catalogue

[Andy c]

I'm thinking of making a off-line catalogue of all my products I sell or at least all the good sellers
but am struggling to find anything that will work
so first off can it be done if so is there a program out there than can use a csv file or work with zencart

thanks all

[pcbob]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for Andy but give it a try if it is

http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&products_id=276

[Andy c]

mmmmm will install and see ...only search catalogue there tbh ,so no wonder that never showed

thanks

[Andy c]

only given it a 10 min install and test ..looks like it could work and get quite a few on a page which is good with a picture

[donthidethem]

hi there andy,

I know that there are wordpress themes that give you the option of running either a live store or a enquiry store. Where people submit there details about a product rather than buying.

If that helps?

[Baa]

There are quite a few places you can have a catalogue printed fairly cheaply. Is that what you are after?

[Andy c]

it's more for personal use ,so printing it on my home pc is Ok ... As valentines day is arriving soon my wife is going to take it to work (she doesn't know it yet )and hopefully get some sales that way
I might take a copy to stores etc to show around ....anything to get some sales

[Andy c]

Thanks ..just what I was looking for .works great and I see it can be used as extra page for whatever you want

[Baa]

Years ago I started asking people to take a few items into their workplaces for me at intervals. Works a treat, so I'd recommend using your catalogue with a handful of items to prove the quality.

Without the items you will miss out on sales because people will want to buy things now and will easily clear off with a catalogue and not bother. (I've got that t-shirt in several colours!)

One of the best ways to sell something is to get it in their hands, showing them pictures doesn't give them an emotional buzz like the real thing will. With your various suppliers you can easily get hold of some portable items.

[Andy c]

OK will do , I have a 2 items from you & a few from the others so that will have to do for now

[scotserve]

OK
Here is something I have used in the past - Charities

Charities have collection days - you will see them in supermarkets, many will happily hand out leaflets or display products for you for a donation.
Create an affiliate account for them and its even better, one you are seen to be helping a charity and two you are increasing awareness with minimal outlay, both you and the charity benefit
Target specific trends, if jewellery then hearts for valentines, crosses for Christmas... etc. try to match up the promotion with something if not invent something.

You need to think out the box - even produce a CD catalogue of your products and hand them out - I dont agree with the "you can do it for nothing business" some sort of costs are involved in pushing and marketing always!!

There are several scripts available to produce a flash book of products - ready for download - or even just a PDF - but to do this you need people already on the website unless you market these products elsewhere.

 

[Baa]

OK will do , I have a 2 items from you & a few from the others so that will have to do for now

That's ideal.

Scotserve has some great advice there as well. We choose a charity for this kind of thing as well.

[Andy c]

Yes I would if I made enough money I more than likely would but the amounts I make are not worth much right now ..as it is it's baked beans on toast ..and I need donations lol

[Baa]

If funds are a problem you can piggyback with other businesses or share costs of printing and advertising.

You can get mentions in charity leaflets and events very easily, some will do it for a donation of stock or volunteer work.  It takes a lot of thought and some fortitude since most of the day to day end of the charity is not run by professionals or even with professional guidance but it's another avenue.