Fleece Coverings

[Blink]

I think one thing to watch out for with this type of business is too many names, too many different packages. It might all make sense to you, but to the casual reader it can be confusing.
For example, why does the Punto pattern come with two 15.5" arm rods and the others don't when they're all the same price? That struck me as odd.

The point here has merit.

One of the things that might make each pattern more valuable is if there is something unique (a special tip that is unique to each pattern, but that could help with all the other puppet patterns as well. Or a special small pattern for a nose or something that you can't get anywhere else). That way each pattern has something special and extra to offer the buyer. Perhaps if people can see what they get as an extra for each pattern clearly, thne they might feel like each one is worth having.

I like the idea of the "packages" as a logical way for people to save money as well. Many companies use the idea of "bundling" to get people to buy sets of products.

As far as having too many names, I know that thre will be only three in the Forma Series. There are really only three sections and then singles or packages for each section. I haven't personally found it confusing, but if it is a concern of others then perhaps using colour codes for each series might be something to consider. For example "brick red" is for the Forma Series and the section is clearly defined on the website (although I feel it is pretty well done already), others may benefit from that. I can't hurt to get feedback about the clarity of the series and accessablity of it on your site.

As far as the arms rods are concerned, it might be nice to have that as a standard for all puppets, or like I said have another special treat for the Rotondo pattern to make up for not having the arms rods.

 

[Phantom]

Free Prize Inside!


Ooh! a glow-in-the-dark decoder ring!

Actually, bezalel, you've hit on a very solid idea. You've created something once that can be resold numerous times, where as building a puppet and selling it is a one-time dealie. (I've asked Santa for one of your kits for Christmas, by the way.)

Have you read "Guerilla Marketing"? It has a lot of great ideas of flooding the market with information about your product without alot of overhead. Levinson has a whole series of GM techiques for different situations, but I don't know if they repeat the same info or really provide more tools. I am working on an e-book project that will be available before the year's end which will be one of those one-time dealies. I've not had alot of time to dedicate to building up my site (60+ hrs/week at a regular job, family, performing, custom builds, etc...I know "excuses, excuses") but I am hoping to build it up rapidly using some of the GM techniques.

I look forward (hopefully) to getting you plan.

 

[MGov]

The PDF instructions on the CD, are they PC specific? And, if so, is a printed version available for those of us who have the superior Apple® computers?

 

[puppetsmith]

Your suggestions have been duly noted.
Phantom - thanks for the tip!

And MGov - the PDF instructions will work on the almighty Macs! Ah, the unifying power of the PDF file - operating systems, UNITE!

 

[MGov]

Then get me my PayPal, STAT!!!!

 

[FISH'N'WOLFE]

The CD's included in our pattern kits are PC compatible only. Our CD's will not work for Mac users.

I don't see any reason why they couldn't be burned to work on both Mac's and PC's. Both Windows and OS X have the capability to burn data CD's to be readable on all computers. You just have to make sure that option is selected when you burn.

 

[puppetsmith]

The Rotondo, Punto and Ovale instructions CDs actually contain a small program (.exe) that is not compatible with Macs. The Rotondo Fleece instructions are in PDF format which will work on most operating systems, but of course, you need Adobe Reader.

 

[FISH'N'WOLFE]

Oh ok. I would suggest for a Mac version to just burn a CD with the PDF instructions, minus the program.

 

[Phantom]

I've got a question and someone can PM me if they have an answer. All of the projectpuppet puppets in the gallery are bare foam. How do you attach the head and the body on a bare foam puppet? I only ask because I've got two puppets to build this week for a show next weekend and more than likely they will be uncovered (which is something I haven't done, obviously). I'm not asking for any secrets, just some guidance.

 

[Phantom]

Figured it out. Nevermind.