What would you say to Change at IkenVape?

[Iken]

Hey guys and gals,
I been doing alot of thinking lately and wanted to run a few idea's by you for advice.
I been thinking about our appearance and logo's. I love how they are, but I always feel that something is missing interms of taking the business to the next level. I check the store daily and always feel a ping of something missing. I'm not really at the status to be able to pay a website developer a few thousand for the special things as I been learning as I go to make the current IkenVape.

It appears generic appearances really make a company stand out, so I was thinking to do an overhaul on the store to brighten the place up. I have been looking around for template designs and have found some interesting one's that can make a match to the logo's I been working on, but again. We really need your help and input to know if this change would be a good idea or if there are any other suggestions that we can try to spruce up the joint.

A while back we first started rolling I had purchased the domain icanvape as a safety precaution to avoid any confusion. Again, these are just idea's and a request for guidance from you.

 

[CtryBoy]

You dont really carry my stuff, but as far as site itself. Looks clean professional and easy to navigate.

I'll have to say I'm torn a bit about your idea. Current icon is nice, but I see your point that a more COMMERCIAL type icon could get you noticed more as a brand etc. Maybe someone on here works for an ad company and can give some guidance.

Good luck on your search for that perfect web identity.

Out of the ones you've listed, think the top one is the best. Not sure you need to change your name, that part works, just the artsy look vs tried and true commercial seems to be the only change you might need.

 

[Vaporologist]

Based on your current logo I would suggest the first one. I would not suggest changing/modifying the Ikenvape name. I also like the third one but with the k instead of c. I don't think the letter a in vape should be red unless you are trying to make it stand out for some reason. Just my

 

[Thyestean]

I'd have to agree on not changing the name

 

[coho72]

Don't change the name Ike. You don't want to confuse newcomers directed to your site by either vets or reviews and think they have wound up on the wrong site. Spruce up (colors , logos , ectt..) ok but we love IKENVAPE the way it is! Cheers buddy , Matt

 

[mwa102464]

Keep it as is, but maybe Iken could put out a bigger SMILE on his video reviews for all of us, hahahaha

 

[Electricnut]

The first one is nice but I like the original too. I think the store works well and looks sophisticated not being overly bright.

 

[rosesense]

You site is already way better than a lot out there. I wouldn't change it, personally. If you want to change colors to something a bit brighter, well maybe but I would not mess with the name.

 

[mini_art]

Your web site is clean, easy to navigate and laid out well with good information,
That is better then most.

The images are sharp and clear , the product is well described , very important! that many dont do,

I cant see anything to do here except perhaps (hes gonna kill me for this one)
Make your top logo a tiny bit smaller, as in tiny like 25 to 35 pixels,

Why? because like me , many are using netbooks now and it runs just a bit off the edge of the screen,

Issac there is not one thing wrong with the web site. Leave the darn thing alone

People are not really all that interested in flashy websites , they want to find what they want without digging though a bunch of stuff and they want product information,

You are providing both , without succuming to the dreaded flash and other junk in the way of the quest for say an atty.

Ok getting off my soapbox LOL

 

[HzG8rGrl]

No changes are needed for your site!
It is clean, uncluttered, sophisticated and one of the best ones out there.
Maybe you could add a how-to video section for us to visit.
Perhaps have a place for battery usage and the differences in the different sizes.
Take some of the wonderful discussions and compose them into a blog or information area.

 

[doots]

I think it all is fine as is Issac...

 

[Iken]

Did I ever tell you guys how much I love ya's!
Country,Vman, Thye,Mat!, Mwa,Nut,Rose and Doots! Thank you! From looking around at other supplier sites, I been feeling insecure about it and wanted to give you guys more eye candy and more things to do to enjoy your time on the store, but I still lack the knowledge. Just yet.


But you were so cute on your soapbox Mini! lol, Thank you, I tried to resize the banner a bit, but it came out a bit cloudy. I'll have to do it again from scratch. Now only if i can remember how! For a while with patience and practice, I was pumping them out by boatloads. Here's a few concepts that were on before

Oh and for the flash! I have your worst nightmare! LOL This was the theme I was looking at before we chose our site. Design Studio Flash template I would just listen to it for hours lol.
This one was rated #2 IE008OR - Flash Website Templates - 4Templates.com


Hiya Tina! Now that's a great plan! Switcher is doing reports for me on batteries and safety techniques to put up there. The How-to videos is brilliant!, but I may scare the customers away lol. I was hoping to do a video for each product, but I would feel like an idiot. In text I have time to gather my bearings, in speech, it's all impulse and I lack the ability of following cue cards lol.

 

[WitchWay]

Isaac,

Please do not change the name!!!!! The site is very nice looking and easy to navigate. If it's not broke, don't fix it However I do like that black and gold header with the Chameleon on it!!!

*hugs*
Janine

 

[VaporMadness]

I like the IkenVape name too!

 

[Switched]

IMHO Isaac, there is nothing wrong with what ya got. Flashy window dressing is not what maintains customers. Oh, it will get 'em in the store alright, but will they return?

I am an SOB in many ways, not because I really want to, but because society has driven us there. Let me explain...

We all remember the mom & pop stores when we were young, some are too young to remember but I sure do. What was a mom & pop store? A place you went for what you needed and they always treated you like family. This has already been provided here. Is there anything else? Yup!

A good reliable product at a reasonable price. Folks that know they will be receiving what they order, first time every time will return for those top performers. I have absolutely no intention of acquiring cartos anywhere else. I didn't like cartos but I do now Same goes for the attys you have and are developing, and have started to stock proven dependable batteries.

Maintaining adequate stock levels is probably the most important thing, after all that has been said. If you don't have it, folks will go where they can find it. It's the turtle that won the race...

It's a dog eat dog world, and there will always be a vendor in to make a quick buck. Vendor wars, price slashing etc... it might prove good for the wallet, but little else. Consistency and dependability is what I look for.

Sales should be based on moving older or discontinued stock per se, just like a normal store, not undercutting your competition, which in turn leaves you with capital short falls and without the much needed funds for development.

Set up a rewards program for your customers, dependent on volume of purchases rather than provide discount codes, to everyone. Do some of these vendors that offer high discounts think the customer doesn't know that their prices reflect the discount price in their pricing or mark up? I saw recently where someone made a bulk purchase and was dis-appointed the discount coupon did not apply. Give me a break! They were already discounted duh! (bulk pricing).

Reward repeat customers, show your appreciation to repeat customers (you do this already). Reward/discount coupons should be based on individual customer purchases and volume of business generated. This information needs not be public. Many vendors do this with unexpected gifts etc... Discount at the checkout based on volume of purchases etc...

I could go on and on but I believe you see where I am going. BTW I am corresponding through a USB, my entire home system is contained on a 2 Gig USB stick. It operates a little slower than my PC but it is sure easy to travel with Therefore I need to keep it short (time consuming).

In closing, the flashy window dressing will get new customers in the store, it is what is there and the customer service provided while in the stote that will not only keep 'em in the store, but will provide them with a need to return. There will always be folks that want to shop at the bargain basement, for many reasons. Their reasons are all valid, some are just too cheap. I know you are dependent on your supplier for good product, but a reputation on a quality product each and every time is more important than window dressing. That my dearest friend is what you are in business for, and for which we appreciate by our continued patronage. In short...

Ensuring you maintain a quality product at a reasonable price is your job, shopping is ours.

If you build it they will come!

Information on your products = a plus. I know the battery section is looking damn good. BTW one of the reasons I pulled the trigger with the lizard is: I knew what I was getting and I knew what type of engine it required to run

The info section will indeed improve as time goes by. These little feedback sessions is what will make IkenVape a class act, not window dressing IMHO.

I will follow up with an e-mail later today (away from my slow USB), in reply to your lengthy pm, and a few other questions that need clarification on which direction to take for what I am working on.

PS: I am typing on an ergonomic "French" keyboard = Yuck! = time consuming

 

[skydragon]

Hey Isaac,

You don't show the logo I actually like the best but out of the rest I like the one you have on your site the best. I think the sun/star burst effect is very classy and kind of gives you the impression of something great shining out at you. I know the one I like best had the bursts coming off certain letters. I remember the K for sure. I thought it looked pretty cool. I'm just curious if you ever tried it without the border?

Your site itself looks much better than many I have seen. Thankfully you have stayed away from the blues and yellows that are so hard to read on a dark background.

You can take this for what you think it's worth but the last IkenVape logo you have in your first post is, in my opinion too dark on the top and bottom. Hard to read the I,K and V on the top and especially the complete bottom letters. I kind of like the Chameleon one but they do blend a little too much. Maybe you could just put the Chameleon on the Chameleon page. He's cute.

So all that being said, I truly think you should leave the name as is.

Switched will probably get annoyed with me but while I agree with most of what he says I have to disagree about the window dressing. Window dressing (if you want to call it that) is very important. It is what first catches a persons eye and will keep them looking at your site and probably entice them to buy. Then your great personality and customer service will keep them.

Just my opinions. Doesn't mean I'm right. (gasp)

 

[mini_art]

LOL Issac, you are too funny

Leave the darn banner alone , make it a tiny bit smaller if you can , if not then forget it.

Honestly, really , truely, fancy sites make me click off fast.

I need to find what I am looking for, with LOTS of product information , at a reasonable
price and shipping information up front and easy to find,
shipping information up front is a big plus for me , because many venders charge priority mail only.

While I understand that it simplifies things for them, they get boxes free, its easy to ship, it is not so good for me the consumer. I will not pay 5.00 to ship 2 attys.

There are a few venders that I never buy from for this reason, you have undertaken to use first class mail. More of a bother for you, but a plus you should make very clear as a selling point in my opinion.

Things like this are a better selling point then any amount of flash will ever garner.

You have everything else covered and well done! You have established a name.
dont mess with a good thing.

I went and looked again at the site, if you want to get really really really picky, there is just one thing I would change,



LR,Standard,HV and XHV Atomizers are ensured customer control by having the optional choice of insurance. To ensure our products meet your quality demands. We offer a Risk-free 24 hour grace period for the customer to confirm that the atomizer is not DOA (Dead on Arrival) We individually check each and every atomizer that enters and exits our establishment. Our insurance options are displayed in each of the Atomizer's Item Description. Please note: The typical price of these atomizers on the market are equivalent to ours with a 2 week guarantee. To receive replacement of defective equipment, the mal-functioning atomizer must be returned in a padded envelope or small package with tracking number. In the event of any modifications preformed on all types of atomizers, as in, removing components, will void warranty regardless of insurance.

***Please allow up to one day of usage to break-in our atomizers for optimum use.***



You might break up this wall of words a little, to make it easier to read.

Thats only if you absolutely must find something to change LOL


If it aint broke don't fix it is an old adage but still a good one.

Ok kicking my soapbox to the side of the road. I'll shut up now

 

[VaporMadness]

Fwiw, the product line is what brought me here and the personal touch is what brings me back for more (thank you for the blank carts btw). The site is just a vehicle. It could always be better, but the product line and customer service trumps.

IkenVape is a vaping brand name if you ask me. Would sadden me to see it change because I've come to appreciate it and associate it with you and your family.

Faster page load times, less jiggly when loading, fits on netbooks... these things matter more when it comes to improving the site itself... less features/flash more function. But that's just the site...

There are myriads of products, I like that you've sifted them and provide only those that make the grade... i trust that if i buy something from IkenVape, its gonna be good... like i trust a friend.

How to grow that is the challenge.

 

[Iken]

Wow! You guys know how to make a guy feel like a million bucks! I'm not even sure how to respond at this point! Ok, we'll keep the site as it is! You guys are right and I'm a fool for not seeing the name we established and the name you guys came to love. With the most sincerity, thank you my friends. If there's one thing I definitely want you guys to know, NO matter how big or small your posts are, they are much loved and forever valued.

I added a small how-to section and video reviews section and will soon add a written portion as well! Very excited! If anyone has any input or video's or even written reviews,observations or instructional's. Please let me know and we'll review and post it on the store!
I swear, you guys are just the greatest and I would be lost without each and everyone of you including non-posters.

Mr Madness! That's great! Beautiful work sir! It reminds me of our good friend Mastiff's banner.

Thank you so very much for the good words and most of all the trust we have. For reassurance, Cheaper alternatives on almost everything we have and don't have in the store has been presented on a weekly basis and had been graciously turned down. . I like to stick with the code of "You get what you pay for" and that code does work both ways. Like Switcher was saying about Mom & Pop shops. I ♥ Mom and Pop shops and tend to avoid the bigger corporations in all aspects possible. Processed food, flimsy electronics, cheap appliances, what have you All just major turn off's. Charles Pizza kills Dominoes anyday lol


LOL WWay, come to see it more, it is a mechanical Chameleon maybe..just maybe.. I have a few leads on local machine shops to check out on Monday! Woo Hoo!


Jesus Switcher! From this post alone and your email I think you officially mastered the ergonomic "French" keyboard! LOL I definitely see where your going with this and Thank you for the great idea's! I took heed in your words to the Reward system. It's active, but I'm unable to test it lol. Sounds sad, but I'm still learning.

Hiya Sky! Every opinion is worth the world. It is a diverse world and all aspects are very important. I agree that both Window dressings and quality in service is needed. Say if you have 2 information desks located across the road from each other, one has the passion to help and direct with kindness but is not visually appealing and the other could careless and is just biding his/her time till the shift is over, but they are also very attractive. Who would gather the most cliental can be easily decided.
As for the Logo LOL I can't seem to get the I right! The one that you like (Thank you!) I had spent the most amount of time to put it together. I tried it without the border, but it gave a ping of emptiness of sorts.
Having the Chameleon on the appropriate page is a big +1!


LOL Mini! Ok ok I'll leave the banner alone! LOL
Great pointer's! I'll adjust the atoms page to make it simpler and add a link to the full warranty description. I'm trying to figure out how to make 'stamps' like Visa,Mastercard,Authorize.net etc but been having a heck of a time. I'll try to make a 1st class shipping Stamp to go along with them or...maybe we'll make 1st class the standard and have an Upgrade to Priority as an item. Do you have any ideas on how to make 1st class shipping stand out, but to blend in nicely? It would be a shame to kick away the soap box!

Your grandsons military boots look adorable on you!

 

[5cardstud]

Keep your original and overlay it with letter outlined that say I can vape.