Kinda spinoff- do websites keep you from buying dipes? - Page 2

[sparklemama]

I wonder how many WAHMs are right now adding the Search to their sites or enlarging their View Cart link??? LOL

I know it's not polite to say which WAHM sites y'all think are bad but I know as a WAHM I would very much want to know if my site was so hard to navigate that it was turning potential business away, kwim? But then again I don't want someone emailing me saying "your site sucks".

[Kari_mom]

I have left sites that are hard to figure out, have lots of miss-spelled words, or have poor pictures. I offer here and now to proof-read for any wahm who would like my services! Sometimes all you need is another set of eyes.

How much does a 'good' site cost anyway? I really have no idea.

[Juliacat]

Well, I have been passionately in lust with the Diaperaps web site for nearly a year now. I don't know what it is--the colors, the organization, the words? Every time I go there, I want to spend $300. So far, I've managed to keep it down to about $20 total but it's an effort.

A web design I really truly couldn't stand would turn me off to buying. But it's not all that important to me, not like price and customer service and selection. Also I have an obsolete web browser, so I don't expect everything to run perfectly, though it's nice when it does.

[nohomama]

Originally Posted by Lisadeanne

Whats with all the wahm scrutiny today?? I only lurk here occasionally and happened to pop in here today to find a lot of judgements. As a wahm on a budget I strive to et the best quality supplies I can for diaper making and that means I dont have a ton of $$ to dump into my website. I have a basic site that in my opinion is easy to navigate and gets the job done. I simply dont have the cash flow as a new wahm to have a fancy site. I also dont have time to learn all the html and coding to just do it myself. I have three girls that are my first priority. I find it very sad and disheartening to read all these posts with regard to leaving a site if its ugly or if it doesnt "WOW" you. I thought this forum was all about supporting wahms and building each other up, not tearing each other down.

I'm sorry you feel scrutinized and judged. I don't think that's anyone's intention.

WAHM businesses both big and small deservedly receive a lot of praise and attention here on this board. People discussing their experiences, opinions, and ideals as consumers of those WAHMs doesn't constitute some sort of backlash.

[Juliacat]

Well, that, and the most easily navigable sites also tend to be the easiest and least time-consuming to build.

[jentilla]

Originally Posted by danzarooni

So if you hated a site, would you tell the wahm or just let her figure it out on her own?

No, I think you can approach a WAHM in a gentle caring way. I did this once and it turned out really well. The WAHM was asking for help and I had been watching her and REALLY wanted to help b/c I knew she was really sweet and working hard. Her site looks much better now!

[boingo82]

If the site does not have the information I need to make a purchase, I won't. That includes size ranges. There is one Hyena brand whose site I dislike- TOO HARD to find size ranges and they don't list the fabric content of the diapers AT ALL! (*Actually that was true a week ago, but I see now she has added both of those*)

sites I really like:
www.peenutpants.com - so professional, the theme is consistent throughout the site.
Jessica's various sites, verybaby, diapershop, verymom, verydesigns - her look is very clean.
http://www.cherrybombbaby.com/
www.monkeysudz.com
www.northernessence.com
to name a few.

Bad site design annoys me but it has to be REALLY bad before I'll avoid the store altogether.

[Got_Cloth]

Originally Posted by Mrs Dimples

I will say I am more inclined to buy something if the site is well-done, the pictures are nice, easy-to-use, etc. I don't necessarily avoid or "boycott" sites that are kinda junky looking, but it doesn't really put one in the mood to buy, KY? The pictures especially. If that's all I have to go on, and the pic is fuzzy or wonky somehow, then it definitely gives me pause.

I have much more tolerance for WAHMs, especially if they are getting started or maybe not as "famous", because I know it would be hard to get a good looking site if you were on a tight budget, or didn't have connections (like a DH who is a computer programmer! )

ust have to giggle about the connections comment. I am a new wahm and have a tight budget. AND my hubby is a Computer programmer and webmaster and is getting ready to host web sites. But you ever hear the saying.... the cobblers children hae no shoes?? LOL I cant get hubby to work on a website for me or nothing!!! Not that i dont try but he is a busy man, and I dont have time to wait around for him LOL

I still think I made out nice with different types of connections LOL

[Got_Cloth]

Originally Posted by Kari_mom

I have left sites that are hard to figure out, have lots of miss-spelled words, or have poor pictures. I offer here and now to proof-read for any wahm who would like my services! Sometimes all you need is another set of eyes.

How much does a 'good' site cost anyway? I really have no idea.

I Know alot of the good sites can cost upwards of 500 bucks or double or tripple that for comnplete packages, which isnt that much, BUT if you are trying to buy supplies to get started. Then it is a TON. I started my business with ZERO debt. I refuse to go into debt to get started and i decided before i even started my business, that I would not go into debt so I will save up and buy more things as the money appears. I have been making diapers for about 18 months now, and i JUST got my serger about 3 months ago, and I think my snap press was just 4 months ago.
It is sad how I buy just enough snaps to work on my projects at hand, and keep a few extra for custom orders. and I DREAM of the day I can buy 5000 sets and not even blink. LOL

Starting a business costs alot of money, and when you are producing a product you have a TON of upfront overhead, as opposed to starting a biz with just services. HUbbys Hosting biz has only costs us the cost of the computers, which he got for 25 bucks a peice. I droppeddouble that in fabric at joannes just running in for some lilac flannel. ( I knew I was forgetting something, i never got it LOL)

[boingo82]

Originally Posted by Got_Cloth

ust have to giggle about the connections comment. I am a new wahm and have a tight budget. AND my hubby is a Computer programmer and webmaster and is getting ready to host web sites. But you ever hear the saying.... the cobblers children hae no shoes?? LOL I cant get hubby to work on a website for me or nothing!!! Not that i dont try but he is a busy man, and I dont have time to wait around for him LOL

I still think I made out nice with different types of connections LOL

Well you wouldn't know it. Your site is very cute.

[Got_Cloth]

Originally Posted by boingo82

Well you wouldn't know it. Your site is very cute.

Thanks, It was made by 2 MDC mamas. LOL one mama made my site, then I swticked hosting companies, and then another used alot of the graphics and made my new site LOL

I bet hubby is jealous LOL i keep talking about how WONDERFUL these wahm designers are LOL

[mommajubilee]

WAHM businesses both big and small deservedly receive a lot of praise and attention here on this board. People discussing their experiences, opinions, and ideals as consumers of those WAHMs doesn't constitute some sort of backlash.

:

i'm also somewhat critical of websites...not to the point of backlash, boycotting, nasty emails to the owner, etc etc. BUT, in the cloth diapering world - especially the small WAHM business - the website is the actual shop. it seems logical to me that the business owner should make a decent investment into their website, given that is the primary means of selling her product. i believe that a nice looking, streamlined, efficient site can be built for a moderate price. (dh is a web designer and i have learned how to do updates and basic design) just putting in my .02

[nohomama]

Originally Posted by boingo82

sites I really like:
www.peenutpants.com - so professional, the theme is consistent throughout the site.
Jessica's various sites, verybaby, diapershop, verymom, verydesigns - her look is very clean.
http://www.cherrybombbaby.com/
www.monkeysudz.com
www.northernessence.com
to name a few.

I looooove the Peenut Pants site. I go there often to drool over the fluff and the site. As you said, the theme is consistent throughout and the site is really easy to navigate.

I like the Cherry Bomb Baby site too. I'm just a fan of Andrea's overall though.

[Got_Cloth]

Originally Posted by mommajubilee

:

i'm also somewhat critical of websites...not to the point of backlash, boycotting, nasty emails to the owner, etc etc. BUT, in the cloth diapering world - especially the small WAHM business - the website is the actual shop. it seems logical to me that the business owner should make a decent investment into their website, given that is the primary means of selling her product. i believe that a nice looking, streamlined, efficient site can be built for a moderate price. (dh is a web designer and i have learned how to do updates and basic design) just putting in my .02

I agree with what you said but to be completely honest I sold alot more diapers before I had my professional website. I sold my diapers with my free crappy cut and paste geocities site. When I decided to invest more time into the biz and money, things got slow. If I would have put a "decent investment" into my website. I would have had a WONDERFUL website with no fabric to make the diapers. LOL I think most WAHM's dont actually venture into making diapers with intent to sell them. I figure right now I am paying my dues, and now that i am pretty happy with my webiste, just a few changes coming, I can invest more time into prefecting my website and advertising. Yet another expense LOL At least I am supprting my fabric addiction LOL

[pamelamama]

Originally Posted by amberb

I probably won't buy from a site that has a lot of spelling errors, or really bad pictures. That's my real pet peave!!

pet peeve.

[marnie]

Originally Posted by Juliacat

Well, that, and the most easily navigable sites also tend to be the easiest and least time-consuming to build.

i'd have to disagree. intelligent navigation is the trickiest part of web design. that it seems easy means it was done well.

[girlfactory]

Originally Posted by amberb

I like straight forward, easy to navigate sites. I may buy from a site that isn't easy to navigate, as long as I can find all the information about the product (size range, etc.).

I probably won't buy from a site that has a lot of spelling errors, or really bad pictures. That's my real pet peave!!

Main Entry: peeve
Pronunciation: 'pEv
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): peeved; peev·ing
Etymology: back-formation from peevish
: to make peevish or resentful : ANNOY
synonym see IRRITATE

So what you are saying, is that you can't spell either?

[amberb]

Originally Posted by pamelamama

pet peeve.

:LOL ........I was wondering if someone would notice that

[MissSugarKane]

Originally Posted by girlfactory

Main Entry: peeve
Pronunciation: 'pEv
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): peeved; peev·ing
Etymology: back-formation from peevish
: to make peevish or resentful : ANNOY
synonym see IRRITATE

So what you are saying, is that you can't spell either?

OMG Terri I have missed you :

[amberb]

Originally Posted by girlfactory

Main Entry: peeve
Pronunciation: 'pEv
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): peeved; peev·ing
Etymology: back-formation from peevish
: to make peevish or resentful : ANNOY
synonym see IRRITATE

So what you are saying, is that you can't spell either?

This is why I just lurk : I get my feelings hurt easily, even over the internet. Please see above post.

I wouldn't leave a site because of a few misspelled words. I meant a lot of typos. I'm sure I make them on my site, and hope someone would tell me..........nicely. I don't usually proofread my posts on forums, because I'm almost always naking. If I accidentally misspell something, I don't usually care