Thread for Neat Stuff to buy online?

[BarbV]

Hi Kelly

Over the last 10 months, I've been adding to my "favourites" various online stores for dog and sheltie stuff that someday I might want to buy from. Most of these links have come from this forum.

And sometimes we repeat ourselves by reposting links to some of our favourite online retailers (yeah, me and my martingales!).

I just wondered if it would make sense to have a spot to post our favourite merchandisers. Recent examples that come to mind for me were: where to buy Chris Christensen products and Inflight products in Canada. I finally sourced out the distributors for both and am happy to share. But I know that if post it in Off Course, it'll just get buried again.

And then there is all the fun stuff - sculptures, portraits, sheltie clothing, etc.

I would see sub-categories like:

- Grooming Supplies
- Toys
- Around the house (ornaments, pictures, blanket throws, etc.)
- Clothing
- Food and Food Supplements
- Collars and leashes
- Training, obedience and agility


I'm also thinking that if we were posting these links, you might be able to approach these merchandisers for advertising dollars. Just a thought.

What do you think?

 

[Crystal1]

I think it would be fun to share different on-line shops and items. I looked on Amazon.com and items from CafePress can be bought through them. If someone suggests an on-line store, then we can check and see if we could buy it through Sheltie Nation and Amazon.com and let people know. At least it should help Sheltie Nation some. Good idea Barb!!!

 

[Ann]

If we can do this I think it would be a great idea too, Barb. There are a lot of online places where things like treats, toys and grooming supplies are cheaper than others. It would be nice to be able to reference those and even better if we can work out advertising, although not as useful to our international members maybe. Let's see if Kelly thinks it's viable.

 

[romeosangiovese]

Great idea! Because of the dearth of variety of doggy things here I turn to the internet alot. I've not stepped in a pet store here in ages, preferring to receive Romeo's stuff in boxes at my door! It's great to come home to a "present"!

There are some great tees for us owners with slogans like "Yes! I really do love my shetland sheepdog as much as you love your kids!" on idakoos.com

 

[Kelly]

I've been thinking a lot about this suggestion over the past few days, but I just don't see how it will work.

The forum software isn't designed to have subcategories...so Barb's suggestion would only be able to be accomplished by creating an entire new section of the forum with each category listed. That would make the forum homepage a lot longer than it already is.

Also, if I create a section for "favorite merchandise"...I'm removing the incentive for advertisers to pay for ad space. I'm concerned that it will dilute the advertising power I am trying to create on the site. I don't think advertisers will respond to "We posted a great thread about your product, how about now paying to advertise with us?"

I'd also have to step in on each thread & say "here is a link to go buy it where SN gets the credit for a referral". It would be way too cumbersome...and would be annoying to you all if I did that. Having the forum pay for itself is a goal of mine, but not at the expense of you all giving me the every time I post.

Talking about items you love is great & encouraged...but creating a category where favorite retailers can be listed isn't in the best interest of the forum.

I'm always open to suggestions & want to try to give the members what they want. I certainly can create a Toys, Clothing & Equipment category for you to all to talk about those types of items?

Let me know if you all would find that helpful or useful.

 

[Crystal1]

Well, I don't want to do a category that would make it more difficult for you to get advertising for the forum. If you can't tell people how to go through Sheltie Nation, to get extra funds for sheltie rescue, then I would be happy to tell them myself, but I have very limited time on the web now. I think we should do what's best for you and the shelties. I think that a section called "Toys, Clothing, and Equipment", would still cause you to get fewer advertisers, so maybe we are better off leaving it just like it is.