Web Site Upgrades

These past few months have been filled with research into how to upgrade my web site and get the most bang for my buck. There are so many thing to consider.

Online orders have been skyrocketing and my current site is a bit clunky. It only accepts PayPal or credit cards through PayPal, dealing with bulk purchase discounts is tough, the coupon codes (for me) are impossible to track, and it is terrible on any mobile devices or tablets.

I have come to believe that spending a little more for a streamlined system will pay off in the end with a better online order experience and hopefully even more online orders.

My first option was to keep what I have, and add on a payment gateway. This would mean I needed to add some security layers, and find a gateway and processor that I like. Possible: yes. Time Consuming: yes Expensive: Yes. I thought I had an option to use Authorize.net and not need a Secure Socket Layer, but I was wrong and tool two days and spent $50 on a non-refundable set up fee just to learn the whole thing won't work.

So then I explored all in one platforms. I started with Indiemade. Awesome platform. Easy to use. Looks great. Took a day and a half and started inputting inventory, got their payment gateway all set up with my bank, and then went to set up shipping options. Boom. Nope... no flat rate shipping options available. Can't offer free shipping either. Luckily they have a 30 day free trial so all this cost me was my time. At least I learned how important shipping is to me.

I sat with a friend and talked about other options. One she thought of didn't work out. She actually told me about them,. checked them out for me, and emailed to say not to bother all before I got home and had the time to check. Time saved is money earned.

Then I looked into PayPal pro. I could keep my site they way it is and this would add on a credit card gateway. But that wouldn't solve my clunky site, mobile issues, or coupon codes. 

Next was Shopify. This is what I am currently looking at. They have a 14 day free trial. I have put in some inventory items, checked out their shipping, and looked at their themes. It is a little more complex than the system I am using now (Wordpress running Market Theme), but with complexity comes more options. I think this is going to be the way I ultimately go. But I am not positive yet. I will let you know.

No matter what, look for a nicer site with better usability, more payment options, and an overall better experience in the near future!!

Lehigh Valley Garden, Pool, Patio and Flower Show

Come see the beautiful displays that our landscapers develop for this show!  You will be amazed at the amount of detail that goes into each exhibit!  Don't miss the baby ducks!!!  The landscapers, artisans, and vendors are ALWAYS willing to sit down and talk with show attendees and answer any questions you have.

Don't miss the speakers from: individuals, garden clubs, and various companies that will present topics of interest throughout the weekend - informative presentations for adults and children!

March 13-15
Friday 10am-8pm
Saturday 10am-7pm
Sunday 10am-5pm

Adults $9, children under 12 are free!
 

The Knitter's Edge Schedule Change

Well the weather isn't cooperating for Thursday night, instead I get a Saturday Afternoon, Whoo Hoo!

I hope this means more of you can come join me this Saturday March 7 from 1-3pm.
  
Official Release Party: The Knitter’s Edge, 1601 West Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA  This is a free event and you don’t have to be a knitter to attend. Come listen to me give a brief talk about my products, answer questions, and give away some samples. This will be your first opportunity to see and sniff the new 2015 line up!