Product import successful
This might be the single most important post in this blog so far. It was VERY tricky and I had to contend with a multitude of glitches and twists but in the end I managed to import over 400 single products from the latest webstore – including detailed description and images. The next step in the roadmap is to “normalize” the rest of the store. Normalizing is a IT-term that is also not incredibly correct in this specific topic but for normalizing I mean I have to fix some products which have incomplete details.
These are more or less the next steps I need to do with the webshop
- “normalizing” actual content
- read and sort every single old Access database that used to contain product data and consider whether to import something
- read and sort every single old Excel files that used to contain product data and consider whether to import something
- browse all old item pictures and put everything aside for when I might need some in the next step
- “normalize” everything I imported from Excel and Access files. Also consider very old text lists. Pick pictures from previously saved ones
- go through all the rest of the backups, saving wantlists etc.
- set up remaining shop data: missing categories of products, calculate shipping rates and payment methods, consider discounts and record lots (this will be a tough one)
- start opening every single box in the basement and go through every single Cd and insert it into the catalog. Repeat for vinyls, merchandise, books etc.
- translate the shop in Italian
- compile trade and overstocks lists
- open accounts on Flickr, twitter, and update other 2.0 related websites on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube etc.
- wait for the designer to complete layout design – also study a new corporate identity (including letterheads and other paperwork)
- prepare storage for the b.o. stocks including safe storage boxes and shelves – set up temporary office there and buy material for preparing parcels (label printer, scotch, pencils etc.)
- plan label releases starting with Nuclear Death and Necrotion Cds and define release details
- publish website
This is a quick list that surely will need reworking, but this is a general overview on what’s to come. Adopting a good method of working was absolutely indispensable for this ambitious project. The trickiest part – speaking about programming – has been done. The shipping and payment implementation on the web shop will be hell, but I am confident in my ability and stubbornness. The ball still rolls…