New? kilt seller on eBay: AllScottish.CA

[The Barry]

Of course we are going to talk to each other about your website. If you hadn't joined the rabble, one of us would have bought something from you, and then reported to the rest of us about the quality of your goods and especially the customer service. Then we will either treat this information as a warning or a green light.

That's how we roll on XMarks.

[CDNSushi]

That's how we roll on XMarks.

Ooooh, but how I hate that expression! lol. Nevertheless, I just wanted to agree with Barry -- retailer reviews are a pretty major part of this community. I've definitely put up a few reviews myself, and have read many others. (In fact, I have my own restaurant review website that covers local establishments).... Anyway... There are LOTS of reviews here on XTMS. One thing that I can say, is that I wouldn't count on people necessarily sending questions by e-mail just to find out what a company is or isn't about.

The stats really do speak for themselves. There are nearly 8,000 members here, heralding from all corners of the globe. There are a mind-boggling 1,700 visits from members in a 24-hour period alone, and we are currently being spidered by no less than 20 bots including Google. That means, that probably before long, you'll be able to use keywords in Google to find even this thread. Scary, innit?

Anyway, the point is, it is indeed anybody's right to be perturbed, however in the "new economy" a retailer's justification for being so doesn't add up to a hill of beans. Being "right" is overrated anyway (whether you're a retailer or a customer). It's only normal to be protective and defensive if someone seems to attack your business, (and to feel slighted) but that's just the nature of the beast. Shouldn't be in retail if you don't have a rhino hide. The key to successful marketing is to never lose your smile & shine, no matter what. You can't afford to lose your cool when you're competing directly against countless other companies that can match or even beat what you have to offer.

Again, I never said that I wouldn't give a new company a chance -- and that applies even now. So far, other than a startling reply by Allscottish.ca's owner, there is little to go on here that would stop anyone from buying anything from them (other than noting that the website looked a wee bit dubious)... But the ball's in their court now. How they choose to deal with the commentary and feedback they receive from the rabble here and now will certainly have future impact for them.