Stock Status Question For Ya'll :-)

[CaSHMeRe]

Hey Guys ...

Seeing as how PureSmoker is a 2 man, 1 woman operation (60+ hours per week each) we are absolutely pounded. As soon as our move takes place the 2nd/3rd week of March, we will be hoping to hire about 1-2 more employees.

Normally, our shipments are large, and normally 1/3 to 1/2 is added to the inventory at a time. This is done for several reasons
1. Making 100% absolute sure we can completely fulfill all orders already placed, thus allowing us to re-inventory and add more several days later.
2. Cuts down on a single person purchasing the entire inventory of that certain kit/part/juice (Seems to happen the most with ECigars/Cigar Atomizers/and juice!) I would prefer being able to allow all my customers the chance to purchase what they want instead of them all going to a single hoarder.
3. Helps to control the amount of orders so they are filled and shipped in a timely manner.


Now .... What are you guys feelings on the matter? Especially over the next 3-4 weeks before we move. Would you prefer I add everything all at once, although it may end up taking 4-5 days to ship the order, and allowing certain people (and you know who you are) the chance to completely buy out that certain product.

OR ...

Would you prefer to keep it how it is at this point? (Minus this last weekend we are still trying to catch up on) Our average shipping time if kept is roughly 24-48 hours ....

Thanks Everyone ....

And PS just reached 10,000 ORDERS !!!!!! WOOHOO !!!

Thank you to all PureSmoker Customers/Clients/and Affiliates!

 

[LifeLongJoyRide]

I'm still pretty new to all of this (about to place my 1st PS order on Wednesday) but it looks like you found a system that works pretty well...I say stick with it. A lot of these other suppliers almost look like they've closed shop with the gaps between restocking. There's a definite method to your madness

 

[riddle80]

Might be a good idea to have a limit per order if only a few people are ordering the majority of the stock.

Congrats on the 10k!

 

[Cuando]

Keep up the good work, and keep on stocking pens.

You know, please?

 

[nitewriter]

I think you have a great sense about how your customers order and what it takes to keep them happy.

If you let a few buy everything, don't you run the risk of making the majority mad?

Trust your gut and don't fix it if it aint broke.

You and PureSmoker are the BEST!!!

 

[Spikey]

Go with what works... as was stated above.. if it ain't broke... don't fix it otherwise you will find people on here selling YOUR product for MORE than they paid and making a profit and then YOU have to do the customer service on it! Not fair to you.

PS.. Congrats!

 

[Rorschach]

I agree with the above.

If you give us too much of a good thing we'll splurge ourselves silly.

 

[watertones]

Congrats CaSH! Definitely keep it half at a time. A major plus to your business is the fast turn around time and shipping, which is hard to come by. If you need someone in the Midwest, let me know! Haha

 

[gep]

Continue what you're doing

 

[CellWho]

If you limit quantity per product per order you can minimize your exposure to this issue. For larger orders, just have them email you directly and place a special order for them. That way they can get the product, and you can manage your inventory a little better.

 

[Sun Vaporer]

Steve -- you are and have been doing a great job!! I have been ordering about half a year now and your system works. As is so often said in business--you do not what to take the aches of McDonalds--if it works--stick with it. Thanks for all the great service--Sun et al

 

[cbrniner]

Dont fix what aint broke

 

[jingin]

I absolutely agree with everyone else. Stick to the tried and true method. Your group is awesome! And if you ever need anyone wayyyyyyyyyyyyy northwest (Alaska to be exact), think of me!!!

 

[Reign]

Whatever you have been doing has been working, so keep it up. I am a Pure Smoker!

Need any help out here around DC or Baltimore, give me a shout.

 

[Trumpybloke]

Steve , sincerest congratulations on your business and reaching your 10,000 !!!
While you and I will most probably never trade in a business sense, your commitment to your customers, your listening to input, your honesty and transparency both in your business and your participation on ECF are the benchmark for retailers worldwide.
I personally know a few of your customers in the US of A and you are supported and have made an impression on them in such a positive manner.
You are to be commended in all aspects both personal and private, I sincerely hope Puresmoker continues to lead and innovate in the manner you have, I understand as you grow this will just get harder and harder , but it is plain to see this hasn't affected your basic business/personal mix... great stuff mate , and I only wish more retailers would follow in your footsteps!!!
Well done to you , your family and Daniel

 

[udave]

Steve, your system is working and like everyone else said, if it ain't broke don't fix it. It might be aggravating to have to wait for you to get restocked, but at least when I place an order I know that if your site says what I'm ordering is in stock it is REALLY in stock and will be shipped to me right away. Keep things the way they are, please don't do anything to jeopardize your quick shipping times!

Oh, and congrats on passing 10K orders!

 

[QueenInNC]

Congrats, Steve! I just wanted to let you know that although I am still quite the newbie here, I refered 3 people to your site yesterday. One of them was at the Smoking Everywhere kiosk at the mall. They were asking about reputible company's so I pulled them aside and told them about Puresmoker. Smoking Everywhere is WAY expensive!

 

[CaSHMeRe]

Thanks everyone, for all the replies!

Will stick with what we have been doing! Been looking in to limited how many of each product can be purchased at one time ..... Hopefully I can set something like that up!

Trumpy, and all the rest ... I really appreciate the very kind comments!

-Steve

 

[latte hiatus]

For larger orders, just have them email you directly and place a special order for them. That way they can get the product, and you can manage your inventory a little better.

IMHO, that is brilliant. Steve, if you can directly contact those who have placed extremely large orders and request that they work with you to place a special order, it may help to alleviate some of the strain these customers place on your inventory (and consequently make the smaller customers happier when we can order all the items we need on one order, without paying multiple shipping fees).

 

[ninjapuff]

Steve, I hope you don't mind a little constructive criticism. One problem I'm seeing is different items being added to your inventory on different days. For example, somebody may want to order a starter kit and a certain kind of juice. The starter kit may be added to your inventory one day, and the juice added a couple days later. If the starter kits are sold out by the time the juice is added to the inventory, then it's a problem. People generally want to order everything together in one shipment to save on shipping costs, and I'm guessing you'd rather spend your time packing it all together in one shipment.

One possible way to help with this problem would be to create some type of reserve system. Customers could tell you exactly what they want in their next shipment, and then when all the items are in stock, their order could be put aside on hold for 48 hours (or whatever time you choose), and the customer can be notified that their order is in and they have 48 hours to make payment on it. This system should also help you figure out what your customers are looking for and what you need to order.

Another thing you may want to do is some sort of email newsletter that notifies people when new shipments come in. They're pretty easy to set up through icontact dot com or a similar site. Then customers don't have to go to your site every day, constantly hitting refresh. It's also a good way to get old customers to come back when you get a new product or whatever.

I'm a VERY satisfied customer, and the way you handle inventory seems to be working, but there's always room for improvement, especially at the speed your business is growing.