What is your best internet buying experience?

[Kiwisapper]

I've been collecting for about 30years on and off and have had all sorts of experiences buying and trading badges. Some good and some bad, but the Internet has added a whole new dimension. I have had some shockers and have ended up with some absolute crud. On the other side I've also been incredibly lucky and found pure gold amongst the rusty restrikes and sand cast dross.

Interested in finding out what you want in an Internet badge site as I have just started my own one and want to make it for badge collectors, not to make me a millionaire!

Thoughts are all welcome.

Cheers

Rob
Anzacmilitaria.com
(I hope I'm allowed to put this on as a signature)

[Ian B]

Good day Rob,

First, I have to say that I have never had a bad experience with buying badges over the Internet. Some frustrations maybe, but nothing horrendous. Just lucky, I guess.

That being said, here are my opinions on things you might consider if you plan on selling on the web. And my apologies if this sounds like telling anyone how to suck eggs!

One, make it as easy as possible for your customers to pay. Look into setting up to take all forms of payment, credit card, PayPal and others. PayPal is great if the seller can take the money immediately. Otherwise I've found that "5-7 business days" to transfer funds from my bank to my PP account is too long (for me anyway...my patience ain't the best!). Understandable if the cost to pay for these services is more than you wish to spend.

Two, figure out a good return policy. Everyone can make a mistake. If a customer is not 100% satisfied...'cheerfully refunded' (although I've never encountered that problem as a buyer in all the years I've collected). Again, a no-brainer, but with some of the complaints posted on this forum, I think it bears repeating.

Lastly, it may take some effort, but really work at keeping your postage rates down. I really hate some sites that automatically calculate the shipping and handling to be added on to the finally payment, yet when you receive the parcel in the mail, you see that it cost the seller between a quarter and a half of what you actually paid.

So, those are my beefs when buying badges. To reemphasize, I don't want to sound condescending or superior, just suggesting these points to consider.

Good luck if you decide to set up shop on the web. I'll keep my eye open for your site, always looking for a bargain. Stay safe and have fun!

Ian

[Roy]

Hi Rob,

May I wish you the very best of luck with your new project. I did try to check out your site but was unable to access it My own website (more information that anything) is in the signature below, so I'm sure it is okay for you to add a link.

I would agree with everything Ian said, all good advice. I have rarely had a bad experience and overweeningly positive for the most part. In regards shipping - I have over 300 clients in over 25 countries and ship all my items worldwide at not cost (to the buyer). I do this just for simplicity when dealing with collectors who English is often not their native language, so the price you see is that you pay.

For insignia sites with a large inventory a search facility is key I think (some I visit don't have this). Also (and I know this sounds obvious) but decent photograph front and back. I'm surprised how many sites I visit often only have an image of the front of the badge.

I'm sure there are many more points but those come to mind.

Cheers and good luck,

Roy.

[Chacal]

Originally Posted by Roy

I did try to check out your site but was unable to access it.

Hi Rob

Same experience as Roy mate "This webpage is not available".

Look forward to seeing what you have to offer once the problem is resolved.

Regards

Graham

[4966Ian]

Hi Rob,

As the other members have said, I hope this doesn’t cause offence to you or anyone else who has a website. It is just my few ramblings on what makes a good dealer’s website.


1. A descent search option for you website.
2. Categories of items for sale (i.e. cap badges, collars, buttons and also which country they are from – e.g. UK, Canada, Australia etc.)
3. Date site last updated (Shows the site is ‘active’ and also acts as an alert that new items have been added.)
4. Good quality photographs – properly lit and trying to show as much detail as possible.
5. Photographs of front/back and if appropriate a side view.
6. Measurements (sizes) of the item.
7. Details of the Makers or Manufacturers mark. (I know this show up in the photograph, but some are so small that it may not be easily viewable and is therefore worth repeating in the description text)
8. Try and respond quickly to any queries or orders. There is nothing worse that coming across a new website and ordering something and get no response for days and you are left wondering what is going on.
9. I have put a link for the ‘Concept500’ websites (http://www.concept500.co.uk ) – which a lot of dealers appear to use. (I have no link to Concept500 other than I have used the Dealers websites that have been built using the Concept500). I believe it is quite expensive to use, but you have to take into account the website and software is supported and looks easy to use. If you have any problems with your website you can pass the problem onto Concept500 – whereas if you try and create your own site – you are on your own with support and issues. Obviously if you are website literate this is not relevant. A list of current customers can be found here. http://www.concept500.co.uk/tour6.php This will give you a good idea of what other dealers are doing.
10. Make it very clear on the website that an item has been sold. Some dealers remove a ‘sold’ item almost immediately from their website whilst others will leave it up for months. Most collectors like the latter as it is a good source of info and research. However, a lot of dealers will replace the price (“£45”) with “SOLD” so that piece of info is lost.
11. Lastly remember that these days a lot of people will be using tablets and phones to access your website – not just PCs – and your website will have to be compatible with most devices.


Sorry it was a bit a brain dump in the end but hope it gives you some pointers. I am always on the look out for new dealers – so I wish you good luck in your venture.

Best wishes

Ian

[Buck Rogers]

In reply to the original question, I've had the best experiences when buying from forum members. The odd time they've put in badges that I hadn't paid for as a "thank you" or a "here's another to get the collection going" and in one case, I didn't even have to buy anything (cheers again Roy!)

Regards your website: best of luck with it! Hope you can get the connection issues sorted.

[ubervamp]

Hi Rob

First just let me say good luck with your endeavour!
And kudos for inviting comments/suggestions from potential customers.
I've had some bad experiences on eBay due to the seller peddling fakes, but I suppose that cuts both ways - I should have been more knowledgeable, perhaps?
There some very good ideas posted above, and I endorse them all.

One thing I would like to emphasize is communication with the seller if I have any queries. Some, less "enlightened" sellers or dubious sellers refrain from answering my questions which always puts me off.
I've bought a lot of badges from SMM and Andy is always quick to reply, offering advice and knowledge, which in turn helps me buy with confidence.
For a "new"-ish collector like myself, such guidance is invaluable.
Good pics, reasonable delivery rates, good search options, etc are a prerequisite to a "good" shop, but a dedicated, conscientious, seller counts for a lot.

Buying from members has always been a good experience for me, but a shop, by definition, takes away some of the "rapport" you get from buying off other members of the Forum.

Practicalities (good, honest info; good pics, etc) I think combined with the sort of guidance, personal knowledge and candour offered by certain dealers like SMM you have a winner!

Good luck, mate

Cheers

Colin

[Tinto]

Hi Rob, and others,

Why re-invent the wheel? Why not use Andy's excellent site:

http://www.sellmymilitaria.com/

Good Luck,

Tinto

[Kiwisapper]

Thanks everyone for the replies, I'm at the other side of the world so only just got a chance to have a read.

These are all good points, the one I am especially concerned with is the shipping. I have personally paid twice the amount for shipping as I have for an item itself in the past, but that is probably more to do with living in Australia.

I have also had the issue of getting an item and finding that the shipping cost a quarter of what was charged but then the complaint is usually answered with "thats the handling part". I think getting it right will take a few weeks of levelling.

Maybe offering free shipping for orders over a certain size would be better.

I am keen on maintaining a good level of communications and to date I have added a personal note with each sale, something I am keen on doing again in the future...I'm sure my volume of sales will enable that!

As for re-inventing the wheel, well this is more for my own enjoyment rather than paying the deposit on my super-yacht so the wheel has been re-invented.

Thanks again for all of your comments. I have always found this forum a really fantastic repository of knowledge.

Regards

Rob

www.anzacmilitaria.com

P.S. If anyone fancies writing a blog about one of the badges on my site, I would happily post it.

[Tinto]

Hi Rob,
I've been to your site and it looks good.
All the Best,
John

[Roy]

Hi Rob,

I just wanted you to know that I also just checked out your news site and like it a lot - very nice indeed Rob. I will add it to my favorites

Good luck,

Roy.

[Buck Rogers]

Looking good mate!

[slick_mick]

Be very careful about using Anzac in your business name.

In Australia you need to seek permission to use it.

Mick

[rhodesianmilitaria]

I don't know whether you know this or if it affects you.

Without the authority of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs the word ANZAC is illegal to use in connection with any trade, business, calling or profession.

Protecting the word ANZAC

[Kiwisapper]

Thanks again for all the feedback.

I didn't realise that I couldn't use the word ANZAC.

I have had a look at your link Peter and it appears that I will have to apply to the DVA for dispensation to use it. It is just the website name at the moment and my company is called something else, so I don't know if that is breaking the rules or not.

This could well be my first serious bump in the road....although having served in both the NZ and Australian Armies, maybe I am entitled to use it to some degree?

Thanks again for the heads up.

Rob

www.anzacmilitaria.com

P.S. Anyone got any good ideas if I need to change the name?