New online store [Archive]

AlphaTech

Mar 2, 2003, 12:50 AM

I'd like to announce that my store (http://store.thetechpub.com) is online and ready for people to browse and use. If there is something you're looking for, but isn't listed, send an email and I will look it up and get back to you with a price and/or availability of the item ASAP.

Due to a delay in the SSL certificate being installed, all credit card orders need to be phoned, faxed, or emailed in (all information is on the site). The only hardware that I cannot sell (at least at this time) is from Apple :( I hope to correct that some day. I am doing all I can to offer products that are cross-platform or platform independent.

A

Doctor Q

Mar 2, 2003, 12:58 AM

I don't know much about thetechpub.com so I don't know what to expect from the store. So far there seem to be only a few items in each category. Do you plan to make it a supermarket or more of a speciality store?

AlphaTech

Mar 2, 2003, 01:14 AM

The main site (www.thetechpub.com) is more information based. I also have a NON-rumor discussion board in place there (come here for rumors).

As for the items at the store, I won't be selling low grade/crap products, which will reduce the number of products listed. I AM open to suggestions for items, and will do all that I can to offer those items.

Special order items won't have any extra charge associated with them. Some items don't have all that much of a markup, as such I have to at least not lose money on them.

cr2sh

Mar 3, 2003, 12:09 AM

Wow, the LaCie Databank looks amazing..

I'm not sure what's up with that site. a 13.3" p3 800 laptop from Acer lists for $4k... hmm... :confused:

AlphaTech

Mar 3, 2003, 12:18 AM

The brick laptop is a "left-over" from the template that came with the x-cart software... I've fixed that item... I will be listing some new laptops over the next day or two...

Any other products that you are interested in??

I'll be working on offering up a drive enclosure of my own... No real idea as to when I will have something to offer, but I hope it will be fairly soon.

rainman::|:|

Mar 3, 2003, 12:36 AM

wireless trackballs? that's something i'm in the market for... i'd kill for a small wireless trackpad, but they don't seem to exist :confused:

:)
pnw

AlphaTech

Mar 3, 2003, 01:10 AM

I've added a couple of cordless trackballs... Any other desired items?? I'll search for a cordless trackpad and see if it exists.

A

cr2sh

Mar 3, 2003, 01:18 AM

what the ****? :confused:

where in god's name do you buy from? PM me yo....

i'm still looking for a mouse with variable wheel speed. :)

Mr. Anderson

Mar 3, 2003, 09:58 AM

What about the games? I'd be interested in seeing what you get there.

Also, what about techpub.com branded items? :D

D

AlphaTech

Mar 3, 2003, 11:49 AM

What types of games are you referring to?? Computer games, in general, have very little mark-up, if any. If you want something in partitcular, I can search for it... Also, game consoles have 0 markup at this time. Most retail stores that sell the consoles take a loss on them and try to make up for it on the games and other items. I have a feeling that they deal directly with the game makers, not distributors.

As for theTechPub name branded items, I will be making buil-to-order computers, and I am working on getting FireWire 400 and 800 chipsets to make some drive enclousers. No ETA on the enclosures, since I don't have the chipsets to use in prototyping the enclosures. My goal for the enclosure is to make it 100% from aluminum, as thin as possible, but still strong enough to not flex at all, and bus powered (for Mac users, pc users may need to use an AC adapter unless they have 6 pin FireWire). Once I get the oxford eval units, I will be able to prototype the item and then offer it up for sale. To be safe, I may have to do the enclosures on request only... If they are popular, then I will get some extras made and stock them (makes for faster ship times).

I just received initial logo designs from a firm that I hired to come up with one for me. That will make things move a bit faster in getting theTechPub branded items up on the store.

mcrain

Mar 3, 2003, 04:36 PM

1. Great to see you Alphatech. Hope all is well with you.

2. I'd love to find a very small, cordless optical mouse that I could use with my powerbook.

Thanks,
M

MrMacMan

Mar 3, 2003, 07:23 PM

I can't find the mac rumors discount... what's up with that?
;)

AlphaTech

Mar 3, 2003, 07:46 PM

Originally posted by MrMacman
I can't find the mac rumors discount... what's up with that?
;)

Ummm, that's because there isn't one.

At some point I will [probably] offer a discount for people that contribute to the site/company.

A

jefhatfield

Mar 5, 2003, 05:21 PM

nice to see you, alphatech!

maybe you can sell logo shirts, posters, and other stuff that is techie related

oh, and also techie tools and books

AlphaTech

Mar 7, 2003, 03:09 AM

I'm 100% open to product suggestions, as long as it is a quality product. I won't sell inferior items (or too cheap to be true) since I don't want to have to deal with tons of returns.

It appears that a SSL IS in place now. It's not the GeoTrust one I paid for, but there are some problems going on between my host and GT. Once those are all ironed out, I will have the GeoTrust SSL certificate. Until them the credit card processing IS secure (I just checked to make sure it is).

I also just dropped the prices on some LaCie items and added their Internal DVD-RW for Macintosh systems to my list. I will be adding some additional LaCie products to the catalog over the next day or two, since I'm just getting to the list I was sent by my LaCie rep.

I'm also working with Oxford Semiconductors to obtain bridge boards so that I can create (and offer/sell) drive enclosures that are FireWire 400, 800 and/or USB2. The enclosures will be for 1.8", 2.5", 3.5" and 5.25" drives/devices.

BTW, I checked, even after all the months of NOT posting, I'm STILL in the top 10 ranks. I don't know if that's good for me, or lame for the rest of the masses... heh

A

AlphaTech

Mar 8, 2003, 11:19 AM

Another new item added to my store... LaCie's 20" photon20vision display. It's a 20.1" LCD display with an optional desk arm mount. Very svelte, not über expensive (I'm selling it below list) and CAN be color calibrated (with LaCie's color calibration hardware, also at my store).

As always, I will be adding product to the catalog as time allows, and when I find something that either people are asking for, or I feel is at least a decent product. I'm not sure how long before I am able to offer my own brand of FireWire storage devices. Hopefully not TOO long (this year would be nice).

Depending on how some other things go, I may even branch into having laptops built to my own specifications (not other name brands) for sale. I need some hefty funds to do that though, which MIGHT be forthcoming soon (I hope). Grants are your friend ;) Investors are too...

Well, I'm off [my rocker, but that's besides the point]... Anyone interested in something not listed should message me... either pm me from here, or send me an email, or send an email to the address listed on the store site... ;)

PEACE [all you mother f***ers]!! heh

A

Rower_CPU

Mar 8, 2003, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by AlphaTech
BTW, I checked, even after all the months of NOT posting, I'm STILL in the top 10 ranks. I don't know if that's good for me, or lame for the rest of the masses... heh

A

I'd say it's lame for you. :p ;)

scem0

Mar 8, 2003, 02:00 PM

BTW, I checked, even after all the months of NOT posting, I'm STILL in the top 10 ranks. I don't know if that's good for me, or lame for the rest of the masses... heh

I think it is a combination of lameness on your part (but you are
definitely not a lame person ;) - just a little nerdy:D), lameness on
our part (hey - I'm trying to get on the top ten. I will be on the
top 20 soon :p), and a lack of prolific posters.

But don't worry - we will get you out of the top ten - if it's the last
thing we do!

:D :D :D

AlphaTech

Mar 8, 2003, 08:28 PM

Think what you like Row-dogg, and I'll think as I like... heh ;) scem0, I hope your avatar isn't a self portrait [retch] :eek:

As for the rest of the masses, I won't speak for them, nor offend them... since I don't know them. I know optical-art is a cool dogg (to be Frank) heh...

Anywhoo... I'll be adding more product to the store over the coming days, as new items get released (and in channels) I will add them as well. I hope to do well enough, that in less then a year I can open a retail store (real world retail) and be able to sell Apple branded hardware as well. That will depend on how things go over the coming month[s] as some things are in the works (in the shadows).

Stay in the light, and you'll be safe... heh

A

scem0

Mar 8, 2003, 10:21 PM

Originally posted by AlphaTech
scem0, I hope your avatar isn't a self portrait [retch] :eek:

Smeagol like self portrait.......

http://www.lordoftherings.net/legend/gallery/images/gollum/thumb_gollum4.gif http://www.lordoftherings.net/legend/gallery/images/gollum/thumb_gollum3.gif

AlphaTech

Mar 17, 2003, 07:52 PM

Pending on what happens over the next two days, I will be having a "grand opening" sale with my online store. As of this time, I am slating the sale to cover somewhere between two and four weeks starting by the begining of April. I will post a coupon code in the demi-god section for everyone that has contributed to MR. So far, my ideas for the coupon range from one free item with orders, which will either be selected by the customer or myself (not sure which yet). Any burner purchase will include a free 50 count spindle of CD-R media (up to 52x). External hard drives will include an interface card of the appropriate type (i.e. FireWire, USB2, or SCSI). Any purchase of two (or more) hard drives (of any size) will include an ATA interface card of the appropriate level. I will be listing more combinations as the time draws closer. Any suggestions should be emailed to me so that I can consider them.

I will have a drawing as well... Any MR demi-god will be able to enter for free. Anyone else either needs to make a purchase on the store, or purchase an entry to the drawing (I haven't decided what purchase amount gets a free entry). Prize items (at this time) may include a brand new iBook, 12" PowerBook (might do the larger ones as well, I haven't decided yet), LaCie 52x burner, MAYBE a new G4 tower (level TBD), 512MB memory stick (type depends on what system you need it to go into). Again, email me any suggestions and I WILL consider them all.

Check back here as April gets closer and I update the details... Anyone that wants to get the MR demi-god benefits on my store MUST be a registered demi-god BY the start of the sale.

A

scem0

Mar 17, 2003, 09:43 PM

I think it is great that you are rewarding those who contribute
to MR. I look forward to this, and this might be the thing that
convinces me to buy the mug I have been wanting for a while
now. ;)

AlphaTech

Mar 17, 2003, 09:52 PM

Remember what I said about when you contribute here... If you get the mug AFTER I start the sale, you won't get the same deals... You have about two weeks before the sale starts, so do whatever you have to and get the money for the mug.

Besides supporting MR, you get a very usefull 16oz mug... ;) Good for the morning coffee, soup, or just about anything else that you consume in large volume... :eek:

A

Mr. Anderson

Mar 17, 2003, 10:06 PM

That's some really nice stuff you're thinking about giving away - sure to generate some interest. You going to advertise at your site that its going on?

D

AlphaTech

Mar 17, 2003, 10:09 PM

I'll be giving arn a banner ad to put up on MR, as well as one for my main site... I'll also announce it on my discussion boards. If you can think of some other sites I should advertise this on, let me know (urls would be helpfull as well).

I figured the Apple stuff would generate a ton of interest here... I'll also be giving away some pc stuff... like a laptop or two, maybe a tower (not sure). Again, send me any suggestions and I will think about them.

A

Mr. Anderson

Mar 17, 2003, 10:12 PM

You'll be generating plenty of interest - but what is the overall goal? Get some site recognition? Don't give away everything at once. Have a couple drawings and even contests once you get more people visiting the site. It should only take a little to get people interested and have them coming back once in a while.

Good luck,

D

scem0

Mar 17, 2003, 10:19 PM

Originally posted by AlphaTech
Remember what I said about when you contribute here... If you get the mug AFTER I start the sale, you won't get the same deals... You have about two weeks before the sale starts, so do whatever you have to and get the money for the mug.

Besides supporting MR, you get a very usefull 16oz mug... ;) Good for the morning coffee, soup, or just about anything else that you consume in large volume... :eek:

A

I expected as much. ;). I wasn't planning on buying anything
anyways. No money, and no need. I'm content with my PC until
a mac with a 970 in it comes out. :)

AlphaTech

Mar 17, 2003, 10:27 PM

My overall goal is to generate enough traffic to have the store pay for my entire site as well as make a profit. Only MR dieties will get to enter the drawing(s) for free... everyone else will have to make a purchase to be entered. I will also limit it to one entry per household so that people don't use multiple email's to skew the drawing. I will be working on a fair way to determine the winners for the items. Most likley, I will assign numbers to each name/address and then do a physical drawing. That way, it will be truely random. Once the number wins something, it's taken out of the pot, to give the rest of the people a better chance.

I'm thinking of putting up a thread to see what most people are interested in for laptops (iBook, PowerBook) and desktops (tower, iMac and eMac). The item that gets the most votes in each category will be what I offer for the drawing.

This IS the "Grand Opening" celebration sale, so it will be larger then any in the future (unless the store does REALLY well).

I'm thinking of [maybe] having drawings every few (3-6) months for a single item to keep people coming back. Of course, I won't be giving any free chances after the grand opening... you will have to make a purchase in order to enter for the drawing. At this point, I am thinking of a minimum purchase of $100 for an entry into the drawings (both now and in the future). You will need to decide if you want to enter into the pc drawing or the Mac drawing... You only get one entry, so make sure you pick the one you REALLY want...

scem0

Mar 17, 2003, 10:33 PM

I don't know if I am the only one interested in mega cheap LCD
monitors, but if you could manage to get a mac-compatible
monitor for ~$160 I would buy 2. But I know cheap and LCD
don't belong in the same sentence together, so I probably
shouldn't get my hopes up. :( ;)

AlphaTech

Mar 17, 2003, 10:41 PM

Originally posted by scem0
I don't know if I am the only one interested in mega cheap LCD
monitors, but if you could manage to get a mac-compatible
monitor for ~$160 I would buy 2. But I know cheap and LCD
don't belong in the same sentence together, so I probably
shouldn't get my hopes up. :( ;)

Mega cheap LCD ~$160 is a pipe dream... I just checked, even brand X 15" LCD's are ~$300+ and those are the ones I won't sell because the quality isn't there. I'm going with displays that I KNOW are good... not cheap...

If you are that strapped for $$, get a job mon...

heh
A

thekaiser

Mar 17, 2003, 11:28 PM

I realize that Bluetooth products are not everywhere yet, but as they come available for the Mac I would like to buy some. Especially a bluetooth mouse that is Mac compatible (The M$ bluetooth mouse works only in XP). If you find a BT mouse that works on a Mac, I will be the first one to buy it. Thanks.

AlphaTech

Mar 17, 2003, 11:31 PM

All right everyone... I have a thread with a poll for SOME of the prizes I will be considering... You get one vote, so choose wisely... heh heh heh

http://www.thetechpub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=121

A

AlphaTech

Mar 17, 2003, 11:36 PM

Originally posted by thekaiser
I realize that Bluetooth products are not everywhere yet, but as they come available for the Mac I would like to buy some. Especially a bluetooth mouse that is Mac compatible (The M$ bluetooth mouse works only in XP). If you find a BT mouse that works on a Mac, I will be the first one to buy it. Thanks.

I have to ask, why would you want a blueball mouse??? RF mice work with the Mac without any problem (I have the Cordless MouseMan Optical attached to my PowerBook right now). Some of them even have the receivers and such so small that they are not noticeable. I don't mind having the receiver plugged into my USB port, since I ONLY use USB for either input devices or printers.

Still, I will keep my eyes open to the listing for such an item... even if only you purchase it. :rolleyes:

A

thekaiser

Mar 17, 2003, 11:48 PM

Mainly because I have Bluetooth built in to my iMac. I would like a piece of hardware that could use it. This would keep me from having to clutter my desk with yet another piece of equipment. That is really the only reason.

NavyIntel007

Mar 18, 2003, 12:04 AM

Sell ROCKSTAR Energy Drink!!!!

AlphaTech

Mar 18, 2003, 12:16 AM

Originally posted by NavyIntel007
Sell ROCKSTAR Energy Drink!!!!

Alright *bonehead* I am selling COMPUTER HARDWARE, SOFTWARE and RELATED [TECHNOLOGY] products... NOT drinks... you want the drink, get it someplace else... sheeesh

Besides the fact that I wouldn't even know where to start looking for that stuff, nor would I want to. I'd rather spend that time hunting down better prices on stuff people can REALLY use...

MacAztec

Mar 18, 2003, 12:28 AM

Whatup alpha. Long time no see. This is Mac_User if you dont remember.

Store is sweet, but there arent any apple products. Maybe I am just not looking hard enough.

I say you go with the 12" PB. The 17" is too expensive to give away, I mean its like 3300 dollars.

AlphaTech

Mar 18, 2003, 12:31 AM

Yo, MacAztec... I'm not [yet] set up to sell Apple hardware (as in from Apple itself). Many of the products listed on my store WILL work with Mac hardware though. All FireWire devices and drives will... input devices and such too...

Did you put your vote on my thread??? That's where I will be checking for the results towards the end of this month... not here. heh

A

MacAztec

Mar 18, 2003, 12:35 AM

I voted for the 12"er. I bet people will vote for the 17" because its the biggest, best, and most expensive, but I dont think thats right.

Its just a bigger loss of money for you, but the decision between a 12" PB and a 17" PB isnt going to gain you any more customers. I mean....

If you chose the 12" PB, and 500 people go and enter. I dont think if you chose the 17"er, that a generous ammount of people would have entered. Such as like 800.

AlphaTech

Mar 18, 2003, 12:42 AM

I think I'm going back to my original thinking... which didn't include the 17" PB... It is a hefty sum to give something away...

Thanks for the input ;)...

The poll will be modified in a minute... heh

A

Backtothemac

Mar 18, 2003, 02:35 AM

Originally posted by AlphaTech
Yo, MacAztec... I'm not [yet] set up to sell Apple hardware (as in from Apple itself). Many of the products listed on my store WILL work with Mac hardware though. All FireWire devices and drives will... input devices and such too...

Did you put your vote on my thread??? That's where I will be checking for the results towards the end of this month... not here. heh

A

Yea, they need to come to me for that suff ;)

Hope things go well for you on this.

Mr. Anderson

Mar 18, 2003, 08:27 AM

Originally posted by Backtothemac
Yea, they need to come to me for that suff ;)

Hope things go well for you on this.

Hahaha, battle of the online stores.....

What did you vote for there, b2tm?

D

Backtothemac

Mar 18, 2003, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by dukestreet
Hahaha, battle of the online stores.....

What did you vote for there, b2tm?

D

12.1" PowerBook. Minimize the cost for him.

AlphaTech

Mar 18, 2003, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by Backtothemac
12.1" PowerBook. Minimize the cost for him.

I've said it before, but I will say it again, don't do it the cost... select the one YOU would want to win... I believe I will be able to write off the costs anyway for the 2003 tax year... heh

Backtothemac

Mar 18, 2003, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by AlphaTech
I've said it before, but I will say it again, don't do it the cost... select the one YOU would want to win... I believe I will be able to write off the costs anyway for the 2003 tax year... heh

Well, I actually would want the 12" PowerBook. That machine is so sweet. I keep looking at them coming into the building and think. Damn, I want one. I will probably say the same thing when I see the 17" though.

:)