***disclaimer*** keep in mind - like i've said before - i don't/didn't start this blog to talk shit on people/brands/lifestyles/etc... but i do like to give insight and advice to those who take a little bit of time out of their lives to read my blog and what i have to say. it is extremely flattering to be able to voice what i want/need to say. i consider myself an extremely artistic person and when i had the idea to start this blog - i saw it/see it as a different type of medium to be artistic and voice myself and also give advice to those who respect what i have to say.
sounds deep... but let me segweigh into a subject that the above disclaimer has somewhat to do with.
i ordered the 10 Deep 'BUCK$' jacket from Commonwealth - which is a tiny boutique in Virginia but a huge website (maybe too big for such a small store). i've ordered from them before and have always had problems with them in some form or another. don't get me wrong - they are a very nice store and carry an awesome variety of goods. they also understand what mosts stores don't - that brands they carry effect the integrity of the others. you wouldn't want to sell 10 Deep merchandise with Anchor Blue items as a quick example.
so basically what went wrong was that it took Commonwealth about 2 weeks from my order date to tell me that my PayPal account address was not verified (which it was) and to reply to them once it was verified. i emailed them that it was infact verified and i never received a reply until about a week later - i get an email stating that my transaction was voided (from PayPal). it took 3 emails to Commonwealth's 'customer service' to tell me that if i re-ordered the item - that everything would be cleared up. what they didn't/don't understand is that - that particular item sold out on Digital Gravel in about an hour and that because it took Commonwealth almost 3-4 weeks to get back to me - that item was no longer available at their online store either. oh yeah, also - they mark their items up at least $20 more than other retailers.
what this has taught me and should teach some of you that aspire to own your own brands - is that you shouldn't make yourself out to be bigger than you really are. i've managed clothing stores before so this advice isn't coming out of my ass and i am not on a high horse trying to preach or act like i know more than the next person but my experience with Commonwealth has taught me and should teach others to have an adequate staff, respond to emails daily, and just be extrememly efficient and grounded. Digital Gravel ships extremely fast, are completely reliable, they respond to your emails and questions quickly, and are ultimately friendly. the only reason i ended up ordering from Commonwealth - was because ALL items from Digital Gravel sell out within minutes, literally. this is a clear example of a successful company because of their business practices and marketing. by the way, when i mentioned that Commonwealth is a small boutique AND a HUGE online store - Digital Gravel is ONLY a HUGE online store. this is exactly what i mean by not trying to be more than you are able to...
i would like to own my own brand or store one day and i like to practice the advice i have just given in everything i do (the blog, etc...) - but success lies in being efficient and to always stay grounded on the same level as your peers. i try to be efficient and respond to those who contact me anytime the chance comes around. i see so many people who are in positions that so many people (including) myself would give everything/anything to be in - pissing their responsibilities away. it is completely unfair to see someone doing something many of us would kill to be able to do and i feel what seperates me from someone who is pissing their job away is that being able to own or work for a clothing label is a privilege and a blessing...
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