bnickelsen Posted December 15, 2005 Posted December 15, 2005 Well here is what I have so far. Cat's Toy Box Be kind :D
mark27uk3 Posted December 15, 2005 Posted December 15, 2005 Well Robert I might as well be the first and say your choice of colours is totally repulsive, black and god only knows how many shades of blue. Your header background image looks like a really bad photo of the insides of a coal mine and your logo is something that I would expect to see on a games console site. Drop the splash page as it will do your seo no good at all. The right column is way thinner than the left column which looks a bit daft. Sorry I can not go on I feel like I am locked in a closet in your site. Mark Lifes a bitch, then you marry one, then you die!
Chance Posted December 16, 2005 Posted December 16, 2005 Your logo is rather phalic. Somehow your site manages to be 5px too wide no matter what resoultion your screen is at- I blew it up to something like 3000pix wide and its still 5px too wide. On a more personal note, you are the first person I have ever met that managed to break the internet. My advice comes in two flavors- Pick the one that won't offend you. Hard and Cynical: How to Make a Horrible osCommerce Site Warm and Fuzzy: How to Make an Awesome osCommerce Site
Andrew Yuen Posted December 16, 2005 Posted December 16, 2005 You need to start by changing your colors. Then you need to change your logo. Your current color choices make me want to leave your website. Andrew Yuen osCommerce, Community Team
Guest Posted December 17, 2005 Posted December 17, 2005 I agree with everyone about the color scheme. It's killing me. And there's no need whatsoever for that 'splash' page. You're selling furniture, not sex toys. Some websites are required by law to have splash pages because of the vulgar or obscene nature of the items they have for sale. You don't need this. Take a look at your Privacy page. First, the shock of white text against black is hurting my eyes....then all of sudden...it's dark gray text that I can't even make out without pressing my face against the monitor. Change your colors, get rid of the splash page and go from there. Andrea
bnickelsen Posted December 17, 2005 Author Posted December 17, 2005 Thank you for the feed back. Will post here again after I revap the site. ;)
bnickelsen Posted December 17, 2005 Author Posted December 17, 2005 Your logo is rather phalic. Somehow your site manages to be 5px too wide no matter what resoultion your screen is at- I blew it up to something like 3000pix wide and its still 5px too wide. On a more personal note, you are the first person I have ever met that managed to break the internet. Sorry I am not getting what you mean by 5px too wide. I have it set to 100% wide instead of a fixed width. It seems to fit on when I test it in IE. What Browser are you using?
Chance Posted December 19, 2005 Posted December 19, 2005 Firefox 1.5 My advice comes in two flavors- Pick the one that won't offend you. Hard and Cynical: How to Make a Horrible osCommerce Site Warm and Fuzzy: How to Make an Awesome osCommerce Site
timon Posted December 21, 2005 Posted December 21, 2005 Hi, I just had a look at you site and I think it looks good - but when you click on "buy now" it needs to be directed to the shopping cart. Also your dropdown menu - "catagory" at the top does not work. Your pictures are good but you need proper descriptions. In return I would really appreciate if I could get some feedback from you too - My website has been running now for 3 months and has had thousands of unique visitors, but no one has ordered. Can you please give me any feedback of what you think about the products, prices, and the website in general, I would really appreciate it!!! The website is - www.naturalbodyskincare.com Much Appreciated and Merry Christmas to You! Cheers Timon
bnickelsen Posted December 21, 2005 Author Posted December 21, 2005 Hi,I just had a look at you site and I think it looks good - but when you click on "buy now" it needs to be directed to the shopping cart. Also your dropdown menu - "catagory" at the top does not work. Your pictures are good but you need proper descriptions. In return I would really appreciate if I could get some feedback from you too - My website has been running now for 3 months and has had thousands of unique visitors, but no one has ordered. Can you please give me any feedback of what you think about the products, prices, and the website in general, I would really appreciate it!!! The website is - www.naturalbodyskincare.com Much Appreciated and Merry Christmas to You! Cheers Timon Hi Timon, Thank you for the feed back. I hate to sound negitive but in asking to check your site you have hijacked my thread. If you could change this to point to your own thread I would be happy to comment on what I found at your site. :blush:
tastar Posted January 2, 2006 Posted January 2, 2006 Chance seems to be correct - in IE, your site is fine, but, in Firefox 1.5 (on my Mac) it is always too wide. Not that the missing 5 pixels contains anything but the red border... Your images are generally squished out of proportion - setting the height to 0 in admin should fix that (but I'm not sure what it will do to the look of your pages). Otherwise, the enlarged images look great! I think that not going to the shopping cart when something is added is a good thing. And, although it isn't super visible because of the color contrast issue, you do see items popping into the cart. Finally, as other posters always seem to mention, your payment methods aren't clearly displayed. And, the Terms link takes me to the Login/ Create Account screen. And, like everyone else, I'm reluctant to create an account when it isn't absolutely essential. Tony
Cameo1968 Posted January 2, 2006 Posted January 2, 2006 I didn't see this. I'm inclined to agree with the poster above. :-"
♥MYC267 Posted January 3, 2006 Posted January 3, 2006 That splash page is pointless and to be honest would drive people away, ditch it. The site layout and colours are horrid. It looks like one of those generated web pages done with an early version of MS FrontPage. NO offence intended but you really need to take a step back. On first glance at the site I really couldn't pinpoint what you were selling. Cat's Toy Box sounds to me like a childrens toy shop but its nothing of the sort. In fact I am not sure how the sites name even relates to the content and nature of the site. The header with marble effect background is nasty. I think you need to rethink your business model. Put the web site to the side for a second. The site is only a tool to help you achieve your ultimate goal... to make PROFITS. If your tools are not right and pitched correctly you have no chance. After looking at some products it seems more like a gift shop so some advice is to look at some of the major gift shops on the net and get some ideas from them. What works for these big shops will most certainly work for you as well! Sorry I cant go any further my eyes hurt.... honestly. Dan
Doremus Posted January 4, 2006 Posted January 4, 2006 I have to agree with the others -- the colors are the antithesis of a gift shop. The name doesn't lend itself to a gift shop either -- at first I thought the site would either sell cat toys or litter boxes or something. You're going to have to do some more design work to make a better connection with the name and the inventory. If "Cat" is someone's name, maybe have a graphic of her surrounded by some of the products in the header, for instance. Think of real-life gift shops and their decor. They're not dark and ominous (with a few exceptions like Spencer Gifts comes to mind, but their inventory is totally different than yours) -- usually they're light, airy and welcoming. Their inventory looks inviting in the neutral background. That's the look you should try for so your products are presented in the best light possible, not overshadowed by a heavy, dark site.
nycreal Posted February 28, 2006 Posted February 28, 2006 I'm not going to restate everything that's wrong with the site, because it's already been said enough times and I agree with every single point. The reason for it being 5px too wide on Firefox and not IE is most likely due to the way IE mishandles CSS (it adds the padding improperly, on the inside of the box model instead of on the outside). For example: In Firefox, a box of width="200px" and padding="10px" will really be a width="220px" because of the padding, meanwhile in IE, the box will stay 200px wide. For a better explanation of this, you can read about it at http://www.alistapart.com along with other CSS standards. So since the layout is a fluid one, with the width set to 100%, but with the padding, it will always be too wide no matter the resolution. Surprisingly though, something I will point out about the website, is that despite all these comments, the website still doesn't seem changed. The splash screen is still there (which, besides being detrimental for SEO, it's a style used in 1998), the colors haven't changed, the header image is the same. Just some food for thought. Good luck though.
Cameo1968 Posted February 28, 2006 Posted February 28, 2006 We are here to help improve what may be a stumbling block for others in this business. Using your personal opinion instead of known, or verifiable facts is a down fall I see here. Ditch it get rid of it, you sound like you manage and own "Fox " Television! We are talking about a shop, not actors in a show <_< Opinions come a dime a dozen, some are acceptable and some can be left where they are found. I believe this person asked you to be kind, I don't see that happening. Put aside the technical issues and notice that you're dealing with a person, not an automated teller. Get the real picture now? I agree that the header needs some improvement, but you could of pm this person with your "Opinion" instead of letting millions of people read it. Human courtesy needs to be found! Camie
nycreal Posted February 28, 2006 Posted February 28, 2006 We are here to help improve what may be a stumbling block for others in this business. Using your personal opinion instead of known, or verifiable facts is a down fall I see here. Ditch it get rid of it, you sound like you manage and own "Fox " Television! We are talking about a shop, not actors in a show <_< Opinions come a dime a dozen, some are acceptable and some can be left where they are found. I believe this person asked you to be kind, I don't see that happening. Put aside the technical issues and notice that you're dealing with a person, not an automated teller. Get the real picture now? I agree that the header needs some improvement, but you could of pm this person with your "Opinion" instead of letting millions of people read it. Human courtesy needs to be found! Camie I disagree. I believe that anyone who would be here building an eCommerce site should have the maturity to accept criticism at face value. Opinions come a dime a dozen, yes that is true, and here he is asking for opinions for free, as is everyone else on these forums. And what kind of known verifiable facts are available when it comes to aesthetics? The design element of any online business website is of importance, and how else can we advise someone besides giving our opinion? And if some people are unusually harsh, maybe it's because the design is unusually bad... Some of the posters here are very courteous people and I have read their comments in other threads. We all have to take the good with the bad. Life isn't a bed of roses, and I think the harsh truth is better than a sugarcoated half truth.
Cameo1968 Posted March 1, 2006 Posted March 1, 2006 I disagree. I believe that anyone who would be here building an eCommerce site should have the maturity to accept criticism at face value. Opinions come a dime a dozen, yes that is true, and here he is asking for opinions for free, as is everyone else on these forums. And what kind of known verifiable facts are available when it comes to aesthetics? The design element of any online business website is of importance, and how else can we advise someone besides giving our opinion? And if some people are unusually harsh, maybe it's because the design is unusually bad... Some of the posters here are very courteous people and I have read their comments in other threads. We all have to take the good with the bad. Life isn't a bed of roses, and I think the harsh truth is better than a sugarcoated half truth. I can see your point on a few things, but tactful I'm sure would be a much better approach than plain meaness and unfeeling comments such as repulsive, ditch it etc.. I thought we were professionally minded people? Just because I wouldn't have a certain design or store front doesn't mean that other people can't, nor would I say something to down their efforts,. If I can present self experienced evidence that a method of designing didn't work, I'd be the first to lead others in the right direction. Life is a learning arena and we all must learn the same thing in our own time. But if I couldn't prove the facts that I'm claiming, i would appear to be a fool, in which I have no interest in doing. No life isn't a bed of roses, and there are some thorns in the way, but if I can offer a more beneficial way I will. I can't protect others from life's stings but I can always understand. It doesn't hurt me to use my time wisely by helping or appreciating others, it takes very little of my time or energy. In life there are learners and teachers, good students always follow good teachers, success brews followers which is a benefit to all. One day that student must stand on their own in this world, but their choices are not created because of others wishes. They arenot acted upon by society, they are made based on personal happiness, dreams and wishes, hope and mercy. When you've taken this away from anybody you've killed the essence of life. to be different, to be your own person, and to feel the way you want. Camie
matrix2223 Posted March 1, 2006 Posted March 1, 2006 I personally think it looks good, just not for what is selling. I aint sayin Im the best because I am far from that. People who has either talked with me or seen my store knows this. The reason why I say that it doesnt go with what is sold is because check this site out small world I say. Anyhow good luck Eric
bnickelsen Posted March 1, 2006 Author Posted March 1, 2006 Sorry about the confusion..... I have not made any changes to the site simply because other item have popped up that took priority. I am leaving the splash screen up until I am ready to go live. And only to cut down on traffic until it ready. I agree the logo and header needs some work. I made that logo as my first attempt and found it a bit harder then I expected. The site name is the company name. It was intended for another product line. Will have to work around that at some point. Before I came here and asked for opinions I asked several of our customers what they thought of the web site. All save one claimed to like the site. Go figure. It short I am currently looking at 2nd quarter before resuming work on the site. I will repost here after the next build. Thank you to each and every person who commented, I will take into consideration everything posted here.
nycreal Posted March 1, 2006 Posted March 1, 2006 I can see your point on a few things, but tactful I'm sure would be a much better approach than plain meaness and unfeeling comments such as repulsive, ditch it etc..I thought we were professionally minded people? Just because I wouldn't have a certain design or store front doesn't mean that other people can't, nor would I say something to down their efforts,. If I can present self experienced evidence that a method of designing didn't work, I'd be the first to lead others in the right direction. Life is a learning arena and we all must learn the same thing in our own time. But if I couldn't prove the facts that I'm claiming, i would appear to be a fool, in which I have no interest in doing. No life isn't a bed of roses, and there are some thorns in the way, but if I can offer a more beneficial way I will. I can't protect others from life's stings but I can always understand. It doesn't hurt me to use my time wisely by helping or appreciating others, it takes very little of my time or energy. In life there are learners and teachers, good students always follow good teachers, success brews followers which is a benefit to all. One day that student must stand on their own in this world, but their choices are not created because of others wishes. They arenot acted upon by society, they are made based on personal happiness, dreams and wishes, hope and mercy. When you've taken this away from anybody you've killed the essence of life. to be different, to be your own person, and to feel the way you want. Camie Very nicely written and I couldn't disagree without appearing obtuse. But honestly, and I am not a mean person by nature, nor do I take satisfaction in putting others down etc. the previous comments were the first thoughts that came into my head upon clicking the link... And although I see your point, I am not one to condone biting one's tongue. Granted, no one should go out of their way to be mean, but if that is apparently how they see the truth (for, afterall, even the truth is relative), then I believe that is how they should say it. So in consequence, in my opinion it all boils down to a person's intentions. If they did it with malice and intended to make another feel bad, then it is wrong in all aspects, but if that was truly how they felt, then so be it. Society has geared us towards a world of facades and parades, fake smiles, undertoned words, and the ever-so-popular "politcally correct" terms. Sometimes it's nice to hear the blunt, naked truth, even if it hurts a little. It reminds us that there is some honesty left in a corrupt world, and it's sometimes a relief to not have to continuously read in between the lines and decipher hidden messages. I realize you were not implying that the comments be written in that fashion. I guess I went off-topic lol. :-"
Cameo1968 Posted March 5, 2006 Posted March 5, 2006 Very nicely written and I couldn't disagree without appearing obtuse. But honestly, and I am not a mean person by nature, nor do I take satisfaction in putting others down etc. the previous comments were the first thoughts that came into my head upon clicking the link... And although I see your point, I am not one to condone biting one's tongue. Granted, no one should go out of their way to be mean, but if that is apparently how they see the truth (for, afterall, even the truth is relative), then I believe that is how they should say it. So in consequence, in my opinion it all boils down to a person's intentions. If they did it with malice and intended to make another feel bad, then it is wrong in all aspects, but if that was truly how they felt, then so be it. Society has geared us towards a world of facades and parades, fake smiles, undertoned words, and the ever-so-popular "politcally correct" terms. Sometimes it's nice to hear the blunt, naked truth, even if it hurts a little. It reminds us that there is some honesty left in a corrupt world, and it's sometimes a relief to not have to continuously read in between the lines and decipher hidden messages. I realize you were not implying that the comments be written in that fashion. I guess I went off-topic lol. :-" It could also tell you that there are jerks out there as well, people who would love nothing more than to cut you into and push your business in the dumpster, because they can. That's when I put up a deaf ear, it's the easiest remedies, considering the fact that I am deaf. Being blunt and putting things frankly can only be done between friends, not someone you don't know or will most likely never meet. Tell me, how high would a total strangers opinion weigh on your personal scale of importance? To me it's only words written on this board, because that's all any of us see. No people, no feelings or ones that can be seen. Just faceless replies from people, and that's suppose to mean something? That's like getting a phone call without a voice. What could you possibly do with that? I couldn't use it even if it were there. But if you were my friend, someone that I could confide in and trust, I would definately consider what you have to say. Why? because friendships are real life events that hold a great deal of importance. If you were my spouse I wouldn't hesitate to consider your opinion. Let's be real with each other and maybe opinions would matter more to everyone As it is right now, opinions are like sophisticated farts with no real direction. Where positive and kind remarks are so acceptable and considered without question, because they show respect instead of a fart. Stinky air I don't want to smell.
New 
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.