I'm an ever-present lurker, rare poster. Just wanted to send kudos to
Robin Lee and the changes made at Lee Valley Calgary. The new
computer-based ordering system is excellent!
- No more leafing through catalogs (although that has its own
particular pleasure, it's something best left for dreaming / planning
time at home)
- The screen interface is almost exactly the same as the Lee Valley
website - instant familiarity.
- No more mis-written or mis-read orders in smudged pencil
- Printed orders are crisp, clear, and in large print format.
- A final visual check (from the picture on the screen) that what you
have ordered is the right tool for the job.
- A privacy mat. Step off the mat, away from the computer, and the
system logs you out. It means no-one is getting my personal information
or somehow ordering on my dime.
All told, I'm very impressed. I'm not sure if the system is being used
at the other stores, but thought I'd share my experience.
I've also heard that central office is considering a bike rack for
outside the store, a move I'd strongly encourage - the more people we
can get to use non-gasoline powered transportation, the better.
With thanks,
Dudley Storey
In article <[email protected]>,
Demosthenes <[email protected]> wrote:
> All told, I'm very impressed. I'm not sure if the system is being used
> at the other stores, but thought I'd share my experience.
It's here in Saskatoon. I don't recall if Robin said it was everywhere
yet or not.
djb
--
"I don't like dealing with people. I'd rather be back working in Human
Resources."
My wife, Oct 27 2005 after having to fill in at another department.
John Girouard wrote:
> At the risk of offending 1/2 the group, I've gotta list a couple of
> (very minor) gripes. The first is that it would be nice if there were a
> search edit field right on the front page, or even as part of the
> navigation stuff down the left hand side.
The "item search" thing is on the nav bar. That said, it might be
faster if you could actually enter the search term right on the front
page though. Alternately, you could just bookmark the search page...
> Secondly, adding an item to a wishlist (or even the shopping cart) seems
> like it has too many steps, though I do like that it happens in a pop-up
> window. Maybe this is related to Amazon's patent?
If you have an "add to cart" button that doesn't pop up a window, how
would you specify more than one of an item? I suppose you could either
have a second button that would give the popup window, or else just
defer specifying the quantity at the end.
I also like the idea of being able to add something to the wishlist
separately from the cart.
The only problem I see is that you might end up with too many buttons
beside each item (add to cart, add multiple to cart, add to wishlist,
add multiple to wishlist). Not sure how to solve that issue.
Chris
Problem: I normally fill out my order at home as I am browsing the
catalogues then go to the store. Hope I don't then have to go through the
whole procedure again just to enter it in the stores computer. I also
sometimes add items as I walk around the store, the computer process will
take that away.
"Robin Lee" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Demosthenes" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I'm an ever-present lurker, rare poster. Just wanted to send kudos to
> > Robin Lee and the changes made at Lee Valley Calgary. The new
> > computer-based ordering system is excellent!
> >
> > - No more leafing through catalogs (although that has its own
> > particular pleasure, it's something best left for dreaming / planning
> > time at home)
> > - The screen interface is almost exactly the same as the Lee Valley
> > website - instant familiarity.
> > - No more mis-written or mis-read orders in smudged pencil
> > - Printed orders are crisp, clear, and in large print format.
> > - A final visual check (from the picture on the screen) that what you
> > have ordered is the right tool for the job.
> > - A privacy mat. Step off the mat, away from the computer, and the
> > system logs you out. It means no-one is getting my personal information
> > or somehow ordering on my dime.
> >
> > All told, I'm very impressed. I'm not sure if the system is being used
> > at the other stores, but thought I'd share my experience.
> >
> > I've also heard that central office is considering a bike rack for
> > outside the store, a move I'd strongly encourage - the more people we
> > can get to use non-gasoline powered transportation, the better.
> >
> > With thanks,
> >
> > Dudley Storey
> >
>
> Hi -
>
> Thanks for the comments - we have rolled it out in all stores by now....
>
> Security mats were backordered for awhile - so most stores only had 1
> station initially - all should have 4-8 by now...
>
> It's our plan (in the new year) to expose store inventories to the main
> website - so you can see what's in stock at a store (and order it, if you
> like) - before going there....but still have a few procedures to work out
> there...
>
> We have a really good group in the IT area....!
>
> Cheers -
>
> Rob
>
>
>
>
Rob,
We have a considerable Canadian population that lives here in Florida. Both
retired year-round residents and 'snowbirds.' (snowbirds travel South in
the winter and return home in the spring; but you knew that.)
If you opened a Lee Valley store here in Jacksonville, Florida, you could
serve many of your friends that grace our fair city.
Another benefit of a Florida store could enhance your employee incentives.
I'm sure you, like many employers, give performance rewards of some sort for
exceptional or extraordinary customer service. You could add a new 'working
award' to your list. An expense paid winter tour working in a Florida
store. This award would appeal to all employees; all except the most ardent
skier or snowmobiler.
Note: This sort of musing happens everytime I open your catalog. Well,
back to the gar-shop.
John Flatley
--
I've never learned anything from someone who agreed with me.
"Robin Lee" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "EXT" <etonks@sunstormADD-DOT-COM> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Problem: I normally fill out my order at home as I am browsing the
> > catalogues then go to the store. Hope I don't then have to go through
the
> > whole procedure again just to enter it in the stores computer. I also
> > sometimes add items as I walk around the store, the computer process
will
> > take that away.
> >
>
> <snip>
>
> Hi -
>
> If you're logged in (registered) at home - and log-in register in the
store
> when you come in - we retreive your cart/wishlist locally (wiping it
> locally, when you step off the mat)...and you can still write on the
printed
> sales slip too....
>
> Use of the order stations isn't (and won't ever be) mandatory.... it's
just
> an aid for those who prefer to search/browse using the website.
>
> We're happy to serve you anyway you want.... it's all a plot to keep you
> coming back.....:)
>
> Cheers -
>
> Rob
>
>
Demosthenes wrote:
> All told, I'm very impressed. I'm not sure if the system is being used
> at the other stores, but thought I'd share my experience.
I used the same system at the Coquitlam, BC store last week. Quite handy,
though with only one station in the store, it will likely be unavailable
during busy times due to constant use.
--
Cheers,
Rob
>> Secondly, adding an item to a wishlist (or even the shopping cart)
>> seems like it has too many steps, though I do like that it happens in
>> a pop-up window. Maybe this is related to Amazon's patent?
>
>
> If you have an "add to cart" button that doesn't pop up a window, how
> would you specify more than one of an item? I suppose you could either
> have a second button that would give the popup window, or else just
> defer specifying the quantity at the end.
Whoops... my bad. I was typing from memory. To clarify, adding an item to
your cart works just fine right now, though I'd suggest putting a default
quantity of '1' in the pop-up window.
-John in NH
"EXT" <etonks@sunstormADD-DOT-COM> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Problem: I normally fill out my order at home as I am browsing the
> catalogues then go to the store. Hope I don't then have to go through the
> whole procedure again just to enter it in the stores computer. I also
> sometimes add items as I walk around the store, the computer process will
> take that away.
>
<snip>
Hi -
If you're logged in (registered) at home - and log-in register in the store
when you come in - we retreive your cart/wishlist locally (wiping it
locally, when you step off the mat)...and you can still write on the printed
sales slip too....
Use of the order stations isn't (and won't ever be) mandatory.... it's just
an aid for those who prefer to search/browse using the website.
We're happy to serve you anyway you want.... it's all a plot to keep you
coming back.....:)
Cheers -
Rob
"Robin Lee" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> We're happy to serve you anyway you want.... it's all a plot to keep
> you coming back.....:)
>
> Cheers -
>
> Rob
>
Heh. No problem there.
Saw your both at the PDX WW show. It was nice to get to see some tools
in person that I'd only been to look at via catalog or web. (Nice booth,
and your staff were very friendly)
I can only imagine how much of my money you would be raking in if you
had a store closer than Vancouver.
BTW ... there were a *lot* of folks at the show toting around LV sacks.
--
Regards,
JT
Speaking only for myself....
Chris Friesen wrote:
> Robin Lee wrote:
>
>> We have a really good group in the IT area....!
>
>
> Robin, I just want to publically say that your website is one of the
> best corporate sites I've used. It's fast, easy to use, with a minimum
> of excess fluff. Your web guys are earning their pay.
>
> Chris
At the risk of offending 1/2 the group, I've gotta list a couple of (very
minor) gripes. The first is that it would be nice if there were a search
edit field right on the front page, or even as part of the navigation stuff
down the left hand side.
Secondly, adding an item to a wishlist (or even the shopping cart) seems
like it has too many steps, though I do like that it happens in a pop-up
window. Maybe this is related to Amazon's patent?
Lastly, any plans for a store in or around NH :) ? Slim picking around here
since Woodworker's Warehouse went out of business.
-John in NH
> Secondly, adding an item to a wishlist (or even the shopping cart) seems
> like it has too many steps, though I do like that it happens in a pop-up
> window. Maybe this is related to Amazon's patent?
>
It is an execellent site, but John's right. You should not have to throw
something in the cart to get it onto your wishlist.
"Demosthenes" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
snip
> I've also heard that central office is considering a bike rack for
> outside the store, a move I'd strongly encourage - the more people we
> can get to use non-gasoline powered transportation, the better.
>
> With thanks,
>
> Dudley Storey
>
I've got an LV store in my city, only a 20 min drive from me. I just order
over the phone and it's at my door in less than 3 days.
"Demosthenes" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm an ever-present lurker, rare poster. Just wanted to send kudos to
> Robin Lee and the changes made at Lee Valley Calgary. The new
> computer-based ordering system is excellent!
>
> - No more leafing through catalogs (although that has its own
> particular pleasure, it's something best left for dreaming / planning
> time at home)
> - The screen interface is almost exactly the same as the Lee Valley
> website - instant familiarity.
> - No more mis-written or mis-read orders in smudged pencil
> - Printed orders are crisp, clear, and in large print format.
> - A final visual check (from the picture on the screen) that what you
> have ordered is the right tool for the job.
> - A privacy mat. Step off the mat, away from the computer, and the
> system logs you out. It means no-one is getting my personal information
> or somehow ordering on my dime.
>
> All told, I'm very impressed. I'm not sure if the system is being used
> at the other stores, but thought I'd share my experience.
>
> I've also heard that central office is considering a bike rack for
> outside the store, a move I'd strongly encourage - the more people we
> can get to use non-gasoline powered transportation, the better.
>
> With thanks,
>
> Dudley Storey
>
Hi -
Thanks for the comments - we have rolled it out in all stores by now....
Security mats were backordered for awhile - so most stores only had 1
station initially - all should have 4-8 by now...
It's our plan (in the new year) to expose store inventories to the main
website - so you can see what's in stock at a store (and order it, if you
like) - before going there....but still have a few procedures to work out
there...
We have a really good group in the IT area....!
Cheers -
Rob