Starting a mail order, what are do’s and don’ts?

[NocturnalLibrary]

I can find myself in both opinions on displaying images of releases. On the one hand I like the NHFA approach of mostly no images as it's a great way to discover new artists and releases without knowing too much ahead about what they're gonna sound like but for consistency and neatness I would still rather display the releases images so people know what they're going to get.

[Minus1]

But don't (hilariously) hide the "naughty" ones, like discogs / rym.

[NocturnalLibrary]

But don't (hilariously) hide the "naughty" ones, like discogs / rym.

Definitely not, I don't like that censorship though to be honest there's much less NSFW type of artwork of new Noise releases than in the past. I also doubt I'll have many of those in stock since it's not always stuff I'm into.

[Balor/SS1535]

When I place orders online, I know what I am looking for/getting, so the presence of images (or the lack thereof) is really unimportant.  This is especially true when the seller is trusted (as Mikko is).  I don't see the missing images on his site as reflecting a lack of effort or anything so much as presenting an image of "if you know, you know."  With noise, how can you really go wrong with that?

Looking over recent purchases, has there really been that much you have bought as a result of seeing a picture?  For me, recognizable names/connections (through labels, projects, etc.) are a much bigger determining factor.

[Minus1]

When I go "shopping" at S+W, I might be familiar with about 50% of what I see. Visuals "get me in the door" (or not) on the unknowns. It's kind of sad to admit that. But a list with no visuals would be a rough presentation for me.

I suppose if we are searching for a particular item, that's fine. But for "browsing" and researching, visuals really help me.

[Minus1]

(I personally think Soundohm is the gold medal standard on presentation.)

[Cranial Blast]

When I place orders online, I know what I am looking for/getting, so the presence of images (or the lack thereof) is really unimportant.  This is especially true when the seller is trusted (as Mikko is).  I don't see the missing images on his site as reflecting a lack of effort or anything so much as presenting an image of "if you know, you know."  With noise, how can you really go wrong with that?

Looking over recent purchases, has there really been that much you have bought as a result of seeing a picture?  For me, recognizable names/connections (through labels, projects, etc.) are a much bigger determining factor.

I agree, same here I know what I'm after too and I also find images to be unimportant as well. I use images in my distro, but only because the distro is small and it's a manageable task for me. If I had a large distro with a lot more items and with a constant cycle of new incoming items, I wouldn't bother with images either, as it's not necessary.

[Antihumanism]

If there is no image but there is written what label released it is also fine. From there you can already think ah good label let me check it, you can always have a look elsewhere for cover or description. Or label site for description, its not like there is 100 noise related labels so would take you hours to get more info.
But well, people nowadays like to have things fast and perhaps being a bit lazy to check info elsewhere?

If distro is runned good with shipping in timely manner and good packing the reputation builds itself and will attract more potential buyers.

I rarely check samples or so, if there is description elsewhere ok to check it elsewhere. Being customer with nhfa since the very beginning he started it i know rarely was/am disappointed what I got there even with seeing no images, many times band name and title speak for themselves.

Would be good to have more distribution of usa labels like new forces, tribe, Phage, hospital (!).. some of their releases don't seem to get here i think.
Perhaps i am wrong, there is soundohm now I discovered (i saw name here on board what lead to it) early this year only who seems to get alot (2 quite big orders went very good by the way, awaiting third one now and did that subscription for half yesr they do).

In general, another good distributor in Europe focused on noise and related is a very good idea!
And, if you are who i think what sells on discogs (1 good transaction, awaiting second package now) you are on the good road.

[FreakAnimalFinland]

But don't (hilariously) hide the "naughty" ones, like discogs / rym.

I would say the opposite. Many stores lost their electronic payment options due graphics or even titles. I think it is the real album that is the ART. List is just a list of things and I would expect anyone to be smart enough to find sustainable way of running distro and not getting kicked out of their store system and funds frozen just because insisting free expression. Hah... it is the album itself that matters. No need to have explicit things visible for random windowshoppers or even rats.
It seems all very much gamble. Biggest dealers get away posting full frontal nudity to meta social media or selling items genocidal items. Small dealer may see himself booted out instantly.

[SCHEDELWEISS]

its not like there is 100 noise related labels so would take you hours to get more info

I beg to differ...

[SCHEDELWEISS]

No need to have explicit things visible for random windowshoppers or even rats.

Good point