[tone]

HEYLO SONG SWAGGERERS

So here's what I'm scheming: to open a shop RIGHT HERE under your very noses! It would sell everything from sheet music to guitar strings to software for your recording obsession.

But I want to make sure there's support for it before spending the time setting it up. I don't want to change the atmosphere on the forum or annoy people with links to stuff they don't want to buy.

The way I imagine it working is this. You need something for your music, so instead of searching the net, you have a quick peek in the forum shop, since you'll be here anyway.

What say you, song warriors?

[Paulski]

Can you sell weed with free shipping to Canada? 

Seriously tho sounds like a good idea.
What about selling CD's from forumites (not that I have one  ) ?

[Boydie]

If I am honest I probably wouldn't 

Are you thinking of setting up your own "e-commerce shop" or provide access to the forum for other enterprises

I would probably take a look but in all honesty it is no extra hassle searching the net and the "big boys" (eg Amazon or those specialising in areas and buy in massive bulk and can stack 'em high and sell 'em cheap - eg StringBusters, who I really recommend) already satisfy most needs at good prices

I am not sure the "convenience store" factor works online

[tone]

Are you thinking of setting up your own "e-commerce shop" or provide access to the forum for other enterprises

Neither exactly. You would still buy from a 3rd party, even though you would go to them via the forum. They wouldn't have direct access, so I would be able to choose only good products and good companies to link to on the forum. I wouldn't be handling any stock, more acting as a middle man. In the longer term I'm hoping to be able to negotiate special deals/ discounts for members, but that's something I would need to build up to.

Does that make any difference?

[seriousfun]

Did I hear the words "discount" and "special deals" ? Now yiu have my attention.

I guess it would very much come down to what was available. Given that I have a long and happy association with this forum, if a product was available here at the same or lessor price as other outlets I would buy it here simply for the loyalty factor. I expect many others may feel the same way. Its probably something that you will not know the answer to until you try.

Downloadable products are about all I shop for on line. Physical products I usually source locally so that I have support when required.

[Skub]

If there was a store,I'd certainly look to see if there was anything I want/need. I do a wild lot of random,drunk online purchases... .

You've obviously researched the subject,but I'm not sure how it would put any money in your pocket,Tone. Are you thinking of raising revenue through advertising and passing on sales to others?

[tone]

Hi Skub

Thanks for your reply and your interest. I should've said up front - I would earn a commission on any sales made via the forum. It would be small, but if enough people bought something occasionally, it would be worth the time investment.

[Skub]

 

There is a core of good and very helpful people who regularly contribute and make Songwriters Forum the pleasant and informative corner of the web that it is. I know there are costs involved in running a site,so anything that helps to fund the place is good in my book. It can be difficult to come up with ideas that will allow growth and keep things affordable,yet not discourage members or cause major division.

We ought not to forget if Tone became tired of the site maintenance and the time consequences,or if the financial costs incurred become punitive,then we'd all be the losers.

[nooms]

will you be stocking any round tuits in the forum store tone ?
ive got to get one

[tone]

For you Mr Nooms I will certainly be stocking some round tuits. God knows I could use one myself

[adamfarr]

If done in a tasteful way, why not? I mean as long as the forum remains first and foremost artistic, and commercial second then not a problem.

Another idea might be a marketplace to buy and sell secondhand stuff between forumites. Probably wouldn't help finance the forum much but I could see it being used.

[tone]

Any more thoughts on this, songwriting Swamis?

[nooms]

case of why not really.
some good reading would be nice , music biogs, songwriter stress balls, dartboards etc
go for it see what happens..
as long you havent just bought 5oo left handed mdf mandolines from delboy and this is just a front !