Featured Store: Cavy (from cafepress.com)

(Originally posted on May 29, 2003.)

Our first featured store in GreatGear is the Guinea Pig Stuff Store. Its shopkeeper is author/artist/college student Melissa, whose story follows.

I first heard about CafePress when a reader of my comics that are published in a pet magazine wrote and let me know that I could put my drawings on merchandise using a website called CafePress. There was already a small company selling the cartoons on shirts, but CafePress had a few other items at that time, including mousepads and mugs, so it sounded like a good idea. And the fact that it was free seemed almost too good to be true!

One day I decided to draw my guinea pig Clover, who had just passed away from an incurable, extended illness. I remembered her as a very sickly animal, so I drew her as her happy, hyper former self. This ballooned into drawing all of my guinea pigs in a similar fashion, and deciding to share them with others through a CafePress store. Most of my original cavy drawings depict at least one of the guinea pigs I have shared my life with. Every drawing must contain a flower, because all of my guinea pigs -- past and present--have been named after them!

I hope that my illustrations will remind customers of the love they had for their first pets. Whether or not you had a guinea pig, I'm sure you know all about the special feelings and adventures a child and a pet can share. I am also working on developing a children's book series based on these characters. The stories and illustrations are all very child-friendly, and I've been very honored to find out that at least one clock is in a children's classroom.

I'm enjoying the hobby and community feeling of belonging to both CafePress and GreatGear. GreatGear is a very beneficial group to belong to, because you will learn many tips on how to get people to visit your site and store. Members have even looked out for me by finding web stores similar to mine so that I can write and ask to swap links with them. You'll find that other small store owners often want to help you...and GreatGear is a good place to link up with them.

I'm a college student, majoring in English. I've had to take a little break from drawing guinea pigs due to school, but I hope to do more drawing this summer--hopefully some fall-related designs since so many of them are summer designs! I hope to continue being published in both writings and illustrations--but one day to actually get a salary from it. ;)

I'm a big fan of kids, and guinea pigs are something many children are familiar with, including having one in the classroom. If you would like to make a difference in the life of a child, you can visit Mentoring.org to find a mentoring program in your area.

An Evening With Maheesh -- part 2

(Part 2 of a chat transcript from June 2, 2003)

[Discussion has progressed to BOOKS]

CafePress Storeowners Forum: color will be later on in the year
jrotem: color ink
LPoindexter: Question: Will we be able to put B & W pictures inside the books?
jrotem: instead of just the cover
CafePress Storeowners Forum: color ink will happen, its just EXPENSIVE
CafePress Storeowners Forum: yes - b/w pics in books will work
jrotem: ok, its not a priority for m anyway. I'm really in for the shirts
LPoindexter: yay
LPoindexter: thanks
designsbyjennie: oh good.....that would work
jrotem: (my tier question?)
Nick Lilavois: any progress on colored shirts?
VitalDark: Question: Will there be a method to the directory so small/startup stores can stand a chance of being exposed to traffic?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: colored shirts - sort of
CafePress Storeowners Forum: :)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we are working with a few companies on it
cowsillfan: what do you mean sort of?? lol
PeterD555: sort of?
Lorilei363: What about Jean's tiers?
tshirtcountdown: what about making fulfillment easier for premium shops ;)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: no promises - we're always working on it in the background
dtdgoomba: so what questions are going, jean's teirs, colored shirts, directory
Nick Lilavois: sort of- as in pastels, but not dark?
jrotem: I'm shedding htem right now
CafePress Storeowners Forum: yes- smaller stores will have a better way to be found in the directory
designsbyjennie: aw Jean......:P
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the goal is black shirts
Lorilei363: urgh, Jean
CafePress Storeowners Forum: I'm hoping early next year
jrotem: great
Lorilei363: yay!
Lorilei363: HTML
CafePress Storeowners Forum: after books - one last big feature
dtdgoomba: cool, random product spotlight perhaps? (sliding an extra 1% of my profits under the table)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: sell your own stuff - non cafepress time
LPoindexter: What do you mean "last"?
tshirtcountdown: that would be really cool. Selling your own stuff.
cowsillfan: black would be great and I'd still love natural and more sleeve colors in baseball jerseys and ringer tees. I'm not demanding at all am I?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: you would ship your stuff at first - and then we'll open up fulfillment
VitalDark: Jean's Question: Tiers?...
CafePress Storeowners Forum: what was the q?
jrotem: Just call me "Tierful in L.A."
jrotem: well my tier question was already posted -- it was about the possibilty of lowering the tier threshold to even ot the playing field for those of us who used to get PSP adjustment and now probably won't at all
Nick Lilavois: ... or having the first 250$ still count in the % calc.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we can look into it - no promises
jrotem: $200?
Lorilei363: :)
jrotem: $150?
Lorilei363: :D
CafePress Storeowners Forum: $50? :)
Lorilei363: LOL
cowsillfan: LOL
jrotem: I mean I always saw the PSP as a nice surprise, didn;t count on it, esp since I ould never figure it out
tacomagofiend: ditto
jrotem: but now it just feels...discouraging
CafePress Storeowners Forum: does anybody want pet products?
jrotem: if it were lowered I would feel more initiative
cowsillfan: Me too Jean but it was often a nice surprise - not I figure it'll be $2. lol
CafePress Storeowners Forum: dog tees?
tacomagofiend: pet products? like... doggie sweaters?
tshirtcountdown: Jean, it's not too much of a difference. Actually less items. Before you had to sell 20 t-shirts, now you just have to sell 18
CafePress Storeowners Forum: doggie placemats
tshirtcountdown: A question from Nick was a good one
Lorilei363: doggie HTML
designsbyjennie: lol.......that would be cute. I know Cassie would
jrotem: initiative, that is. To sell more, But if there's no chance....you see the difference?
cowsillfan: But you only get it on the amount OVER 18; you used to get it on all 20 and the discount is less now.
dtdgoomba: maybe i've missed the forums for a bit working, and I'll catch up soon, but is someone going to provide instructions on making skins for basic stores? and if we're accepted, we get a coupon, or only 2.5% taken from it.. ;)
tshirtcountdown: Is it possible to make the first $250 count as well? That has been a question from many shop owners
Nick Lilavois: Another question from nick- how about more large sizes for shirts?
jrotem: I;ve been hoping for pet bowls for a while -
cowsillfan: I don't see dog tees as a big selller for us but I bet the pet stores would like them.
(inkspotts left)
jrotem: just bowls, a large and a small
CafePress Storeowners Forum: more large sizes?
dtdgoomba: like for tall people?
tshirtcountdown: I guess Nicks question ties in with Jean's question
(inkspotts joined)
Lorilei363: yes
VitalDark: large sizes would be great
Nick Lilavois: larger shirts as options- many of the shirt products run small, and don't have XL or XXL.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: I think we offer the largest that's available
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the baby tees etc are junior products
dtdgoomba: yes, you're catering to America, we're not a starving nation
CafePress Storeowners Forum: no huge sizes
jrotem: Ah yes -- the $250 threshold as counting for the shirts up to that amount, the discount kicks in once you hit 250 -- thats a possibility too
tacomagofiend: i bet larger sizes would sell
designsbyjennie: me too......most of my orders are for the large sizes
dtdgoomba: XL, XXL, SuperSize for $0.59 more
Nick Lilavois: ...and a side of fries. ;)
tshirtcountdown: The bottom tier question is still outstanding :)
dtdgoomba: and if anyone can let me know after if my basic 'skins' was answered in the forums, i'll go check later
tshirtcountdown: Maybe the bottom tier could be 3% or 2%
jrotem: or 5% :-)
Nick Lilavois: and have the tier percentage calculate over the whole amount, including the lower tier limits.
tshirtcountdown: Maheesh?
tacomagofiend: {-- not so interested in doggie products; but black colored apparel would be kewl. (how would you do white ink tho?)
cowsillfan: Yes, nothing on the first $250 is a major hit
Nick Lilavois: I don't think many dogs can use the internet. :)
designsbyjennie: lol.....no....but people who think their dogs are their children do
jrotem: Guys...slow down....
tshirtcountdown: I think we're making the questions harder to answer again
jrotem: we have dogs in black tees paying %5 markup on sales over $250...
designsbyjennie: {-------shutting up
Nick Lilavois: ok- maybe we should just focus on the tiers.
tshirtcountdown: Maheesh is back now :)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: bottom tier q? please clarify
jrotem: you mean he missed the fun?
jrotem: Nick's question
tacomagofiend: .0
Nick Lilavois: as it stands now, when we hit the level over $250, the $250 is not included in the percent calculation.
tacomagofiend: arggg wrong window again, sorry... trying to work
*
jrotem: thanks, Maheesh
(foxvox joined)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: actually - the incentive is really to sell more and not meet a set goal of $20
tacomagofiend: 2.5%... that'd make me happier
jrotem: in answer to your quesiton -- you might have missed this-- pet bowls, large and small, would be good
CafePress Storeowners Forum: stairstepping is kinda true incentive
CafePress Storeowners Forum: cool - working on pets
CafePress Storeowners Forum: nugget is happy
jrotem: So are Kibi amd Joey
CafePress Storeowners Forum: :)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: visors coming back next week
CafePress Storeowners Forum: really nice ones this year
cowsillfan: how about bucket hats??
CafePress Storeowners Forum: cotten
CafePress Storeowners Forum: cotton
CafePress Storeowners Forum: bucket hats are in progress as well
cowsillfan: cool! I love mine and wear it all the time.
PeterD555: cool
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we're redesigning the black hat - trying to get rid of the patch
CafePress Storeowners Forum: should be in time for back to school\
Nick Lilavois: what other things are asked for often- how about printing on sleeves?
tshirtcountdown: Neeley wanted to add that as it is, there is little incentive to sell more, since the missing bottom tier makes the amount so insignificant
CafePress Storeowners Forum: also new non patch bags
cowsillfan: that would be awesome!
PeterD555: oh that is good too.
tacomagofiend: you mentioned black tee shirts... would white ink be printable on black?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we're actualling custom making all these
CafePress Storeowners Forum: keeping the designers busy
PeterD555: cool.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: its tough to say how black shirts will eventually work out
cowsillfan: I agree with Neely. I used to be interested in PSP - now I don't think I will be at all.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: there are four or five ways we are looking at the problem
dtdgoomba: I got a question, someone put me in the queue
(opalcat joined)
cowsillfan: I hope you can work something out.
(hawkeyes1000 left)
opalcat: I just got home
VitalDark: Question: Would colored shirts that could ONLY have black printing be an option? It would be a nice, but limited addition.
LPoindexter: I agree with, I just barely sell $250
Lorilei363: Whose Q is next?
tshirtcountdown: Ok...let's let Maheesh finish up his 5 point plan, then go to Tony and Vital
CafePress Storeowners Forum: actually - i gotta go soon
CafePress Storeowners Forum: so rapid fire question time
(jrotem joined)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: 10 minutes
Nick Lilavois: sleeve printing?
jrotem: sorry -- disconnected
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we can always do this again
dtdgoomba: photo prints: 3x5, 4x6, etc etc... i use someone else and want to use CP for all of it
tshirtcountdown: Ok, Tony's question is out there
CafePress Storeowners Forum: photo prints - you don't really sell them so they don't fit in our model
CafePress Storeowners Forum: most people don't sell them
opalcat: yeah I don't see photo prints as really fitting in
tshirtcountdown: Dano's question fits in with Maheesh's 5 ways of colored shirts
LPoindexter: Nick asked about sleeve printing
tshirtcountdown: Care to elaborate on your 5 ways, then we'll go to Nicks question on sleeves?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: probably not on the sleeves - they are a pain in the butt to do straight
dtdgoomba: really? hmm, ok. damnz
CafePress Storeowners Forum: lost of crookeds
designsbyjennie: I'm next
CafePress Storeowners Forum: go for it
*

Lorilei got Ezboard freeze again. Will try to find missing parts.

opalcat:: I know that most things are high quality, but when they're bad... they're *bad* and it's hard to see how they get through that way
jrotem: shirts have been outstanding, btw
CafePress Storeowners Forum: production time is now down to 4 hours
jrotem: ceramics are a big problem
CafePress Storeowners Forum: in general, items are shipped in same day or next on all orders
tshirtcountdown: Opalcat pretty much summed it up
CafePress Storeowners Forum: outside of the weekend
CafePress Storeowners Forum: so production time is quick
jrotem: yes thats been great
Nick Lilavois: does anyone review and reject?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: QA really comes into a few distinct areas
CafePress Storeowners Forum: 1) ceramics
opalcat: it would help if we knew exactly what the QC WAS
CafePress Storeowners Forum: ceramics are.... a pain to be honest
opalcat: I mean what the policy/procedure is
tshirtcountdown: Let's let him finish
CafePress Storeowners Forum: color matching is not perfect
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we are putting more QA in place
CafePress Storeowners Forum: working with ink vendors
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we have a team of designers at production who work to color match mugs etc that don't come out correct
*
dtdgoomba: related: (maybe this was in the boards too) how does greyscale print green, i noticed that a few times but didn't understand it. posters, ceramics, etc.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: and its hard to look at each and every mug objectively after seeing a thousand already
CafePress Storeowners Forum: its the problem with all QA
(greetables left)
dtdgoomba: if it was answered, i'll find it, i won't take up more time
CafePress Storeowners Forum: greyscale to green - weakness of sublimation. we're working on it
opalcat: yea but still... like I had a very simple red and green line drawing that printed on a tshirt with black spots all over it :X it was an odd problem and had me scratching my head as to how it got through
cowsillfan: I try to avoid greyscale because it always seems to be green though I've had it purple sometimes.
dtdgoomba: make it purple, it should come out grey then......
CafePress Storeowners Forum: in general- quality is waaaay up since we restructured our facilitiy about a month ago
dtdgoomba: sorry...
jrotem: maybe b/c it;s based on RGB instead of true grayscale?
opalcat: I think it would probably be a good idea to post a quick synopsis somewhere of what the production process is so we know... (ie, person X pritns out something and takes it to person Z or whatever...)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: and i continues to be top of list
opalcat: it would help us understand I think
CafePress Storeowners Forum: not really
CafePress Storeowners Forum: ok - 10 minutes are up
opalcat: I think that when quality issues come up, we all start thinking that it's a room full of drunk orangutans with blindfolds on ;D
CafePress Storeowners Forum: elvis is leaving the building
opalcat: (rare but you know)
tacomagofiend: off topic; ignore at will... i saw an ad for a Japanese inkjet printer that prints on cloth; at $10,000 it's too much for me, but might it help CP?
dtdgoomba: then i'm obviously missing the monkey party...
VitalDark: Thank you for your time Maheesh.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: thanks for taking the time to chat with us
CafePress Storeowners Forum: me
CafePress Storeowners Forum: and nugget
cowsillfan: Thanks for doing this Maheesh
Bradley W Schenck: Orangutans with an oddly greenish cast
jrotem: Maheesh thanks for joining us
tacomagofiend: thanks much :-)
dtdgoomba: thanks for taking the time
jrotem: being brave enough!
CafePress Storeowners Forum: email if you have q's
tshirtcountdown: Thanks for trying to field a chatroom of questions Maheesh
opalcat: the orangutans take over the CP building from time to time it seems
CafePress Storeowners Forum: i have a bunch i need to answer
foxvox: thanks a bunch!
CafePress Storeowners Forum: sorry for the delay
CafePress Storeowners Forum: mjain@cafepress.com
Lorilei363: Good night, Maheesh :)
LPoindexter: thanks maheesh
jrotem: i just emailed y9u at mahessh@
jrotem: will that work?
foxvox: Thanks to Rodney for being moderator as well, and to Lorilei for organizing.
cowsillfan: you have mine Maheesh
(CafePress Storeowners Forum left)

[After Maheesh's departure, the chat becomes more informal.]

VitalDark: Yah - thanks Rod and Lori!
jrotem: rats
Lorilei363: :)
Bradley W Schenck: You don't get to speed type "orangutan" that often
cowsillfan: yep .. thanks to all.
jrotem: thankee thankee
LPoindexter: Lorilei-I can copy and paste the parts of the chat you missed if no one else is
Lorilei363: Everyone take a bow
dtdgoomba: ok now we tell people in the forums that we heard CP is taking 10% right?
opalcat: maybe YOU don't
VitalDark: LMAO Bradley...
tacomagofiend: muchas gracias, Rod & Lori
Lorilei363: Thanks, Lauren
jrotem: Maheesh left...the organgutans were barking
cowsillfan: I'm still cynical but ... lol
opalcat: but some of us speed type orangutan many times every day
designsbyjennie: hmmmmm
Lorilei363: I did miss bits and pieces
Bradley W Schenck: Ah, the few, the proud, the primatologists
opalcat: I got stuck at the store until just at the end :(
opalcat: phooey
Lorilei363: You all definitely need help...
Lorilei363: LOL
jrotem: it's all goodall ;-)
Lorilei363: boo!
Lorilei363: :P
VitalDark: Jean.... [groan].......
PeterD555: :P
opalcat: ...baby orangutans are fuzzy....
foxvox: jean, jean. jean...
opalcat: ...mmmm....fuzzy.....
Lorilei363: fuzzy and green
jrotem: geez i;m getting raspberries from ppl i dont even know!
Lorilei363: Heehee
tshirtcountdown: ok all...I'm off to play with my baby daughter...I have a copy of the chat if anyone wants it
tacomagofiend: I came in late, but if i get the gist... the 5% transaction fee is meant to be a price increase?
jrotem: they're my opposabl-ition
jrotem: ?
tshirtcountdown: just send me your CafeCash and a 5% transaction fee
Lorilei363: Are you the Pete who says wear your art on your sleeves?
VitalDark: Thanks Rodney...
tacomagofiend: yes i'ld like a copy, pls
cowsillfan: Yeah right Rodney!
tshirtcountdown: hehe
tshirtcountdown: ok...I can send it for free
VitalDark: what's 5% of nothing?
tshirtcountdown: Just email me at rcircler@yahoo.com
PeterD555: Yes!
jrotem: i'll send it but will tack on a 15% transaction fee
tshirtcountdown: and I'll send you chatwithMaheesh.txt
tacomagofiend: thanks
jrotem: on cd?
VitalDark: in new book format?
VitalDark: wait - that'll take a while
opalcat: someone send me the log also?
jrotem: you can mark it up to $500
tshirtcountdown: LOL...I should upload it as a data CD and sell it in the forums!
VitalDark: do I get referral if I do Jean?
jrotem: that's what I said -- copyright!!!!
(inkspotts left)
PeterD555: lol
cowsillfan: That'll offset the 5% and new tiers thing Rodney. lol
tshirtcountdown: bye all
(tshirtcountdown left)

After Rodney's Depature, chat degrades a bit more.

dtdgoomba: if you sell 20 copies of the log, you move up the tier
jrotem: oh my its like the substitute teacher just left the room
dtdgoomba: (paper airplane thrown)
jrotem: i wonder what mischief Kritsen's planning..
PeterD555: flying disc.
jrotem: kisten
foxvox: A food fight! {g} (dinner's almost ready in the kitchen now)
foxvox: LOL
PeterD555: custom designed flying disc of course.
LPoindexter: Good night everyone
jrotem: I just put a "kick me" post-it on Lorilei
LPoindexter: ttyl
LPoindexter: bye
Lorilei363: :(
LPoindexter: bye
foxvox: Bye Lauren
dtdgoomba: so what do people think of the explanation of the 5%, has anyone changed their opinions on anything?
jrotem: she'll say its redundant, I know...
jrotem: Bye Lauren!
(LPoindexter left)
foxvox: I missed it - will have to read the transcript
Lorilei363: Do NOT abuse Lorilei
Lorilei363: She gets that at the CP board
(inkspotts joined)
cowsillfan: I'm still not thrilled with it all myself. I feel vaguely like I'm being punished. lol
jrotem: it was very nice PR but I'm not sure it changed anything.. we'll see
tacomagofiend: I'm not too thrilled by the 5%; but i guess it's fair enough, if i grasp the basic idea
VitalDark: 5% didn't quite shock me as bad as others. But, I'm always the oddball.
Bradley W Schenck: 5%: I haven't changed my opinion and I didn't see what I'd call "discussion"
designsbyjennie: <-----not happy with it at all.....but oh well
designsbyjennie: me either Bradley
jrotem: and OpalCat has a chimp on her shoulder
Lorilei363: I still want questions posted
cowsillfan: I still don't think it's fair. If their costs have gone up raise the base pricess. If they haven't charge those who are costing more in credit card fees not all of us.
Nick Lilavois: new people who sign up for CafePress won't even know these things were an issue.
foxvox: Maybe they should consider NOT selling things like bumper stickers if it's such trouble.
PeterD555: I posted one Lorilei.
Bradley W Schenck: ...funny though, the PSP chages, poster price hike and no PSP on sales below $250 will hurt me more. But I'm not yelling about them.
Lorilei363: I promised Maheesh I would email him a list of our other questions
designsbyjennie: I never made enough to qualify for PSP
cowsillfan: I don't like them either but PSP was always "surprise" $$ so it's not as readily seen by me anyway.
PeterD555: Thanks Lorilei
Bradley W Schenck: oooh, I'm redundant, as well as repeating myself
jrotem: Bradley what were your main concerns then
jrotem: and saying the same things
Lorilei363: I'm having deja vu
PeterD555: reduntantly redundant.
designsbyjennie: I'll brb
Bradley W Schenck: I sort of figure PSP was a voluntary bonus on their part and my argument against it is "I don't like it", which isn't much of an argument
dtdgoomba: i only bought a lot as bulk for a cancer cause and a school group, so I got my money that way for it, sent it as the gift item like people do. i haven't had anyone buy through my store itself really
cowsillfan: I just feel like we were hit with a triple whammy is all. Mostly I think it could have been presented better and it wouldn't have caused as much of a stir.
jrotem: you're pretty new, tho, Ton'
jrotem: it takes a while
dtdgoomba: yep, definitely. I had dreams of mountains of money by now, unrealistic?
jrotem: Vicky, the first thing I wrote in my letter was "better communication"
Lorilei363: a bit...
dtdgoomba: and Ton' is gonna be popular isn't it.. ;)
VitalDark: no Tony... it's the internet - you'll have millions by morning.
jrotem: LOL
dtdgoomba: i came out of school to a dot com for 6 months, i was positive flash design was big
Bradley W Schenck: The PSP changes are them changing their price. But the 5% is charged TWICE on smaller commissions if, like they say, they figured those costs in for items' base pries (assuming small markups)
Nick Lilavois: and it will be gone by the afternoon. ;)
dtdgoomba: ha
PeterD555: only if you respond to the email by midnight.
cowsillfan: I agree Bradley .. PSP was nice but I didn't expect it. I got the impression that Maheesh doesn't get why we don't like the new tiers though .. I wanted to ask him had he done the math for a typical store that doesn't sell thousands of $$ a month.
jrotem: or you would have but now there's these fees and tiers...
opalcat: the new tiers would be ok if reaching them just "qualified" you for the discount
opalcat: rather than just applying to the sales above that point
Nick Lilavois: yep.
cowsillfan: Yes I agree with that one
dtdgoomba: i would complain about the tiers, but i've been selling stickers for $100 a piece so... seriously, i do agree with that though
VitalDark: you have been? you suck tony!
cowsillfan: Okay who here has been selling $100 stickers?? lol
VitalDark: lol!
Bradley W Schenck: The nice thing about $100 stickers is you really only need to sell ONE :).
jrotem: Tony!
VitalDark: Get 'im!!!
dtdgoomba: hahaha, totally kidding
opalcat: not me. My stickers are all $199.95
dtdgoomba: that'd be funny though
tacomagofiend: probably the stickers, low ticket items... probably offering those was a mistake... though nice as an add-on i guess
VitalDark: (don't bet on it buddy)
VitalDark: : )
tacomagofiend: i like the bumper stickers tho
jrotem: i never cared about them, i thought they were dumb
jrotem: (well i did!)
(inkspotts left)
cowsillfan: I still would rather they dropped the items they can't make $ on and concentrate on the ones they can and leave me with 100% of my markup! lol
dtdgoomba: it's ok.. hey dan, how'd your frame prints actually turn out, i was gonna try that option out with some of my photos since CP won't do prints
PeterD555: some people have used them to collect dues etc. and the sticker being proof you paid.
Lorilei363: [smacks Tony with a wet noodle]
dtdgoomba: i'm italian, i eat noodles
VitalDark: framed prints are fantastic!
Lorilei363: true
Lorilei363: I want one
tacomagofiend: oh! i'd never have thought of using them to collect dues or whatever, entry fees
jrotem: in that case it's more cost-effective to go a printer and make sticker Lorilei363: and a pony
VitalDark: they're selling ponies now?
cowsillfan: I've only used stickers as giveaways - I think we've sold less than 10 of them (probably more like 5) to real customers.
jrotem: Lor's noodles are wt, tho, not al dente
Lorilei363: :)
dtdgoomba: it'd be funny if people now saw this idea of using them as entry fees and started doing that more
jrotem: wet
opalcat: I wish they'd sell ponies
jrotem: not orangutans?
PeterD555: lol
dtdgoomba: true, but i've been po', i'll take wet noodles too
Nick Lilavois: the grey ponies turn out green.
opalcat: my anti-fur designs would look awesome on a pony
PeterD555: I want a pony too.
VitalDark: nick.. LMAO!
jrotem: maye htey'll have pony bowls
VitalDark: and the ponies come out crooked.
PeterD555: lol
designsbyjennie: good grief.....lol
Lorilei363: pony tees
opalcat: the hooves come out lopsided and washed out
cowsillfan: lol
VitalDark: hang on guys... the pony is barking.
designsbyjennie: lmao
tacomagofiend: rotfl
jrotem: not anymore -- they can see them on a SCREEN
Lorilei363: It's really hard
Lorilei363: Bilingual pony
designsbyjennie: unreal
jrotem: who is PeterD555?
PeterD555: no no you design the sadle.
designsbyjennie: It's Pete from Inspired Witness
VitalDark: ooohhhh... the saddle....
PeterD555: Pete
dtdgoomba: maybe they should straighten the screen out
jrotem: f18
PeterD555: yeah what jen said.
jrotem: the pony had to do his thing
Lorilei363: urgh
Lorilei363: flat screen monitors...
dtdgoomba: they probably thought it matched, the screen was just crooked
PeterD555: Yes f18pete
cowsillfan: Bottom line, is anyone planning to close up shop?? Anyone tried the competition? - sorry to get back on topic. lol
jrotem: and the pony looked just like an orangutan on the screen
Bradley W Schenck: Hey, we missed our chance for 398 of us to ask him about address tiles
VitalDark: CP is still best option for me.... 5% couldn't possibly be a breaking point.
jrotem: well, my license frame is sort of fading...anyone else's?
dtdgoomba: i don't even know the competition besides zazzle, which people complain here about. i'm a rookie
PeterD555: not closing shop will just be much less decorated without basic shops html :(
cowsillfan: Mine's still okay but it's not super sun exposed on my van.
jrotem: I once asked about ArtApart who does t-shirts
tacomagofiend: i've been too lazy to check the competition; but i'll be keeping my eyes open
Lorilei363: I know several people threatened to quit, and a think a few have
Nick Lilavois: I am going to open a zazzle in addition to my cafepress shop.
cowsillfan: I'm going to order a shirt or 2 from zazzle.
jrotem: Vicky have you looked at ArtApart?
Lorilei363: Ask Rodney about Zazzle shirts
cowsillfan: Just looked - I haven't tried them.
jrotem: or Fricka
Nick Lilavois: I used to have a 99dogs, but I don't think highly of them.
VitalDark: as business people you should have multiple options. I'd hate to think of doing EVERYTHING via CP (or any one other company)
opalcat: anyone tried a black shirt from artapart?
cowsillfan: Has he gotten one since they really opened Lorilei? I notice they have 2 different kinds of shirts now.
jrotem: or anyting from them?
dtdgoomba: so there is zazzle, artapart..... i do want to say that I ordered shirts from CP I designed for a girl whose mother died of cancer. i touched up a photo etc, and I was told that CP did a fantastic job
Lorilei363: I'm not sure
cowsillfan: I TRIED to open a 99dogs store once and ran away screaming .. lol
opalcat: 99dogs is chaos
Lorilei363: 999,999dogs
Lorilei363: LOL
jrotem: i got some stuff today -- all 100%
jrotem: one is a tile that came out fine! (from Lorilei)
foxvox: I got two briefcases and a t-shirt today that I was very happy with (from cp)
Lorilei363: :)
VitalDark: ...on the wall....
jrotem: the shirts were great (Dano my MOT wit the big 18 came out awesome even tho it was all one color)
VitalDark: Excellent - that was one of my faves Jean....
jrotem: so thaks for your input
cowsillfan: I do still like Cafepress. I'll probably raise my prices to cover the 5% (raise them like 8% or so) and stay where I am for now but order a shirt or two from zazzle and maybe Art Apart - just to see.
VitalDark: my pleasure.
jrotem: now i need a model for it...
VitalDark: I hear Jennie models...
cowsillfan: You need a jock for that one.
Lorilei363: I think Dano should model it
jrotem: i need a cut young guy
designsbyjennie: me too......Dano
dtdgoomba: another aside: anyone here do actual photos and not just the framed prints?
jrotem: cute
VitalDark: ganging up on me!
cowsillfan: you mean sell prints? no
jrotem: ah who can resist
foxvox: :-)
Lorilei363: Hey, Tony could model them
VitalDark: Yo Tony... yah... him!
Lorilei363: He's in his 20s
dtdgoomba: italian stallion charges 5%
designsbyjennie: <-----hasn't seen Tony.....is he a cut young guy?
tacomagofiend: naw, no photos... would you trust the QC?
cowsillfan: Some of our products are from actual photos - we don't even do framed prints though .. just shirts and posters and stuff.
Lorilei363: We'll fax you a donut
jrotem: yeah tony i'm not sure i understand the difference -- you mean chemically-processed photos as opposed to prints?
Lorilei363: or some CafeCash
dtdgoomba: i mean, like you order from ofoto, dotphoto, etc
dtdgoomba: but use an interface to sell besides paypal
cowsillfan: Not to sell nope
jrotem: not familiar
jrotem: I just got o a photo lab or do digi
cowsillfan: I use ofoto all the time for my own stuff but don't resell it.
dtdgoomba: yeah, i've had people interested in photos, and wanted to have someone take care of the interfacing.. dotphoto does it
jrotem: so is the difference between that ans what CP does the process?
foxvox: I've used shutterfly.com for photos before - very nice.
dtdgoomba: but does a blanket price on things
dtdgoomba: it lets you set like a cost per size
dtdgoomba: so you can have people order your photos you upload
jrotem: and you can sell one at a time?
tacomagofiend: hmm, is the lack of HTML on new basic stores going to prompt anyone to try a scripting package? (Marty's, maybe?)
Lorilei363: Guys, I'll be back on in a while, but I need to go for a bit. Be good, and clean up after yourselves. Dishes in the dishwasher...
dtdgoomba: but their search engine and organization is awful
(Nick Lilavois left)
jrotem: lots of us use CPShop
PeterD555: lol
VitalDark: kay mom....
Lorilei363: :)
Lorilei363: I'll see you...
cowsillfan: I use a premium shop right now but if I open the shop I'm planning in the future I'll probably use CPShop for that one
cowsillfan: bye!!
jrotem: but our basic shops can't redirect ot them anymore
dtdgoomba: yeah, jrotem, you can just upload a photo, people can check it out, pick a size they want, and they order it....

[Informal chat continued.]

An Evening with Maheesh - part 1 of a GreatGear chat transcript, June 2, 2003

(Part 1)

(CafePress Storeowners Forum joined)
Lorilei363: Hi, Maheesh
(tshirtcountdown joined)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: hey all
Lorilei363: Hi, Rodney
tshirtcountdown: hi
designsbyjennie: I'm back
PeterD555: welcome.
Lorilei363: Hi, Jennie
designsbyjennie: Hi Lorilei
PeterD555: and welcome back Jennie
designsbyjennie: ty Pete
Lorilei363: I'm not sure everyone knows everyone...
(dtdgoomba joined)
Lorilei363: Neeley!
Lorilei363: Tony
dtdgoomba: Allo dare
Lorilei363: I guess that means hello
Lorilei363: I hope...
designsbyjennie: lol
(inkspotts left)
PeterD555: lol
designsbyjennie: I think it's hello there
dtdgoomba: yeah, hello there ... kinda like einstein would say
Lorilei363: yep
(VitalDark joined)
Lorilei363: Okay
designsbyjennie: Hi Dano
VitalDark: Hi mouseketeers
(Bradley W Schenck left)
(inkspotts joined)
VitalDark: Hi J
designsbyjennie: lol
dtdgoomba: 12 hour day, head is out of it ;) hello all
designsbyjennie: Hi Tony
VitalDark: goomba
dtdgoomba: hey dan
(Bradley W Schenck joined)
(Lorilei363 left)
VitalDark: Hey Bradley
VitalDark: lol.... this is fun
dtdgoomba: everyone leavin and joinin huh
designsbyjennie: lol.......looks like it
Bradley W Schenck: Hey! Chat window went wonly (tm) and I ad to dive out for a sec
PeterD555: or getting dropped.
designsbyjennie: wonly?
(Lorilei363 joined)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: ready to go?
dtdgoomba: i like that you trademarked it
Lorilei363: I hope so
Bradley W Schenck: err, wonky. TM.
VitalDark: roger-that all systems ready
designsbyjennie: <----always ready
Lorilei363: Anyone want to go first?
dtdgoomba: roger roger
CafePress Storeowners Forum: I have about 15 minutes - so go for it. Don't hurt me
VitalDark: [winky]
PeterD555: Behave Jen
dtdgoomba: sweeet, speedposting
Lorilei363: heehee ;)
PeterD555: ;)
designsbyjennie: lol
tshirtcountdown: who has the first question?
dtdgoomba: I got one, i'll repeat what someone else asked...
designsbyjennie: can we ditch the 5% transaction fee?
VitalDark: Dano has low-priority questions
dtdgoomba: Why can't we just charge people that over-markup their stores
dtdgoomba: instead of everyone
Lorilei363: Jennie...
designsbyjennie: yes?
Lorilei363: just recognizing your 1st Q
designsbyjennie: oh....lol.......I thought I was getting yelled at
Lorilei363: no :)
designsbyjennie: whew
Bradley W Schenck: Is this a semi-moderated chat?
(cowsillfan joined)
dtdgoomba: i think so, i know how this works.. (raising hand)
VitalDark: Yes it is.... Lorilei just recognized Jennie as having the first question.
dtdgoomba: (waving it saying ooo ooo)
Lorilei363: Behave
Lorilei363: Maheesh doesn't have much time
designsbyjennie: did Maheesh disappear?
Lorilei363: I'll bet he got the Ezboard boot
Lorilei363: I did, too
VitalDark: happens sometimes
designsbyjennie: I hope not
CafePress Storeowners Forum: still here
designsbyjennie: 15 minutes isn't very long
VitalDark: so let's not waste it....
tshirtcountdown: it's hard to follow with all the side chat
(jrotem joined)
Lorilei363: True
designsbyjennie: Maheesh....is there a different way to handle the 55 transaction fee.....rather than penalize all the shopowners for a few people that mark up too high?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we chose the 5% based on simplicity sake. it kinda shocks us that its so confusing to everyone
designsbyjennie: oops.....5%
designsbyjennie: it's not at all confusing.....
designsbyjennie: it's just totally wrong
*
designsbyjennie: why penalize all the shop owners when only a few mark up their products so high?
designsbyjennie: we work very hard to keep the $1 or $2 we do make on those transactions
jrotem: why not a mark-up threshold over which there is a fee?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: weird - sometimes this works and it doesn't
CafePress Storeowners Forum: one sec
CafePress Storeowners Forum: tech problem here
CafePress Storeowners Forum: its not just based on seriously high markups of $20 plus
designsbyjennie: couldn't you make it so there was a maximum mark up on certain products then?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the variance in markup over the years has increased dramatically - especially with the new lower cost products
CafePress Storeowners Forum: it doesn't make sense to have a series of thresholds based on every item
designsbyjennie: why not?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: otherwise the product center and pricing grid would look like a nightmare
CafePress Storeowners Forum: and the equation for base prices would be nasty
(cafejeddings joined)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: Jed!
VitalDark: Hi Jeff
cafejeddings: howdy do
CafePress Storeowners Forum: silly who shows up
Lorilei363: Hey, Jeff :)
designsbyjennie: I'd prefer the nightmare look, to losing our little .05 on the dollar
cafejeddings: I can only stay for 5 minutes, as my wife thinks I'm leaving work now. :-)
jrotem: perhaps a percentaged- based mark up threshold -- over 45%...
tshirtcountdown: how about a straight percentage that is allowable before a transaction fee (say 50%)
jrotem: and a transaaction fee is imposed
designsbyjennie: yeah
VitalDark: (with a notice that over a certain % can incur a fee?)
jrotem: or 50% ;-)
cowsillfan: Or if the lower priced products are a problem across the board don't have them .. I'd rather lose stickers than pay 5% across the board.
designsbyjennie: yeah.....me too
CafePress Storeowners Forum: i think people are strictly interpreting this as tax on their markup and some have suggested a general increase in prices. is that preferred?
designsbyjennie: no
VitalDark: no - on general increase
jrotem: it feels less invasive but it peends on how much and many products
Bradley W Schenck: If the base prices were intended to absorb the processing charges on smaller commissions...
cowsillfan: I don't think an increase in prices will solve your problem will it?
tshirtcountdown: I think what would be preferred would be a percentage based fee for only those that require an additional fee
Bradley W Schenck: And if, due to larger markups, you now want to apply an additional 5% processing fee...
designsbyjennie: what wouldn't work with the percentage idea?
Bradley W Schenck: Then it seems as though those items with smaller commsissions will now pay twice...
Bradley W Schenck: Once within the original "budget" within the base price, and one as a 5% fee on commissions.
jrotem: I like that as a trust and perception level, the mark-ups should not be "taxed unless they are exhorbitant
jrotem: and I wouldnt mind losing stickers at all
CafePress Storeowners Forum: as posted , this trnasaction fee is not based on just high markup stores
CafePress Storeowners Forum: that's only part of the equation
cafejeddings: it's funny, stickers, in terms of strict volume, are one of the more popular products...
CafePress Storeowners Forum: especially if you are referring to high markup in the sense of $99 for a t-shirt
designsbyjennie: I've never sold one
jrotem: i know many ppl like them but I feel where CP shines is in t-shirts so that's my focus
cowsillfan: I think (at least in my case) a lot of us have bought them as promo items. I haven't sold that many to people other than me.
(foxvox joined)
jrotem: Hi kristen
tshirtcountdown: I think the consensus is that not everyone should have to pay the 5% fee. Since some of us are already paying our transaction fees with the base price that was originally budgeted for our type of markups. Let us know what the threshold is that is not covered by the base price, so we can make a choice if we want to keep our markups below that point, or if we have to pay an extra transaction fee because of an overly high markup
cowsillfan: I'd like to hope that whenever a product is added at Cafepress that the base price includes enough $ for CP to make money and so I don't need to subsidize it.
VitalDark: I only feature Framed Prints and recently posters... but the prints can certainly command more than 50% markup. I'd be willing to be charged a fee because I'm over norm.
PeterD555: So what's are the other reasons? This is the only thing we have heard.
cafejeddings: but sometimes the base price DOESN'T include enough $ for us to make money! especially when someone sells a $3 sticker for $50.
jrotem: Vitaldark is such a good guy! ::waving::
tshirtcountdown: then in that case, the base price was calculated wrong
cafejeddings: (stupid jeddings, don't say anything when you have to be leaving... :-) )
cowsillfan: But in that case, with our suggestion, you would be charging them a percentage of their markup.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: there are other issues such as fraud prevention, chargebacks, etc that are costs that are dependent on the markup
designsbyjennie: so.......make the person that marks it up 50...pay the transaction fee
jrotem: Jeff, why is that? your base is the same!
tshirtcountdown: If someone charges $50 for a sticker, then they have gone beyond a threshold
(tacomagofiend joined)
cafejeddings: right right, am I just making your point? :-)
jrotem: I agree 100% with Rodney
CafePress Storeowners Forum: a bit out of hand here
VitalDark: : )
CafePress Storeowners Forum: stop
CafePress Storeowners Forum: please
CafePress Storeowners Forum: thank you
CafePress Storeowners Forum: :)
designsbyjennie: Maheesh......shouldn't those things be YOUR expenses.....not ours?
designsbyjennie: I mean fairly.....we are making the least amount here
CafePress Storeowners Forum: jennie - let me answer
CafePress Storeowners Forum: they are our expenses, but they are variable on your actions
CafePress Storeowners Forum: and that's why the fee is based on your markup
CafePress Storeowners Forum: it is progressive
CafePress Storeowners Forum: think about it
designsbyjennie: not unless I mark them up excessively
designsbyjennie: so if I do that.......
CafePress Storeowners Forum: 5% on a $1 markup is 5 cents
designsbyjennie: charge me the fee only then
CafePress Storeowners Forum: those people who rae excessively marking up will be paying much more
CafePress Storeowners Forum: ...
designsbyjennie: and that would be their choice
CafePress Storeowners Forum: so someone with a $20 markup is paying $1
CafePress Storeowners Forum: you are not paying them
tacomagofiend: sorry i'm late... why is the transaction fee necessary?
foxvox: IF people pay $50 for a sticker wouldn't it be safe to say they are not really concerned with thrift? ;-)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: for them
*
designsbyjennie: I am aware of that.....
cowsillfan: I think we all agree that those marking up excessively should pay but those of us marking up minimally feel we are being nickeled and dimed out of $$ that were ours.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we are a bit surprised b/c you all see to be viewing the transaction fee as a tax on your earnings
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we didn't expect that...
dtdgoomba: can i ask what cp did expect?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: our anticipation is that it would have been viewed as an increase on price
cafejeddings: well, I gotta run...just wanted poke in on the conversation. go easy on Maheesh everyone! :-)
foxvox: We're just a bunch of surprises. ;-)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: one that this based on a member's sales and pricing
CafePress Storeowners Forum: its much less for us to charge 5% of $2 markup that a 50 cent price increase
(LPoindexter joined)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: ie 10cents vs 10 cents
VitalDark: bye.... Question: So - the initial wording of "fee" set the wrong tone. Correct?
LPoindexter: hello
(jrotem joined)
designsbyjennie: no......what I don't want is to eat more of Cafe Press' expenses
(cafejeddings left)
jrotem: GreatGear Message Board Chat(?) Using Chat BETA Chat Bug & Usability Reports
Bradley W Schenck: But on a $2 markup, have you not already included processing costs in the base price?
tshirtcountdown: the thing is Maheesh, it doesn't make sense that there would be a new fee for people that haven't change anything in their actions. For those that have changed and choose a higher markup, they should have a fee. Those that have been doing business as usual with a $1 markup, their fees should be covered by the base price
jrotem: sorry
designsbyjennie: I agree Rodney
CafePress Storeowners Forum: brad - i think that's the assumption you are all working on - but NO since we based it on less variability than we are seeing
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the initial pricing model has been the same since 1999
designsbyjennie: lol jean.....you okay?
jrotem: Maheesh, please do consider a mark-up limit. And another suggestion that might cover some fees...
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we had 0 users than
cowsillfan: I agree too. Plus I felt I got emails that said here are 3 ways you'll be earning less $$, It was a lot at once.
dtdgoomba: yep, i agree with dan too, if I sell prints knowing they will sell at a high markup for being rare, I don't mind a fee on it
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we have over half a million now
Bradley W Schenck: How much variability is there in a $2 markup?
jrotem: Some people might get mad at this but how about a limit on the # of basic shops?
(greetables joined)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: its not just $2 brad - you might be increasing by $2 but the vast majority are not
CafePress Storeowners Forum: in any point - we've heard you and will consider your comments
designsbyjennie: wouldn't a lot of them be in your corporate accounts.....and if so.....charge more for the corporate account
Bradley W Schenck: I'd hate to see mrkups limited; I would also hate to see a transaction fee applied to markups that fall within what was budgeted in the base price.
jrotem: a limit of basic shops would mean more people considering premiums shops
Lorilei363: or more people quitting
foxvox: True, Jean - would it be retroactive in your mind?
tshirtcountdown: let's try to keep the discussion to one topic at a time so we can get more questions answered
foxvox: LOL - check, Rodney. [listens instead]
designsbyjennie: I think he's going now anyway
jrotem: no not quiting, they would just be be able to keep adding shops ad infinitum
tshirtcountdown: The transaction fee has sort have been discussed out, and I think Maheesh understands our side on this
tshirtcountdown: Maybe we could have another question posed?
foxvox: Cool - I look forward to reading the transcript part I missed.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: yes]
tacomagofiend: my shirts are basically nonprofit; if i have a limit on basic shops, i'll have to look elsewhere for some printing
Lorilei363: Wording in agreements?
tshirtcountdown: Is there another question that someone has?
jrotem: tiers?
jrotem: can they be lowered?
Lorilei363: Is there a way we could have things worded more clearly?
jrotem: even a bit?
Lorilei363: [go ahead]
tshirtcountdown: That's 2 questions :) Can we have clearer wording on the agreements and Can the tiers be lowered?
tshirtcountdown: Which one do you want to field Maheesh :)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: one sec
CafePress Storeowners Forum: nugget is barking
CafePress Storeowners Forum: :)
jrotem: :-)
jrotem: lets hear what he has to say
Lorilei363: :)
PeterD555: lol
LPoindexter: where will the transcript be posted?
Lorilei363: Probably on the GG website
LPoindexter: thanks
Lorilei363: It will be announced
CafePress Storeowners Forum: back
...
CafePress Storeowners Forum: clearer wording
CafePress Storeowners Forum: definitely
tacomagofiend: kewl
CafePress Storeowners Forum: tiers lowered...
Lorilei363: A lot of people panicked. It was like someone yelled FIRE
cowsillfan: and please don't send notices like this out on Fridays and then all go home for the weekend?? :)
jrotem: and better all 'roundn communication? many of us have not gotten eamils and only heard rumors
tshirtcountdown: easy now guys :)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the tiers structure was initialy put in place when we had 8 products i believe
Lorilei363: We're trying to be nice, honest
Lorilei363: We won't bite
CafePress Storeowners Forum: they were all standard produtts - apparel , mugs, and mousepad
CafePress Storeowners Forum: in moving to larger product base - the by item structure really feel apart
jrotem: that makes sense, must have been a nightmare
CafePress Storeowners Forum: people selling lower dollar volumes over a month could get higher discounts on items than people selling hiigher dollar amounts but less items
CafePress Storeowners Forum: didn't make sense - except to the people selling a million stickers
CafePress Storeowners Forum: they were getting a great deal!
CafePress Storeowners Forum: though I think we basically we're losing money on all that
tacomagofiend: lol
CafePress Storeowners Forum: this structure makes everything based on dollar volume
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we set $250 based on the most popular product - tshirts
CafePress Storeowners Forum: you sell less than 20 tshirts to hit 250
CafePress Storeowners Forum: $250
jrotem: I think most of us agree that makes sense
foxvox: [nodding]
CafePress Storeowners Forum: when we run the numbers against members earning commission checks, we see a big split
tshirtcountdown: 17.87 shirts to be exact
CafePress Storeowners Forum: people selling a ton of stickers lose money
(THstoremanager joined)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: people selling a lot of apparel, mugs, etc make money
THstoremanager: hi
dtdgoomba: sweet, i have old shirts that are .87
CafePress Storeowners Forum: but its a progressive scale
LPoindexter: hi
designsbyjennie: hi Cassie
CafePress Storeowners Forum: so more money you sell - the more discounts you get
CafePress Storeowners Forum: that's it
THstoremanager: this is lame, i hafta go
my mom wants me to watch yellow submarine
tshirtcountdown: ok...next question folks?
LPoindexter: I have a question, excuse me if its already been asked. Are all these new changes set in stone or is there still a possibility of things changing again?
tshirtcountdown: First come first serve :)
THstoremanager: you guys wont still be here in an hour or so right?
tshirtcountdown: Lauren gets it :)
LPoindexter: I copied and pasted :)
tshirtcountdown: did you catch that one Maheesh?
(Nick Lilavois joined)
CafePress Storeowners Forum: got it
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we are listening and that's why we have a month's notice built in
VitalDark: Q from Dano?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: nothing goes into effect until July 1
LPoindexter: ok, thanks
(foxvox joined)
jrotem: meanign there may be adjustments?
tshirtcountdown: Dano gets a next question
tacomagofiend: .0
CafePress Storeowners Forum: possibly
tacomagofiend: woops.. wrong screen, sorry
VitalDark: Q: Will any of this affect the products that are *already* at a higher price point? (eg. framed prints, etc.)
tshirtcountdown: Will any of what?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: ?:
VitalDark: the desire to keep the dollar amounts from going too high based on the thresholds you set. Or, are those percentage-based?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: still don't get the q
tacomagofiend: i'm guessing ... products that are only available in premium stores... are they subject to the 5%?
VitalDark: I'm sorry... someone just privately answered my question - I misunderstood. Disregard.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: kewl
tshirtcountdown: Next question anyone?
cowsillfan: Can I go back to the tiers for a minute? The discounts are substantially less than they used to be on things like T-shirts, I get there sooner but I earn much less.
jrotem: I'd like to go back to the tiers?
THstoremanager: can we have a *send cafecash*?
tshirtcountdown: Vicky got one in :)
tshirtcountdown: Then Cassie :)
tshirtcountdown: whoops, Vicky - Jean - Cassie
cowsillfan: I totally get that you can't discount everything if I sell 20 stickers but I don't see anyway to get to the $11.99 per T-shirt that I used to be able to. Am I missing something?
tshirtcountdown: I'll assume Maheesh is typing?
(inkspotts left)
Lorilei363: I hope so
cowsillfan: Or we've confused him totally. :)
Lorilei363: Unless he got booted
Lorilei363: Ezboard freeze
*
THstoremanager: hrm
cowsillfan: I hate when that happens.
jrotem: or Nugget is barking
tshirtcountdown: he's still there...
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the discount levels are a bit less on the front end, but progressively get higher as you sell more
CafePress Storeowners Forum: thus the progressiveness of the system
THstoremanager: ok, i hafta go guys... can someone mention sending cafecash maybe?
tshirtcountdown: Jean?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: send cafecash?
cowsillfan: Just curious .. how many storeowners really get to $1000 per month??
CafePress Storeowners Forum: explain?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: a lot actually
designsbyjennie: Not me
THstoremanager: maheesh, i have a mention of it in the forums
THstoremanager: rodney knows
cowsillfan: other than corporate accounts.
THstoremanager: tty guys later
(THstoremanager left)
tshirtcountdown: by Send CafeCash, Cassie meant if you are less than the threshold, could you send your balance to a different account or person?
jrotem: it really eats into the samller folks liek me who are close but not close enuf -- thats why i asked if there could be any consideration about lowering the tier somewhat
VitalDark: like a "donation"
Lorilei363: Like a gift certificate
tshirtcountdown: as a possible feature
tshirtcountdown: so their money doesn't go "poof"
jrotem: oh sorry, thought we were still on tiers
CafePress Storeowners Forum: good suggestion
CafePress Storeowners Forum: never heard it before
tshirtcountdown: that's next Jean...you can throw your question in there
CafePress Storeowners Forum: cafecash will soon be a gift certificate
CafePress Storeowners Forum: ahh yes
CafePress Storeowners Forum: sorry confused
Lorilei363: cool
jrotem: nice idea
(inkspotts joined)
cowsillfan: Great - love the idea of being able to do a gift certificate with CafeCash - thanks!
*
foxvox: Yah!
CafePress Storeowners Forum: want to hear about big changes?
Lorilei363: yes!
CafePress Storeowners Forum: changes you will like?
tshirtcountdown: Jean's up with her tier question?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: :)
cowsillfan: I don't know .. do we?? lol
jrotem: do we?
VitalDark: we do...
jrotem: :-)
Lorilei363: We'll be brave
CafePress Storeowners Forum: books - they do exist and are on the way
VitalDark: tell us a story...
CafePress Storeowners Forum: unfortunately delayed till july - but should be able to post specs soon
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the quality looks great
CafePress Storeowners Forum: i may need some beta testers
designsbyjennie: <----tester
tacomagofiend: books? who provides the content?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: improved search is online and getting better
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we're seeing people actually find stuff with it. :)
LPoindexter: I like the new search
cowsillfan: I love the changes to the search.
PeterD555: lol I was gonna say Jennie.
tacomagofiend: or are these blank, like diaries?
dtdgoomba: for a 5% testing fee, I'll do it.. kidding
CafePress Storeowners Forum: diaries are also coming
tshirtcountdown: If you want to send some prototypes my way, Maheesh, you can
CafePress Storeowners Forum: basically a blank book you design the cover of
designsbyjennie: lol Tony
foxvox: Yah - love the search.
designsbyjennie: <------has a cover
CafePress Storeowners Forum: i like the diaries/journals a lot
tacomagofiend: kewl
CafePress Storeowners Forum: site will be redesigned soon as well
CafePress Storeowners Forum: will have more a marketplace feel
cowsillfan: I love the idea of a journal; we don't have book content right now but definitely love the journal idea.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the goal is helping people find your designs - and us bringing you sales
(Lorilei363 left)
jrotem: I'd love it if they could be color inside as well -- is that in the planning at all?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the directory is being completely restructured
CafePress Storeowners Forum: color book?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: or color paper?
jrotem: good, and is off to a good start
designsbyjennie: like.....photos or images inside
jrotem: good
(Lorilei363 joined) CafePress Storeowners Forum: color will be later on in the yearfoxvox: Yah!
CafePress Storeowners Forum: want to hear about big changes?
Lorilei363: yes!
CafePress Storeowners Forum: changes you will like?
tshirtcountdown: Jean's up with her tier question?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: :)
cowsillfan: I don't know .. do we?? lol
jrotem: do we?
VitalDark: we do...
jrotem: :-)
Lorilei363: We'll be brave
CafePress Storeowners Forum: books - they do exist and are on the way
VitalDark: tell us a story...
CafePress Storeowners Forum: unfortunately delayed till july - but should be able to post specs soon
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the quality looks great
CafePress Storeowners Forum: i may need some beta testers
designsbyjennie: <----tester
tacomagofiend: books? who provides the content?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: improved search is online and getting better
CafePress Storeowners Forum: we're seeing people actually find stuff with it. :)
LPoindexter: I like the new search
cowsillfan: I love the changes to the search.
PeterD555: lol I was gonna say Jennie.
tacomagofiend: or are these blank, like diaries?
dtdgoomba: for a 5% testing fee, I'll do it.. kidding
CafePress Storeowners Forum: diaries are also coming
tshirtcountdown: If you want to send some prototypes my way, Maheesh, you can
CafePress Storeowners Forum: basically a blank book you design the cover of
designsbyjennie: lol Tony
foxvox: Yah - love the search.
designsbyjennie: <------has a cover
CafePress Storeowners Forum: i like the diaries/journals a lot
tacomagofiend: kewl
CafePress Storeowners Forum: site will be redesigned soon as well
CafePress Storeowners Forum: will have more a marketplace feel
cowsillfan: I love the idea of a journal; we don't have book content right now but definitely love the journal idea.
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the goal is helping people find your designs - and us bringing you sales
(Lorilei363 left)
jrotem: I'd love it if they could be color inside as well -- is that in the planning at all?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: the directory is being completely restructured
CafePress Storeowners Forum: color book?
CafePress Storeowners Forum: or color paper?
jrotem: good, and is off to a good start
designsbyjennie: like.....photos or images inside
jrotem: good
(Lorilei363 joined)

(cont. in part 2)