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Site: www.fine-store.com
Phone: 07961 746 777

8. Items

8a. Items

Well if you have added all the brands, groups, categories, colours and sizes then this section should be very straight forward, even if somewhat detailed. This is where using further simple step by step instructions you will actually begin to see YOUR Fine Store coming to life…..

You will probably see some example items added to your Fine Store, these are just that, examples and these can easily be deleted by you at any time.

When you first click on the “items” tab you will be greeted by the following message at the top of the page:

Items Manager

Here is a list of all your store items. If you prefer group view then just select appropriate group and category and click to list items.

Directly below that you will see “Category Select” this has a drop down menu next to it. Contained in the drop down menu are all the categories you have entered so far. The default setting is “All”. When you have lots of items added and you are looking for a specific item to modify you can refine your searching by selecting the appropriate category from the drop down menu.
Below the “Category Select”is “Search Phrase” in the white box type a word or phrase specific to the item.

Once you have chosen either or both sections simply click “List Items” and all the related items will be visible further down the page. These will be listed under the following headings:

“Name/Description Item Code Price Image”

If there are too many items to show on one page, Fine Store will automatically create a library effect showing the number of pages listed.

Simply click on the next page number to show the remaining items.

8b. Adding New Items – What you need to know..

On the right hand side of the screen opposite to the “Category Select” and “Search Phrase” buttons you will see the clearly identified the “Add New Item” button:
Click it:

Below is an example of the screen you will see each time you click on “Add New Item”

As you can see there are lots of areas to be completed but we will go through each section in turn. This Section does require careful entering of detail and also for certain rules to be adhered to carefully.

Important Reminder:
Helpful Advice: Take your time and get it right, try not to change the Groups or categories too often. As search engines index your site under your domain, computers, windows etc then all items will carry the URL address. If the group or categories keep changing then so does the computer path to the group or category. The result of this action is that Google and such like will re-index your site but the result is that the pages already indexed will then point to a non-existent site. Less frequent changes results in better optimisation of your site.

Certain rules must be followed when entering items to ensure the best possible Search Engine Optimisation (SEO means your customers find you):

Be accurate in your description first time.
Avoid use of special characters such as “ | \ + in item title and description.
If needing to use the & symbol replace it with &
Write relevant descriptive text. Think like a buyer, what do they search for?
Write a decent amount of text, cover good description to help SEO.
Check spelling and grammar for accuracy.
If using HTML tags in description make sure it validates in XHTML 1.0

Here is an example to help you understand better: For this example we will use the item Madagascar DVD. Now a buyer looking for this particular DVD may simply enter the title is some form but they may not remember what it is called. They may then simply search for say “funny cartoon film” The search engines will concentrate on what you have written under the title and Short description sections. Therefore it is important to try and use unique text where possible.

Example:
Title: Madagascar DVD R2 – funny cartoon
Small Description: Madagascar by Pixar animation Studios is the funniest film of 2006. At New Yorks Central Park Zoo, a lion (Stiller), a Zebra (Rock), a Giraffe (Schwimmer) and a hippo (P Smith) are best friends and stars of the show.

This way the item has a clear description, relevant title and its own small description. This is the ultimate area that search engines will feed from. In the main description you can add all the usual information about the film and the DVD etc, typically what you would find on other sites selling the same product. Remember it is the title and short description where you have the power to keep your site optimised and at the front of searches.

8c. Adding New Item and Descriptions

Always be relevant and as descriptive as possible about your items. Keep asking yourself, “How would a buyer search for this item?”

So here we go… Step one:

In the box next to “Name” type the name or title of the item you are selling. For our example we will continue with the Madagascar DVD. So we type in the text: Madagascar DVD R2 blue ray - funny cartoon

Below that is the “Short description” box. Here you need to type descriptive and relevant text about the item. So we type: Madagascar by Pixar animation Studios is the funniest film of 2006. At New Yorks Central Park Zoo, a lion (Stiller), a Zebra (Rock), a Giraffe (Schwimmer) and a hippo (P Smith) are best friends and stars of the show.

The next box is the main” Description” box. Here you need to add the specifications of the item and perhaps where relevant a fuller description of the item. For our example we would perhaps add the full information found on the box of the DVD, including tag line, certificate, and length of movie and full synopsis of the movie. You may also like to include a full list of the actors, director etc.

Remember to keep the text descriptive, relevant and accurate, search engines will still gauge a site from this information. It will also be important to your customers to have full details available to help them in deciding to purchase. Too little information can be as much a turn off to potential buyers and too much information. With a little practice you will get these sections just right.

Next we need to enter the manufacturer’s code. If this is a mass manufactured product like a DVD this item will have a unique code created by the manufacturer, in this case an ISBN code. It is important to enter this where available as many web surfers do use such codes to search for exact matches. If your item is unique to you it is advisable to create a code as this will also assist you in finding or re-stocking items. Perhaps something simple like: 9999 8888

From the “brand” drop down menu select the appropriate brand name you entered earlier. If an item truly does not have brand names like with a DVD then enter N/A.

The next part is to add the main picture or “Image”. Click on “Browse” and you will be taken to your own documents where you can select the first picture your customers will see. You will be able to add more pictures the later stage of “Edit Images”

Once the image is selected simply move on to the next section at this stage. You now need to enter the “Price”; this is the actual retail price you are asking your customers to pay. If this is a reduced price or an introductory price then you also need to click on the “Reduced Price” box next to the “Price” I used 50.00 in this example. Always remember to enter the amount using the decimal point.

From the drop down menu next to “Category” select the appropriate category from the ones you entered earlier. In our example we will select “DVD –Blue Ray”

“Stock Level” is next. Basically how many of this item do you have to sell? Simply enter the quantity; this will be automatically reduced each time a purchase is made.

The “Off Stock Comment” is where you can write notes to yourself about the item. These comments are not visible to customers. So you may add a comment like “next batch due August 2007” or “remember to use new manufacturers code on next batch” You can of course leave it blank.

Next click on the “Colours” in which the item is available to buy. In our example I have selected Black, Green and Pink though obviously not really relevant to a DVD.

Likewise select the “Sizes” that the item comes in for purchase. Again though not relevant to this DVD, for our example I have used Small, Medium and Large.

“Add to favourites” is the option to show the item in a specific promotion on the front screen of your store. By clicking this button the item will be added as normal to the database but also to the shop front. This can be removed very simply at a later stage. This whole section of favourites is talked about in more depth in section 9.

Finally check through everything you have entered once more and double check spelling, grammar and descriptions. Once you are fully satisfied click on: “Add Item”

It may take a moment or two as the Image is uploaded onto your Fine Store. Once done you will see:

Item added to database.

Please select what would you like to do next:

You will be offered the following three options:

See added item in the list
Add more images for last added item
Add brand new item

You will need to repeat the steps from “1. Through 16.” for each new item you wish to add to your database of items. On real item entry you simply leave blank the sections not applicable to the item you are adding.

8d. Existing items – Hide In Store
Once an item is listed it will show in your store as you have listed it. You may however be making preparations for a specific event such as Christmas and you may be adding items in advance of being available for sale. Fine Store gives you the freedom to add as many items as you like and simply at a click of a button they can be hidden from your customer searches until you are ready.

The easiest way to hide an item so only you can see it is when you add the item as new. When you have carried out steps 8c. 1. Through 16 you will be given the option to:

“See added item in the list”

At this point when the item is shown; a list of options is visible down the right hand side of the item. The list consists of the following:

Hide in Store
Modify
Delete
Edit Images
Add to Favourites

Simply click on “Hide in Store” the button will then change to “show in store” and at the edge of the item description you will see the words “Currently Hidden”. You will see the confirmation message ;

Item visibility changed.If the item you wish to hide was added at an earlier stage, this is also quite simple.

Click on the “items” tab. If you know the title or part of it, type this is the box next to “search Phrase” and click “List items” In the example I have used the same Madagascar DVD.

Again Simply click on “Hide in Store” the button will then change to “show in store” and at the edge of the item description you will see the words “Currently Hidden”. You will see the confirmation message;

Item visibility changed.

To restore an item to being visible in store simply repeat the above procedure but click on the button stating “Show in Store” instead.

The “Currently Hidden”. Message will disappear and you will see the confirmation message;

Item visibility changed.

8e. Existing items – Modify
Throughout the life of an item, you will at some point need to modify it. This can be a simple spelling mistake you have noticed. You may need to change available sizes and colours. Most frequently hopefully it will be to add more stock as sales are going really well. Whatever the reason, the steps are the same.

Click on the “items” tab. If you know the title or part of it, type this is the box next to “search Phrase” and click “List items” In the example I have used the same Madagascar DVD.

From the list at the right hand side of the selected item click “ Modify”

As you can see from the example screen the layout is almost the same as you saw when you created the item. Simply update, amend or correct whichever section you need to action.

Follow steps 1. Through 13 of section 8c for adding new items. Once you have completed making all the necessary changes click on “Apply Changes” You will see the following:

Item was updated
Please select what would you like to do next:
See modified item in the list
Edit images for last modified item
Add next item

If you do not wish to use the options above click on your preferred tab in the main list.

8e. Existing items – Delete

There will be times when you no longer need an item to me kept in your database. Hiding the item from the customer view is no longer the main requirement as you never intend to sell that product again. The only option you want is to delete the item completely.

Click on the “items” tab. If you know the title or part of it, type this is the box next to “search Phrase” and click “List items” In the example I have used the same Madagascar DVD.

From the list at the right hand side of the selected item click “Delete” Remember to be sure of your action. An item cannot be recovered once deleted from your database.

You will see the following text on the screen:

Delete Item
You are about to delete the following item:
You then have the choice to “Proceed (delete)” or to “Cancel”. Click on “Proceed (delete)”

You will then see the confirmation message:

Item was deleted.

If you do not wish to completely delete the chosen item then click “cancel” instead and perhaps go to “modify” or “hide in store” from the listed options.

8e. Existing items – Edit images

You have already added one image when you added the item originally. Here you are able to add more images, perhaps close ups and more detailed images to really show a product at its best. Perhaps you wish to show the item in different colours to help your customers make and informed choice.

Click on the “items” tab. If you know the title or part of it, type this is the box next to “search Phrase” and click “List items” In the example I have used the same Madagascar DVD.

From the list at the right hand side of the selected item click “Edit images”

On this screen you will see the original image, title and short description of the item chosen. To add more images for the same item click on “Browse”

From the drop down menu that appears on a pop up screen select the location of the images/pictures you have stored on your own PC.

Double click on the image you wish to upload to your Fine Store.

The location of the image will be stored in the box next to the “Browse” button.

Click “Add image” and allow the server a few moments to upload the image. The following message shows:

System will need few seconds to process the image upload to the server. Please be patient

At the bottom of the page is a message;

List of images associated with the item:
Below this message your uploaded image will appear. The item will also appear in your store in the same way. When a customer selects an item to look at it in more detail they will see the extra photos as thumbnails. Any thumbnails they click on will open into a much larger image to give them as much clarity as possible.

If an item image is not the right one or you simply do not want a particular image anymore you can simply delete it. In the same screen beside each image you will see “Delete”. Click “Delete” and the image will disappear and you will see the confirmation message:

Image was deleted.

8e. Existing items – Add to Favourites
This section does not need very much explaining. As before select the item you wish to add to your favourites section, promotion on the front of your store.

Click on the “items” tab. If you know the title or part of it, type this is the box next to “search Phrase” and click “List items” In the example I have used the same Madagascar DVD.

From the list at the right hand side of the selected item click “Add to Favourites”

Instantly the item is added to the favourites section. You will see the item in alphabetical order on the favourites listing.

If this is not want you want, simply click “Delete” next to the item and it will be deleted ONLY from the favourites list, not from your database.

Please note that you may receive the following message when uploading images:
Image file upload failed! Image not added!
This would normally only occur if the image is copyright protected or not in a suitable format. Images from Mobile phones do not normally contain enough pixels to allow a suitable upload. The higher pixel count gives the better quality image to be uploaded.

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