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03-16-05 | 11:46 AM

#1

CranxOC

Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 504

Likes: 0

From: OC, California

Bikes: '04 Specialized Stumpy FSR Pro (Frame and Shock Only)

Bikewinds II

A couple of weeks ago a poster on these boards asked about a company called "Bikewinds" that supposedly sells "quality" bikes for bargain basement prices due to the fact that they don't spend money on marketing and promotions. I read their "about" page in an effort to find out more about them and was somewhat surprised to find that the text of their "about" page was rife with major spelling and grammatical errors; a death knell when a company is trying to sell to consumers who are even moderately educated.

Considering my profession (marketing executive with a very well established ad agency) I emailed them to let them know that they might want to take a look at their text in an effort to - perhaps - retain sales that they might otherwise be losing due to the fact that someone didn't pay attention to detail.

The first correspondence was cordial - actually grateful - and asked if I would point out specifics. Given the fact that I have absolutely zero reason to do anything for them I explained that, while I don't really have the time (or the desire) to proofread their copy, they could easily call around and find a proofreader who would do the work for them for a small fee. In addition, I let them know that if they wanted to discuss some kind of arrangement I would consider re-writing their copy for them on a freelance basis. No sell, just a thought that popped into my head.

Anyway, the knob who answers the emails, "Henry," came back at me with a pretty unbelievable response that I figured I'd post here...enjoy and let me know what you think:

Quote:

I see! To be honest with you, I have received better marketing emails from your Nigerian friends. This is a new low! Why wasting your and others' time doing obvious tricks like this?! With your liberal arts degree,you have a better chance making a few bucks pouring coffee for customers at your local restaurants.

Wow, "marketing executive", I am very impressed indeed - just wondering how successful are you marketing yourself to European tourists?

Final advice: go eat sh*t! That's what your kinds are really good for.

Do I spell "sh*t" wrong? Should it be a plural?

HAHA

----- Original Message -----
To: bikewind
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2005 6:56 PM
Subject: Re: Why?

I don't really have the time to go through and make the corrections but the errors are numerous. I would suggest sending your copy to a proofreading service; they will be able to provide you with a specific list of errors and they can give you suggestions as to how to correct them while still maintaining your core messaging. Most services are relatively inexpensive but, regardless of cost, you're likely going to make up the difference as you gain sales that, otherwise, would have been lost.

I'm a marketing executive for an ad agency here in Newport Beach, CA and would be happy to discuss rewriting the copy for your site. My services would not be free but I'd be willing to do it on a freelance basis in order to save you some money. If that's something that interests you, let me know and we can make arrangements to speak.

Sincerely,

Chris Messina

bikewind <bikewind@bikewind.com> wrote:
Thanks for pointing out our spelling errors. Could you be more specific?

Best regards,

Henry
----- Original Message -----
To: info@bikewind.com
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2005 3:36 PM
Subject: Why?

Someone on a MB was asking about your bikes and offered a link to your website. Upon review of the site there's one thing that stands out above and beyond all else: your sites horrendous spelling/grammar.

Whether this is the case or not, this lack of attention to detail reflects upon the your company as a whole and tells me, and virtually every other reader who's commented on the site, that, if you can't ensure that a small thing, such as a website, is put together in a manner that is - at the very least - readable, then you're probably skimping on quality in other areas and therefore driving sales right out the door.

This was just a piece of free advice, take it for what you will.

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