Bike shop

**Ixion** · 30th May 2006, 17:20

You don't need barcodes. Not to do what we're talking about here. It's not a stock control system, it's not an ordering system.

In your shop system (doesn't matter what it is, I've coded them, sold them implemented them, they're like bikes, basically all the same , just a few extra bells or whistles), there will be a table that holds the descriptions of stuff. Like "Harley Davidson jacket Black size 60 ". And another table that holds the prices of stuff. And another table that holds the current stock on hand. (maybe colour and size are in separate tables). There'll be lots of other stuff, but that 's all you need. Nothing secret here, you don't even need to specify the part numbers (might be an idea for engine type stuff) .

Each night you copy that info into the web page.

Then I can let my mouse do the walking, when I'm interested in something. Go to your web page. Do a search on "jacket". Oh, that's a nice one. How much. Yeah I can afford that. And in my size too. Then I go in and see you and ask to try it on , and ask for a 50% discount and all the rest. Basically your website is doing your prospect qualification. If the jacket isn't what I'm interested in, or I can't afford it, I don't waste your time. If it is I'm already half sold. A hot prospect.

The technicalities are dead easy. if your web development people mumble or waffle, sack them. Oh, and security on a system like that is NOT an issue. You aren't taking orders on line, no credit card info or anything. Park the web server in a DMZ, you'll be doing that anyway, and it's not an issue at all.

**ManDownUnder** · 30th May 2006, 17:21

Originally Posted by imdying

Yeah, a decent scanner should read pretty much all of them. Hell a decent scanner you setup to purposely reject some types, which is great if you've got boxes with multiple ones on them!

Things have progressed since '98 then (surprise surprise!)

Cheers chap
MDU

**imdying** · 30th May 2006, 17:25

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

Things have progressed since '98 then (surprise surprise!)

Cheers chap
MDU

Yeah, I've got some flash guns here that'll read a barcode from 6 metres away (aimed with a laser pointer)

Ixion is quite right though, we're way off topic.

Just give your site a database, and rip (selected) info out of your inventory system nightly. Piece of piss... hell it should be essentially automated! Stick an email form on for out of towners to hassle you with, job accomplished with minimal effort. If your webstats counter things say you're getting mucho traffic, awesome, spend some more dosh and get online ordering. If not, keep it as a prospective sales tool

**Lou Girardin** · 30th May 2006, 17:26

The thing that hasn't been mentioned is the act of trying gear on. We sell more Spidi GT suits than any other jacket even though it's the most expensive. And it's when people try it on that it sells itself.
You can't do that on the web.

**Ixion** · 30th May 2006, 17:42

Correct, which is why you don't put in an on line ordering system. You just put the same information you'd give someone on the phone. If I ring you up and ask what suits have you got, sizes, prices etc, you'd tell me that over the phone (I hope). Then I come in , thinking yeah, well , maybe , maybe not. You do your sales pitch, I try it on, my wife/girlfriend/boyfriend faints with excitment at the sight of me in it , I buy it. You pocket the commission (and, knowing you, y'bastard, probably shaft the wife in the other changing room while I'm counting the change )

The website saves me the hassle of ring up bike shops, waiting while they answer the phone, being put on hold, find I'm speaking to the guy that cleans the toilets etc. And enables me to do all this in the evening when I have time to do it,and the shop is closed.

And it saves you answering a lot of phone calls, most of which don't lead to a sale. Leaving you more free time for boyfriend rogering.

A win-win situation (only the boyfriend doesn't win here)

**imdying** · 30th May 2006, 18:01

I think Ixion has pretty much covered it! Have a nice image to catch the readers eye 'Feel free to come in try this beauty on!'... the site will just be another tool, use it to coax them in! Not sure where you guys are situated, Wellington? Maybe it'll help pull in customers from further afield, up the coast?

In some ways, a site is just bait, get them hooked, let them browse, make them want to visit. Of course the better the bait...