Prices on websites
Discussion
A bit of advice please.
If you were in the market for a £20,000 vintage Rolex and you went onto a Vintage Rolex Website,
would you expect/want to see the prices on that website?
Would it put you off if they asked you to email them for prices, more pictures etc.
I suppose it's a bit like high-end jewellers who don't put their prices in the windows. Personally, I like to see them before I go in.
Many thanks for any answers.
If you were in the market for a £20,000 vintage Rolex and you went onto a Vintage Rolex Website,
would you expect/want to see the prices on that website?
Would it put you off if they asked you to email them for prices, more pictures etc.
I suppose it's a bit like high-end jewellers who don't put their prices in the windows. Personally, I like to see them before I go in.
Many thanks for any answers.
Gordon Bennett said:
A bit of advice please.
If you were in the market for a £20,000 vintage Rolex and you went onto a Vintage Rolex Website,
would you expect/want to see the prices on that website?
Would it put you off if they asked you to email them for prices, more pictures etc.
I suppose it's a bit like high-end jewellers who don't put their prices in the windows. Personally, I like to see them before I go in.
Many thanks for any answers.
Good question.If you were in the market for a £20,000 vintage Rolex and you went onto a Vintage Rolex Website,
would you expect/want to see the prices on that website?
Would it put you off if they asked you to email them for prices, more pictures etc.
I suppose it's a bit like high-end jewellers who don't put their prices in the windows. Personally, I like to see them before I go in.
Many thanks for any answers.
It allways annoys me when I am looking at cars to see £POA. But to be honest, I am rubber necking and if I were serious then I would have no issue making contact if the company looked reputable.
I suppose there are several reasons for using £POA. Cuts out many of the time wasters which is crucial in a business with low unit turnover. forces leads to reveal their identity as an actual conversation will nearly always have a better conversion rate than just an electronic front end with high ticket items and finally, it helps prevent competitors from undercutting.
I would say that as long as you look high quality and reputable then it is probably the best way to go.
You could assist contact by using a callback service on the site, or a 'more info' button next to each item which leads to a basic submission form.
You could also look into having a polite form which pops up and asks what the visitor is looking for, a few boxes to tick and submit with a phone number or email. The box could also highlight that you have special offers available etc to enforce the act of contact.
You could also put an indicative range instead of an actual price. That way you inform people of the rough price and filter out enquiries at that stage. You could use recent auction data.
Also, if you are just specialising in Rolexes then you could offer discounts at the local escort service, free camel jackets or cheap Jag or RR Sport hire?
These gimmicks wouldn't work so well with quality vintage watches for people with class though. 
Edited by Horse_Apple on Tuesday 13th January 15:59
It wouldn't stop me enquiring, but it would piss me off.
Looking at the car market for a minute, the P.O.A. with a submission form really pisses me off, because in my experience, 99 times out of 100 they will not EVER make contact again.
Basically I end up having to call after sending the website form and this is after waiting a fair while.
It pisses me off!!
I guess if you said P.O.A. Submission form. And then said if you dont reply within 1 working day, we will give you a voucher for £50 off at our store.
The voucher would only be redeamable in person ;-)
Then you have to honor the time limit. That is my view.
I have also been interested in slightly expensive metal (that I have gone on to buy) and wanted to remain annonymous for a period in the negotiations, and this has been achieved over the phone by disclosing my first name only and when they ask for more information, just say no!
Anyway, in short, it is fine if you can guarantee a reply which is something you could take on as a responsibility!!
If you need some advice putting a website like that together, please just give me a PM!
Cheers
The Moose
Looking at the car market for a minute, the P.O.A. with a submission form really pisses me off, because in my experience, 99 times out of 100 they will not EVER make contact again.
Basically I end up having to call after sending the website form and this is after waiting a fair while.
It pisses me off!!
I guess if you said P.O.A. Submission form. And then said if you dont reply within 1 working day, we will give you a voucher for £50 off at our store.
The voucher would only be redeamable in person ;-)
Then you have to honor the time limit. That is my view.
I have also been interested in slightly expensive metal (that I have gone on to buy) and wanted to remain annonymous for a period in the negotiations, and this has been achieved over the phone by disclosing my first name only and when they ask for more information, just say no!
Anyway, in short, it is fine if you can guarantee a reply which is something you could take on as a responsibility!!
If you need some advice putting a website like that together, please just give me a PM!
Cheers
The Moose
I don't know why this topic posted twice - sorry about that.
Chaps, thank you both for taking the time to reply and for your comprehensive advice. Much appreciated.
I am getting enquiries from the site, but after sending prospective buyers comprehensive details/photos etc, which takes time to do, it all goes quiet and that's either because they are maybe timewasters or the prices are too high/current market conditions etc.
It's exciting to get enquiries, but deflating when none of them follow through.
So, would it be best to put on the 'lowest price I'll take' on the website, so at least I'll know that any enquiries I get from thereon will hopefully be serious ones.
Thanks again.
Chaps, thank you both for taking the time to reply and for your comprehensive advice. Much appreciated.
I am getting enquiries from the site, but after sending prospective buyers comprehensive details/photos etc, which takes time to do, it all goes quiet and that's either because they are maybe timewasters or the prices are too high/current market conditions etc.
It's exciting to get enquiries, but deflating when none of them follow through.
So, would it be best to put on the 'lowest price I'll take' on the website, so at least I'll know that any enquiries I get from thereon will hopefully be serious ones.
Thanks again.
Gordon Bennett said:
I don't know why this topic posted twice - sorry about that.
Chaps, thank you both for taking the time to reply and for your comprehensive advice. Much appreciated.
I am getting enquiries from the site, but after sending prospective buyers comprehensive details/photos etc, which takes time to do, it all goes quiet and that's either because they are maybe timewasters or the prices are too high/current market conditions etc.
It's exciting to get enquiries, but deflating when none of them follow through.
So, would it be best to put on the 'lowest price I'll take' on the website, so at least I'll know that any enquiries I get from thereon will hopefully be serious ones.
Thanks again.
It's the nature of your business, I'm afraid. The vast majority of enquiries for this type of product are complete tyre kickers.Chaps, thank you both for taking the time to reply and for your comprehensive advice. Much appreciated.
I am getting enquiries from the site, but after sending prospective buyers comprehensive details/photos etc, which takes time to do, it all goes quiet and that's either because they are maybe timewasters or the prices are too high/current market conditions etc.
It's exciting to get enquiries, but deflating when none of them follow through.
So, would it be best to put on the 'lowest price I'll take' on the website, so at least I'll know that any enquiries I get from thereon will hopefully be serious ones.
Thanks again.
What you do need to do is streamline your process so that you firstly filter more out and secondly spend a fraction of time qualifying that lead.
First, a data form is actually very good for enquiries but the key is judging exactly what information to ask the enquirer. Too much and they won't bother, too little and you won't filter out the time wasters.
The general rule is that most serious leads will fill out the basic info like email and phone. Phone is the crucial one with your product as any serious lead will know that they ultimately have to talk to you and so are unlikely to hesitate in putting down a contact number. The downside is that sad and lonely people are the other group which have no problem giving their number.
It is also important not to get too caught up in the web thing. What I mean by that is it is important to keep it very clear in your head that nearly all sales of a £20K vintage watch will come through talking and probably ultimately meeting the client. Websites are brilliant at selling generic kinds of products but a website can only 'sell' in certain ways. This means that every page and every pop up and every email must have a clear invitation and maybe even incentive for the lead to make traditional contact with you.
The next thing is that you would be much better off to create a single page PDF file for each item of stock. In the first instance you can then email the relevant file to any enquiry, but you would probably want to aim to have the file downloadable from the website but only after a lead has left name address, telephone, budget etc.
Thanks very much indeed.
I've now included prices on the site and also a direct 'more information' email link under each item.
I shall now do a pdf or slideshow link for each item which I'll supply when I return their email requests.
Thanks for pointing out the tyre-kickers. I thought I was being singled out. Some people out there really do live in dreamland and have nothing to do all day. I'd be too embarassed about wasting someone else's time. It's all a bit sad really. But there are loads of them!
Quite agree with the word of mouth thing, as I'm beginning to realise that high-end collectors/investors don't go 'Googling' the internet for items. Auction houses, shops probably have their details on a data base or something and contact them directly.
I've now included prices on the site and also a direct 'more information' email link under each item.
I shall now do a pdf or slideshow link for each item which I'll supply when I return their email requests.
Thanks for pointing out the tyre-kickers. I thought I was being singled out. Some people out there really do live in dreamland and have nothing to do all day. I'd be too embarassed about wasting someone else's time. It's all a bit sad really. But there are loads of them!
Quite agree with the word of mouth thing, as I'm beginning to realise that high-end collectors/investors don't go 'Googling' the internet for items. Auction houses, shops probably have their details on a data base or something and contact them directly.
I very much suspect that anyone running a retail operation would be of the view that the vast majority of the public are time-wasters. It's all part of the game.
The more people you talk to the clients the more you learn to spot them and being clever with your site will also weed many of them out.
I would have thought though that you do need to build up a network.
Most successful jewellers (non chain etc) will have a list of clients who they will pick up the phone to when they have an interesting item in stock. It's in the window to entice normal punters in to look around but will allways be sold by specifically targetting a group of long term clients.
The more people you talk to the clients the more you learn to spot them and being clever with your site will also weed many of them out.
I would have thought though that you do need to build up a network.
Most successful jewellers (non chain etc) will have a list of clients who they will pick up the phone to when they have an interesting item in stock. It's in the window to entice normal punters in to look around but will allways be sold by specifically targetting a group of long term clients.
Edited by Horse_Apple on Wednesday 14th January 09:47
Gordon Bennett said:
A bit of advice please.
If you were in the market for a £20,000 vintage Rolex and you went onto a Vintage Rolex Website,
would you expect/want to see the prices on that website?
Would it put you off if they asked you to email them for prices, more pictures etc.
I suppose it's a bit like high-end jewellers who don't put their prices in the windows. Personally, I like to see them before I go in.
Many thanks for any answers.
OP, Not at all. I don't put prices on my site and the main reason being intention. If you are interested in the product or service you will call. If not, you won't.If you were in the market for a £20,000 vintage Rolex and you went onto a Vintage Rolex Website,
would you expect/want to see the prices on that website?
Would it put you off if they asked you to email them for prices, more pictures etc.
I suppose it's a bit like high-end jewellers who don't put their prices in the windows. Personally, I like to see them before I go in.
Many thanks for any answers.
Hi All,
My personal take on POA is that it exists if the price is too high and the dealer feels he must personally explain to the client why they should purchase it at the price asked. It is a barrier in the way of a sale, it is a reason to move on to the next item.
I am a dealer of Classic Cars and a punter for nice watches, like these Vintage Rolexes, and I have never followed an enquiry with a POA. Maybe its just me?
In France I frequently come across Prix Eleve Justifie, which means "I know and am slightly embarrassed by asking three times the actual value but If you want it, you pay for it"
I also disagree with Horse Apple, I think it is of utmost importance to get "caught up in the web thing". This is a worldwide market and an Internet presence is vital, I have sold £100k cars abroad by email and through my website, never a phone call, never a meeting. In fact there is more chance of finding an International boyer for a £20k watch than someone within popping in distance.
So to answer your questions:
1: I am generally in the market for £20k vinatage Rolexes and It is vital for me to see the price on the website, I will pass otherwise. I have never, and will never be, pleasantly surprised at the superb price hiding behind a POA.
2:Yes, it would put me off to email you for prices and pics.
3a: If it is too expensive and you show the price: No one calls and wastes your time
3b: If it is the right price and you show it: no problem you sort the genuine enquiries from the Kids, but those kids will still buy when they get older.
3c: If the watch is super cheap and you show it, it will sell immediately.
All these are better than putting a simple barrier in the way of a sale.
There, thats it, rant over! I HATE POA! Just tell me the price, I am a big boy and will make a decision! And the vendor will actually save a lot more time to concentrate on their business.
Cheers!
Justin
My personal take on POA is that it exists if the price is too high and the dealer feels he must personally explain to the client why they should purchase it at the price asked. It is a barrier in the way of a sale, it is a reason to move on to the next item.
I am a dealer of Classic Cars and a punter for nice watches, like these Vintage Rolexes, and I have never followed an enquiry with a POA. Maybe its just me?
In France I frequently come across Prix Eleve Justifie, which means "I know and am slightly embarrassed by asking three times the actual value but If you want it, you pay for it"
I also disagree with Horse Apple, I think it is of utmost importance to get "caught up in the web thing". This is a worldwide market and an Internet presence is vital, I have sold £100k cars abroad by email and through my website, never a phone call, never a meeting. In fact there is more chance of finding an International boyer for a £20k watch than someone within popping in distance.
So to answer your questions:
1: I am generally in the market for £20k vinatage Rolexes and It is vital for me to see the price on the website, I will pass otherwise. I have never, and will never be, pleasantly surprised at the superb price hiding behind a POA.
2:Yes, it would put me off to email you for prices and pics.
3a: If it is too expensive and you show the price: No one calls and wastes your time
3b: If it is the right price and you show it: no problem you sort the genuine enquiries from the Kids, but those kids will still buy when they get older.
3c: If the watch is super cheap and you show it, it will sell immediately.
All these are better than putting a simple barrier in the way of a sale.
There, thats it, rant over! I HATE POA! Just tell me the price, I am a big boy and will make a decision! And the vendor will actually save a lot more time to concentrate on their business.
Cheers!
Justin
Edited by justin-banks on Wednesday 14th January 13:59
drivin_me_nuts said:
OP, Not at all. I don't put prices on my site and the main reason being intention. If you are interested in the product or service you will call. If not, you won't.
Whilst I understand the sentiment, is there not a case for a halfway house?Serious collectors will know the form. But how many numpties are there in the market - people like me who might be interested in a high-value item, but are far from expert? Only you know, but I would suspect a significant proportion of price-led customers (e.g. the captain of business looking for a wedding anniversary gift).
The website that guides me is like the enthusiastic salesman, leading me to a watch that is in my price range rather than presuming I know what I'm talking about and saying. The former stands a good chance of getting my business (or in net terms getting on my bookmarks), the latter I would be inclined to walk/click away from.
So perhaps a parallel side to the site? It might do more to educate me. It might include a gallery of watches in my price range (£5-10k, £10-20k, etc.), whether or not you actually have them in stock. It might have a separate contact route for price-based purchases - satisfying the tyre-kickers, pre-filtering your contacts, and allowing you to develop a more appropriate response.
on the details form point.. I hate filling in my contact number. It's far more convenient for me to deal via email rather than someone phoneing me up to have a long winded discussion during office hours - I have more important things I need to be doing. I normally ping an email off or complete a contact form with my email address. If I get what I ask for or the responce is the ball park I'm expecting then I'll pick up the phone myself at a time which is convenient.
HiRich said:
drivin_me_nuts said:
OP, Not at all. I don't put prices on my site and the main reason being intention. If you are interested in the product or service you will call. If not, you won't.
Whilst I understand the sentiment, is there not a case for a halfway house?Serious collectors will know the form. But how many numpties are there in the market - people like me who might be interested in a high-value item, but are far from expert? Only you know, but I would suspect a significant proportion of price-led customers (e.g. the captain of business looking for a wedding anniversary gift).
The website that guides me is like the enthusiastic salesman, leading me to a watch that is in my price range rather than presuming I know what I'm talking about and saying. The former stands a good chance of getting my business (or in net terms getting on my bookmarks), the latter I would be inclined to walk/click away from.
So perhaps a parallel side to the site? It might do more to educate me. It might include a gallery of watches in my price range (£5-10k, £10-20k, etc.), whether or not you actually have them in stock. It might have a separate contact route for price-based purchases - satisfying the tyre-kickers, pre-filtering your contacts, and allowing you to develop a more appropriate response.
I think you make a very intersting point about being educational. It really does help the reader in providing the reassurance that indeed you understand the subject and have the knowledge and experience to be selling what you sell, or doing what you do.
I think that including indicative prices of high quality images, the background behind the product, history etc - also linking to associtions eg 'a favourite of X Y Z who wore one ... to create a powerful association' if that is possible...
Thanks for your post, it gave me food for thought as well
drivin_me_nuts said:
HiRich said:
drivin_me_nuts said:
OP, Not at all. I don't put prices on my site and the main reason being intention. If you are interested in the product or service you will call. If not, you won't.
Whilst I understand the sentiment, is there not a case for a halfway house?Serious collectors will know the form. But how many numpties are there in the market - people like me who might be interested in a high-value item, but are far from expert? Only you know, but I would suspect a significant proportion of price-led customers (e.g. the captain of business looking for a wedding anniversary gift).
The website that guides me is like the enthusiastic salesman, leading me to a watch that is in my price range rather than presuming I know what I'm talking about and saying. The former stands a good chance of getting my business (or in net terms getting on my bookmarks), the latter I would be inclined to walk/click away from.
So perhaps a parallel side to the site? It might do more to educate me. It might include a gallery of watches in my price range (£5-10k, £10-20k, etc.), whether or not you actually have them in stock. It might have a separate contact route for price-based purchases - satisfying the tyre-kickers, pre-filtering your contacts, and allowing you to develop a more appropriate response.
I think you make a very intersting point about being educational. It really does help the reader in providing the reassurance that indeed you understand the subject and have the knowledge and experience to be selling what you sell, or doing what you do.
I think that including indicative prices of high quality images, the background behind the product, history etc - also linking to associtions eg 'a favourite of X Y Z who wore one ... to create a powerful association' if that is possible...
Thanks for your post, it gave me food for thought as well
It could be a searchable DB with various categories, such as price ranges. I'm sure auction data is available to do this.
It could almost form a little 'education' centre that would be used by people who are interested but uneducated.
Included in the DB would also be your own stock inventory so that when a type of watch is viewed it would be flagged as 'in stock' etc.
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