[jackr]

I started building a new site for my guitar and gear sales. I'll add a bunch more products. (especially Breedloves)
http://www.cjrmusic.com/catalog/

You'll see that I have a statement like "75 worth of free stuff when you buy this guitar!" Because it is tough to get around "MAP" (minimum advertised price) that the manufactures set.

I understand it and it does protect me in a way, but why would someone buy online from me and not Guitar Center if we both have the same price? So the "free" stuff is basically just to get people to call. Once they do the free stuff is actually just a cash discount.

I could make it so that you can only see the price when you put it in the shopping cart.

I have a couple of resurrection on there. More details to come.

Let me know what you think so far or any suggestions.

[Lunchbox16]

Thanks jackr, for starting the thread. Just last night I started doing the same. I'm sure some folks in this forum might be interested in the small business I'm trying to launch. It's geared toward audiophile and people who want to have an organized music collection, but lack the time or patience.

http://sites.google.com/site/rockymountainflac/home

Any feedback is MUCH appreciated. (My main concern right now is pricing - what is reasonable?! What do folks here think is fair? What would you pay for this type of service?)

Cheers,
LBX

[tcsned]

jackr - can you get around the price by doing the "to see the low, low price add the item to your cart thing?" If so, that's probably not a bad way to go. When I got out of the music store thing the internets weren't as essential as they are now. Do you do SEO stuff for your site to make it pop up when people are searching not only your store name but the brands you sell? A couple of guys I play with own a store here in Blacksburg and they do really well with online sales - better than in store sales. They sell pretty high end stuff and do a few things to make the experience a lot more personal than folks like Musicians Friend do. Audio and video samples of actual instruments and a few other things. Dunno how much you want to focus on the online thing but I can pick their brains for you as to how they do so well in that market.

[jackr]

Yes I can do that "to see the low, low price add the item to your cart thing?" but I wonder if it is worthwhile. Someone can still go to another store and have them pull up my website and they will match my price. But I can do it and not break map policy I believe.

I also dont want to do that will all my items, it may not look good. Maybe I can run some specials. I've found that very few people buy guitars from me (even on ebay) without asking some questions first. At that point especially if they call I can start to build a relationship. When they call or email me I can give them a coupon code to get the discount. That way they cant shop a lower price.

I really enjoy when other players call me. I've met some great folks.

Yes I do the SEO thing and pay per click as well. I am reworking it now.