markways.com vs. me?

[treo600]

Okay, I made a recent thread earlier regarding markways.com and their prices for cellular products. Everyone seemed pleased at the pricing.

So let's say that I can include taxes and shipping in my prizes and still beat them by $10 would that get me some sales? How do I go about attracting customers? Prizes? Introductory discounts?

What would be the cheapest and most effective method of advertising for my website?

[ptxpress]

Okay, I made a recent thread earlier regarding markways.com and their prices for cellular products. Everyone seemed pleased at the pricing.

So let's say that I can include taxes and shipping in my prizes and still beat them by $10 would that get me some sales? How do I go about attracting customers? Prizes? Introductory discounts?

What would be the cheapest and most effective method of advertising for my website?

I think you're going about things the wrong way...

You're making the assumption that markways can't sell at your price. You are likely wrong, they choose to sell at a higher price. If you are going to start price wars, you will both be losers in the end. Instead, come in at comparable pricing, and try and distinguish based on customer service, speedy shipping, etc... Trust me, in the long run, you'll be better off...

Just think about it...if you start coming in at $10 less, they'll just come down to your price. Since people are generally happy with him (/them), they'll just go back to him.

Work on a different strategy to differentiate yourself...

[treo600]

I see what you're saying, I wanted to offer free shipping, but they do that too. Maybe I can do prizes? Ex. Random prizes of $25 gift cards to stores?

[B0000rt]

Offer great customer service. Other than pricing, in the grey GSM phone market, customer service track record is the only other perk people seem to be really interested in.

Take for example a guy I know, who bought from a Howardforums Marketplace retailer. The phone was purchased and DELIVERED to his house by the seller, from Scarborough to Mississauga!

Now that's amazing customer service, but there are other ways, other than personally delivering the product to the customer.

[BobW]

Just remember that the guy that wins a price war is the one that went bankrupt first.

If you are going to try and compete in a commodity item, you have to differentiate yourself on something other than price. Either have some different items or give better service... something that makes it difficult for someoone to out do you on.

But... free shipping goes a long way with me...

[treo600]

Yeah, free shipping is good, but it doesn't differentiate me from major players such as Markways. I'm also thinking of offering a no tax option, it'll decrease my profit, but hopefully that'll increase the sales.

[vancitypimp]

markways charges what 30 for shipping? Free shipping would be nice

[treo600]

markways charges what 30 for shipping? Free shipping would be nice

That's an idea, I was initially targeting the GTA, but that's a spot where I'd have the edge, Markways doesn't offer free shipping outside the GTA, whereas I can.

[aZn_Popcorn]

Start it up homiee, I'll buy your stuff. No tax and shipping!!

[Ron]

Do you have the Motorola 9505a?

[pt78dragon]

do u have a website set up yet? maybe we can give u some feedback on that too

[treo600]

The website is almost done, I just need to work out the kinks in it. I'll release phones and pricing availability as soon as I have the site up. However, if you check the Markways site I carry virtually every phone and headset that they carry.

Also, on my website, should I put the pricing in Canadian dollars or USD?

[Jokez Guy]

The website is almost done, I just need to work out the kinks in it. I'll release phones and pricing availability as soon as I have the site up. However, if you check the Markways site I carry virtually every phone and headset that they carry.

Also, on my website, should I put the pricing in Canadian dollars or USD?

Matters what market you attracting to, if you doing canadians just leave at Canadian dollars if your doing America then leave it to American dollars, if your doing both leave it at US but have a place where you can convert.

And bro lol im in the cellphone market its not as easy as you think to compete takes alot of time, and money, and for the first year it will be pretty slow, unless you have alot of money to invest

[Canucklehead]

If you're planning on competing on price...be careful. There could be someone with deeper pockets than you. Don't get into a pissing contest as no one wins in the long run. Also, if you are specifically targeting one supplier (Markways), you might be neglecting others that could come up and bite you in the A$$!

Free shipping is good but once you offer it up for free, it will be tough to get money for it later. This means you will always have to factor in the shipping costs into your total cost -this means lower margins unless you can buy way better than your competitors.

Find a unique selling proposition - something that only YOU can do best. Can you provide better service? Hard to get or the latest accessories?

[poorwingman]

i'm considering purchasing from markways right now and it isn't all about price. it's also about the legitimacy in fact and in appearance.

you definitely need

• an easy to use website
• to respond to customer enquiries in a timely and appropriate manner

i think people are willing to pay a little bit more to ensure that they will be treated right and that their purchase will be mistake free (i.e. provided with a shipping tracking number etc...)

edit: it would also help if you were clear about warranty treatment. i think that makes a big difference about how comfortable people will be