RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 8:59 AM): Entered the room.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:00 AM): hi rob!

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:00 AM): I'm a tad early, but you can never tell here. All the clock s are slightly off!

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:00 AM): ok may I ask a question yet? How does this work?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:00 AM): Hi Shawn! Thanks for getting up so early! What's up ?

Tamra (www.hcstudios.com) (5/20/2002 9:00 AM): Entered the room.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:00 AM): ok cool

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:01 AM): I am from Hawaii and by our pacific time its 6:01am

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:01 AM): Yeah, just jump in and everyone tries to keep it orderly. GO ahead...

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:01 AM): I woke up early just to join in the chat.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:01 AM): Well own a coffee shop here in Honolulu

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:01 AM): Shawn, maybe I should post it as 9 AM California/pacific time in the future.....

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:01 AM): and its not making me enough money.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:02 AM): Okay....what are you doing to promote it?

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:02 AM): So I was thinking of creating a line of coffee beans, but don't know how to get them into stores etc

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:02 AM): And is counter top service the only thing you're doing?

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:03 AM): Entered the room.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:03 AM): Ah, okay. Well, the first thing you're going to want to do is show that you can really sell whatever you've got.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:03 AM): Hey all you crazy Bees! Whazzup????

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:03 AM): yes that is why I want to do the line of coffee beans, because I know the only way to make real money is via distribution.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:03 AM): Entered the room.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:03 AM): Entered the room.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:03 AM): The #1 barrier to business is that people don't want to trust that you can sell this stuff, they want to see proof that you've actually sold it and that people actually buy it.

Jim Malone (www.mscmerchandise.com) (5/20/2002 9:04 AM): Entered the room.

Jim Malone (www.mscmerchandise.com) (5/20/2002 9:04 AM): Morning all

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:04 AM): ok how do I go about doing that? Sorry I am new to distribution. I don't even know how to keep track of orders etc. I only know food service.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:04 AM): This is really important, Shawn. The first thing you MUST show is that people will buy it. For that, you can try two ways: either out of your shop or on the web or both

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:04 AM): Mornin Rob and all

Frederick (the1960area.com) (5/20/2002 9:05 AM): Entered the room.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:05 AM): Naturally, your BRAND is going to play a big part here. It will telegraph to retailers why they should sell it and to consumers as to why they should buy it.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:05 AM): Shawn -Kona Coffee?

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:05 AM): ok good idea thanks Rob, any special tips on how to go about selling it? Special packaging etc/

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:05 AM): Shawn, I have some cool names you can use.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:06 AM): The next thing you MUST do is reinforce your credibility, and that mean having your systems down to where your prospects can see that they're doing business with a pro. You can't be doing business with little scraps of paper and sticky notes.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:06 AM): Shawn, Rob's right; you have to get a few customers to prove your "concept" and your capabilities..

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:06 AM): Yes I have Kona, but I am trying to experiment with different types of coffee. You know think out of the box. like Kona Chocolate, and Raspberry Sicilian.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:07 AM): Shawn, these two points are 80% of the game: looking like you know what you're doing and proving it.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:07 AM): Rainbow Coffee's huh?

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:08 AM): Got it thanks Rob.

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com (5/20/2002 9:08 AM): Entered the room.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:08 AM): The third thing you want to remember is this: Everyone is too busy with their own junk to care about yours. That sounds harsh, but it's true. You really have to engage a strong sales presence and understand that people are busy running their own lives and businesses. They're NOT going to return phone calls as quickly as you would like, or order for that matter.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:09 AM): Isn't getting the word out also important?

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:09 AM): Maybe I should get a few and try to sell them at my shop 1st, then if they sell well I will go to stores and tell them this?

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:09 AM): If the coffees are all local Hawaiian grown, I would check with the tourism bureau from HI and see if they can help in some promotions.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:09 AM): Now, once you have that stuff down, Shawn, THEN you want to go at them full force. What I don't want to see happen to you is spending a ton of time contacting legitimate vendors only to have nothing o show for it when you finally do get the meeting. You only have one time to make a first impression.

Emaline (5/20/2002 9:10 AM): What about having a "sampling" event for locals?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:10 AM): Yes, Shawn, in a basic way, that's the way to go. Always prove it first, then take the next step. This is what I do and it works. people think, "Wow, this guy can't possibly do that" Then I show them where and when I've done it and it shuts them up pretty good!

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:10 AM): SHawn, I live in Jacksonville FL, but I order all my coffee from Puerto Rico Import Company in New York. When I was living there I used to buy from them over on Bleeker. They sell on the web also.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:11 AM): So place ads 1st then hit up the stores?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:11 AM): Anita and Emaline, both of you should be aware that while advertising and raising awareness can launch a brand, it can also kill it if the brand isn't ready.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:12 AM): Of course.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:12 AM): Believe me, Shawn, you could do worse than have "free samplings" at your store that showed how customers "preferred Shawn's blend over the other coffee's 2 to 1"

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:12 AM): Entered the room.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:13 AM): I provide a service, not a product. How can I brand myself?

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:13 AM): Entered the room.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:13 AM): ok because I have special packaging and beans for my product that make it both unique and different. But I have no idea on how to go about the whole process, right now I get to my shop, open it up and serve drinks. I am not scared of getting the product made and ready, but ad creation etc is very new to me.

Emaline (5/20/2002 9:14 AM): I think more is better. Carry variety of brands in store to see what is the most popular.

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com (5/20/2002 9:14 AM): Entered the room.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:14 AM): No, Shawn. the last thing you do is spend your own money to promote stuff. First get the proof in and your systems down. For example, how will you take orders? How will you confirm them? What will your payment terms be? What kind of promotions will you include? In other words, how will you help these stores make money? YOU see your coffee as coffee. THEY see it your coffee as just another spaceholder on their shelf that's there to make them money.

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com (5/20/2002 9:14 AM): I hope you can read this. The chat frame just went down.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:14 AM): Shawn, are you going to go after only the Local traffic or the tourist or both?

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:14 AM): Entered the room.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:14 AM): ok because I have special packaging and beans for my product that make it both unique and different. But I have no idea on how to go about the whole process, right now I get to my shop, open it up and serve drinks. I am not scared of getting the product made and ready, but ad creation etc is very new to me.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:15 AM): I disagree, Emaline. I'd start with one brand and when that brand is a success, launch other flavors of that brand. Shawn, you ever buy Altoids? That's the strategy right there.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:15 AM): ok because I have special packaging and beans for my product that make it both unique and different. But I have no idea on how to go about the whole process, right now I get to my shop, open it up and serve drinks. I am not scared of getting the product made and ready, but ad creation etc is very new to me.

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com (5/20/2002 9:15 AM): Ah. It just came back online. Never mind.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:16 AM): Shawn, I can help you with that stuff, depending on your budget. Something else you might want to think about is selling sampler packs into companies who manufacture coffee grinders or hotel hospitality packs.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:16 AM): Entered the room.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:16 AM): opps sorry got DCed

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:16 AM): Rob -"THEY see it your coffee as just another spaceholder on their shelf...." thank you. Our company is launching a new product C-Splash to be sold in retail stores and the net. I need to keep that in mind.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:17 AM): Shawn, have a look at http://www.RobFrankel.com/pack.html There's plenty there to inspire you.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:17 AM): Yosef, did you find those ezines you were looking for?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:18 AM): You bet, Weber. What we as entrepreneurs forget is that we're completely different animals than merchants. We provide solutions, merchants just want to make money.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:18 AM): got it thanks Rob

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:18 AM): Rob how do I contact you?

The Franchise Doctor (5/20/2002 9:19 AM): Entered the room.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:19 AM): Tell me about it. I got so wrapped up in the production, etc. and of course the excitement, that I was overlooking this point.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:19 AM): Shawn: rob@robfrankel.com works

Tamra (www.hcstudios.com) (5/20/2002 9:19 AM): Re the coffee sampler packs, how about providing those to corporations who add their label -- so I'd give a coffee sample pack to clients/friends with my logo/sticker, and also Shawn's "for reorders call" info.

P Hardy Tech. (www.phardy.com) (5/20/2002 9:19 AM): Entered the room.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:19 AM): A merchant doesn't care if he sells pipe fittings or greeting cards. As long as he makes $, that's all that matters. Sometimes I wish I had more of that in me!

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:20 AM): Tamra, that's a great idea. Shawn, see that kind of thinking? That's the smart way to go and once you have a brand in place, you'll find these kinds of ideas springing up all over the place

Anita - I'm considering a couple of them. Because it takes several impressions before someone buys, I prefer smaller subscriber bases that I can advertise to repeatedly for a reasonable price (like azreporter.com). (5/20/2002 9:20 AM): Entered the room.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:20 AM): Anyone else want to jump in with an issue?

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:20 AM): Good point thanks Tamra, sorry I only run a coffee shop, have no idea on distribution. The entire thing of taking orders keeping track of things etc scares me.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:21 AM): Can we continue on this thread?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:21 AM): Shawn it's much easier than you think. You just have to get your systems up, which takes a little thought, that's all.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:21 AM): I sell a service, not a product. How do I brand myself?

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com) (5/20/2002 9:21 AM): Entered the room.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:21 AM): Weber, you can if you like

The Franchise Doctor (5/20/2002 9:22 AM): What are common discount rates with credit card processing COs? We're paying about 2.5% for V/MC with LinkPoint.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:22 AM): Anita, there's no difference at all. Branding is branding. If your product i the best solution, than you brand the product. But a service can also be the best solution to THEIR problem.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:22 AM): I take it you're Seo?

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:22 AM): Great. Our product is in production right now. It will be shipping by the end of the month (talk about the cart before the horse).

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:22 AM): Franchise DOC: I pay 2.5% for Visa, MC and DISC; 3% for AMEX

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:23 AM): Exactly. But, education is involved. Often they don't know that they have a problem.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:23 AM): Yes I do SEO and link analysis.

The Franchise Doctor (5/20/2002 9:23 AM): A guess it's not time to shop for a better deal...

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:23 AM): TO get distribution we needed finished product. So we had to do a small production run.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:23 AM): I'd like to jump in with some ????on the merchant processing....

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:24 AM): Has anyone started with one merchant account / shopping cart, then switched? If so, what was your experience?

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:24 AM): Thanks for the information and help guys, may I contact you to run my product and ideas by before I start to produce them in large amounts?

The Franchise Doctor (5/20/2002 9:24 AM): Any recommendations on Sales Letter rewrites for our website? I'd like to double or triple conversion rates.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:24 AM): Anita, I don't know if you're subbed to FrankelTips or not (minor plug) but we just went through this with a fellow who does feng shui for business cards. The whole brand for him came down to his finally figuring out that most people attribute feng shui for buildings. It takes his brand to educate them as to how feng shui applies to EVERYTHING. This little bit of education opens the eyes of his prospects and distinguishes him from all others.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:25 AM): I think I'm getting lost in the shuffle here.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:25 AM): what is your web site Doc?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:25 AM): Hold on Skip....

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:25 AM): Skip, we use Innovative Merchant solutions for payment processing. The rates are very good.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:25 AM): Franchise Doc, let's wait for Anita

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:25 AM): Anita, did you get that?

Jim Malone (www.mscmerchandise.com) (5/20/2002 9:26 AM): Shawn- email me some infor on your coffee

Emaline (5/20/2002 9:26 AM): Don'i invest your money in "Real

Emaline (5/20/2002 9:26 AM): Don'i invest your money in "Real

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:26 AM): Exactly. Most business folks who have a website do not understand the importance of meta tags.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:26 AM): in other words, educating a client is crucial, but first you have to get them to open up to wanting to be educated. Very often, it doesn't take more than one clean hit.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:26 AM): Shawn, you may be interested in serving our product in your coffee shops.

P Hardy Tech. (www.phardy.com) (5/20/2002 9:27 AM): Anita. This is true. However, copy is also important. Many search engines today rank pages based on relevance.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:27 AM): I'm not sure what you mean by a clean hit.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:27 AM): what is your product weber?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:27 AM): Okay, Anita, but you need to realize that "meat tags" to most of them is Greek. You have to figure out a way to reach in and grab their brains. That's what your brand is all about. That's where the brand lives.

The Franchise Doctor (5/20/2002 9:27 AM): Skip, www.FranchiseDoc.com

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:27 AM): Yes, content is important too.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:27 AM): It's called C-Splahs each 8 oz serving gives 150% Daily Vitamin C. 0 fat, 0 sugar, 0 carbs, flavors Wild Cherry, Lemon-Lime, Tropical Island Punch. No artificial color only 100% natural flavors packed in retail pouches like Kool Aid packets

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:28 AM): Anita, in the feng shui guy's case, al it took was that one important observation that he makes to shake up his prospects' world. He found a way to make feng shui new and more meaningful. That's what he bases his brand on.

Emaline (5/20/2002 9:28 AM): Sorry, typing with one hand (broken arm). "Real Time" is for the big boys.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:28 AM): Sorry C-Splash

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:29 AM): Anita, you need to find that touchstone that makes people think, "Wow, this woman knows what's up! I never thought of it that way!' And that's where your brand begins -- that's how you become the only solution to their problem.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:29 AM): So if I can figure out a case study to help my clients...?

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:29 AM): maybe weber, my main shop is by a high school and the other one is on a college campus, email me some info. shawnc@catsnip.com

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:29 AM): Anita, it tends to be a balance of "what everyone thinks" vs. "here's what's really going on and why"

The Franchise Doctor (5/20/2002 9:30 AM): I'm attending Wilson Web (Dr Ebiz) seminar in Atlanta this week. Hoping he'll have a recommendation of a Sales Letter Copy Guru.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:30 AM): You got it. We need distribution, and have no one in HI

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:30 AM): Rob, We have been marketing Tracer Tags since January. I keep hearing the same line from the buyers. Great idea , Great packaging but nobody has asked us for a product like yours. This is becoming frustrating since I have pointed out that our products (tags) , and brand is the lost and found solution when people lose their belongings. Any ideas how to overcome this "nobody has asked us for a product like this" statement. I feel like I am trying to get my first credit card, and you can't get it because nobody has given you credit.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:30 AM): If I talk to them on the phone, they realize they need me.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:31 AM): Anita, you don't have that kind of time.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:31 AM): great weber and maybe you can help me with distribution also? I hate to say this but I am stuck in a rut here, Day in and day out I open up shop serve drinks close shop go home and do it again going NOWHERE!

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:31 AM): OK, thanks Rob.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:32 AM): Jeff, you've got the same issue as every new product guy. It's very doable, but you really have to look at it from the outside in, which is something that most entrepreneurs have difficulty with. Like Shawn, you have to realize that you're an entrepreneur and you're talking to merchants

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:32 AM): I guess I write more articles and brand myself that way.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:32 AM): Shawn, you're ready to grow. But understand it's going to take time and money, so take a deep breath and plan and go for it.

marc@msradv.com (5/20/2002 9:32 AM): Entered the room.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:33 AM): Anita, your brand should be right there on the home page

Tamra (www.hcstudios.com) (5/20/2002 9:33 AM): Jeffrey, you need to reach parents of college students -- they'd love your product!

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:33 AM): Glad to do what I can for you Shawn

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:34 AM): the good thing is that i have two great established locations, they make me money, but not nearly enough to live in Hawaii.

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:34 AM): talking to lots of retail buyers everyday. Looking for the solution to the answer.

Frederick (the1960area.com) (5/20/2002 9:34 AM): Shawn - may I suggest a visit to file:///C:/Earth/WStartD/1resume/strategicplanning.html

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:34 AM): Never mind college students, try elementary school!

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:34 AM): Tamara, I am actually going into a meeting at a major university tomorrow.

Frederick (the1960area.com) (5/20/2002 9:34 AM): Opps! Disregard that!

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:34 AM): Jeff, your idea and your product is a good one. But merchants don't buy ideas. They buy money-makers. So you need to show them how they'll make more money. If you read FrankelTips a few months ago, we discussed this issue and how it plays particularly harshly on low-priced products: merchants want to make as much as possible per transaction so they either want to sell lots of little things at one time or a few big things with high margins.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:35 AM): Shawn, if you have trouble with "systems" that Rob mentioned, send me an email, as I have considerable background and can probably help with some free tips

The Franchise Doctor (5/20/2002 9:36 AM): I'm attending Wilson Web (Dr Ebiz) seminar in Atlanta this week. Hoping he'll have a recommendation of a Sales Letter Copy Guru.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:36 AM): Thanks Skip

Frederick (the1960area.com) (5/20/2002 9:36 AM): Shawn - may I suggest a visit to - http://bspage.com/1resume/strategicplanning.html - it may help.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:36 AM): Shawn, I would look at some of the Chocolate Covered Macadamia nut companies, including Hilo Hatties. Study what they did, and emulate it.

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:37 AM): I have been going at it as a value add to the manufacturers as well as the retailers.

Shawn from Hawaii (5/20/2002 9:37 AM): Thanks Frederick

The Franchise Doctor (5/20/2002 9:37 AM): Anybody having luck with Google's AdWords?? I'm getting .9 to 1.2% click thru @ $.25 each...

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:37 AM): Jeff, you may find that your ultimate venue is completely unrelated to the obvious. This happens a lot.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:37 AM): Doc, what feedback did you want re your web site?

Emaline (5/20/2002 9:38 AM): One quick question. Any way to contact companies via email so it is not SPAM?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:38 AM): Franchise Doc, are you getting any ROI on the clicks?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:38 AM): Emaline, there's anew ebook at http://frankelbiz.com/stock/StockCatalog.php that covers that....look for "e-mail cold calling"

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:39 AM): Rob, I also raised the price structure across the board last week I thought it was too inexpensive

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:39 AM): Doc, had a client who tried it; they got clicks but no orders

The Franchise Doctor (5/20/2002 9:39 AM): Skip, My ebook, "Insider's Secrets to Buying a Franchise" sales copy seems long, not as effective with conversions as I'd like

Tamra (www.hcstudios.com) (5/20/2002 9:39 AM): Franchise Doc, I just canceled my adwords -- was getting up to 4% on some ads, but none of those clicks filled out our form or called. Bad ROI.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:39 AM): Emaline, check sendpartners.com

The Franchise Doctor (5/20/2002 9:39 AM): Rob, haven't had much ROI to date

Frederick (the1960area.com) (5/20/2002 9:39 AM): Emaline - your questions are answered at http://bspage.com/1netiq/Netiq.html

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:40 AM): Jeff, that probably will help, especially with luggage brands, where an extra buck or two is hardly noticed.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:40 AM): Doc, take a look at the Spotlight Ad at IxQuick.com

Dee Power (5/20/2002 9:40 AM): Entered the room.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:41 AM): Franchise Doc...my guess is that you won't. Google's a great engine, but Pay Per Click almost never works, especially if your product/service is inexpensive. Getting a lot of clicks is worth it if you sell a $50,000 item, but not if you sell a $14 e-book.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:41 AM): IxQuick is an up and coming meta search engine. The ads start at $25 a year.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:41 AM): Jeff, any way to get in on the new air line security stuff at check in?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:42 AM): weber, that's an interesting notion. Of course, dealing with the Feds is another story.

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:42 AM): baggage handling has been tough just to get a return call. each airlines has their own

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:42 AM): I agree about PPC engines.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:42 AM): Jeff, there's definitely a lot you can do with those tags, but I suspect the eventual solution will go deep down to the roots.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:42 AM): I would keep trying them and Amtrak as well

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:43 AM): Doc, don't take this wrong, but your web site looks rather amateurish....it doesn't need to look like a NY ad firm designed it, but navigation and layout make a big difference in how your are perceived...

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:43 AM): Another thought (not knowing your product) is hotel gift shops.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:43 AM): Jeff, how about police departments?

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:43 AM): I have not tried Amtrak yet. Thanks

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:44 AM): if you look at Rob's web site, you'll notice how he has woven his message with links and some navigation on the right side...

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:44 AM): Most police departments don't want to endorse anything. I think its just the politics

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:44 AM): Franchise Doc, we sell Pay Per Click on PillowMail.com and get click through rates between 4% and 9% consistently (ads to couples). But I doubt the sales rates are anywhere near that, because most advertises have no idea how to close the sale, which means ROI -- even with a high CTR -- doesn't guarantee any revenue.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:44 AM): Jeff- You are welcome

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:44 AM): perhaps putting some key nav on the left or right side, and narrow the width to something all browsers can see at 800x600 res may help readability

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:45 AM): Not to get an endorsement, but to get them to try the product out.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:45 AM): Jeff, I did some work with the LAPD a while back....if the politics doesn't get you, their "fear of profit" will. The LAPD didn't want any part of it because it threatened their non-profit status.

Tamra (www.hcstudios.com) (5/20/2002 9:45 AM): Jeffrey, what about resorts? You know, the big ones where they have bathrobes in the rooms and bikes you can check out for a ride..

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:45 AM): doc, looks like you've got a ton of great info tho!

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:46 AM): Weird, eh? Here they are asking for more money to fight crime, but they can't launch money-making market-based ventures.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:46 AM): my wife just concluded a cycle with a franchisor and decided to bail...your site would have been real helpful to here..

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:46 AM): That's interesting. I was told they wouldn't endorse anything. But they did endorse Lojack because they got them for free

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:47 AM): Wrap them in donuts

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:47 AM): We have just started to venture into the hospitality arena

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:47 AM): Like I said, Jeff, there's way more happening here than meets the eye.

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:48 AM): The good things is the product crosses over into many industries very well

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:48 AM): Jeff, just like Shawn's issue, you have to be very sure about your brand and its rationale before you go into these arenas. You only get one chance, so make it airtight.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:48 AM): rob, can we chat about merchant/ecom stuff now?

Franchise Doc's back (5/20/2002 9:48 AM): Entered the room.

Emaline (5/20/2002 9:48 AM): Anyone willing to critique? www.emalinebrook.com

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:49 AM): Go ahead, Skip

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:49 AM): Jeff, school districts could use your product on their computers and such.

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:49 AM): Airtight is they key word Rob. They see the need but won't bit

Franchise Doc's back (5/20/2002 9:49 AM): Skip, Thanks for the input. Our copy gets a lot of praise & 500 +/- Newsletter Registrations a month. Cash conversion is another story.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:49 AM): I wondered if any of you have started with one merchant and shopping cart, then switched vendors? What was your experience during the transition?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:50 AM): I've always been happy with CardService International and Authorize.net. Fair prices and great service. never had the need to change

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:50 AM): does anyone here use Clickbank? What has been your experience with them?

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com) (5/20/2002 9:50 AM): Entered the room.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:51 AM): rob, do you do your own web site development?

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com) (5/20/2002 9:51 AM): I agree with Rob - CardService Int'l has been flawless on processing every transaction since I joined them in August.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:51 AM): Skip, we use Americart we started with CardService International but they kept nickel and diming us to death so we switched the Merchant account to Innovative Merchant kept the shopping cart and experienced no problem at all.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:51 AM): Yes, Skip, for the most part. Not because I'm cheap as much as that I want to update without having to make a call.

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:52 AM): Rob, CardService has numerous class action law suites against it. Mainly for overcharging

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:52 AM): Franchise Doc, is there a possibility of exposing your list to FrankelBiz? I'd like to stretch out a bit and grow it a tad more

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:52 AM): Jeff, all I can say is that both CardService and Authorize.net both run like clockwork, which is more important to me...

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com) (5/20/2002 9:52 AM): By the Way, CardService is offering a FrankelBee Discount. Contact Ken Resnick at 800-634-7221 x27 and you'll get the first month's lease payment free.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:52 AM): I really like ClickBank, but they are only good for digital products.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:53 AM): Yosef, really? How come he hasn't announced it?

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:53 AM): We also use ClickBank for our two digital products at separate sites smarter-health.com and vinegarmagic.com we have no problem with them. I bought a package from a FrankelBees member called webmasterinabox to aid in hiding the download page, and some other stuff. That works excellent. And the guy is very fast in support. Highly recommended.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:53 AM): That's the other thing: Authorize.net hooks into all the shopping carts effortlessly.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:53 AM): (SEVEN MINUTE WARNING)

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com) (5/20/2002 9:54 AM): Rob - He will do so very shortly.

Anita (mysearchguru.com) (5/20/2002 9:54 AM): Anyone here ever use Miva?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:54 AM): Never used Miva...I was warned away from it.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:55 AM): thanks everyone...am bringing up a new site which will have several SKU's and am debating over using Clickbank or a more traditional cart/merchant....any opinions? The number of SKU's will be less than 10 during the first year...

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 9:55 AM): Not complaining about how they work. I am also with them. Its all the hidden charges. manual input more percentages, late closings additional charges.

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com) (5/20/2002 9:55 AM): Has anybody tried icode's Everest e-commerce program (these are the guys that advertised in FrankelBiz a few weeks ago)?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:55 AM): Plus Authorize.net is constantly tightening up their security procedures pro-actively. I like that.

P Hardy Tech. (www.phardy.com) (5/20/2002 9:55 AM): From what I was told, Miva requires you to subscribe to a support contract.

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:56 AM): Clickbank is digital only. If it is hard goods, I highly recommend Americart service. unlimited products

P Hardy Tech. (www.phardy.com) (5/20/2002 9:56 AM): I was also told that Miva support isn't great either.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:56 AM): I must be candid, I'm very impressed with 1shoppingcart.com

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:56 AM): Americart also has their own affiliate tracking so you don't have to use an outside service. - An NO I do not work for them.

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:56 AM): For shopping cart, that is.

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com) (5/20/2002 9:57 AM): Coolcart (www.coolcart.com) is pretty good. It works with most credit card processors and PayPal.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:57 AM): Rob, doesn't Authorize.net and CardService compete?

Dee Power (5/20/2002 9:57 AM): Entered the room.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:58 AM): sorry...

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:58 AM): Skip, CardService provides the gateway to credit cards. Authroize.net processes the charge

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:58 AM): I was warned away from Coolcart.com

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 9:58 AM): (TWO MINUTES)

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 9:59 AM): Rob, is that what Linkpoint is

Tamra (www.hcstudios.com) (5/20/2002 9:59 AM): Emaline, I notice your site doesn't have a shopping cart...have you thought about adding one?

Yosef (yosef@suddenvision.com) (5/20/2002 9:59 AM): What was the problem with Coolcart?

Emaline (5/20/2002 9:59 AM): Yes, I do have a shopping cart.

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 9:59 AM): thanks all..

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 10:00 AM): Don't know Yosef, but I went with 1shoppingcart.com for the meantime

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 10:00 AM): Hi Dee...how's the book selling?

RobFrankel (rob@RobFrankel.com (5/20/2002 10:00 AM): Okay, everyone, I gotta run...but thanks for all the really helpful stuff! I'll see you online!

Tamra (www.hcstudios.com) (5/20/2002 10:00 AM): Oh, wait, yes it does -- but the first product links I clicked on didn't go there -- I went to a fill-in form instead. That's confusing!

Skip Pratt (skippratt@cox.net) (5/20/2002 10:00 AM): bye Rob..

weber jajagroup.com (5/20/2002 10:00 AM): Take care everyone

Jeffrey Schlesinger www.sales@tracertags.com (5/20/2002 10:01 AM): thanks everyone. bye