Website address printed on products?

[Unperson]

Just visited the site and saw a listing for a Silver 901, and I noticed "www.vaporkings.com" appears on both the battery and atomizer. I was hoping it was just Photoshopped in to protect the site graphics, but upon closer inspection is appears to be actually printed on each part.

I have to be honest. I always thought seeing web addresses on e-cigs was cheesy. I understand when it appears on pens, t-shirts, etc., but on every battery and atomizer? That just seems excessive. You're basically asking everyone to advertise for you. That isn't a bad thing in itself, but sell t-shirts and hats at that point. I don't know; maybe charge less for those batteries with the address printed on them. I remember the first time I saw a battery that was covered with "V4L" logos and I laughed. To their credit, they also offer a single logo option.

I know there will be some who don't mind the address. There may be some that prefer the address since they like spreading the word about your site. I don't claim to speak for everyone.

I was thinking of picking up some spare bats and attys from VaporKings, since you offer some options other sites don't. Now I'm not so sure.

Sorry, just telling it like it is.

 

[Kuya Dave]

prefers unbranded...
i usually sand off & spray them
Don't believe in advertising if I am paying full price or more.
first then on a car i replace the license plate frames then smash the dealers frames and hand them back to them..

I don't mind Advertising but it should be users choice. Just my opinion also. I avoid labeled Products unless low low price.

 

[SSRob]

The branded parts are somewhat a test. I figured it would be a 50/50 type move and I will probably order the next batch non-branded or at least not the web site name on them.

What would be a way I could "mark" them with some type of print that wouldn't bother anyone? My main goal here is to make sure I'm not replacing other vendors parts. What about a simple ring around the battery/atomizer?

I -DO- appreciate your feedback!

Rob

 

[Kuya Dave]

ring or lightning bolt or something would be attractive..
names generally are not attractive. could also do sorry this will be a terrible example but u might understand

----------VK------------- where the vk would need to use a magnifying glass or something simular. The rings i think make it attractive.

I have ordered a atty &misc from other places that have different logo's on it from other shops before. stuff gets mixed up or over print and they sell at lower cost.
not just for PV supplies either misc stuff from misc sites.

but it is good your doing it for a test phase if you would like more idea's there is tons out there. the ring around it is not bad. or some nice design around it. and you could mask your name in there where its not naked to the eye.

These are just personal opinions though.

 

[SSRob]

Companies pay thousands of dollars to get consumers opinions...trust me, I'm eating up every word you guys write. You've given me some nice ideas.

Thanks
Rob

 

[Unperson]

The branded parts are somewhat a test. I figured it would be a 50/50 type move and I will probably order the next batch non-branded or at least not the web site name on them.

What would be a way I could "mark" them with some type of print that wouldn't bother anyone? My main goal here is to make sure I'm not replacing other vendors parts. What about a simple ring around the battery/atomizer?

I -DO- appreciate your feedback!

Rob

First off, you get instant respect from me on your response. Many other forum room owners could have became overly defensive and responded with sarcasm with a dash of immaturity. Your response demonstrates calm, cool, and collected. Hats off to you.

As far as fusing your personal identity into your products, there are many mechanisms. Here are several already in use by others (and some that are not ):

1. OEM packaging where the boxes and packaging use your name and logo. This is one of the most widely used and sadly, the biggest waste of money (imo). I view packaging like Christmas wrapping paper. One or two "oohs" and "aahs" before I rip it open to get to the good stuff, then toss the wrapper. Yes, personalized packaging gets you a point or two more of respect, but eh.

2. Product logos, graphics, branding, etc.. Most exposure. Has the capacity to both save you or sink you. Some sellers do it right, others, again, eh. Not sure how to talk about this since it will require mentioning other sellers. Some sellers use images and symbols versus text and alpha-numerics. I'm very fond of using images. As the owner of the product, all it takes is an image for me to remember where I got it from. I don't need the sellers web address, telephone number, shoe size, and possible allergic reactions to shellfish. If I like a seller/site, then I'll pass it on to friends.

For example, I buy a battery from Vapor Kings that has a tasteful small image on it. Upon seeing it, I'm going to remember where it came from. If the image is "eye catching" I may chose that battery over others just for the bling factor. I think a "wicked" seller has already learned that. Try something different. How about a small design that wraps around the battery near the screw like a cigar band but it's tribal with glyph, barbed wire with a skull, thorny vine with a rose, etc.. There's a reason cheesy tattoo imagery is still widely in use. That being, it's still widely accepted.

3. Things you "should" put web site addresses on include: bottles of liquid, packaging used for pre-filled cartridges, and business cards (put 5 or 10 in with every order you ship out).

4. Keep a database of every customer you have. Every time you get a new customer, generate a unique code and email it to them. Tell them if they refer a friend that uses their code in the order comments, they'll get a discount off their next order or a free item. Then email them a reminder and a copy of their code with each new order, or (better yet) have a spot preprinted on the business cards for you to fill in that code with pre-printed instructions on how to use it and include 5 or 10 cards with their order.

5. Contests, contests, contests. Once a week for small items or once a month for big giveaways. Main prize is e-cig items (hardware, liquid, etc.) secondary prizes are promotional items such as hats, t-shirts, bandanas, pens, etc.. Why? People aren't likely to order hats and shirts with advertisements on them, but if they WON them, it becomes more rewarding to wear it and show it off.

I could go on, but again, eh.

If I had to boil it down to one point, put a graphic on the bats and attys that will help people identify you then treat them right and they'll remember you just from the tiny graphic. Maybe have a "contest" that shows several projected logos for a few weeks and ask your customers for feedback.

 

[ZorbaTheGreek]

I totally feel you unperson. I posted a thread allot like this elsewhere on these forums. A couple people bashed me, and told me to love it or leave it. But the vendor came in with a really nice reply, that my opinion did matter and they wanted to hear it. That good PR reply had me place an order in the next 20 minutes. I can live with a branded battery or two Can always sand them too. I'm all for branding, images, logos, but the URL just rubs me the wrong way, just kind of cheap and cheesy IMO. I have batteries that are have a very distinctive image on them, and believe me, it reminds me exactly where that battery came from. I also certainly use it more, just for the bling factor I also happily paid a premium to get these batteries because I liked the art on them, over my regular supplier.

One thing I thought was interesting in the sellers reply, was that their MFG would do URLs or nothing. They had been fighting to get logos or something else, but hadn't been able to. And they said the reason they didn't go with blank was because people could (would/did?) order a, lets say 510 kit, then call 3 days later and warranty some other 510 they've had since '09 that quit working. Was food for thought for me.

 

[Unperson]

...people could (would/did?) order a, lets say 510 kit, then call 3 days later and warranty some other 510 they've had since '09 that quit working. Was food for thought for me.

One more reason why the human gene pool needs a shot of chlorine.

I hate scumbags!

 

[~Jo~]

I don't need the sellers web address, telephone number, shoe size, and possible allergic reactions to shellfish.

Try something different. How about a small design that wraps around the battery near the screw like a cigar band but it's tribal with glyph, barbed wire with a skull, thorny vine with a rose, etc.. There's a reason cheesy tattoo imagery is still widely in use. That being, it's still widely accepted.

The crown. That's the obvious one, Rob, and obvious is memorable. Either a crown design that goes all the way around, or just some sort of band with a small crown design. Though, FTR, I don't use KR8 stock batts, so I've got no dog in this fight.

 

[jgdovin]

My favorite drink is crown royal, if you stuck a crown on your black kr808 batts I would jump all over them!

 

[5cardstud]

The last product I got like that I took 000 steel wool to and it now has a nice matte finish to it. It wasn't shinny in the first place. Looks pretty good.

 

[raqball]

I am not into markings on the stuff I buy... I realize the need to mark your gear though and it's pretty sad that you have to. It's pretty sad that people will compromise their honor to scam you out of a $9 atomizer....

It's no problem for me though, as mentioned above, I will just sand the marking off... Knowing that as I sand I am saying bye-bye to any warranty claim that I have should it die a sudden death....

My .02

Kris

 

[Kuya Dave]

glad ya good with these replies & helping you with thought's
On a atty im happy with 14days if low price. or even 7days.
thats not the issue. They will last longer if you respect the atty.
my opinion. as is many others.
It would be nice to know if user is running more then 5v on a atty cause if so that should be instant void.
Will be checking out more on your products & see if ya got anything im in need of at moment.

You show lots of respect for user voice & that is a major bonus

Thank You.

 

[critterbug]

What about a tastefully done crown? Or a crown with some very small text below.
e.g.

[crown]
Vapor
Kings

Is a crown taken?
​

 

[critterbug]

d'oh! I hadn't read the whole thread. So. I agree with jgdovin...

or e.g.

 

[SSRob]

Did you create that critter? Nice art work

 

[SSRob]

Well let me widdle through this small batch of www.'d parts and I promise I'll do something less obtrusive on the next round. I really appreciate everyone giving their input!

Thanks
Rob

 

[hangin1]

ya I agree that a crown would be awesome idea!! Because it would serve two purposes look cool as well as give ya a way for people to recognize your stuff without having the website directly stamped on everything. I also agree that sending business cards with every order is a great idea.

 

[Kuya Dave]

I 2nd the business card's I always handed them out when I had for multiple business's not just pv stuff but auto stuff etc.

 

[SSRob]

I've got new logos and a nice new small discreet but recognizable branding logo coming soon! I'll debut it here and get your feedback.

Rob