PropellShops Blog by Propell Corporation http://propellshops.posterous.com Most recent posts at PropellShops Blog by Propell Corporation posterous.com Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:03:12 -0800 USPS First Class International Shipping Now Available http://propellshops.posterous.com/usps-first-class-international-shipping-now-a http://propellshops.posterous.com/usps-first-class-international-shipping-now-a In an effort to cut costs for shoppers and increase conversions, we have added USPS First Class International shipping as an option in all shops.  This greatly reduces the cost of shipping items overseas, and we are already seeing increased international sales as a result.

Happy Selling Abroad!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:18:35 -0800 Propell(R) Expands Sales Reach With New Partnership http://propellshops.posterous.com/propellr-expands-sales-reach-with-new-partner http://propellshops.posterous.com/propellr-expands-sales-reach-with-new-partner

'Propell 10 Group' Expected to Provide Access to New Markets, Expertise

SAN ANSELMO, CA--(Marketwire - March 9, 2011) - In a move that was taken to expand its reach into new markets, Propell Corporation (OTCBB: PROP), founder of the PropellShops® 'instant ecommerce' system for schools, businesses, nonprofits and the military, today announced its partnership with Madison Mayes Group, an independent sales organization that will be dedicated to selling Propell's products and ecommerce services into new markets.

Led by sales veteran Bob Mayes, the Phoenix, AZ-based group, which will do business as the "Propell 10 Group," includes seven sales professionals with wide experience and contacts in numerous markets, including K-12 schools, universities, sports clubs, nonprofits and the hospitality industry.

"We're delighted to be bringing on an incredible new sales and marketing team led by Bob Mayes," said Ed Bernstein, CEO of Propell. "Bob's been a believer, and investor, in Propell and PropellShops® since our early stages, and his excitement at the market opportunity has been consistent from the beginning. We feel fortunate to be able to supplement our existing sales professionals with a group of this stature. We believe this significantly expands our resources, and will take us into new channels where the Mayes team is already experienced and knowledgeable."

"From the moment I learned of the Propell concept," Mayes said, "I saw the huge potential for organizations to use ecommerce, and innovations in on-demand manufacturing, to dramatically reduce their investment in school and promotional merchandise, uniforms, fundraising items, and more. The PropellShops system lets any group offer a huge variety of high quality, personalized and custom products, without any investment or inventory. 

"Even before officially signing up with Propell, we've had a terrific reception to the PropellShops solution from all types of channels," Mayes added.

The group will represent Propell exclusively to a broad cross-section of customers and will be compensated based on sales, with no draw or other upfront compensation. "We signed up on a 'success-only basis' because we believe in the wisdom of the business model -- and equally importantly, the reputation and enthusiasm of the founding team," Mayes said.

Mayes has served in key sales and management roles in a variety of growth companies, including Grantree Corporation, where he led a sales team during the period of significant growth, and DMB Realty, where he led a small sales team that drove rapid revenue growth, eventually serving as CEO. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

With the Propell 10 Group, Mayes leads a team that includes, among others, Chris Brown, who has extensive experience in youth sports management; Camille Hart, who is focusing on the schools and nonprofit categories, primarily in the Southwest U.S., as well as the hospitality industry nationwide; and Luis Ramirez, who advises numerous nonprofit organizations, government agencies and public service organizations.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:31:08 -0800 NEW FEATURE: Longer Shop Names http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-feature-longer-shop-names http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-feature-longer-shop-names We've nearly quadrupled the maximum length of shop names; so now you can be much more expressive when you name your shop.  Besides helping organizations with long names, this can help Search Engine Optimization (SEO) as well.

You can change your shop name at any time by going under "My Shops", selecting your shop, and clicking "Shop Information".

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:03:34 -0800 NEW FEATURE: Custom Stylesheets (CSS) For Shops http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-feature-custom-stylesheets-css-for-shops http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-feature-custom-stylesheets-css-for-shops
Palette_small

Are you a graphic designer itching to tweak your shop's layout, or throw some fancy graphics into the mix?  Well, get ready, because the wait is over.  You can now upload your own CSS stylesheet to control every aspect of your shop's design.  Just go under "My Shops", select your shop, and choose "Customize Shop".  You'll see the "Custom Stylesheet" field.  Upload a CSS stylesheet, and you're off!

Keep in mind that this feature is for experts only.  Consider it the equivalent of a black diamond ski slope.  If you're not careful, it could make your shop look strange, break functionality, or burn your toast.  Consider yourself warned, and happy customizing!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Tue, 01 Feb 2011 06:47:16 -0800 NEW FEATURE: Floating products in shopfronts http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-feature-floating-products-in-shopfronts http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-feature-floating-products-in-shopfronts
Floating_products

If you've had a shop with us for a while, with a background besides white, you may have noticed white boxes behind each of your product images in the shopfront.  Well, we're pleased to announce we dropped the boxes, resulting in a much more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The only exception are shopfronts that are near to black in color (darker than #1e1e1e).  We've maintained the white background boxes on these (for now) so that black apparel will have enough contrast to display properly.  You can play with color values around this threshold to make the boxes appear or disappear as you see fit for your black shop design.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:05:05 -0800 Personalized Military Products at MadeToOrderMilitary.com http://propellshops.posterous.com/personalized-military-products-at-madetoorder http://propellshops.posterous.com/personalized-military-products-at-madetoorder
Mtom

Are you -- or any friend or family member -- a current (or retired) member of the U.S. Armed Services?  Did you know that Propell's MadeToOrderMilitary.com offers one of the largest assortment of personalized products, featuring every branch of the service?  Plus, if you qualify, you can use the Military Star Card and get service discounts.  Just visit MadeToOrderMilitary.com.

And for a limited time, our Facebook friends and Twitter followers can get an extra 15% off their entire purchase by entering coupon code MTOMFRIENDS at checkout!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:55:03 -0800 NEW FEATURE: Built In Themes For Your Shop http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-feature-built-in-themes-for-your-shop http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-feature-built-in-themes-for-your-shop
Shop_theme

We just added a bunch of free themes to customize the look of your shops.  No graphic designer skills necessary.

They are a piece of cake to apply.  Here's how:

  1. Open the shop manager and select the shop you wish to apply the theme to.
  2. Click on "Customize Shop".
  3. Click "Choose a theme" in the Color Theme section.
  4. Click on the theme you wish to use and click "Select Theme"
  5. Click "Save Changes" to apply to theme to your shop
You can even tweak the colors slightly before you click "Save Changes" to get a look that's completely your own.

We'll be adding more themes, so make sure to check back from time to time to find new looks for your shop.  If you have any any questions about customizing your shop, or ideas for a theme, feel free to contact us.

Happy selling!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Tue, 04 Jan 2011 07:40:50 -0800 Save 10% On All Hoodies With Coupon Code: HOODY10 http://propellshops.posterous.com/save-10-on-all-hoodies-with-coupon-code-hoody http://propellshops.posterous.com/save-10-on-all-hoodies-with-coupon-code-hoody Make sure to let your customers know that they can save 10% on all hoody purchases in your shops with the coupon code HOODY10.

All three types of hoodies are covered by this coupon:
  1. Adult Hoody
  2. Adult Zip Hoody
  3. American Apparel Adult Hoody

If you don't have any hoodies in your shop - what are you waiting for?  These things are selling like hot cakes this winter.  Log in to your shop and create some!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:07:47 -0800 NEW PRODUCT: Stadium Seat Cushion http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-product-stadium-seat-cushion http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-product-stadium-seat-cushion
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Bring on the beer brats and fanfare!  It's time to tailgate in style.

Plop down right in the middle of the action with our stadium cushion, and you'll stay warm and comfortable, while cheering your favorite team on to victory!  10 x 13 x 1/2 inch thick, they're easy to carry via a finger-molded cutout.

Load 'em up into your shops while football season's running strong.  Go Team!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Tue, 14 Dec 2010 08:25:00 -0800 WHO'S SELLING: Notre Dame School http://propellshops.posterous.com/whos-selling-notre-dame-school http://propellshops.posterous.com/whos-selling-notre-dame-school

1582011208_lrg

 

This year marked the 60th anniversary of Notre Dame School, and they wanted a special way to showcase their milestone anniversary.  Although they already owned a shop, PropellShops explained the idea of creating a new anniversary shop so that they could:
  • Individually promote the event
  • Raise additional funds for it
  • Showcase the unique anniversay logo
Once PropellShops helped them create the logo, and they advertised the shop on their shool website; they were off to the races!

The next twist was an ingenious move by their Principal Caryn Durkin.  She allowed her students to wear anything they purchased from the anniversary shop as part of their gym uniform.  This not only drove shop sales, it increased awareness of the milestone anniversary, as well.

The end result - a good amount of money raised for a school that certainly deserves it.  Congratulations Notre Dame School, and many happy returns!

"Propell's service is wonderful.  The whole process was painless and the products are fabulous.  I've been telling every principal I meet how wonderful this service is."  - Caryn Durkin, Principal, Notre Dame School

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:31:23 -0800 NEW PRODUCT: Adult Zip Hoody http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-product-adult-zip-hoody http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-product-adult-zip-hoody
They're finally here - just in time for winter.  We've been getting lots of customer feedback; and these should be hot sellers.  Make sure to add some to your shop ASAP to beat the holiday shopping deadline!

Our Zip Hoody features a place for pocket size artwork on the front, that's perfect for a logo.  On the back, you get a full 12" x 15" area to put as intricate artwork as you desire.  Large team numbers and names will fit easily.

Here are the details:
  • 7.75 oz., pill resistant 50/50 cotton / polyester blend 
  • High quality metal zipper
  • Quarter-turned body
  • Unlined hood with drawstring, 
  • Pouch pocket
  • 1x1 ribbing at the sleeve and waist
Enjoy!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Wed, 08 Dec 2010 06:46:45 -0800 NEW FEATURE: Wholesale Cost Breakdown in Product Creator http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-feature-wholesale-cost-breakdown-in-produ http://propellshops.posterous.com/new-feature-wholesale-cost-breakdown-in-produ Curious to know how we arrived at your total wholesale cost for a product?

Once you have the product open in the product creator, click on the question mark next to the cost field (image 1).  You'll see a full breakdown that totals all of the costs in one simple table; which gets updated in real time as you change your product (image 2).

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:40:39 -0800 A New Way For Schools (or anyone) To Raise Money While Cutting Costs http://propellshops.posterous.com/a-new-way-for-schools-or-anyone-to-raise-mone http://propellshops.posterous.com/a-new-way-for-schools-or-anyone-to-raise-mone
We're experts at helping you raise (or just make) money with on-demand merchandise through your own no-cost website, with no minimum quantities (you can even just order one item).

But if you know you need a lot of things -- like uniforms, or shirts for an event --  you can save a ton of money (or just make more profits) with our new ESP program (ESP stands for event specific program).

For instance, for schools, ESP totally simplifies the cumbersome process of schools delivering uniforms to students, and cuts school costs as well. Just commit to a quantity and you’ll get the lowest per-item price and earn an even greater markup.  We'll still set up a custom web site for you at no charge, take the orders, collect the money, and deliver the goods direct to the student or the school.  And the same program works for any kind of event.

It's worked so well for schools that the American Association of School Administrators asked our CEO to describe the program in a recent issue of their School Administrator magazine.  Read it here, or contact us to enroll your school.

Elias001_f-00304d Elias002_f-00304d
See the full gallery on Posterous

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Wed, 01 Dec 2010 07:37:51 -0800 WHAT'S NEW - Holiday Ornaments http://propellshops.posterous.com/whats-new-holiday-ornaments http://propellshops.posterous.com/whats-new-holiday-ornaments Just in time for the holidays!  We're now offering the ability to create Round Double Sided Ornaments.

Our round, openwork 3" ceramic ornament allows for artwork to be placed on both sides.  They're inexpensive, high quality, and perfect for capturing unique memories of the season.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:48:00 -0800 Get 10% off your order with HOL10OFF http://propellshops.posterous.com/get-10-off-your-order-with-hol10off http://propellshops.posterous.com/get-10-off-your-order-with-hol10off

Gift

Tis the season for savings!  Enter the coupon code HOL10OFF in any of our shops when you checkout and receive an additional 10% off your order.

Happy Holidays from PropellShops!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:11:29 -0800 Watch for your holiday email offer! http://propellshops.posterous.com/watch-for-your-holiday-email-offer http://propellshops.posterous.com/watch-for-your-holiday-email-offer Are you a past customer of one of our shops? Then good news awaits. Look for a special email soon, with a terrific offer good through the end of the year.

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/ZyDcgpPAkAF edbern edbern Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:52:24 -0800 Check out our new product catalog http://propellshops.posterous.com/check-out-our-new-product-catalog http://propellshops.posterous.com/check-out-our-new-product-catalog
We just updated the catalog of our offerings; so bookmark it and stay tuned.  We've got a bunch of new products on the way!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1795577/si.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sIZjPqIP7AB Bidi Bizzlesworth Devon Berry Bidi Bizzlesworth