[thelist] beta site check please

[Kimberly Carroll]

Feedback: http://www.sparklesparties.com/
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Tom - I think this is a fun idea and it reminded me of a store I saw in
Chicago called LubbyLu.
http://www.clublibbylu.com/index.asp?template=party&content=3
I watched a party going on in the store and it was a madhouse!

The sparkles site works, no issues with function.
In the bucket of overall feedback, here are some thoughts/impressions.
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Felt like I wanted more; had the impression that this was a personal
hobby site as opposed to a professional business site.
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Testimonials would help - how did other kids/parents feel about their
experience?
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Pictures? Shots of the T-Shirts, crowns, costumes?
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It wasn't really, really clear to me that the parties come to you; a
distinct competitive advantage.
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>From a scheduling perspective, I thought I would get to see a schedule
of available times. (maybe just an issue of expectation management?) The
first filter for location followed by a fill out this form was
unsatisfying and I'd be frustrated.
Perhaps putting a 'how it works' upfront would do it.
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>From a trust and confidence factor, I'd want an address and telephone
number along with an email address rather than a simple form which in my
experience as a seasoned web shopper yields poor to nonexistent return
communication.
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Why have a state by state drop down if every state is going to be "none
available yet"?
Why not tell folks upfront that we are currently taking parties in the
Chicago Metro Area and then say "Tell us if you're interested in seeing
our services in your area"?
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>From a branding angle, I'm not sure I understand the pricesses
relationship to the Sparkles parties. I believe there is something here
to work with, just not coming through very clearly.
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Was able to find info I was looking for quickly
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Would move the great for moms info higher on the page... The princess
stuff could be better integrated.
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The invitations were disappointing. The invite is an important part of
the party, especially for little girls.
Also wasn't clear that these would not be e-invites nor was it clear
that "child's name" meant child having the party rather than child being
invited.
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HTH- kimberly