Setting up a boating business

[MapisM]

Is this a non issue?

It is, nowadays. I don't think you would loose one single sale by offering PP only.
Actually, I always hated with a passion the idea that someone can make money (and a helluva lot of it!) doing nothing but handling other people's money. But that's the world we live in, whether I like it or not... :ambivalence:

PS: re. the website in general, I quite like it - and also the Italian shoes basket, needless to say!

 

[petem]

Cool, PayPal only is is then, which is great as it helps me keep my costs down with my modest turnover.

 

[Whitelighter]

I like using paypal as it means I can use my Amex card where ordinarily I can't.

 

[petem]

Even getting them to fill in their name and address puts customers off , hence you really need the Paypal option so they don't have to fiddle about putting in credit card details etc.

Have now added Postcode anywhere for address lookup to save the customer from having to type it.

Personally I would loose the "Verify you are a human" on checkout. OK for contact form but in 14 years of online trading I have never had a Bot trying to order.

Done.

 

[bacon4]

Light fittings do seem to be an area with some potential (no idea if it's a viable business though). I've basically had to manufacture them myself for both boats as I couldn't find anything that worked. There were some reasonable looking ones that required lots of depth behind the headlining, which I don't have, and all the surface-mount ones were butt-ugly.

 

[petem]

Thanks for your comment. There are some great fittings available, such as Cantalupi. With the current trend of people refurbishing their boats I think there's also a requirement to switch to more modern fittings and also convert to LED.

But I think this is a bespoke job that requires a survey of the vessel, a discussion of the options, a quote for supply and also fitting. I think it would be difficult to make a generic 'off the shelf' kit for this.

I'm not based by the coast, I don't have the skills or time so someone else will need to take this on!

 

[petem]

On reflection, I think I'll remove the teak shoe baskets. Distance Selling Regs would require me to offer a 14 day return and i don't particularly want to be stuck with the stock. I do think shoe baskets are a good idea so I'll continue to seek a cheaper alternative.

 

[Pete7]

Talking about reflections, stainless steel is nice and shiney, but have you thought about a black chrome type of finish as an alternative?

Still looking for a water proof cover for my Raymarine ST2000, you need a little old dear with a sewing machine knocking up a couple of hundred with a little window to show the display.

Pete

 

[petem]

Talking about reflections, stainless steel is nice and shiney, but have you thought about a black chrome type of finish as an alternative?

There's no reason why letters couldn't be given this type of finish, or painted, gold plated, or made out of other materials (e.g. acrylic). The only limiting factor is your imagination and wallet!

Still looking for a water proof cover for my Raymarine ST2000, you need a little old dear with a sewing machine knocking up a couple of hundred with a little window to show the display.

Mmm, I suspect the global market for such a product is probably about 1. If you ask JFM nicely he might sew you one.

 

[Greg2]

I like the website and the products on offer.....we may be in the market for a mat
Only observation would be on the safety wire covers......when I was in the Navy the absolute golden rule was that you never, ever leant against a guardrail let alone sit on it and it is something that has never left me. I fully accept that most liesure boaters will not have gone through such indoctrination but thought I would mention it

 

[rafiki_]

Very nice job Pete, and what a great name.