My New Holster Store

[MoJoeWrkn]

Today I am launching my website to start selling my holsters and belts online. I was thinking of the best way to go about this and I thought it would be good to do in stages. I am new to website building and this is the first website I have tried. I also wanted to offer a discount for forum members, so here is what I have come up with. I am hoping you can all look it over and give me some feedback on if it, how it looks, functionality, intuitiveness, etc. In return for your understanding that the site may not be perfect and for your feedback to help me make it better,I have put everything on my site for sale and here is the only place I am posting the site address. If you would like to order anything you will get the sale price. Then after I have used your feedback to tweak the site, I will launch the site elsewhere and end the sale. If you have feedback on the website or holster designs, recommendations, etc, you can PM me or reply to this post.

The website is:http://www.mojogunleather.com/

Thanks, Joe

[RoyGBiv]

First... GOOD LUCK.!!

I took a quick look at the web site and it looks pretty nice. Clean, well organized, didn't get any errors clicking on things.

A few suggestions: You might consider adding an "About" page and telling customers a bit about yourself, especially how long you've been building holsters and how you got your experience... etc... I always appreciate knowing a bit about "crafty" people I'm spending money with on the web... You also might consider putting at least your City/state on the web site. Something about not having a location listed, and the only way to contact you is via a completely blind web form (no email, no phone)... doesn't feel very customer-friendly.

If you want to keep your phone anonymous, you can get a Google Voice number and put the link on your web page. The customer can click the GV link, input their own phone number, then GV calls them and after they answer, GV calls you and connects the call. Your personal phone number is not exposed, and your customer can call you. If you're not available, GV can take the message and you can retrieve it via your smartphone or the web.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7602755_add-voi ... bpage.html

Congrats on getting the web business started. I know it's not so easy.

[MoJoeWrkn]

Thank You, this is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. I am in Katy, TX and I will put that info on the website. I thought about putting a phone number but I was worried I would get a lot of telemarketer calls because even though I haven't listed the site anywhere until now, I have gotten a ton of emails trying to sell me things or offering to optimize my site. Maybe I need to get a separate line just for the business.

[RoyGBiv]

Thank You, this is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. I am in Katy, TX and I will put that info on the website. I thought about putting a phone number but I was worried I would get a lot of telemarketer calls because even though I haven't listed the site anywhere until now, I have gotten a ton of emails trying to sell me things or offering to optimize my site. Maybe I need to get a separate line just for the business.

If you've registered your business with the state, the marketers will find you regardless. I don't think having your phone number on the web site will make it much worse, certainly not enough to offset the good that comes from customers being able to call you.

Regarding business registration... If you've not already done so... I am a HUGE advocate for doing business through a registered corporate entity. Especially true in any gun-related business. I'll leave off the details here to avoid going far OT. Suffice to say that having a business entity between your personal assets and your business liability is, IMHO, a MUST.

Again, regarding phone numbers.... take a look at Google. They really do provide a useful service. If you give customers your Google Voice number, calls can be routed directly to any other phone number you want. And it's all free, unless you want a toll-free or are forwarding to an international number.
http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html

[mojo84]

Thank You, this is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. I am in Katy, TX and I will put that info on the website. I thought about putting a phone number but I was worried I would get a lot of telemarketer calls because even though I haven't listed the site anywhere until now, I have gotten a ton of emails trying to sell me things or offering to optimize my site. Maybe I need to get a separate line just for the business.

Regarding business registration... If you've not already done so... I am a HUGE advocate for doing business through a registered corporate entity. Especially true in any gun-related business. I'll leave off the details here to avoid going far OT. Suffice to say that having a business entity between your personal assets and your business liability is, IMHO, a MUST.

I think this is excellent business advice. Especially with anything to do with guns or ammo. Would also strongly recommend you consider products liability insurance for the entity. It can be pricey and difficult to find someone that will underwrite the coverage but may prove invaluable in the event of a claim once you get your business up and running.

Best wishes on your new endeavor.

[carlson1]

Great looking holsters. I think your website looks good. We put you in the thread for a good holster resource that longtooth created.

[The Annoyed Man]

When you decide to upgrade to a more powerful CMS and shopping cart system, give me a call. My website: whamproductions.com.

[pbwalker]

Love the holsters! I won't parrot what everyone else has said, other than to agree. +1 on Google Voice as well. I love it.

I'd love to pick up one or two of these holsters, but have some questions. PM inbound!

[WildBill]

Do you plan on offering holsters for Berreta PX4 Storm Subcompact 9mm?

[MoJoeWrkn]

Thanks for the compliments everyone.
And I will probably be calling you soon Tam!
If your gun is not on the list, I will usually still make the holster for you as long as I can order the dummy gun. It will add a week or so to your turnaround time though. Just send me a PM and I will let you know if I can make it.

[RoyGBiv]

Just noticed that your list of guns is not exactly alphabetical.
It's sort of reverse alphabetical, but, not exactly, with several names out of order..

Not a big deal... but if you can fix it, why not?

[MoJoeWrkn]

Just noticed that your list of guns is not exactly alphabetical.
It's sort of reverse alphabetical, but, not exactly, with several names out of order..

Not a big deal... but if you can fix it, why not?

Yes I noticed that, whenever i go and add another gun to the list I am having trouble getting it in order. I will definitely work on that.
Thanks for the feedback and keep it coming please

[AggieMM]

Perfect timing, I'm looking for a pocket holster for a PM9. What's your timing on making them? 2-3 weeks? Or do you have a backlog?

Ryan

[MoJoeWrkn]

Right now my backlog is only 1-2 weeks or so. If I have to order a dummy gun to make your holster then it may be closer to 3 weeks.

[txdang]

Nice, clean website. These are my impressions and thoughts. I would suggest you have more information about the holster in your descriptions. What are its best qualities? Are they designed for a particular style or location of carry? Is it a forward cant, FBI cant, straight drop? Are those options? What is the purpose of the reinforcement piece? The point is you need to sell your holster on your website. What is there about your holsters that would make me buy? If you were talking about your products what would you say to describe them? How would you sell it to someone? Then condense that description into a short paragraph with key points. A person has to be able to make a decision based on your description. Take a look at some of the other holster makers' websites.

I also agree about a separate About tab. Tell your potential customers a little bit about yourself and your business.