Caledonian Classic Arms

[fred2892]

Anyone know if Caledonian are still open for business? The only contact details on their website are an in house web message form. No phone or email. Tried to contact a week or so ago with no reply yet.

[Blackstuff]

Scott is extremely busy getting things in place for the 9mm version of the MARS and he's over in the US this/next week but i had no problem getting in touch with Feroza last week 01505 843 254 sales@caledonianclassicarms.com

[bradaz11]

why is there no info for their lever release stuff on their website?

[Blackstuff]

Unknown. Probably too busy making guns to write about them? I did hear a rumour that the website is being updated in the new year though with MARS details

[Matt]

I've spoken to Scott at Bisley a couple of times and he's always really helpfully, I even put him onto a post about his stuff on this forum and he joined up and posted a few replies for people at the time.......

He appeared really busy and was trying to sort out some neat alternatives for us shooters which gets a thumbs up as far as I'm concerned

When I asked why his website was so pants he said it was basically just down to time etc, I suppose if it's a choice of getting a nice spangly website or spending time and effort on new products then it's an easy answer

[ovenpaa]

There is a trade off with websites and I do have to question just how much value a shiny new site adds to smaller businesses.A decent website costs a fortune, I was quoted GBP1000 for 4 pages 'as a favour' by a well known site builder a couple of years ago. Yes his work is superb however we have closer to 70 pages on the e-commerce side alone and maintenance for a reasonable sized site would end up being a full time job.

Sometimes it might be better to just better to carry on as you are. If the work is coming in is the investment really worth it.

[nickb834]

As with most things there's a trade off, but - regardless of having business coming in - wouldn't a business like more coming in (my business would always like more coming in!)

It's hard to argue that it isn't more convenient for the customer to fantasy shop your web site, looking what you've got that's new coming in and then impulse ordering it online - as opposed to say my nearest RFD who doesn't have a web presence at all, so I have no idea what they've got in stock.

Without a web store I can guarantee you won't be on the benefit of any online impulse buys at all - it's 2014, and online sales are increasing all the time, this year mobile sales overtook PC sales (as in devices used to make the purchase on, not actual sales of phones and laptops!) on Amazons black Friday / cyber monday.

I wonder what it would take for an ROI on a website? It wouldn't have to be a full ecommerce store initially, look at Hannams (fugly site) but there's a PDF with list of what they stock and what the price is - dead simple.

The more RFD's have websites, and the better they get - the more of my money you'll get.

Please don't take this is criticism of any RFD's, if it comes across that way it's not intended - tone of voice on the internet and all that. But please do take it as positive encouragement to get a decent web presence!

[bradaz11]

its not like they aren't advertising their guns online at all, they already have a web bpage, which seems to show what they can do if you want a straightpull, but there seems to be no mention of MARS n their, so unless you fancy phoning them to enquire (as a rule, i dont look doing things by phone, i'd rather read up online and go there, or chat by return of email. i don't know, i just dont much like phone conversations) you wouldnt even know it existed, same as showing the calibers they might offer it in, or even a timescale - rough as it may be- to show when their 9mm's are coming out. this could even get them more business as shooters might see the time line for 9mm and think, actually, i'll hold off on that SGC rifle and get one of these. even a piture or two like they did with the k22 would be an improvement, and i can't see it being that expensive as they already have the web real estate so it would only be an extra page

[safetyfirst]

Scott and Feroza are just very busy! scott or feroza @ caledonianclassicarms.com will reach them. Their website is a dogs breakfast and they know it! They make great guns though, lots of innovative stuff, their K22 is an excellent pistol and I had second to none after sales service from them including Gunsmithing lessons over Skype

[DavidRees]

Sadly, my purchase of a K22 LBP from CCA has not been a positive experience.