View Full Version : How do we feel about Merchants input?
Hi Guys,
Following Naomi's (firebox.com) trend setting example, how do you guys feel about merchants contributing on here?
What would you like to see?
Shout out and you shall be heard! :D
I think merchant contributions are invaluable for everyone, it cuts out the middleman (no offence :) ) and potentially gets issues resolved more quickly. It's also a good reminder that we're working with, not against, merchants.
Don't know how many merchants are going to want to pick through posts on API calls and PHP problems though. A while back someone suggested having a separate thread for each merchant datafeed, so how about a Merchants board with each merchant getting their own thread that representatives could monitor and post on?
chartfieldconsultants
22-05-07, 17:38
Definitely good to see enthusiastic merchants here, but any that aren't keen shouldn't be compelled - if they're here because someone said they've got to be then we won't get much sense out of them anyway.
Has to be said - Firebox and Naomi do seem to be at the top of the tree when it comes to that sort of thing. I've known one or two others who might take to it as well. But I'd be stunned if they all wanted to.
Confuscius
22-05-07, 21:10
As I originally suggested the notion of a separate thread for every feed then I would clearly welcome such an approach! I would hope that some collective standards could be established for product feeds in general but I am sure that there will always be cases where it will be necessary for slightly different approaches.
As there would be a clear benefit in terms of sales from better and more consistent feeds then I would anticipate that some merchants would recognise the benefit and would be willing to commit resources to an improvement, whilst those merchants who wanted to continue to produce contrite tripe masquerading as a product feed are free to continue just as I am free to remove their products from my website. So, once enough affiliates had voted with their feet perhaps more merchants would be encouraged to come to the table!
There really is no need to compel any merchant to contribute as if they considered it from a business angle then those with the 'worst feeds' (however, you assess it!) should be queueing to get to the table first.
Just my 2p's worth!
Looking forward to having the opportunity to work with a merchant or two and a couple of good successes may also encourage more.
Paul