15 18:07:01] AngelaCP: Ryan is logging in :D
[2008.05.15 18:07:06] firstbardo has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:07:06] AngelaCP: slow poke :)
[2008.05.15 18:07:21] Shannon (hazeleyes7) sent an audio message: Drumroll
[2008.05.15 18:07:23] las65: hello
[2008.05.15 18:07:26] dieprettyponies: is this where the chat about the new embroidering stuff is happening?
[2008.05.15 18:07:35] AngelaCP: yes dieprettyponies LOL
[2008.05.15 18:07:44] palmetto has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:07:46] AngelaCP: i assume you're not kip?
[2008.05.15 18:07:51] Shadow (Just try to run): kippy?
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[2008.05.15 18:07:52] jean / rotemgear: Ryyyyyaaannnnnn
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[2008.05.15 18:07:56] ThomasC: comeon ryan!
[2008.05.15 18:07:56] matisse: slow poke slow poke slow poke!
[2008.05.15 18:07:56] ididitdesigns has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:08:16] las65: were dyin' here!
[2008.05.15 18:08:16] garyoa1 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:08:21] AngelaCP: it's HOT!
[2008.05.15 18:08:21] RyanCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:08:26] AngelaCP: there goes Ryan
[2008.05.15 18:08:32] Shannon (hazeleyes7): Hello? Ryan? You ou there?? LOL
[2008.05.15 18:08:32] Ne1512BLVD: I was about to ask that! lol. Maybe a kip wanna be?
[2008.05.15 18:08:37] RyanCP: I have arrived
[2008.05.15 18:08:42] RyanCP: boo!
[2008.05.15 18:09:12] matisse: How hot is it?
[2008.05.15 18:09:17] AngelaCP: 100 degrees
[2008.05.15 18:09:22] faerymeg has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.15 18:09:27] AngelaCP: 106 where i live :(
[2008.05.15 18:09:27] BrittaCP: Thanks gfor coming today everyone!
[2008.05.15 18:09:32] Suzzie: eeeek!
[2008.05.15 18:09:56] Nusewco has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:09:59] BrittaCP: As you most likely know, we've added some new stuff today!
[2008.05.15 18:10:07] Nusewco has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.15 18:10:08] BrittaCP: and that's what we're here to talk about
[2008.05.15 18:10:17] BrittaCP: Inifinistich Embroidery!
[2008.05.15 18:10:32] Dave from Oakland has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:10:38] BrittaCP: We've got RyanCP, and DanCP here to help us along
[2008.05.15 18:10:45] RyanCP: hello
[2008.05.15 18:11:03] BrittaCP: Chat Rules...
[2008.05.15 18:11:08] atawhisper: is it normal for me to see what everyone else is saying but not what I'm saying? I'm new to the chat...
[2008.05.15 18:11:15] AngelaCP: it's normal
[2008.05.15 18:11:20] 7dave has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:11:29] BrittaCP: This chat is moderated... that means your questions and comments will be put into a quue
[2008.05.15 18:11:33] chm has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:11:38] BrittaCP: a moderator will review and push out
[2008.05.15 18:11:45] BrittaCP: so if you don't see your comment right away, that's why
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[2008.05.15 18:13:11] RyanCP: Howdy all, so I wanted to start off the chat by outlining a few key points around InfiniStitch Embroidery. This is cut and paste from a post I shared with the CPV last night and help to answer some of their questions
[2008.05.15 18:13:17] RyanCP: I hope it is helpful to you
[2008.05.15 18:13:23] RyanCP: anyhow, here it goes:
[2008.05.15 18:13:55] RyanCP: So -- InfiniStitch is not traditional embroidery, meaning you can't upload your file, pay someone to "digitize" it and pay out the nose to embroider one piece at a time (ha -- had to put on my marketing hat for a moment).
[2008.05.15 18:14:05] nightmareartist has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 18:14:15] RyanCP: However, in all seriousness, we're really excited to be able to bring a new technology to market that allows us to keep all the promises that CafePress has always brought to the table -- no setup costs, quick delivery, ability for anyone to easily design. InfiniStitch offers all of these hallowed CafePress traditions.
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[2008.05.15 18:14:36] RyanCP: It does as some of you pointed out have it's limitations, the main one being that you can't embroider in any shape you want. Each product has a predetermined print area, for most products this is a circle, for the hat we sent out it is a rectangle. We maintained the same aspect ratio of buttons and lapel stickers for all of the circles, as InfiniStitch products are full bleed.
[2008.05.15 18:14:40] RyanCP: For the Military Cap we used the rectangular sticker aspect ratio. The concept was to allow everyone to cut over images that comply with the best practices outlined in the tutorial.
[2008.05.15 18:15:00] RyanCP: The hats are embroidered with traditional embroidery thread and dyed like traditional embroidery thread, so you can count on great durability when washing
[2008.05.15 18:15:00] jean / rotemgear: does Ryan's marketing hat have embroidery on it?
[2008.05.15 18:15:17] RyanCP: Like the name alludes to InfiniStitch allows for infinite colors, so you are not limited by the number of thread bobbins in a machine. Having infinite colors allows for complex designs, images not usually available for embroidery, so we are also really excited about this portion of the technology. Again, the threads are dyed just like traditional embroidery threads.
[2008.05.15 18:15:20] RyanCP: The threads are also stitched to the cap just like any embroidered item you will find at a store.
[2008.05.15 18:15:55] RyanCP: and yes, my marketing cap has InfiniStitch Embroidery on it...
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[2008.05.15 18:17:00] Dave from Oakland: Kind of a stretch to call this "embroidery," right? Sounds like a gimmick to me.
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[2008.05.15 18:17:56] RyanCP: I wouldn't call it a gimmick at all. Like I alluded to in my post above, it is not traditional embroidery, but we do feel it is superior to traditional embroidery in many ways.
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[2008.05.15 18:18:38] RyanCP: the main things are the cost structure surrounding it -- No upfront costs!! -- this i believe is a huge win
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[2008.05.15 18:19:06] RyanCP: and the fact that you can use nearly any image -- (please use the tutorial to design =)
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[2008.05.15 18:19:32] goatlady: when you get to it:dog dishes: how many cups of dry food will they hold?
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[2008.05.15 18:19:43] RyanCP: I dont' know this answer off the top of my head
[2008.05.15 18:19:51] RyanCP: i will add it to the product description however
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[2008.05.15 18:21:12] ThomasC: Will we be able to add our current design to the new embroidery "products" for the non embroidery print process?
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[2008.05.15 18:22:13] RyanCP: No, the products that are available for InfiniStitch are InfiniStitch only products. We don't have another print method that would work on these products, yet another reason we are excited to have InfiniStitch.
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[2008.05.15 18:22:33] ididitdesigns: if your customer is thinking this is digitalized embroidery will they be disappointed with this product?
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[2008.05.15 18:24:15] RyanCP: It's a matter of personal preference, but we obviously don't think so -- we did launch this technology and spend a good deal of time working on it. In our focus groups 9 out of 10 people thought it was "embroidery", and the 10th person was confused as to exactly what it was, but still liked it.
[2008.05.15 18:24:34] Sag: RyanCP, can you post somewhere how it is superior to tradtional embroidery so we can use it for marketing purposes?:)
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[2008.05.15 18:24:59] RyanCP: This question is answered in the faq/marketing page at www.cafepress.com/buy/InfiniStitch
[2008.05.15 18:25:09] Bob100: Is this new embroidery process exclusive to CafePress?
[2008.05.15 18:25:09] RyanCP: yes!!!
[2008.05.15 18:25:21] chm: This embroidery technique is a big deal - I used to do custom artwork for digitizers, so I know how expensive it can be. Also, vector graphics only.
[2008.05.15 18:25:29] RyanCP: our thoughts exactly
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[2008.05.15 18:25:45] nightmareartist: I still don't get how there are "infinite" colors. Is it embrodered then printed on?
[2008.05.15 18:26:00] CATscratches: flexibility..
[2008.05.15 18:26:25] AngelaCP: hi everyone -- just a reminder. We have a tutorial here: https://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/image_prep
[2008.05.15 18:26:35] AngelaCP: And FAQ's here: https://www.cafepress.com/buy/infinistitch
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[2008.05.15 18:27:09] RyanCP: Lot's of people are asking this q (how do you do it, how are there infinite colors, etc.), but it's sort of our "secret sauce". I think a the end product speaks for itself, and looks really great.
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[2008.05.15 18:27:19] jean / rotemgear: so essentially it's printing onto an embroidered area?
[2008.05.15 18:27:41] las65: so if you have a circle design with no background color...must it have a background?
[2008.05.15 18:27:41] DanCP: The background will be white, un-dyed embroidered threads if you do not use that space for the design.
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[2008.05.15 18:28:16] RyanCP: No, it's not printing. The threads are stitched onto the item just like traditional embroidery, and the threads colors are created from dye just like traditional embroidery thread.
[2008.05.15 18:28:41] Ne1512BLVD: Is this a new technology that CP has created and is specific to CP or was this technology created by a third party?
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[2008.05.15 18:29:01] RyanCP: much praise to our innovators on the production side, this was an in house developed technology
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[2008.05.15 18:29:41] Ne1512BLVD: Will the print quality be top notch right off or improve as time goes by as the dark apparel did?
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[2008.05.15 18:30:22] RyanCP: I think everything improves over time, but I think we are coming out the gate at a very high quality level.
[2008.05.15 18:30:50] InfiniBlip: Are these coming out of Kentucky?
[2008.05.15 18:30:52] AngelaCP: They are.
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[2008.05.15 18:31:38] Scarebaby sent an audio message: Laugh
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[2008.05.15 18:32:26] goatlady: Is there a reason the area is so small?
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[2008.05.15 18:32:58] RyanCP: We felt the print area fits the products
[2008.05.15 18:33:09] RyanCP: we are considering larger print areas for future products
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[2008.05.15 18:33:25] Pfoinkle: I received one of the samples and I will say that from the front, it required a magnifying glass to determine with 100% certainty that it wasn't traditional embroidery.
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[2008.05.15 18:33:41] jucel: Im interested in selling questions... how do we go about selling this items..? I went in and created an item already but it only gives me an option to buy, not to sell in my store.. why?
[2008.05.15 18:33:54] AngelaCP: You might be creating this product under Create & Buy
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[2008.05.15 18:34:15] Jaenne: For the new embroidered items, my transparent png file backgrounds are showing up with a white background, is that a glitch or do I need to provide a background to fill the entire print area?
[2008.05.15 18:34:15] DanCP: We can handle transparency, but there will be no reason to use it - a white fill will be treated as white.
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[2008.05.15 18:35:29] garyoa1: If this is printing to look like embroidery, can we legally call it embroidery?
[2008.05.15 18:35:33] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.15 18:35:55] RyanCP: Because it is a whole new technology, you need to refer to it that way as "infinistitch embroidery"
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[2008.05.15 18:36:35] Dooni Designs: are white backgrounds bad?
[2008.05.15 18:36:55] AngelaCP: They are not ideal. Please read the tutorial for tips on quality looking images.
[2008.05.15 18:36:55] AngelaCP: https://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/image_prep
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[2008.05.15 18:37:20] sc: what if we do not want white fill?
[2008.05.15 18:37:55] AngelaCP: It is not ideal. We do recommend adding a background, perferably a textured one.
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[2008.05.15 18:39:14] Jaenne: I guess I need to define the question more clearly. A png image I use for dark T-shirts that has a transparent background and is fine for dark shirts, shows up with a white background on the new products.
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[2008.05.15 18:40:02] AngelaCP: You will need to add a background to your image for the InfiniStitch technology
[2008.05.15 18:40:27] thekofc: Can we use our typical 2000 x 2000 pix image or are we REQUIRED to use the templates? Looking at stonewash cap template - shows size is 600 x 600 at 200 dpi. However, ruler size indicates image area is only 2" x 2". Am I missing something?
[2008.05.15 18:40:47] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.15 18:40:47] RyanCP: you don't have to use the templates, but you should full bleed your image and follow the guidelines in the tutorial
[2008.05.15 18:40:58] RyanCP: WYSIWYG
[2008.05.15 18:41:10] Lazekagin: if we add these to our regular designs will they be labeled differently by CP? or do we need to create a separate shop so customers will recognize the difference?
[2008.05.15 18:41:22] AngelaCP: They will show up as a separate product. No need to create a separate shop.
[2008.05.15 18:41:30] jean / rotemgear: in essence it looks sort of like a patch then?
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[2008.05.15 18:42:42] RyanCP: I would say no to this as a patch is typically glued on or just tacked on around the border. InfiniStitch products are fully embroidered throughout th eimage area.
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[2008.05.15 18:42:58] RyanCP: we do have plans to offer patches using infinistitch technology
[2008.05.15 18:43:08] RyanCP: you can then apply them to anything you like
[2008.05.15 18:43:13] RyanCP: =)
[2008.05.15 18:43:44] Sherry has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.05.15 18:44:18] Dooni Designs: *sticks one on Ryan's nose*
[2008.05.15 18:44:25] Ne1512BLVD: Happy me! I can't wait for the patches! :)
[2008.05.15 18:44:36] lekker jen: I like the sound of that! :D
[2008.05.15 18:44:42] Shadow (Just try to run): if it is disconcernable to 9 out of 10 people... why is a textured background recommned?
[2008.05.15 18:44:59] RyanCP: when following the guidelines 9 out of 10
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[2008.05.15 18:45:04] RyanCP: everything has rules =)
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[2008.05.15 18:45:18] sc: so if someone wants thier logo - i cannot to thier logo unless it is the same shade as the infistich wants
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[2008.05.15 18:45:38] RyanCP: I would suggest altering their design to fit the format
[2008.05.15 18:45:42] RyanCP: this is not uncommon
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[2008.05.15 18:46:04] Jaguar: Does it have to be a circle? or can it be something that fits in the circle like a coat of arms?
[2008.05.15 18:46:13] RyanCP: we recommend filling the whole area
[2008.05.15 18:46:24] atawhisper: Maybe no one else is having that problem...but again...the "picture" I see when I hit zoom to see what the embroidery will look like is so bad that if it were me I wouldn't buy it! Can we address that somehow please?
[2008.05.15 18:46:29] AngelaCP: What looks bad about it?
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[2008.05.15 18:47:19] CATscratches: The product page says "Embroidered" according to ryan, we shouldn't call it embroidery... why then does the product page say that?
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[2008.05.15 18:47:25] RyanCP: legal technacality
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[2008.05.15 18:48:00] RyanCP: our lawyer explained the difference to me, but I don't think I could repeat it back to you guys; the link does pop up to a description of InfiniStitch.
[2008.05.15 18:48:00] zoehesed: why are white backgrounds considered not idea? I didn't feel the faq explained this....
[2008.05.15 18:48:00] DanCP: We cannot as yet do unique silhouette boundaries - the circle and rectangles are the areas we can provide. We think it looks bettr to design for those full areas. Others may feel differently - we are all learning as we go with this.
[2008.05.15 18:48:15] sc: ryan i cannot alter a company's logo to fit your shape - they will go to someone who will match thier logo
[2008.05.15 18:48:30] AngelaCP: There are certain images that just won't work.
[2008.05.15 18:49:01] RyanCP: yes; that is a tradeoff that we decided to make at this stage in order to continue to offer zero upfront costs, and the ability to accept an infinite amount of colors
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[2008.05.15 18:49:16] RyanCP: if you went to a traditional embroiderer with a photo, they would laugh at you
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[2008.05.15 18:49:31] RyanCP: if you wanted more than 15 colors they would laugh at you
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[2008.05.15 18:49:41] RyanCP: so
[2008.05.15 18:50:10] RyanCP: yes, every technology has limitations and advantages, we feel InfiniStitch is highly advanatageous for our most important customers -- you!
[2008.05.15 18:50:21] lekker jen: I've found that some designs just are not suited to the process. Just like some designs may look terrible on a dark shirt
[2008.05.15 18:50:59] atawhisper: like there are lines running all through it and I can barely determine what the image is supposed to be...
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[2008.05.15 18:51:32] AngelaCP: Correct Jen. Atawhisper, did you take a look at the tutorial to see if your image will work well with InfiniStitch.
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[2008.05.15 18:51:57] Ne1512BLVD: It is innovative in my opinion and just like all new ideas will take time for people to adjust to.
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[2008.05.15 18:52:52] Sag: I think it's exciting because it's a new adventure that offers a whole Kaleidoscope of possibilities and opportunities for the future. Lifts glass in celebration. It will take time to learn to design for them, but hey ... it does for every new product.
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[2008.05.15 18:53:02] JLW: I'm wondering how the "embroidery" launders, will the colors fade over time as the digitally printed products do?
[2008.05.15 18:53:07] AngelaCP: lifting glass Sag ;)
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[2008.05.15 18:53:38] RyanCP: everything fades over time, but dye is more durable than ink
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[2008.05.15 18:55:23] garyoa1: How does fade compare to actual embroidery fade?
[2008.05.15 18:55:26] RyanCP: same
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[2008.05.15 18:55:34] akjeff: So does it have to be dry cleaned only? Or can the products be washed?
[2008.05.15 18:55:40] RyanCP: no, they can be washed
[2008.05.15 18:55:49] RyanCP: the jacket is dry clean only
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[2008.05.15 18:55:59] Tanith: I know it will be very popular with my customer base
[2008.05.15 18:56:02] RyanCP: i am going to launder one tonight however, heck with the tag
[2008.05.15 18:56:04] RyanCP: =)
[2008.05.15 18:56:14] atawhisper: looking at the examples they gave us I don't know why the ones I tried didn't work...some of the examples in the tutorials are more complex than the ones I used.
[2008.05.15 18:56:14] AngelaCP: Actually, complex is good.
[2008.05.15 18:56:34] Yancey: is the stitching random? or will it flow with the image like real embroidery? Meaning will it look like the photos in the tutorial?
[2008.05.15 18:56:44] RyanCP: it will flow with the image like the preview
[2008.05.15 18:57:50] Pfoinkle: Can you give a percentage guess on the accuracy of the preview? Given the unique character of this process, it will be difficult to gauge the suitable images without seeing the preview. It would help to know if the preview is considered 50%, 75%, 90% accurate.
[2008.05.15 18:57:55] kerbev: does the circle get thicker with more colors?
[2008.05.15 18:57:55] DanCP: No, the circle will have the same thickness regardless of the colors.
[2008.05.15 18:58:00] RyanCP: I would guess in the 90's
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[2008.05.15 18:58:11] RyanCP: there is always room for improvement
[2008.05.15 18:58:15] Sag: I think the most exciting aspect is that this process is unique only to CP and CP shopkeepers. Huge marketing advantage!
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[2008.05.15 18:58:50] Lazekagin: Please Make the images of the products more clear. They cost a lot for people not to be able to see the item clearly.
[2008.05.15 18:59:00] RyanCP: I am confused by this comment, can you please elaborate
[2008.05.15 18:59:41] RyanCP: is this a request to make the image larger on the product thumbnail
[2008.05.15 18:59:41] RyanCP: ?
[2008.05.15 18:59:46] Sherry: The tutorial is a bit confusing - says don't use a circular border but shows a design with circular border as one that works.
[2008.05.15 18:59:49] AngelaCP: We'll work to make it less confusing. Basically, we don't recommend borders because it may increase the chance of it being slightly off centered. This is not really any different than borders on buttons, ornaments, etc.
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[2008.05.15 19:00:55] LetTeddyWin.com: I think the issue is that you have to fill the whole circle (or rectangle as the case may be). The technology is going to stitch the full shape, whether we cover it with dye or not.
[2008.05.15 19:00:56] RyanCP: yes
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[2008.05.15 19:01:06] ThomasC: This sounds like great technology, Cafepress will not ever sell this to a third party will you?
[2008.05.15 19:01:10] Spencer has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 19:01:10] RyanCP: hmmm
[2008.05.15 19:01:16] RyanCP: probably not
[2008.05.15 19:01:30] lauriel: I think Lazekagin means, can you provide larger view/zoom-in for the 'embroidered' areas so the customer can see what exactly the final product will look like?
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[2008.05.15 19:02:18] RyanCP: this view is provided on the buyer side, we are however optomizing this image to crop out the bleed area and only show the printed area
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[2008.05.15 19:02:51] CATscratches: sweet. thanks.
[2008.05.15 19:03:10] jucel: what are other products are going to be available soon to sell in store? we currently have 9. In the Create and Buy there's a ton more...
[2008.05.15 19:03:12] AngelaCP: They're available. In your shop tools, you must be selecting the "new products" category. You should see more products on the Add page.
[2008.05.15 19:03:22] LetTeddyWin.com: I keep hearing "complex is good" but I don't quite understand why? Is it simply asthetics so that it doesn't look like a patch?
[2008.05.15 19:03:22] DanCP: The more complex and varied the image, the more it will resemble traditional embroidery, and this is what most customers will expect.
[2008.05.15 19:03:44] Lazekagen has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.15 19:04:17] Sag: Thanks, DanCP. Now I get it.
[2008.05.15 19:04:33] BrittaCP: Hey everyone... sadly the hour is up for us now
[2008.05.15 19:04:35] Ne1512BLVD: I think it would be nice for the actual prodcut thumbnail to show it closer up on the patch area. Then as with 2 sided items, have the full product beside it. That way the customer can see both views without having to view larger
[2008.05.15 19:04:50] lauriel has left the room (logged out)
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[2008.05.15 19:05:18] kerbev: with say a big scripty letter in black, for the background - which would be better one big gradient, or a two-tone (like two shades of green) pattern?
[2008.05.15 19:05:18] DanCP: Multi-tone! [complex];)
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[2008.05.15 19:06:24] AngelaCP: We do believe most of the questions were answered, except for a few...As Ryan stated, some of the question regarding the actually printing process, threads, etc... are proprietary. It's our secret sauce... so we will not be able to answer these questions.
[2008.05.15 19:06:38] AngelaCP: You guys asked great questions though ;) Thanks so much for attending
[2008.05.15 19:06:44] Alan has left the room (logged out)
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[2008.05.15 19:06:53] AngelaCP: We look forward to seeing all your creativeness at work on this new exciting new technology
[2008.05.15 19:06:54] Michele has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.15 19:06:55] Michigal has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.15 19:06:59] AngelaCP: have a great evening
[2008.05.15 19:06:59] AngelaCP: stay cool!
[2008.05.15 19:06:59] FreedomsRing has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.15 19:07:09] RyanCP: the designs up so far are looking great!
[2008.05.15 19:07:09] ThomasC: thanks!
[2008.05.15 19:07:09] BrittaCP: There is much discussion on the forums about InfiniStitch there, please feel free to join in
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[2008.05.15 19:07:24] AngelaCP: britta is opening up the lobby
[2008.05.15 19:07:24] BrittaCP: I will open up the lobby for all you fine folk to continue chatting
[2008.05.15 19:07:29] lauriel has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.15 19:07:30] Ne1512BLVD: You too. Have a safe trip home you guys!
[2008.05.15 19:07:36] jean / rotemgear: Thanks, Ang, Britta, Ryan, Dan! (and the hiding Marc)
[2008.05.15 19:07:36] Bob100 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.15 19:07:38] chm: Thanks to all you CP folks and to my fellow SKs. : )
[2008.05.15 19:07:42] Lee: wow, thanks
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[2008.05.15 19:07:49] Cayenne has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.15 19:07:50] BrittaCP: See you next time!
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[2008.05.15 19:08:11] kerbev: how would a two tone pattern look - say bright green with lighter green flowers over it?
[2008.05.15 19:08:11] DanCP: Bye!
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[2008.05.15 19:08:42] RyanCP: thank you everyone!! back to work on the next "big thing" ;)
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chat

[2008.05.01 18:46:30] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.05.01 18:46:30] Towal has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 18:46:30] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
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[2008.05.01 19:00:37] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat
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[2008.05.01 19:00:53] AngelaCP: hi everyone
[2008.05.01 19:01:07] FJS: Hey Angela and Marc
[2008.05.01 19:01:10] AngelaCP: Hi
[2008.05.01 19:01:14] Live Bold German T Shirts has entered the room
"CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:01:17] AngelaCP: Marty is getting set up
[2008.05.01 19:01:25] DDKnight has entered the room "CafePress Chat
Room"
[2008.05.01 19:01:33] AngelaCP: wishing everyone a happy May
[2008.05.01 19:01:35] JustinCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat
Room"
[2008.05.01 19:01:35] cowpie: Hi Ang
[2008.05.01 19:01:37] Brad Neil has entered the room "CafePress Chat
Room"
[2008.05.01 19:01:38] The Sectionator: Hello everyone
[2008.05.01 19:01:54] Michigal: hi everyone!
[2008.05.01 19:01:58] Carl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:02:00] brainlint: HA! Who is the sectionator? Funny :)
[2008.05.01 19:02:08] AngelaCP: Marty and Justin is... I guess :)
[2008.05.01 19:02:14] buffaloworks: Howdy all
[2008.05.01 19:02:17] funkface: Hola. I'm excited.
[2008.05.01 19:02:18] foxvox: Hiya!
[2008.05.01 19:02:19] BarbD has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:02:19] Brad Neil: Hello All!
[2008.05.01 19:02:26] AngelaCP: Just another minute
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[2008.05.01 19:02:29] Kewlkids has entered the room "CafePress Chat
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[2008.05.01 19:02:32] AngelaCP: and w'ell be ready
[2008.05.01 19:02:36] jean /rotem gear has entered the room "CafePress
Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:02:36] Live Bold German T Shirts: This is my first time
in Chat
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[2008.05.01 19:02:43] AngelaCP: Welcome Live Bold
[2008.05.01 19:02:52] tex has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:02:57] refinish69-Doing My Part For The Left has entered
the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:03:00] Live Bold German T Shirts: thank you
[2008.05.01 19:03:03] Mydeas has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.05.01 19:03:59] refinish69-Doing My Part For The...: Bet we have
a full house today LOL
[2008.05.01 19:04:01] Suzzie: yup big crowd
[2008.05.01 19:04:02] MP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:04:03] BrittaCP: hello, hello, hello
[2008.05.01 19:04:05] buffaloworks: Hey Ang, what's the biggest chat
ever?
[2008.05.01 19:04:09] hd has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:04:10] BrittaCP: my do wew have a full crowd here today
[2008.05.01 19:04:11] AngelaCP: Not sure...
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[2008.05.01 19:04:22] AngelaCP: We have had over a hundred before
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[2008.05.01 19:04:27] Sag: Dang, there are a lot of us here. Howdy all!
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[2008.05.01 19:04:36] AngelaCP: Dang is right
[2008.05.01 19:04:36] cowpie: Hi Britta
[2008.05.01 19:04:44] Suzzie: you may get a hundred again, tonight
[2008.05.01 19:04:55] AngelaCP: possibly
[2008.05.01 19:04:56] reely has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.05.01 19:05:30] jean /rotem gear: hello
angelabrittalekkersagcaseykippyophelianecowpie
[2008.05.01 19:05:33] buffaloworks: How many CP shopkeepers can you fit
in a volkswagen?
[2008.05.01 19:05:35] BrittaCP: Hey everyone... thanks for joining
[2008.05.01 19:05:37] JustinCP has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:05:58] BrittaCP: Befreo we begin... i must go overe the
chat rules
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[2008.05.01 19:06:04] BrittaCP: This is a moderated chat
[2008.05.01 19:06:19] BrittaCP: that means that any question or comment
that you submit, will be sent to a queue
[2008.05.01 19:06:33] Shadow (No Limits) has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:06:34] BrittaCP: a moderator will will review it, and
then push the comment out
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[2008.05.01 19:06:45] BrittaCP: so if you do not see your comment right
away, that is why
[2008.05.01 19:06:56] BrittaCP: ok... let's get the show on the road
[2008.05.01 19:06:59] jean /rotem gear: everyone please check your
pitchforks and torches at the door
[2008.05.01 19:07:13] JustMe has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:07:20] AngelaCP: Thanks Jean. We want this chat to be
productive and answer any questions you may have about the section
limits announcement
[2008.05.01 19:07:52] AngelaCP: so i know you guys have a lot of
questoins, so why don't we just get started on answering your questions
[2008.05.01 19:07:58] Bob100 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:08:02] AngelaCP: we see a few already
[2008.05.01 19:08:10] AngelaCP: and will do our best to answer
everyone's
[2008.05.01 19:08:24] Karen: Will you be limiting the amount of free
shops an account can have?
[2008.05.01 19:08:31] AngelaCP: There are currently no plans to do this
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[2008.05.01 19:10:33] Michigal: Question: Do you have any idea
whatsoever when a tool will be available to either move a section from store to
store, or copy and paste a section from store to store? "soon" isn't a
good enough answer btw, I'm still waiting for the new dog products
that were coming soon. LOL
[2008.05.01 19:10:33] MartyCP: We're working on a few different methods
to deal with section limitations, but we didn't want to delay the
release of the bulk tools anymore. I'm hoping to have a solution by the
end of May.
[2008.05.01 19:10:33] The Shadow has entered the room "CafePress Chat
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[2008.05.01 19:10:40] refinish69-Doing My Part For The...: does 500
sections include subsections also
[2008.05.01 19:10:54] AngelaCP: it does
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[2008.05.01 19:11:39] Tshirt d'Art (Casey): When will the emails arrive
informing us of our grandfathered limit?
[2008.05.01 19:11:40] BrittaCP: The emails have all been sent out. if
you haven't received one, and you think you should... contact your top
shop rep.
[2008.05.01 19:11:51] Message sent to moderator(s)
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[2008.05.01 19:12:41] FJS: Can we have empty sections to use for
redirect that don't count in the 500 limit?
[2008.05.01 19:12:42] Rhea has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:12:52] The Shadow: let me ask this, if someone can
create 2000 free shops, how is that less intensive that somone have 1000
sections?
[2008.05.01 19:12:52] MartyCP: The problems all have to do with a
single shop being too big. Lots of reasonably sized shops isn't a problem.
[2008.05.01 19:12:55] AngelaCP: Sections are counted as sections, even
if they are empty
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[2008.05.01 19:13:40] Brad Neil: Will this increase the site speed
(searches, page loads, etc.) for the customers?
[2008.05.01 19:13:40] AngelaCP: It will make the experience more
consistant for both buyers and shopkeepers
[2008.05.01 19:13:47] babelfish: are there going to be discounts for
additional premium stores considering some of the issues some people will
have?
[2008.05.01 19:13:47] MartyCP: In some cases we may offer discounts,
but I think limits are just a part of any service's evolution. We've
also grandfathered people in with higher amounts, so they can continue to
run their existing shops without breaking them up.
[2008.05.01 19:14:23] Mydeas: Since shops were previously unlimited and
we were paying. Does our cost go down since we now can not put up as
many designs in a shop??
[2008.05.01 19:14:26] JustinCP: There is no plan to change the $6.95/mo
Premium Shop fee due to the shop limits.
[2008.05.01 19:14:34] ne1512BLVD: I have noticed that a lot of people
(new and old) just really do not understand how this affects them. Is
there a way to create a special page for people like Jen and Teesed to
post their helpful tools and tutorials, as well as a F.A.Q about how to
integrate multiple shops without the customer knowing?
[2008.05.01 19:14:35] Towal: is there a list/explination of what
exactly the bulk tools are and how they will help us?
[2008.05.01 19:14:52] AngelaCP: We do have a list and explanation of
the new tools here:
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/smart_shop_update043008
[2008.05.01 19:15:07] BrittaCP: Ne, we like this idea. Ang and I will
think something up
[2008.05.01 19:15:18] Karen: Will there be CP tools to tie together a
group of premium shops so that it appears as a mall type shop rather
than just one isolated niche shop?
[2008.05.01 19:15:18] MartyCP: We're working on several ways to deal
with the problem of having run into the section limit. If we find that
the only way to deal with the problem is creating more premium shops,
then we'll definitely look into automated shop cross-linking.
[2008.05.01 19:15:41] JustMe has left the room (logged out)
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[2008.05.01 19:16:21] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.01 19:16:58] Sag: Was there no other solution possible other
than the section limits?
[2008.05.01 19:16:58] MartyCP: It really was the obvious solution at
this point. We thought about other things, but they were much more
destructive, and thus not options at all.
[2008.05.01 19:17:03] peon has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:17:41] cowpie: Hidden sections are counted too?
[2008.05.01 19:17:42] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.01 19:17:42] BrittaCP: Yes, they are counted into your total
amount
[2008.05.01 19:18:24] Towal: thanks for the link
[2008.05.01 19:18:43] matisse: THANKS FOR THE BULK TOOLS!
[2008.05.01 19:19:06] Kate: Marty, is there any reason why you couldn't
create a 'super section' type entity that is essentially another shop,
but acts like a section?
[2008.05.01 19:19:06] MartyCP: That's be a much more advanced (and
time/resource-consuming) solution. We've talked about something like that,
but I think at that point we'd really just move into the other
conversations we've been having, like rearchitecting everything. ;)
[2008.05.01 19:19:59] DDKnight has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:20:01] mousecrafter: Are the section limits to
discourage shops from having large numbers of designs that have only minor
variations, such as sections devoted to large numbers of individual names or
numbers on a single basic design.
[2008.05.01 19:20:01] MartyCP: That's not the primary reason, but it is
a benefit. I'm hoping we'll evolve to handle "variation" designs much
better than we do right now.
[2008.05.01 19:20:24] PamelaC has entered the room "CafePress Chat
Room"
[2008.05.01 19:21:29] Suzzie: are the "grandfathered in" shops going to
eventually be subject to more fees because their shops are bigger?
[2008.05.01 19:21:29] MartyCP: I doubt it. I'd expect that
grandfathering section limits would allow you to maintain that level without a fee
increase. (Things may be different when we roll out a more detailed
tiered offering, though.)
[2008.05.01 19:23:03] JustMe: Will bulk product deletions break google
lor affiliate links?
[2008.05.01 19:23:03] MartyCP: Oh, of course, just as they always have
[2008.05.01 19:23:42] JustMe: Oh, great!
[2008.05.01 19:23:50] shopa: why is the limit set so low? i have
several shops and none of them is a problem until they are over 2000
sections - why not 1000 section limit??
[2008.05.01 19:23:50] MartyCP: Fewer than 0.1% of shops have more than
400 sections. Honestly, 500 really isn't that low.
[2008.05.01 19:24:46] Photo Girl has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:25:25] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.01 19:25:44] AngelaCP: JustMe and everyone. It seems everyone
is concerned about breaking links for affiliates. Most affiliates
link to the MP. For those that might link directly to your products and
sections, instead of deleting, why not just update the image? Also,
with the grandfathered limits you should be able to continue to run your
business for a while without having to evaluate old sections.
[2008.05.01 19:25:53] Mydeas: Can we request extra space or will we
have to pay extra for more space?
[2008.05.01 19:25:59] Karen: When we reach our upper limit will there
be a way to increase it another 500 sections, say for a fee? Or do we
have to open another separate premium?
[2008.05.01 19:26:04] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.01 19:26:04] Suffering from Section Deficit: is the limit
etched in stone or are you looking for ways to raise it
[2008.05.01 19:26:09] JustinCP: It's in everyone's best interest to
provide you all of the shelf space you need to maximize your sales (short
of "spamming" the marketplace). If you can add an additional 500
sections and generate an additional 500 sales/month from it, we want you to
do so -- and we don't want a nominal fee to be the obstacle that
separates you from success.
[2008.05.01 19:26:11] JustinCP: Therefore it's unlikely that most users
will ever encounter a situation where we would accept payment for more
space; rather, we'll prefer to review and adjust the shop limit
regularly to guarantee most users never come close to the limit.
[2008.05.01 19:26:23] JustinCP: (phew -- spent a few minutes typing
that one up :>)
[2008.05.01 19:27:03] The Shadow: rearchitecting is a major pain but
sometimes a good move for the future though. I remember when my day job
switched programming languages... our with all the old code
[2008.05.01 19:27:09] maryo has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:27:18] AngelaCP: Change is hard sometimes...
[2008.05.01 19:28:57] NinaPA has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.05.01 19:29:45] LoveJML: Can you give us some examples of the
alternatives that didn't work, so we know what efforts have been made?
[2008.05.01 19:29:45] MartyCP: Uh...deleting all large shops that
aren't profitable to us (which is most large shops, as it turns out);
locking any shop that reaches a certain threshold from future management;
removing all bulk functionality from the site; that's a few. We didn't
think shopkeepers would like any of those, and we didn't either.
[2008.05.01 19:30:01] hd: If CP is working on new tools/services that
*grandfathered* shops won't be able to use [because they're too large]
[because I can't figure out if it's ok to keep stuffing *grandfathered*
shop or I better create a new one]
[2008.05.01 19:30:03] JustinCP: As you saw with the Fall '07 revision
to Storewide Price Change tool, and continuing with next week's release,
all next-generation bulk tools are designed to work with large shops.
We now regularly test large shops against all new enhancements. I
wouldn't expect your big grandaddy shop to encounter size-related
performance problems on the new stuff.
[2008.05.01 19:30:40] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:31:00] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.01 19:31:22] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.01 19:32:00] cyi has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:32:02] Towal: another question: one of my shops (which
has been grandfathered in btw) is based on names. I am not through the
alphabet yet and am at 500 sections. How do you expect us to
reasonably be able to provide a smooth shopping experience when we are forced
to split a shop into 2-3 or more shops to get everything in? will there
be a way to link them seamlessly?
[2008.05.01 19:32:02] MartyCP: I can't answer that yet -- it's what
we're thinking about right now.
[2008.05.01 19:32:07] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:32:27] Towal: you mean the storewide price changes that
I have to get up at like 4am to be able to use?
[2008.05.01 19:32:29] JustinCP: Yes -- like that, but without the 4AM
part. None of the tools on the roadmap (including the ones coming out
next week) are time-restricted. We will be reviewing the time
restriction on the price change tool Real Soon Now.
[2008.05.01 19:32:49] refinish69-Doing My Part For The...: when do the
bulk tools go live?
[2008.05.01 19:32:51] BrittaCP: next week
[2008.05.01 19:33:04] Michigal: Most large shops are not
profitable??!...really??
[2008.05.01 19:33:04] MartyCP: Yes, really. I won't explain in further
detail here (I'd get torched internally), but yes, most big stores are
actually unprofitable for us.
[2008.05.01 19:33:35] The Shadow: wow... I am off to delete then ;)
[2008.05.01 19:33:55] refinish69-Doing My Part For The...: they have
too many designs that just sit there...I have quite a few myself LOL
[2008.05.01 19:33:55] kiwi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:35:13] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.01 19:35:17] FJS: Can CP maybe create a new bonus that we can
earn a premium shop each time we reach tiers 20% and 22% for a month?
So we could earn up to 24 new shops a year? To help us grow our big
stores. Kind of cushion the blow a bit. I'm figuring I'll need about 40
stores to do what I need to do so it would help to be able to earn a few
to help in that.
[2008.05.01 19:35:17] MartyCP: 40 shops? My god, what on earth
requires 20,000 sections? There's only 10,000 words commonly used in the
English language!
[2008.05.01 19:35:23] ne1512BLVD: I am excited about the delete tool. I
would really like to delete several items from one shops and it would
be so time consuming with over 600 sections in that shop. So, if I can
just go delete all yellow shirts, then cool!
[2008.05.01 19:35:35] PamelaC: I've already been doing some pruning in
my shop
[2008.05.01 19:35:36] MartyCP: Sigh. Anyway, I'll bring that topic up.
[2008.05.01 19:35:44] Michigal: yayy on the no having to change prices
at 4 am! ty for that!
[2008.05.01 19:36:24] PamelaC has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:36:48] peon: A popular solution to tie shops together
(in the message boards) has been third party scripts like CPshop. But,
I've heard that these scripts also ave a hard time handling very large
shops. Is that accurate?
[2008.05.01 19:36:48] MartyCP: I don't want to hawk cpshop too much
here, but it does require some special handling once you get beyond 50,000
products in an install. It really depends on the webhost.
[2008.05.01 19:36:59] Dooni Designs: will the new copy tool work across
shops in an account or will it just be usable in one shop at a time?
[2008.05.01 19:36:59] BrittaCP: One shop at a time
[2008.05.01 19:37:24] Kate has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:38:06] Kewlkids: Marty, Care to explain what you are
thinking about when you sey 'foll out a more detailed tiered offering'?
Is there somthing up your sleeves for the future?
[2008.05.01 19:38:06] MartyCP: Just not ready to go into further detail
yet, sorry. I'll share when we're ready, but this just isn't the
time.
[2008.05.01 19:38:43] Tygr has left the room (logged out)
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[2008.05.01 19:39:48] Mydeas: Will we get an email or something when we
hit our section limit?
[2008.05.01 19:39:49] AngelaCP: When you hit the section limit, the
"add section" button will be temporarily disabled. You can also look at
the section count to see where you're at. There's a screen shot of that
here: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/smart_shop_update043008
[2008.05.01 19:40:14] FJS has left the room (logged out)
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[2008.05.01 19:40:50] The Sectionator: Should we prepare for a rocky
road when you roll out the tools next week?
[2008.05.01 19:40:50] AngelaCP: We dont' think so. We're pretty
confident... and you guys will like the new tools. Much more productive and
will make shop managing that much easier. :)
[2008.05.01 19:41:18] RowdyJRT: My email said that I have over 900
sections, yet when I do a bulk price change it says updating 254 sections.
Is there a bug in the bulk pricing or could it be any section we
deleted in the past still resides on the CP server?
[2008.05.01 19:41:18] MartyCP: The 254 number is right, the 900+ number
is wrong. 900 is the number (a calculation based on usage) that was
used to determine your grandfathered limit number. I think the wrong
current number got sent in the email, though the grandfathered amount is
right.
[2008.05.01 19:42:43] Bob100: This tiered offering sounds scary like it
might be a big disruption to our shops.
[2008.05.01 19:42:43] MartyCP: That's so not the case. It should
ultimately be exciting, since it'll be the jumping-off point for us to check
a lot of those requests off "the list."
[2008.05.01 19:43:06] Suffering from Section Deficit: I thank all of
you at CP for sharing and taking the time to explain changes. You could
just do like Bill Gates and say " here is Vista, good luck"
[2008.05.01 19:43:20] AngelaCP: thanks for the appreciation. :)
[2008.05.01 19:43:32] Live Bold German T Shirts: Please...what is
profitable for CP in earnings for a large shop?
[2008.05.01 19:43:37] matisse: :)
[2008.05.01 19:44:03] MartyCP whispers to Towal: I'm not going to go
into the profit stuff in more detail in the public chat, Towal. But to
answer your question: it means we'd make more money if we just closed
the shop.
[2008.05.01 19:44:29] brainlint: Ooooh...is there actually a copy of
'the list' hanging on a wall somewhere?;)
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[2008.05.01 19:44:47] MartyCP: Yes we do!
[2008.05.01 19:44:57] MartyCP: Or rather, yes there is! :)
[2008.05.01 19:45:00] BrittaCP: yup... Shopkeepers helped us write it
at CPconnect
[2008.05.01 19:45:17] Message sent to moderator(s)
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[2008.05.01 19:46:37] Towal whispers to MartyCP: can you tell me if my
shops fall into that category?
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[2008.05.01 19:47:48] Lekker Jen: What if you aren't a top shop keeper?
[2008.05.01 19:47:49] AngelaCP: Jen, if someone with more than 400
sections did not receive the email, and not a top SK, they can contact
Brian at blu@cafepress.com. Be sure to put Section Limit in the subject
line.
[2008.05.01 19:50:32] JustMe: Why would anyone with a large
un-profitable shop keep adding designs/sections? The word bored comes to mind.
[2008.05.01 19:50:37] Numpt has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.05.01 19:50:39] AngelaCP: That's a very good question...
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[2008.05.01 19:51:06] cowpie: Shoot, I do it all the time...lol.
[2008.05.01 19:51:27] Sag: What about an auto personalization tool for
shops?
[2008.05.01 19:51:27] MartyCP: Yes! That's exactly one of the things
we want. (And it's on my short list.)
[2008.05.01 19:52:17] Michigal: Did JustinCP just say that depending on
how well a shops sales are, they might review shops and give more
sections over what they are grandfathered in at? Did I read that wrong?
[2008.05.01 19:52:18] JustinCP: Michigal: I was referring to the
process of reviewing the limit and raising it for everyone once the data
shows that average users can make productive use of more sections.
[2008.05.01 19:52:24] cowpie: YESSSSSSS!!!!
[2008.05.01 19:52:26] NinaPA: super!
[2008.05.01 19:52:27] jerseygirl: THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!:bow:
[2008.05.01 19:53:05] Sag: I'm sorry, but to think automated shop
cross-linking is not a must at this time is unrealistic. It definitely is a
need for the community.
[2008.05.01 19:53:05] MartyCP: Perhaps; but if we needed to hold off on
all new tools for another month?
[2008.05.01 19:53:25] MartyCP: I'd rather get something out there.
Shopkeepers have waited too long for new tools already.
[2008.05.01 19:53:33] Suzzie: Why was this action taken now and not
years ago?
[2008.05.01 19:53:34] JustinCP: Suzzie: because (as you'll notice with
next week's release) we're getting serious about improving shopkeeper
productivity this year.
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[2008.05.01 19:55:10] ne1512BLVD: What is profitable to CP may not be
the same as what is profitable tothat person. CP may feel profitable is
making thousands upon thousands. But, that shopkeepers may feel okay
about their $200 a month and just be trying to get to that thousand
profit
[2008.05.01 19:55:24] ne1512BLVD: Is this a permanent solution or is it
a bandaid?
[2008.05.01 19:55:24] MartyCP: I think we're always going to have some
kind of limit; what the limit is, and how easy it is to increase --
those things I'm hoping to address shortly.
[2008.05.01 19:56:16] RowdyJRT: A bulk delete of designs/products that
hasn't sold in a specified time would be wonderful :)
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[2008.05.01 19:57:40] ne1512BLVD: Rowdy, it might be better to not
delete your sections and products though. It is better to recycle them with
new designs and still benefit from the links!
[2008.05.01 19:57:52] cyi has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:58:05] JustMe: It seems to mec A non-profitable large
shop should REPLACE designs within sections instead of adding more
sections. Not doing this only adds to the problem.
[2008.05.01 19:58:17] ddf has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:58:19] JustMe: It seems to me that going into tiered
pricing would defeat one of the major purposes behind section
limitation...to stop the spamming.
[2008.05.01 19:58:19] MartyCP: I think we need a more advanced solution
to marketplace spam than just section limitations.
[2008.05.01 19:58:24] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.05.01 19:58:39] Sag: I'm on a roll MartyCP :-D - What about
pagination?
[2008.05.01 19:58:39] MartyCP: Shops need an overhaul in general.
Pagination is just one part of that.
[2008.05.01 19:59:03] The Shadow: pagination would be great!
[2008.05.01 19:59:08] ddf has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 19:59:08] Sag: Amen MartyCP on the MP solutions for serious
problems there!:bow:
[2008.05.01 19:59:36] The Shadow: keep spam where it belongs...in a
can!
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[2008.05.01 19:59:59] refinish69-Doing My Part For The...: what is
pagination?
[2008.05.01 19:59:59] MartyCP: It means breaking up a long section into
multiple pages.
[2008.05.01 20:00:14] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.05.01 20:00:33] electricgreen: Oooohhh...I like pagination!!
[2008.05.01 20:00:58] Michigal has entered the room "CafePress Chat
Room"
[2008.05.01 20:01:15] Karen: That sure would cut down on sub section
usage
[2008.05.01 20:01:20] MarcCP has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 20:01:22] ne1512BLVD: I like the idea of the categories
script better. But I do not use it, because it is not automated. I would
prefer a CP catergories script that is automatic in your whole store.
Pagination is okay too I gues.
[2008.05.01 20:01:40] Sophie Bleu: I'd love to have a report that I
could click on to see which sections haven't sold anything in "x"
days/months/etc. (sorry - am trying to catch up on previous posts here, so I'm
likely a tad behind in subject matter)
[2008.05.01 20:01:45] AngelaCP: good suggestion...
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[2008.05.01 20:03:16] teresa: when are the new tools suposed to be
ready?
[2008.05.01 20:03:19] AngelaCP: next week
[2008.05.01 20:03:26] AngelaCP: we'll announce again :)
[2008.05.01 20:04:04] Mydeas has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 20:04:18] Flubber has entered the room "CafePress Chat
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[2008.05.01 20:04:29] BrittaCP: Ok so we are out of time here. Looks
like we got through most of the questions that came in. We apologize if
we missed yours, many were repeats or we couldn't answer at this
moment. We hope we were able some of the major questions on your mind. Please
feel free to continue posting questions in the thread in Chit Chat.
[2008.05.01 20:04:47] BarbD has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 20:04:49] BrittaCP: I will open up the lobby for you to
continue chatting
[2008.05.01 20:05:01] babelfish: thanks!
[2008.05.01 20:05:02] Teesed: Thank you guys for taking the time!
[2008.05.01 20:05:02] LA has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 20:05:05] refinish69-Doing My Part For The...: Thanks
Marty, Angela and Britta
[2008.05.01 20:05:07] NiftyGaloot has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 20:05:09] jembie has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 20:05:17] jerseygirl: thanks for the info!
[2008.05.01 20:05:27] matisse: TAHNKS AGAIN FOR THE BULK TOOLS! CAN'T
WAIT TO USE THEM!
[2008.05.01 20:05:32] PurpleNurple has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 20:05:40] Bob100 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.05.01 20:05:40] ne1512BLVD: Thanks for the chat. Have a safe trip
home.