Starter packs - What would work best?

[stevew@reefdreams]

Hi Folks,

I am working on the starter pack pricing for the Profilux III, but I am undecided in how to approach it. With the ever expanding range there is now a choice of 3 plugbars and 7 controllers alone, for example.

There aren't any standard kits from GHL for the UK market, these are kits we make up to make it easy to start out with GHL. But with all the combinations it could become more confusing.

I was considering either not doing starter kits at all, but that doesn't make it easy to start off with Profilux, offer a discount for a large purchase, or separating the choice of controller from the accessory packs.

For example you could choose your controller and then the relevant discounted accessory packs:
Basic Accessory Pack:
4 Way analogue plugbar
pH probe
7+9 pH calibration solutions
PC serial connection cable

Standard Accessory Pack:
6 Way Digital plugbar
pH probe
7+9 pH calibration solutions
PC serial connection cable

Pro Accessory Pack (Profilux III only):
6 Way Digital plugbar (PAB compatible)
pH probe
7+9 pH calibration solutions
PC serial connection cable

---------

Ph Calcium Reactor Kit:
pH expansion card
pH Electrode
pH 4+7 Calibration Solutions

Level Kit:
PL-LF-Base sensor holder
PL-S8 Optical level sensor mounting bracket
PL-S12 Floating Level sensor mounting bracket
Floating level sensor
Optical level sensor

Ex Upgrade Pack:
EX upgrade kit
Redox probe
Conductivity probe
Calibration solutions 50ms(cond) and 220mv(redox)

If anyone has any bright ideas to keep it simple, but encouraging to buy a kit, please let me know on this thread.

Thanks

Steve

[porter_painter]

hi steve,

i assume you will continue to supply the temp sensor with all the starter packs? (just doesn't mention it above).

personally i would have liked to see a level sensor (even if it was just the float version) in with the starter packs. most people want/have an auto top upon their tank so i think it just adds another dimension to the starter packs.

also the option of a pack with 2 plug bars in it... because 6 isn't enough. :laugh:

how about some sort of offer when you buy the controller (in isolation) and if you spend X hundred on accessories you get a free plug bar (or other pre-defined accessory). that way people get to pick and choose exactly which bits and pieces that suit them but still benefit of getting some freebee/discount for buying in bulk.

failing all of the above - just make up a package with one of every single accessory. as long as you call it something fancy like the 'super-deluxe pack', 'ultimate ghl', 'emperor set-up' you'll get all of the folks in this hobby with more money than sense buying one just so they can say they got the best :whistling:

[stevew@reefdreams]

Thanks Andy.
Temp probes come with each controller as standard. I agree a level control of some form should be included or at least as an option as standard.
The issue is really making it into a marketable package, that can be sold simply online. Retailers don't have time to maintain every combination, or an easy way with most web packages to offer multibuy/volume discounts/free products etc.

I'll sleep on it, and see if anyone comes up with a great idea...

Steve

[jimdon IOM]

Hi
I'm just on the point of deciding to buy, albeit on a profilux II version. so I hope that I'm not off course in saying this but

The one thing that attracted me to the profilux was the simul lighting and of course the versatility of the whole unit. I think a kit that gave you temperature control, Ph monitoring and a lightstick , or choice of light stick and spot? would be a winner.

I have to say I did find the range a bit confusing, not meant as a critisism more by way of helpful feed back, so maybe a basic plus lighting kit so you got everything that the lightbar offered plus the Ph options.

Jim

[porter_painter]

how about some sort of java program on the ghl website where the buyer is asked: what do you want to control?

then have a set of tick boxes so people can tick what they like. i.e:

lights
temperature
calcium reactor reactor
ozone maker
ato
moonlights
dimmable lights
tunze powerheads
etc
etc

depending on what options the buyer picks the program will throw out the price (and a useful list of all the product codes inc necessary cables and connectors that can be given to the retailer to pass onto you).

the program could also be adjusted so that if you reach certain thresholds you get a discount on the overall purchase, which could even be staggered so that the more you spend the more you save.

there's loads of programmers that use the forum, so i'm sure someone could knock the program up for you for minimal cost (i know jez had something similar done a while back).

this approach lets the computer do the strain of working out what bits and pieces each person's set up requires and also demonstrates/highlights all the ghl's features, which might prompt people to buy more than they originally planned because they become aware of the extended features.

[jimdon IOM]

Me again ...:o, had another idea
maybe something like a spend £500 or more and get 10% off the whole order?

Now I have no idea if that would work costs wise, but it is the sort of offer that is simple to administer and gives free choice of what to include in the setup from the consumers viewpoint.

It would also encourage the extra spend on the additional item to get over the discount level.

Just a mad thought at nearly two in the morning :laugh::whistling:

[stevew@reefdreams]

Jim,

That's exactly the feedback I'm after, it's all very well me deciding what goes into a kit, but if some components are surplus or missing it isn't what people want to buy.

The trouble is, the Profilux range is so comprehensive now that, excluding lighting units and ballasts, there are ~140 products! Comparing that to a competitive product their last pricelist had ~ 40 products.

So I guess the real question is what should be included in a kit?

[jimdon IOM]

I'll have to leave that for others to contribute, had enough trouble working out which controller/basic kit I needed, but I do think there is scope for a kit with lighting included. Now I may be wrong but I don't think any of the others give the option of the lighting simulation that the GHL does, so why hide it away as an extra?

Again not sure if that makes sense on a costs versus profit basis, but just my feeling.

Jim

[stevew@reefdreams]

how about some sort of java program on the ghl website where the buyer is asked: what do you want to control?

then have a set of tick boxes so people can tick what they like. i.e:

lights
temperature
calcium reactor reactor
ozone maker
ato
moonlights
dimmable lights
tunze powerheads
etc
etc

depending on what options the buyer picks the program will throw out the price (and a useful list of all the product codes inc necessary cables and connectors that can be given to the retailer to pass onto you).

the program could also be adjusted so that if you reach certain thresholds you get a discount on the overall purchase, which could even be staggered so that the more you spend the more you save.

there's loads of programmers that use the forum, so i'm sure someone could knock the program up for you for minimal cost (i know jez had something similar done a while back).

this approach lets the computer do the strain of working out what bits and pieces each person's set up requires and also demonstrates/highlights all the ghl's features, which might prompt people to buy more than they originally planned because they become aware of the extended features.

That's the ideal but apart from the execution of it, there is a business reason not to do that... people tend to click on everything and are last seen running into the distance when they see the total.

If you start from the basics, which gets everyone running and add the extras it makes the decision more palatable.

[mick24]

Well if it helps mate im thinking of using this kit to run CA Temp Redox PH pos top up being put off as it all seems a bit to confusing for some one like me who cant work a video recorder

How about a guided price list of what you need for what and prices to boot:)

So one kit for PH

one for ph and temp

one for ph temp top up ect

Hope that helps

All the best
Mick:D

[wave ace]

as the main other controller company offers a starter pack IMO yours should be based on that
so PH, temp and 6 socket plug bar

[Will]

i think keep it simple basic control with a 4 or 6 way bar, then sell the modules in a kit form, so a pH or calcium kit on top a level kit on top etc, so that it was done similar to how iks did it, then when buying a unit it makes it easier to see the cost savings.

as the basic kit is not that expensive when thinking you get a temp computer and pH and control of 4 plugs with the expansion possibilites.

this also makes it easier to list as a retail item imo.

[Fisher2007]

i think keep it simple basic control with a 4 or 6 way bar, then sell the modules in a kit form, so a pH or calcium kit on top a level kit on top etc, so that it was done similar to how iks did it, then when buying a unit it makes it easier to see the cost savings.

as the basic kit is not that expensive when thinking you get a temp computer and pH and control of 4 plugs with the expansion possibilites.

this also makes it easier to list as a retail item imo.

I agree with the above, with the kit forms.

You could then do 2 kits + 5% off or 3 kits and 10% off or get something free with the number of kits.

I did find it quite confusing to work out exactly waht I needed for each specific control, so having the kits may take away this confusion

Whatever you do, make it quick as I want one

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Will]

when i said cost saving i was refering to the cost of having all single applications not on discount on buying 2 or 3 units, just to clear up what i was saying

[heller792]

I would just be happy to buy the III model and a socket bar with the temp sensor. At least i would be off the ground and be able to upgrade when i have the money. I think these packages that come to 500-700 pounds are expensive to start off with, under 500 seems so realistic and achievable.

Dave

[ThomJ]

The one thing that attracted me to the profilux was the simul lighting and of course the versatility of the whole unit. I think a kit that gave you temperature control, Ph monitoring and a lightstick , or choice of light stick and spot? would be a winner.

I completely agree, that's exactly what I want to buy

[King]

hi Steve,

i personally find it more helpfull if you have four packages ( if you go for more you will confuse customers).

package one is the starter kit to include controler unit plug bar (4) and Temp Prob PLUS PH prob and top up at least to get people to have some experiance of what the sytem can do for them. you dont want someone to spend £400 and end up with a systemm which tells him the Temp Only :) as any subsequant order will feel as a rip off :)

Package 2

to include the above (6 plug bar )PLUS the thre common probs PH Redozx and Salinty with the simple lighting simiulator ( not sure which one)! i am sure you can fuill me in at least with the package 2 you can get people to be more tempted to explore the Lighting Option!

Package 3

to include the above but with more bits upgrade for the lighting option.

dosing pumps and other bits shoudl be `excluded from offering it as a package,

i Just ordered the a whole package for the probs and tupup for £790 and was disapointed to note that you did not have any package in the market to include option for lighting it would have been easier if you did incllude any sort of that.

anyway hoe the above help cheers

Zahy

[King]

missed package 4!
this one should be leftto inclde all the above with the SMS system, and the cooling Fan, but really you need to give us nore info regarding the new accesspories you will be offereing.

any idea if the PH and Redox are back in stok i am still waiting for mine :(

[Cav]

The one thing that attracted me to the profilux was the simul lighting and of course the versatility of the whole unit. I think a kit that gave you temperature control, Ph monitoring and a lightstick , or choice of light stick and spot? would be a winner.

Jim

Also a agree with this. This is basically the pack I'm after. You could do a simulation light pack which would consist of:

GHL Profilux plus II or III
GHL PH probe
Temp probe
4 or 6 socket plug bar
1 All weather light stick or 1 spot

I can already see 3 people (inc me) who are after this type of package.

[stevew@reefdreams]

Thanks for the ideas guys, I'll try and combine your ideas.
Although, I am currently thinking, keep it simple.

Steve

[heller792]

simple works for me, i like the existing packages.

Dave.

P.S what date will it be available for purchase?