ShopID: KippyGo

How long have you been a shopkeeper?

My account start date says August of 2004, but I didn’t become a serious shopkeeper until a year later. I suppose that means I’ve been a shopkeeper for either 3 and a half or two and a half years, depending on which date you choose

If you listed a basic shop or did not list a shop in your bio, do you own a premium shop?

I listed a premium shop, so does that mean I can say “pass” ?

Why were you inspired to run for CafePressVoice?

I feel like the time I’ve spent working with Cafepress has given me enough insight to be able to give a little back, and that’s one thing I want to be able to do.

And not to sound too cliché, but I love Cafepress. They do have their downfalls and I’m well aware of that. Not one POD out there is perfect, but I feel like there’s so much potential with CP and I want to see them reach their fullest.

There’s also the fact that I’ve been a full time shopkeeper for long enough to see not just my own perspective, but that of several different types of shopkeeper as well. I won’t pretend to know I understand what would work best for all of these individuals, but I feel like I am experienced enough to at least know we all have many different needs and desires. That said, I believe that in the end it’s not just about what I want done, but what I think would benefit that multitude of different types of SK the most. I feel like I’m capable of setting aside my personal expectations and wants of the company in order to listen to the average SK viewpoint and opposing opinions, and speak for and aid the CP community as a whole.

What do you feel the CafePressVoice program is all about?

I believe the CPV role involves representing the community, as well as other issues which make them not just a relay between Cafepress and the community, but also a group who aids in decision making and in getting a lot of behind-the scenes tasks accomplished. I do believe they get things done. (I would, however, argue that more information needs to be made available somehow to the Cafepress community in order to show that).

I also think the CPV is about making suggestions and speaking up to offer possible unheard views and concepts. It’s about feedback on all sides, whether from the CPV members themselves about something they’re evaluating or about passing on community concerns.

What do you feel are your qualifications that would make you an effective CPV member?

In terms of what I feel makes me qualified for the job I would say mainly my experience in working with Cafepress and working online over the last few years. I, like many other cafepress shopkeepers, really found a freedom in earning money using my own creativity, and as a result taught myself how to make it work (and am continuing to learn, naturally). That feeling empowered me beyond belief to learn all sorts of things about which I’d have otherwise never sought out information, from SEO tips to new design techniques, and more. I am also an inquisitive, determined, flexible, collaborative, and communicative person. Plus I like to play the devil’s advocate to see all sides evaluated!

How much time are you willing to devote to CafePressVoice responsibilities on a weekly basis?

I am willing to devote the time necessary. I wouldn’t run if I weren’t committed to many hours of time and dedication. Like I’ve mentioned, I’m a full time shopkeeper so I’m always around anyway!

What, if any, previous experience do you have working in a “committee” setting?

I think anyone who does the POD thing and works for themselves online gains an understanding of what it means to work with other people. I have been members of groups with decision making responsibilities in the past, from school groups, to leisure, to work related issues (I formerly worked as a support worker for developmentally disabled young adults so there were always active groups to see improvements brought about in lifestyle and quality). I do feel there are certainly similarities between online and “real life” (for lack of better words) committee situations, but I would also argue that anyone who participates in blog comments, social networking for business, engages effectively on forums, etc… has got some experience in working and communicating with and for a group. Of course the responsibility usually becomes greater when it’s an elected position!

If elected, how do you plan to communicate with shopkeepers in order to understand their concerns and keep shopkeepers informed?

The forums are really the first line of contact, but I would really like to see a CPV newsletter started for interested shopkeepers… I would also be happy to receive private messages, personal e-mails, and IMs with questions, concerns, and/or suggestions from shopkeepers and customers.

If you are elected, what is the number one thing that you would like to see implemented or changed concerning each committee’s mission:

Shop Management- Better and easier shop tools, like effective and less time-consuming bulk tools.

Merchandise- Gaps filled in with already exising lines, like black hoodies and long sleeved baby clothes.

Name the top three things that you would like to see changed at CafePress.

1.More effective communication between Cafepress and the community. I think it’s pretty clear that’s a big one on my agenda! I feel this would foster a growing, more passionate, and participating community. Things like weekly chats, a yearly conference, etc would help this cause also. Maybe hire twelve more Angelas…

2.Better site stability and reliability before we get all the fancy new stuff. Any online business is expected to have problems and downtime, but there can always be improvements. I want everything in great working order and a way to be able to deal with new merchandise effectively. Pagination, ability to easily add new products, etc all ties into this.

3.More payment options. Come on, direct-debit! I know I’m not the only one who wants to see this!

Name three things that you think CafePress does better than its competitors.

1.Better community, hands down. Improvements are needed, but CP has that infrastructure and the capability is there to make it soooo great.

2.Best marketplace and shop site navigation. Don’t get me wrong because I have issues with the marketplace, but I still think it’s more navigable and usable than any others. Furthermore, although there are some definite improvements needed with shopkeeper tools, I still think Cafepress has the best shopkeeper management functions. To me they are the easiest to work with for long hours and in bulk and have the best end result in terms of appearance and navigation. If I pick a shop from all of the major POD sites, I can most easily and quickly find what I need in a Cafepress shop. Plus CP’s checkout is pretty great. Not too many steps, and not too much distraction for the customer once they’ve started the checkout process (like up-selling other peoples’ products as at least one other POD does!).

3.Easiest to customise. Sure there’s the Cafepress bar across the top on a premium shop, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. And if you’re really into serious customisation without that bar, there are scripts like CPshop available in order to host your Cafepress shop on your own domain (also an awesome affiliate tool) and really make it look just how you want! There’s a whole lot you can do with a Cafepress store in terms of customisation and I love that (but again there is always room for improvement).

Name three things that the competitors do better than CafePress.

I work more closely with CP than its competitors because I prefer the CP interface, but there are a few things I’d love to see Cafepress look into…

1.One POD company in particular has been making attempts to be active in independent POD communities and is giving the impression of listening. I would like to see more of this type of behaviour from CP.

2.More payment options. A cheque is okay, but times are moving on. Direct debit and even a paypal-type option would be great. I also hate that I have to use my cafecash to pay for shops when I want to pay by card.

3.More stylish apparel and cool accessories. I love that these things are available elsewhere, but at the same time I want CP to do their research before they introduce anything new. Maybe one POD is better at selling certain types of products than another, so maybe one thing that works elsewhere wouldn’t work as well at CP… Hard to know.

If you could pick one new product, what would it be?

Aside from the obvious (POD ponies), it’s between black sweatshirts/hoodies and something new for baby (long sleeved or maybe something for under 6-month-olds). These “pick one” type questions are tricky!

Knock our socks off- tell us anything else that you think is important about your campaign.

No BS. I’m trying to be as honest as possible about what I think and feel. I believe the CPV takes a lot of time and dedication and isn’t just about adding cool new products and features. Of course we don’t know all of what the CPV gets up to, so it’s hard to make a concrete judgment regarding what my job may or may not entail were I to be elected, but I believe it will take a lot of initiative and work. I’m confident I am well-suited to that role.

I also think this whole process is one of continuous learning, so I’m not trying to claim I know more than anyone else. We all have our weaknesses and strong points. I do, however, think I would make a good addition to the CPV team based on my experience thus far…