Author Topic: I started a new business...  (Read 10167 times)

l2jperry

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I started a new business...
« on: August 22, 2016, 07:02:15 AM »
Hey everyone,

This is certainly not the place that would go for something like this, but as an avid reader of these of forums I know there is a ton of knowledge here!

I've been selling t-shirts via third party marketplaces for a couple of years now, but was recently inspired to learn how to grow a website without relying on third party marketplaces to do it for me :).

and so www.dadandlads.com was born.

I would love any opinions on how the site looks/functions etc. or any advice on how to help get it off the ground. Secondly, any one who knows anything about internet marketing I would be willing to work together with them on this for a percentage of the site.

arebelspy

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2016, 04:54:21 AM »
Okay, seriously, some of these are * awesome.  Like, multiple.

Well done.

I mean, a Mustachian probably isn't buying them (rather using hand-me-downs and such), but I bet a lot of people would love these.


[Also, Mod Note, I moved the category this was posted in.]
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l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2016, 07:43:42 AM »
Thanks arebelspy for the kind words and for checking it out!

afuera

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2016, 11:25:16 AM »
Those are adorable.  I don't even have kids yet and I want to buy my husband all of them. Maybe we will put the baby ones on my cat for now... (kidding!)
P.S. (See attached) The part at the bottom doesn't look finished/is still in edit mode.  I know nothing about how to change that but just noticed it.

boarder42

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2016, 11:30:38 AM »
awesome idea.  should ramp up that FIRE timeline.

MrsDinero

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2016, 11:40:25 AM »
Love them!  Great job!

I'm seriously considering the Ctrl-C/Ctrl-V set for Christmas. 

Is your business logo on the shirt somewhere?  If not you might consider putting your brand on them, like the back/neck area.

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2016, 02:01:52 PM »
trappedinmyoffice thanks for catching that! I'll have to look into getting that fixed up.

MrsDinero that's a very excellent suggestion, I know building the brand is going to be vital to the websites success.

And yes... the goal is to get me to FIRE faster :)! I actually got my first sale with the site today, woohoo!

Thanks everyone.

OkieStache

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #7 on: August 23, 2016, 02:23:30 PM »
GREAT work.  I have an issue though:  twin boys.  I need the Dad and TWO kid shirts.  Might want to include that functionality to add on only the kid/baby shirts. 

CheapskateWife

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #8 on: August 23, 2016, 02:27:22 PM »
These are terrific designs and the website is clean and professional looking.  Nicely done! 

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #9 on: August 23, 2016, 03:42:11 PM »
Okie - that's a GREAT suggestion, hopefully I can get add something like that down the line... i'm a graphic designer mostly, so code is not really my forte. Something like that would have to be outsourced, but it's a really, really good suggestion.

Thanks for the kind words cheapskate!

arebelspy

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #10 on: August 23, 2016, 09:04:05 PM »
GREAT work.  I have an issue though:  twin boys.  I need the Dad and TWO kid shirts.  Might want to include that functionality to add on only the kid/baby shirts.

That'd be good for not only for twins, but multiple kids spaced apart (e.g. buy one control c shirt, 2 control v, in different sizes).  Which brings me to another suggestion: sizes, to have kid sizes available as well.

Also some of these work well for girls (control v, adorable baby), even though it's dads and lads, it could have female options as well.
I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
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MrsDinero

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #11 on: August 24, 2016, 06:33:58 AM »
GREAT work.  I have an issue though:  twin boys.  I need the Dad and TWO kid shirts.  Might want to include that functionality to add on only the kid/baby shirts.

That'd be good for not only for twins, but multiple kids spaced apart (e.g. buy one control c shirt, 2 control v, in different sizes).  Which brings me to another suggestion: sizes, to have kid sizes available as well.

Also some of these work well for girls (control v, adorable baby), even though it's dads and lads, it could have female options as well.

I was actually thinking about buying that one for my husband and our daughter.  She is the spitting image of him.  I'm still one week from my due date so not sure what the new baby will like :)

Miss Piggy

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #12 on: August 24, 2016, 07:06:16 AM »
I don't even have kids, and I think these are fantastic!!!  Nice work!

I agree with others who have suggested girl stuff. I don't see this working as well for a mom & baby girl, but I totally see it working for dads and baby girls! And that would double your market. :)

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #13 on: August 24, 2016, 11:08:54 AM »
You are all awesome for all the suggestions. The thought did occur to me for dads and daughters... and I actually do sell many of them like that on amazon and such, if things start taking off I probably will branch out on the site a little bit and add a section like that. I just wanted to keep it really simple to start.

MrsDinero

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #14 on: August 24, 2016, 11:16:56 AM »
You are all awesome for all the suggestions. The thought did occur to me for dads and daughters... and I actually do sell many of them like that on amazon and such, if things start taking off I probably will branch out on the site a little bit and add a section like that. I just wanted to keep it really simple to start.

Not a bad idea to focus on just dads and lads to see how it goes, although I have no problem dressing my girl in a grey t-shirt. 

I was thinking about the twins (or multiples) thing. Would it be as simple just doing add on at checkout?  For example "add an additional baby onesie (or shirt) for + $13-15"?

I have no idea what it takes to create a store like this from scratch so not sure the effort it would take to add something like this.

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #15 on: August 24, 2016, 12:39:53 PM »
I have been giving it a lot of thought, and I think i'll just add a product for sale that says something along the lines of "Add 1 Shirt To My Order" and then have a drop down menu to select a size. I'm sure there is a better way with someone who knows more about coding, but I figure that is a good enough work around for now.

CanuckExpat

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #16 on: August 24, 2016, 06:42:28 PM »
Okie - that's a GREAT suggestion, hopefully I can get add something like that down the line... i'm a graphic designer mostly, so code is not really my forte. Something like that would have to be outsourced, but it's a really, really good suggestion.

Well these are some awesome tshirts. Good luck.
Curious when you say you might need to outsource this, are you handling the website now, is it something you are hand-crafting, or using a platform (squarspace, etc.) ?


TexasRunner

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #17 on: August 24, 2016, 07:04:12 PM »
The site looks great!

Lots of other themes and options out there with the father/son stuff.  Good idea. :)

With This Herring

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #18 on: August 24, 2016, 08:29:32 PM »
This is very cute!

I think it would be best to have the father and son sizes with individual quantity selectors on each product page.

So...
Dad $15 per shirt:
Size: Medium
Color: Gray
Quantity: 1
Son(s) $15 per shirt:
Size: Itty bitty baby
Color: Blue
Quantity: 3
[Add to cart]

This would allow replacement shirts to be ordered easily for dads as well as helping with the twin or more issue.

Site issue: The "Free Shipping On All Orders!" banner disappears when there are items in the cart.  (I don't want to buy anything, but I was looking at how quantities work at the moment.)  This banner should be present all the time.  Also, your headers are a little awkward (two lines of headers, with banner above, and logo on second header), and your logo (nice design!) should be larger.

Also, on a lot of other sites I see links at the footer for contact form, return policies, info about shipping, etc.

Quote from: Shipping Policies
We ship during business hours Monday through Friday.  We use UPS tracked mail, which typically will take 5 to 7 business days for the continental US.  [Map of shipping times from somewhere like this:  https://www.ups.com/maps ]  We do not ship to Uzbeckistan.  Orders shipped to Canada will incur a $9.17 border crossing fee.  Free gold doubloon included with each order of over 475 lbs.

You should consider a custom shirt order that lets the customer pick one of the text styles and select their own words.  Then someone would be able to order, say, the Wars of Stars font with "Jed-eye" for the father and "Paddy-wan" for the son... (*cough cough trademarks*), or even the "BIG MAN" font with "BIG BOB" and "LITTLE BOB" for a father and son pair who share the same name.

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #19 on: August 25, 2016, 06:18:31 AM »
Okie - that's a GREAT suggestion, hopefully I can get add something like that down the line... i'm a graphic designer mostly, so code is not really my forte. Something like that would have to be outsourced, but it's a really, really good suggestion.

Well these are some awesome tshirts. Good luck.
Curious when you say you might need to outsource this, are you handling the website now, is it something you are hand-crafting, or using a platform (squarspace, etc.) ?

I am using spotify currently.

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #20 on: August 25, 2016, 06:21:10 AM »
This is very cute!

I think it would be best to have the father and son sizes with individual quantity selectors on each product page.

So...
Dad $15 per shirt:
Size: Medium
Color: Gray
Quantity: 1
Son(s) $15 per shirt:
Size: Itty bitty baby
Color: Blue
Quantity: 3
[Add to cart]

This would allow replacement shirts to be ordered easily for dads as well as helping with the twin or more issue.

Site issue: The "Free Shipping On All Orders!" banner disappears when there are items in the cart.  (I don't want to buy anything, but I was looking at how quantities work at the moment.)  This banner should be present all the time.  Also, your headers are a little awkward (two lines of headers, with banner above, and logo on second header), and your logo (nice design!) should be larger.

Also, on a lot of other sites I see links at the footer for contact form, return policies, info about shipping, etc.

Quote from: Shipping Policies
We ship during business hours Monday through Friday.  We use UPS tracked mail, which typically will take 5 to 7 business days for the continental US.  [Map of shipping times from somewhere like this:  https://www.ups.com/maps ]  We do not ship to Uzbeckistan.  Orders shipped to Canada will incur a $9.17 border crossing fee.  Free gold doubloon included with each order of over 475 lbs.

You should consider a custom shirt order that lets the customer pick one of the text styles and select their own words.  Then someone would be able to order, say, the Wars of Stars font with "Jed-eye" for the father and "Paddy-wan" for the son... (*cough cough trademarks*), or even the "BIG MAN" font with "BIG BOB" and "LITTLE BOB" for a father and son pair who share the same name.

Seriously some excellent points, thank-you so much for taking the time to review it.

CanuckExpat

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #21 on: August 25, 2016, 12:41:08 PM »
I am using spotify currently.

I was really confused, some googling makes me think you meant you are using shopify?

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #22 on: August 25, 2016, 03:38:07 PM »
I am using spotify currently.

I was really confused, some googling makes me think you meant you are using shopify?

Haha, sorry... I was in rock band for many years so spotify if something I am more used to. Yes, I meant shopify :).

aperture

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #23 on: August 25, 2016, 08:57:59 PM »
Brilliant shirts - sharing on Facebook - hope you get lots of business. -Ap

CheapskateWife

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #24 on: August 28, 2016, 09:37:14 AM »
Dude, how about a Mustache discount code?


l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #25 on: August 28, 2016, 01:11:03 PM »
Dude, how about a Mustache discount code?

I have a coupon code for 30% off enter "DADDYBUX" ... brings the total down to right around 21.00 dollars :]
Dude, how about a Mustache discount code?



esq

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #26 on: September 01, 2016, 05:26:26 PM »
This is the cutest thing ever.  Sharing on fb, with a note to family that GIRL t-shirts are forthcoming.  Best of luck to you.

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #27 on: September 02, 2016, 02:57:49 PM »
This is the cutest thing ever.  Sharing on fb, with a note to family that GIRL t-shirts are forthcoming.  Best of luck to you.

Thanks so much esq! I appreciate it.

esq

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #28 on: September 03, 2016, 12:32:00 PM »
Just ordered the hunting buddy set for my nephew and his daughter who is having her first birthday shindig in two weeks.  This will be a huge hit. 

Very easy to order, and love the free shipping.

KarefulKactus15

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #29 on: September 17, 2016, 04:22:58 PM »
The whole thing actually looks really good....   I think the Ctrl C Ctrl V is my favorite.

esq

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #30 on: September 18, 2016, 07:22:55 PM »
I got the hunting shirts for my nephew and his 1 yr old daughter.  The party was this weekend, and they loved the shirts!  There were MOUNTAINS of gifts, but people loved these because it was something different, plus there was a built in present for Dad! 

When it all dies down and everything has found a place, I will ask them to take a picture wearing their new shirts, and pass it along.

CheapskateWife

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #31 on: September 19, 2016, 08:02:45 AM »
We bought your Ctrl c and Ctrl v for CheapskateHubs and CheapskateKid....they have worn them out in public the last to weekends and get rave responses :)  Husband feels bad that I am left out and suggests a "Ctrl p" for Mom

Are you willing to entertain a custom request?

swick

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #32 on: September 19, 2016, 08:11:55 AM »
We bought your Ctrl c and Ctrl v for CheapskateHubs and CheapskateKid....they have worn them out in public the last to weekends and get rave responses :)  Husband feels bad that I am left out and suggests a "Ctrl p" for Mom

Are you willing to entertain a custom request?

LOVE IT!!

marty998

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #33 on: September 19, 2016, 03:22:45 PM »
We bought your Ctrl c and Ctrl v for CheapskateHubs and CheapskateKid....they have worn them out in public the last to weekends and get rave responses :)  Husband feels bad that I am left out and suggests a "Ctrl p" for Mom

Are you willing to entertain a custom request?

LOVE IT!!

I'm wondering what "Ctrl x" will be for...

Christmas present for the intrusive MIL perhaps?
« Last Edit: September 19, 2016, 03:24:44 PM by marty998 »

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #34 on: September 22, 2016, 09:21:07 AM »
We bought your Ctrl c and Ctrl v for CheapskateHubs and CheapskateKid....they have worn them out in public the last to weekends and get rave responses :)  Husband feels bad that I am left out and suggests a "Ctrl p" for Mom

Are you willing to entertain a custom request?

Haha, I love it!! Such a great idea. Yes, absolutely I would do that for a fellow mustachian. I will PM you. Again, thank-you all for the kind words. While the site is not a huge hit (yet.) it is fun to work on in my free time.

LAdria27

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #35 on: October 06, 2016, 10:05:18 AM »
AWESOME IDEA! How didnt I tought about it?

Would you mind telling me more specifics about the costs and where you get the tshirts?


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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #36 on: October 06, 2016, 11:51:12 AM »
One issue I saw, if I try to post to face book.

I hoped to share a picture of the product, but looks like the sizing picture is what is going to be shared.


CowboyAndIndian

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #37 on: October 06, 2016, 11:51:58 AM »
Here is a screenshot

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #38 on: October 06, 2016, 11:59:14 AM »
AWESOME IDEA! How didnt I tought about it?

Would you mind telling me more specifics about the costs and where you get the tshirts?

The costs are pretty low since I manufacture and ship them myself, the cost to getting into the business was relatively high, but my set up is probably the most efficient for something like this. Everything is made to order and I have two Epson Surecolor F2000 Direct To Garment Printers. I order my blanks from S&S Activewear. I do drop shipping for other designers/sellers if you are ever interested in trying something!

l2jperry

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #39 on: October 06, 2016, 12:00:23 PM »
Here is a screenshot

I noticed that too, but i'm not sure how to fix it. I am using shopify. I wonder if there is some sort of code I can put somewhere so that it pulls the product image and not the sizing chart.

TexasRunner

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #40 on: October 06, 2016, 12:11:16 PM »
There should be a way to scroll through available photos from the page on facebook and pic the one you want, though that may only be possible on a PC and not on a phone.

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #41 on: October 06, 2016, 12:46:10 PM »
Here is a screenshot

I noticed that too, but i'm not sure how to fix it. I am using shopify. I wonder if there is some sort of code I can put somewhere so that it pulls the product image and not the sizing chart.

Remove the sizing chart from the pictures of the product. You need a separate page which shows the sizing information.

Maybe put a link at the end of your text to the sizing information page.

This would be a quick fix.

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #42 on: October 06, 2016, 01:20:52 PM »
Here is a screenshot

I noticed that too, but i'm not sure how to fix it. I am using shopify. I wonder if there is some sort of code I can put somewhere so that it pulls the product image and not the sizing chart.

Remove the sizing chart from the pictures of the product. You need a separate page which shows the sizing information.

Maybe put a link at the end of your text to the sizing information page.

This would be a quick fix.

Also remove the colors available picture on each product. Create another page with colors available

The pictures on a product page should be limited to product pictures.

You should also be putting multiple pictures of the products. One the way you have it. Others with dads/sons wearing it.

MrsDinero

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #43 on: October 06, 2016, 02:28:01 PM »
Did you consider Cafe Press?  I had considered doing something like this but geared towards crafters and yard addicts, but didn't want to get into the manufacturing of it.

LAdria27

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Re: I started a new business...
« Reply #44 on: October 06, 2016, 03:41:33 PM »
AWESOME IDEA! How didnt I tought about it?

Would you mind telling me more specifics about the costs and where you get the tshirts?

The costs are pretty low since I manufacture and ship them myself, the cost to getting into the business was relatively high, but my set up is probably the most efficient for something like this. Everything is made to order and I have two Epson Surecolor F2000 Direct To Garment Printers. I order my blanks from S&S Activewear. I do drop shipping for other designers/sellers if you are ever interested in trying something!

A few years ago I used the vector plotter, and did some for dads day. But I didnt tought about the awesome mashup with the kids shirt.
I saw each printer is at 15k$ and thats more than I can afford. I think Iīll do some vectorized shirts. The only problem is I am very limited to what I can do since it will be one coloured images.

I wouldnt mind to try to sell your tshirt overseas (Portugal). Thatīs an awesome gift and christmas is on the corner!

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!