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View Full Version : 5 Years owning a bot...



harryball
10-26-2011, 02:09 PM
Wow, it's been more than 5 years since we got our bot! I can't say enough about how well it has done and how central it is to our business. I'm continually impressed about how little work I've had to do on it to keep it running. It is showing wear now and this year will be the first dramatic "overhaul" with all new pinions, rail caps, some new wiring, complete cleaning etc... This will all be done when we move it to the new shop.

This year has been especially humbling as a wide range of customers have purchased from us and we have been getting national attention for the first time. Our online store feels like a real store for the first time. To meet the requirements of TIME magazine we had to take coupons and be able to offer calculated shipping. The store overhaul went well and we got a great rate plan from UPS to make it all happen. We are holding our breath before an article prints that features out kit. We've already seen an uptick in store traffic and sales.

Persist. Choose what you rely on carefully, for us ShopBot was the right choice. My hope in the next year is to have so much buiness we need a new bot... or two. I can dream right?

/RB

wberminio
10-26-2011, 03:12 PM
Congrats Robert!

myxpykalix
10-26-2011, 03:38 PM
harry,
i recall when you first set up your online store and had us checking it out and giving you feedback, im glad things are progressing for you.
you are one who has carved out a niche for yourself and have been making a living with your bot so keep us the good work!:D

bob_reda
10-27-2011, 06:03 AM
Congrats RB. It seems we all have been watching your progress and its nice to hear that some good guys do finish first!

Bob

RickWyatt
10-27-2011, 06:35 AM
That is great to hear! You have a very clean and professional feel to your site as well. I hope the best for you.

Have you done the site yourself?

Rick

harryball
10-27-2011, 05:23 PM
Thanks guys! The site is designed and implemented by me. The framework package for the main website is WordPress. I'm using PrestaShop for the estore. Everything is based on a hosted Linux virtual machine. It is really nice for us old school guys to have access to a shell account.

By far the journey isn't over and there is still a ton of work ahead. But things have changed dramatically in the past year.

Appreciate the comments guys!

/RB