Help us Choose the Best Website Format

   / Help us Choose the Best Website Format #1  

sweettractors

Advertiser
Joined
Jul 19, 2003
Messages
7,507
Location
Central Kentucky
Tractor
JD 6403 CHA-JD 3130 CHA
We are in the process of updating our website and looking for input from you guys as potential buyers. We are basically looking at 2 formats. Option #1 would be to list all new and used attachments with prices,pics and description with free shipping included in the pricing within 1000 miles of our location. Keep in mind that Option #1 overcharges some and undercharges some. Option # 2 would be to list the attachments with pictures and description and prices without shipping included, then the buyer would need to call or email us for his exact shipping costs. Any other suggestions, tips or input would be greatly appreciated. Ken Sweet
 
   / Help us Choose the Best Website Format #2  
Ken,

At first blush, I like option #2. But is there an application that would allow for the automation of obtaining shipping costs? For example, the potential buyer supplies his/her zip code and the application returns shipping costs. There may be enough variation in shipping costs from week to week, etc. that this might not be applicable.

Good luck.

Steve
 
   / Help us Choose the Best Website Format #3  
Option 2, but use the system other sites use, where the buyer enters his zip code for shipping costs so it is known quickly.

Or change your shipping from 1000 miles to one determined by state or region.

Bruce
 
   / Help us Choose the Best Website Format #4  
Option 2.

Because I live so far away from major tractor equipment dealers (Alexandria, VA) I don't get a chance to "impulse buy". But I've found it's worth it to "swing by" when I'm on major trips to pick up things that are big (pallet forks, etc.) because I'm so cheap.

I'm actually thinking of "swinging by" your place, it's only 60 miles out of the way on my trip to Mississippi this summer.
 
   / Help us Choose the Best Website Format
  • Thread Starter
#5  
To get the very lowest rates for shipping that we are "famous" for on the net, we use 5 different freight brokers and manually run each one's software on each shipment. This takes us about 5-10 minutes and can only be performed when the office or email is staffed. A automated system is not available to do what we do. Ken Sweet
 
   / Help us Choose the Best Website Format #6  
To get the very lowest rates for shipping that we are "famous" for on the net, we use 5 different freight brokers and manually run each one's software on each shipment. This takes us about 5-10 minutes and can only be performed when the office or email is staffed. A automated system is not available to do what we do. Ken Sweet

With that said, I'd go option #2 and make it clear on the website why the need to contact you for shipping info. It's all in how you market it, and with a polished version of the above statement I doubt anyone would mind the extra step.
 
   / Help us Choose the Best Website Format #7  
Our company has chosen to go w. the freight up front option. It is true that some shipments cost more than what we charge, and others cost less. Keep in mind we ship out 800+ packages a day UPS and about 30-40 motor freight shipments a day. Because of our volume, we are able to utilize a logistics company that finds us the best freight carrier in terms of cost and time in transit for each shipment.

From my experience, if I'm shopping on the internet, I overlook most sites that I can't get a complete price without needing to contact them. There's nothing more annoying to me than a website that had items for sale on it, but no prices. Also, if I am price comparing, I need to be able to do that apples to apples, and having a complete price is necessary for that. So, I guess what I'm saying is I would vote for option #1.
 
   / Help us Choose the Best Website Format #8  
Ken,

I'm out here in North Idaho and I'd vote for option 2.

Thanks for asking for our input.

idaho2
 
   / Help us Choose the Best Website Format #9  
bcp said:
Option 2, but use the system other sites use, where the buyer enters his zip code for shipping costs so it is known quickly.

Or change your shipping from 1000 miles to one determined by state or region.

Bruce

Plus 1. I've been on your website and was interested in a piece of equipment but stopped looking when I couldn't quickly figure out the shipping since I live in another state. Thanks for asking.
RJ
 
 
 
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