RiverDave
In it to win it
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2007
- Messages
- 123,370
- Reaction score
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I figured I'd let ya guys know on some of what's going on behind the scenes at RDP right now as well as some of the changes that are coming.
First thing on the agenda, RDP is partnering to launch a new "listing / classifieds" site. The original intent of the custom classifieds I created (that is operational now) was to replace the forum classifieds down below and to transfer it into a paid agenda that had remarkable SEO. To tell you the truth while it's extremely capable it's pretty complicated to use (I tend to do that unfortunately). It has all kinds of features built in (even making anonymous offers on boats), but it's kinda "clunky."
I realize most aren't in the business that I'm in (website / communities etc..) but I've been watching what other people are doing in this arena with regard to just "listing" sites, and it's explosive to say the least, especially if you keep them simple. This new site / idea has been in the works for about six weeks now and will come to fruition hopefully in it's early stages in the next two to three weeks. ole @rivermobster is working tirelessly on the new site , and the graphics guys are cranking on various projects etc.. We are very excited for the new venture, and the only thing I can tell you is we are going to attempt to do it better than everyone else is doing, at a minimum more efficiently. To be clear on this "I" personally will not be running this new program, it is a partnership with others, and I'm gonna use the Horsepower of RDP to launch it.
That partnership among peers is aptly named "The Toy Syndicate"
If you are a dealership that brokers toys of any kind please feel free to reach out to me this week and I'll explain how you can get involved in it early. 949-678-8369
Store Front & Swag
The suites directly above our office became available recently so we signed a lease on them. The office is currently being remodeled and should be ready to go shortly.. While most would rather hang out downstairs, this is an important part of our growth as it gives us a couple of more desks, a conference room, and additional storage for the store below. It will also have a nice little wet bar upstairs that's gonna come out pretty cool.
.
It only took me five years of "Yeah I'll do it tomorrow" to finally place an order for real RDP flags!! I ordered 18 x 24s and 3'x5' for the larger size. They should be showing up to the store front tomorrow and will be in the online store before the weekend. They will be available for in store purchasing as early as Thursday.
3'x5' ordered
18 x 24 inch flags ordered
On a side note we have been looking for somethings to sell out of the store front (Just things other than RDP gear) for the members. I ended up purchasing 4 of the pro series Fluzzles from my buddy Don Arnold (Ride Havasu Don for those wondering) and liked them so much I ended up buying into them for the store front. If you aren't familiar with what a "Fluzzle" is, it's basically a floating puzzle. They are floats that connect like puzzle pieces so you don't have to tie ropes to each other etc..
www.fluzzletube.com
Lets Tie Up Now - Products?
I was partying down in a cove and ran across the guys that own www.letstieupnow.com. They have inflatable fenders that inflate / deflate (don't quote me on this) In about 45 seconds. The larger balls do hold boats apart during tie ups / flotillas. What intrigued me though was their bungee rope systems. There are other bungee ropes out there, but these seem to be shorter and setup primarily for tying boats to boats instead of boats to docks etc.. The boatswain one is the one that I like the most because of the multiple loops throughout. You can wrap it through a fender, through a cleat, and onto the next boat? Looks super convenient to me..
That all said I'm not gonna do the "buy in" if you guys aren't into it.. Check them out and let me know what ya think?
Because our store is small and space is kind of at a premium, I was going to stock the ropes first.. If you think there is call for the inflatable fenders let me know and I'll stock those as well if there's enough interest!
One last product that we are considering! I have stocked the store with various cleaners over the years. To be honest they aren't big sellers because it's a clothing store / real estate office not a boat shop (hence the reason why I'm looking at adding some different products above? Possibly add to that vibe a little). Anyhow I'm going to make a short story real short by saying the staff over at Shine Supply sent me a bunch of their products to try. We used "ignition" on my black dually and I was thoroughly impressed. The cleaner is great, the towels they sent are edgeless and next level soft.. More importantly though just the level of professionalism and dealing with the company was an absolute pleasure.
I haven't tried the marine products yet (aftermath and vinyl cleaner) but plan too shortly after the Dam Run (next time my boat will be out). Has anyone used the boat cleaners and what did you think? I know they are gaining traction in the marine world as I saw their products over at Lux Chase toons when I was down there, and have been seeing it in various shops. They recently signed up for advertising, and I genuinely like to support those that support the site as well, so I'm considering doing a buy in (It's substantial for my little operation).. Looking to get some feedback. Like I said earlier cleaners haven't been a huge seller for me in the past, but we never really "promoted" having it in the store either.. What are your thoughts on it?
Onto a more important note : The Newsletter!
The newsletter is awesome... That is when it actually comes out. Consistency on that thing has been a major battle primarily because everyone is so busy we just kinda forget about it, than a couple months goes by and we get to the "I'll do it tomorrows." Bob Brown of Powerboat fame (and other publications) will be taking over our newsletter! Obviously our first hurdle is to nail consistency, but I think you are going to find that this is going to improve into some unique content of it's own, and will become something very cool in its own right. I am excited to watch it grow and evolve into its own.
That's about it for now, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the various products.
RD
First thing on the agenda, RDP is partnering to launch a new "listing / classifieds" site. The original intent of the custom classifieds I created (that is operational now) was to replace the forum classifieds down below and to transfer it into a paid agenda that had remarkable SEO. To tell you the truth while it's extremely capable it's pretty complicated to use (I tend to do that unfortunately). It has all kinds of features built in (even making anonymous offers on boats), but it's kinda "clunky."
I realize most aren't in the business that I'm in (website / communities etc..) but I've been watching what other people are doing in this arena with regard to just "listing" sites, and it's explosive to say the least, especially if you keep them simple. This new site / idea has been in the works for about six weeks now and will come to fruition hopefully in it's early stages in the next two to three weeks. ole @rivermobster is working tirelessly on the new site , and the graphics guys are cranking on various projects etc.. We are very excited for the new venture, and the only thing I can tell you is we are going to attempt to do it better than everyone else is doing, at a minimum more efficiently. To be clear on this "I" personally will not be running this new program, it is a partnership with others, and I'm gonna use the Horsepower of RDP to launch it.
That partnership among peers is aptly named "The Toy Syndicate"
If you are a dealership that brokers toys of any kind please feel free to reach out to me this week and I'll explain how you can get involved in it early. 949-678-8369
Store Front & Swag
The suites directly above our office became available recently so we signed a lease on them. The office is currently being remodeled and should be ready to go shortly.. While most would rather hang out downstairs, this is an important part of our growth as it gives us a couple of more desks, a conference room, and additional storage for the store below. It will also have a nice little wet bar upstairs that's gonna come out pretty cool.
. It only took me five years of "Yeah I'll do it tomorrow" to finally place an order for real RDP flags!! I ordered 18 x 24s and 3'x5' for the larger size. They should be showing up to the store front tomorrow and will be in the online store before the weekend. They will be available for in store purchasing as early as Thursday.
3'x5' ordered
18 x 24 inch flags ordered
On a side note we have been looking for somethings to sell out of the store front (Just things other than RDP gear) for the members. I ended up purchasing 4 of the pro series Fluzzles from my buddy Don Arnold (Ride Havasu Don for those wondering) and liked them so much I ended up buying into them for the store front. If you aren't familiar with what a "Fluzzle" is, it's basically a floating puzzle. They are floats that connect like puzzle pieces so you don't have to tie ropes to each other etc..
Products
The Most Fun River/Lake Tubes To Connect And Float On The Water! These Puzzle Shaped Tubes Are The First Of Their Kind. Get Connected! Perfect for pool floats, fun family floats, float and stay connected without ropes!
www.fluzzletube.com
Lets Tie Up Now - Products?
I was partying down in a cove and ran across the guys that own www.letstieupnow.com. They have inflatable fenders that inflate / deflate (don't quote me on this) In about 45 seconds. The larger balls do hold boats apart during tie ups / flotillas. What intrigued me though was their bungee rope systems. There are other bungee ropes out there, but these seem to be shorter and setup primarily for tying boats to boats instead of boats to docks etc.. The boatswain one is the one that I like the most because of the multiple loops throughout. You can wrap it through a fender, through a cleat, and onto the next boat? Looks super convenient to me..
That all said I'm not gonna do the "buy in" if you guys aren't into it.. Check them out and let me know what ya think?
Products
Let's Tie Up has all the proper tie up or rafting gear. Simplicity meets functionality with our fenders and bungees. Both can be used individually or combined for an optional result. Prevent shock load, protect your gelcoat and fiberglass, and stop worrying about your boat when your tied up...
letstieupnow.com
Because our store is small and space is kind of at a premium, I was going to stock the ropes first.. If you think there is call for the inflatable fenders let me know and I'll stock those as well if there's enough interest!
One last product that we are considering! I have stocked the store with various cleaners over the years. To be honest they aren't big sellers because it's a clothing store / real estate office not a boat shop (hence the reason why I'm looking at adding some different products above? Possibly add to that vibe a little). Anyhow I'm going to make a short story real short by saying the staff over at Shine Supply sent me a bunch of their products to try. We used "ignition" on my black dually and I was thoroughly impressed. The cleaner is great, the towels they sent are edgeless and next level soft.. More importantly though just the level of professionalism and dealing with the company was an absolute pleasure.
I haven't tried the marine products yet (aftermath and vinyl cleaner) but plan too shortly after the Dam Run (next time my boat will be out). Has anyone used the boat cleaners and what did you think? I know they are gaining traction in the marine world as I saw their products over at Lux Chase toons when I was down there, and have been seeing it in various shops. They recently signed up for advertising, and I genuinely like to support those that support the site as well, so I'm considering doing a buy in (It's substantial for my little operation).. Looking to get some feedback. Like I said earlier cleaners haven't been a huge seller for me in the past, but we never really "promoted" having it in the store either.. What are your thoughts on it?
Onto a more important note : The Newsletter!
The newsletter is awesome... That is when it actually comes out. Consistency on that thing has been a major battle primarily because everyone is so busy we just kinda forget about it, than a couple months goes by and we get to the "I'll do it tomorrows." Bob Brown of Powerboat fame (and other publications) will be taking over our newsletter! Obviously our first hurdle is to nail consistency, but I think you are going to find that this is going to improve into some unique content of it's own, and will become something very cool in its own right. I am excited to watch it grow and evolve into its own.
That's about it for now, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the various products.
RD
