NationStates Jolt Archive

I could use some advice on creating a storefront named Darkthrope Shipyards that will sell FT vehicles and ships.

If you have them, people like to see pictures. Have only the information you need, not too much useless frilly stuff. Most stores have paragraphs, but several have done well with just stats. People like discounts and packages. They won't buy if they don't know what your things (any that you have made up) are so make a key (like on a map). Um, that's all I can think of for now, possably more later.

-pics (i rarely buy if they`re missing)
-general description on what the equipment can do and what is it used for (possible strong points - defensive, high speed, weapons load, etc)
-stats (again...i dont buy if they`re not there) - weight, range, crew, cargo details, speed
-realistic price...(though i know that doesnt help you in FT, still...i think a shuttle shouldnt cost 5 mil $, not even in the future)

Just a few things I've noticed from my storefront, and by viewing other sucessful storefronts.

1. Have pride in your products- Even though this is just a game it pays to not only fully understand the products you offer, but also to put out a product that you would want to use. There are hundreds of plain list, stat or picture only storefronts selling technology with little more than a bow to comprehension or understanding to the items workings... dont be like that. If you want to sell to established nations who already fairly know what they are looking for they will already be considering designing their own...

If you put out a good amount of information, stats, a picture, and ina professional looking manner you will have a much higher chance of selling a product to a discerning customer. If they like what they see they already know its substantially easier to buy a product close to what they want, then to design their own inorder to match perfectly.

2. RP interactions professionally- 'confirmed' is about as detached and un-personal as a response can get... if you intend to have return customers put a little effort into your responses, and show that your actually payign attention.

3. Use little known or unused images- prefferably custom images done by yourself. Though this is out of the perview of some useing an original image, or little known image will give it some distinction. AVOID HOMEWORLD & HOMEWORLD 2 images for a FT store... they are done to death and will just disappear into the masses... likewise look at a few other similar stores and try not to reuse images.

4. Organize your storefront- So that people can jump to the area they want quickly. Useing the Post number option above each post with [url] tages in the first post is a simple but effective means of organization. See Kreigszimmer's storefront or Aequtio's(my appologies on the possible incorrect spelling) storefront for an example.

5. Update regularly- keeps things interesting, and allows for a reason to return, otherwise you may get one order than stagnate unless your able to constantly draw in more customers.

Actually, I created a thread called How to Build A Better Storefront (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=353255). I also created a Storefront Code of Conduct (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=359981).

I think both threads could be very useful to you.

First rule of having a storefront: Fully expect your store to never have any sales. You may get a few during the first few days if you're lucky, but unless you keep adding new stuff, sales tend to die down quickly.