Looking for advice for website

[Kristin]

Hello everyone. I just wanted to pop in and ask for your thoughts on something. With my new book out, I have decided I wanted to offer a special price online. As most of you know, we have to be very careful what we put on websites, as we attempt to work with stores, we can not openly list the book for lower then what they price it at. I am trying to work around this and created a second website on freewebs. It is very similar to my personal website, but i have included a link for people to buy my book for less than they could anywhere else. Here are my questions. I understand this is going to sound strange, but I have the price for the book for $3.00 less but that includes the price of shipping. Is that better or a lower price with higher shipping? Also, I was wondering if you would look at it for me. I know the buy it now button does not work right now. I just wanted someone's thoughts on the presentation of it. Thanks. I know this message is random, it is late and deciding to pop up a website at this time of night may have been a bit silly on my part. Thanks again!

KB

[Kristin]

http://kblizzard.webs.com/

oh yes, see I forgot to post the web addy, maybe I should go to sleep lol.

Thanks again!

KB

[Gina, Mod-Squad]

I'm dropping off, so I'll have to take a better look at the site when I wake up (I'm all Nano-ed out). But as far as the price and shipping is concerned, people seem to like the word 'free'. A lower priced book with shipping added on somehow doesn't sound the same as a book with 'free shipping'. It adds up to the same cost, but the 'f' word is in there.

[Dee, Group Creator]

Hey Gina,

Congrats on your NaNoWriMo win :]

Giving you a well desevered High-Five!

Dee Marie

[Gina, Mod-Squad]

Thanks Dee, not just for the high-five but for the encouragement to get everyone signing up to begin with :o)

Now I just need to find a supplier for MacBook replacement keys!

[Dee, Group Creator]

Hi Kristen,

I agree with Gina. Our minds read "free" with more excitement than "shipping included." The second statement means we have to "do math." No one in their right mind mind wants to "do math" to figure out how much they are truly saving :]

I would also suggest that you put the Retail Price on your book's web site, and put "On Sale For A Limited Time" in bog bold red lettering, with the "sale price" also in bold red font, under the normal retail price. Keep the Retail Price in black text.

Next, add FREE SHIPPING (the only time to really use all caps) in smaller font size, but again in all caps.

Hope that helps.
Dee Marie

[Kristin]

Dee, can I get you to check again. I think I followed your advise. I tried to lol. Thanks again for the help.

[Dee, Group Creator]

Kristin,

OH that is sOOoo much better. Just two more tiny suggestions...

1. See how it looks with the FREE SHIPPING in red. That way the first thing that hits the comsumer is the sale price and the free shipping. I know I am going to put your book on my Christmas wish list :]

2. Also, I had to search your front page links for the link to buy your book (I know there are only three on the front page, but I am a lazy comsumer). Is there any way that you can put a "purchase" link, or a "Market Place" link

I know that you have it listed under "Publishing and Marketing" but to my consumer mind that did not direct me to where to "buy" your books.

I guess I have been shopping too much this holiday season, I have fried-brain ;]

I like the overall look of your site, it is a very clean design. Good Job!

Dee Marie

[Dee, Group Creator]

Gina,

Now I just need to find a supplier for MacBook replacement keys!

Now that was one funny line. I had just taken a sip of coffee when I read it and I had to clean the spray off of my keyboard ;]

Dee Marie

[Kristin]

Dee,
I am not sure what you mean about the shopping aspect. Should I mention at the top of the page there is a link or what?
Also, understand the replacement key thing. I spend more time on this computer then i do my bed lol. I am always either working, reviewing, writing, or playing. I vacuum mine:D

[Kristin]

oh just came to me. Do you mean to purchase it directly, that should be up and running in a few days. I have it set up though paypals for everyone's safety.

[Dee, Group Creator]

Hey Kristin,

Thanks for the great idea...that is what I am goiing to ask Santa for, a computer keyboard vacuum. I can't believe how much I shed. ICK!

Back to your site. On the front page you have a side link to "Publishing and Marketing."

That link takes you to your book's page, with the sale information (among other things).

I was just suggesting (and keep in mind it is merely a suggestion) that you either add (or change that link) to "Market Place"

As an author I understand the meaning of "Publishing and Marketing"

but...as a consumer, "Market Place" lets me know that when I click on that link, it will take me to the books you have for sale.

It is a very tiny nit-picky thing...kind of falls under, "Be careful what you ask for" :]

Today I am just so happy to have finished NaNoWriMo event that my fingers are a bit giddy. Wishing you a most wonderful Sunday.

Dee Marie

[Samie]

I did something like that through Lulu.com. I had my paper back books for $12.00, but then Lulu released this format with cheaper manufacturing costs but it has a somewhat higher shipping cost over to over seaseas. So I created something called U.S.Editions which is cheaper version of every book I have. Which is around $8.00. But to warn about the shipping cost I put a big flyer on the front page of my website explaining the good and bads of the ordering a U.S. Edition. I think if you explain it well on your website, all will be okay no matter what you choose.

See what I mean at my website Lelue's Realm. http://www.freewebs.com/lelue/

[Dee, Group Creator]

Hey Samie,

What did you think of the paper quality? Could you "feel" and see a big difference?

[Dee, Group Creator]

Good advice Jo-Anne :]