Website Wish List - Engraving Etc. Forum

From:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	19 Jul 2005
To:	Doug (JDOUG5170)	4 of 55

1633.4 In reply to 1633.3
Doug, I didn't say we would be listing the Top 5 and Bottom 5. I assume that the criteria for such a rating system would be restricted to those with hands-on experience with a given product or service. Your statement is saying that the opinions of Engraving Etc. professionals are skewed or different than that of, let's say, an average ARA member? Much of our business is built around recognizing the top performers. It would be foolish of us to not recognize the stars of our industry through the eyes of our respected peers. Doesn't the ARA and almost all other organizations do the same? quote: This is a nice wish list, but I for one would not buy in without seeing some up front progress...I have yet to sell a product that is still in my head...I've found my customers require at least a prototype be built! We are in the process of trying to build something better. That is what we are doing right here. The last time I checked, this forum was still free. I am positive that you will know what the product is before you buy, when it gets to that point. David Takes Expressions Engraved Acrylic Awards, Crystal Trophy, Glass Award, Plaques http://www.expressionsengraved.com
EDITED: 7 Aug 2010 by DATAKES

From:	Cindy (CINDYM)	20 Jul 2005
To:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	5 of 55

1633.5 In reply to 1633.4
Something we've talked about quite a lot on this forum is the need for an ethics accountability. How could we possibly handle that? I'm thinking of problem solving between retailer and supplier (or the other way around if a supplier were to get stiffed). Equal opportunity to put in the facts as each side sees them. Perhaps mediation? Any chance of adding something like this? Cindy M

From:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	20 Jul 2005
To:	Cindy (CINDYM)	6 of 55

1633.6 In reply to 1633.5

I think that any moderator would privately be willing to be a mediator.

Publicly, the member response to that idea was far from overwhelming. The members sort of said, "No way."

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Tips Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

From:	Ken D. (KDEVORY)	21 Jul 2005
To:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	8 of 55

1633.8 In reply to 1633.1
quote: 5) A database, searchable by forum member, service offered and state. What a great feature when an equipment failure puts you in a pinch. Can John Fish do this by enhancing the current profile and adding a front end for entering the search queries? Or will it be more robust to use separate tables for entering equipment and services? (relational vs. flat file) Ken Devory Jr.

From:	UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48)	21 Jul 2005
To:	Ken D. (KDEVORY)	10 of 55

1633.10 In reply to 1633.8

Ken,

Did you say profile??? I'm willing to bet over 50% of our members have not filed out one.

Dave

Born at night, just not last night.

From:	Ken D. (KDEVORY)	21 Jul 2005
To:	UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48)	11 of 55

1633.11 In reply to 1633.10
That's one bet I'm not willing to take. I don't like to gamble, especially when the odds aren't stacked in my favor. Ken Devory Jr.

From:	UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48)	21 Jul 2005
To:	Ken D. (KDEVORY)	12 of 55

1633.12 In reply to 1633.11

I like the title of this thread. My wish list is that everyone fills they profile out.

Dave

Born at night, just not last night.

From:	Da Big Fish (JOHNFISH)	21 Jul 2005
To:	Ken D. (KDEVORY)	16 of 55

1633.16 In reply to 1633.8

I would probably do it with a separate table in the database, and insert a module into the base beehive files, that way we remain "upgradeable". Search would be an easy integration also.

I'm very familiar with the beehive code, PHP and MySQL.

"If you give someone a program, you will frustrate them for a day;
if you teach them how to program, you will frustrate them for a lifetime."

EDITED: 21 Jul 2005 by JOHNFISH

From:	sroehlk (ELECTECH1)	23 Nov 2005
To:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	18 of 55

1633.18 In reply to 1633.1

Have you considered putting equipment manuals online?

I have a cutter grinder and a NH 300 manual that I have had several requests for copies of the manual. And not wanting to violate the copy right laws I decline.
Maybe the forum could get permission and put online copies for its members.

Steve

From:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	23 Nov 2005
To:	sroehlk (ELECTECH1)	19 of 55

1633.19 In reply to 1633.18

Steve,

I have said all along that I would like the Engraving Etc. website to become the reference center to the industry. Your thought fits right into that vision. Hold onto those manuals, we are heading in that direction.

I think that the forum and website can help lighten the load of tech support departments of many companies. For me, the forum has been an incredible help. Another great aspect is that we are open 24/7 and that we have business perspectives from all over the globe.

From:	engravernick (NICK)	29 Nov 2005
To:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	20 of 55

1633.20 In reply to 1633.4
Bravo. What credible supplier would not want to be graded on his or her performance unless they have a problem rectifying complaints. And if there are that many people with complaints, it deserves to be known, that would be the purpose.

From:	engravernick (NICK)	29 Nov 2005
To:	Cindy (CINDYM)	21 of 55

1633.21 In reply to 1633.5

Ya know, I wonder, I've been in this biz about 32 years and I don't think I have ever really had a problem with a supplier that I couldn't work out. I have friends that have gotten mad at half a dozen guys and swore never to buy from them again. I gotta feel that's a little bit of an egotistical stand for an owner to take. Usually the problem was they waited til the last minute and it caused a problem. We are all human, If I can make $ or get an order done buying from a particular supplier why would I let some problem we have had stop that? If a guy is genuinely not good or not doing what you need, QUIT HIM! What way would you rate your top 10 customers other than who buys the MOST>Plus, even though I may want to hear who your top ten buyers are, I'm nosey about who spends how much with whom, sometimes it can be really surprising, but I don't want anybody else knowing how much I spend with YOU! THAT's unethical and nobody elses biz!
Thanks_

EngraverNick in Indiana

From:	Cindy (CINDYM)	29 Nov 2005
To:	engravernick (NICK)	22 of 55

1633.22 In reply to 1633.21

I'm for finding another supplier if one doesn't work for you, but I think the mediation would be helpful in the instance where you are in the middle of an order and get hung out to dry by the supplier.

This happens often enough, for example, where deposits don't get refunded after the supplier drops the ball, to warrant some kind of action by our industry members.

When a supplier acts in an unethical manner, and it stays only between the supplier and retailer, the next guy to come along gets taken just like the previous one and the supplier keeps the money, laughing all the way to the bank. Or visa/versa.

IMHO we need to expose this type of practice so others can make informed decisions before purchasing.

Cindy M