52 replies to this topic

[Andy]

Hi friends.
We are giving a thought to starting a multi-brand online store for riding gear and accessories here on Motoroids. Please share with us your views about what are the kind of products you would be looking for, and what's the best methodology adopted for transactions. Any views / suggestions / apprehensions / ideas are welcome. Please let the ideas flowing.

[arn]

Order online (with city motorep).

Payment to city motorep incl of courier charge if in different city. Motorep places order on weekly basis, "cutoff" for the week whichever day is convenient, Member can co ordinate and collect from said rep.

Yeah I know this is slightly clunky, but:

No payment gateway.
Motoroids account info stays with city motorep
Work is distributed evenly and PERSONALIZED instead of one person having to handle all India logistics

[Andy]

Gateway is indeed a major problem Arn. They charge a lot, and we don't want the members to pay anything more than what they should. Any economical options around, apart from the Reps system that is?

[satyenpoojary]

arn said:

Order online (with city motorep).

Payment to city motorep incl of courier charge if in different city. Motorep places order on weekly basis, "cutoff" for the week whichever day is convenient, Member can co ordinate and collect from said rep.

Yeah I know this is slightly clunky, but:

No payment gateway.
Motoroids account info stays with city motorep
Work is distributed evenly and PERSONALIZED instead of one person having to handle all India logistics

Thats still ok with low ticket items, I would love to see a custom branded stuff or reasonable accesories! Most other gear companies are a ripoff!

[Andy]

am sure the prices too will come down once we bring all the players on a single platform, and make them compete head to head! We will make it happen. It won't happen overnight, of course, but by promoting lesser known, but good quality and reasonably priced brands, we will make sure that the criminal pricing of riding gear in the country is brought down by a good margin.

[arn]

Andy said:

Gateway is indeed a major problem Arn. They charge a lot, and we don't want the members to pay anything more than what they should. Any economical options around, apart from the Reps system that is?

I have a vague  idea as to the problems with a payment gateway, and many including me would think realy hard about using cards online. Paypal does away with security issues in the minds of the payee - unfortunately it is an even greedier middleman, and AFAIK there were problems with regulating authorities in India, dunno if they have been resolved.

I know one could buy stuff using the charge on the cell (there was some online lottery which would deduct money directly from the cell recharge), but don't know about service charges there.

[Explorer]

what about having a bank a/c no.
on which buyers can transfer money,
and you can send the product buyer wanted as you recieve the money,
saf?, easy with less complication
good for initial start
what say?

[avinrichards]

well.. the hot cakes would be  gloves and jackets! get them at competitive prices and you will have instant momemtum.

The personally feel that no money transactions should happen through the MOTOREPS, no ill thoughts but a third person is a problem. Instead once the money is paid and the Center notified then the goods can be transferred via the motoreps.

[razorBlades]

shiny helmets with good graphics, jackets, gloves, saddle/tank/tail bags would be a good bet

regarding payment method, has anyone tried google checkout?

nowadays you can easily order a demand draft online and send it to the desired address..
then the goods can be sent as a bulk once/twice a month to the respective motoreps and they can distribute it to their circle
just a thought

[inder.cool]

arn said:

Order online (with city motorep).

Payment to city motorep incl of courier charge if in different city. Motorep places order on weekly basis, "cutoff" for the week whichever day is convenient, Member can co ordinate and collect from said rep.

Yeah I know this is slightly clunky, but:

No payment gateway.
Motoroids account info stays with city motorep
Work is distributed evenly and PERSONALIZED instead of one person having to handle all India logistics

I agree to all of the points mentioned here by doc. Its a pretty logical way out of this payment gateway and stuff..! Individual members should not be allowed to make payment directly.

[Revmaster]

I had a detailed discussion with the team regarding this yesterday. What they are suggesting is that its not worthwhile getting into the more expensive and complicated gear categories just yet. They suggest that we start off with basic stuff which is good quality and useful.
We are thinking of starting off with the following items - your views please
1. Gloves
2. Jackets
3. Elbow guards
4. Knee guards
5. Motoroids Tees - M, L, XL - two designs each

No helmets as of now, as transportation usually damages them. The reason behind starting slow is to test waters - let us know if we are missing out on some important aspect.

[inder.cool]

^ The above mentioned stuff would be imported or indian made only?

[sheelpriye]

admin said:

1. Gloves
2. Jackets
3. Elbow guards
4. Knee guards
5. Motoroids Tees - M, L, XL - two designs each

No helmets as of now, as transportation usually damages them. The reason behind starting slow is to test waters - let us know if we are missing out on some important aspect.

please include riding pants too

and would they be branded?

it is time we had our own store, would help in promoting Motoroids and Safety

and yes, until and unless there is  no fool-proof way to transport helmet safely, it should be avoided and how do on-line stores courier helmets?

sizing is a concern too, shipping everything back would add to a frustrated customer

[Revmaster]

Indian made, good quality, cheap stuff - in most cases

[sheelpriye]

admin said:

Indian made, good quality, cheap stuff - in most cases

would brands be stocked too?