Official Epstein's Day 2015 Thread

[woody 73]

Jori Hi, every time the site comes up I get error messages, I take it that is still a work in progress?

 

[north]

Ok. Should be changed. Any other suggestions? I'm all ears.

Awesome. Many thanks.

That old website just doesn't want to die does it? Just when I think it's finally gone it reappears as if nothing is happening. Hopefully it will take its last few breaths tonight.

Them zombies...

 

[Diffident]

I'm liking the new site....It finally has a wishlist.

But I did have a feature request.

If I search by tool type and for example I choose drill bits, it allows me to refine my search to:

• Cobalt
• Drill Bit Sets
• High Speed
• Molybdeneum (Spelled wrong on the new site, correct spelling is Molybdenum)
• Numbered
• Uni Bits

But if I search by Tool Brand and pick Norseman, it doesn't show the categories that I listed above. Instead it forces me to look through the entire list when I might only want a Molybdenum bit.

 

[stearn786]

New site looks great. Unfortunately I think I'll have to bow out of Epstein's Day this year though. Totaled my car yesterday so I have to pay a large tow bill (and find a new car). Hopefully I can scrape up a few dollars to buy some stuff in a couple weeks though. Thanks for all your hard work though Jori!

 

[Jawn]

Not having luck with the new site so far.

Clicking tool type or brand, then trying to click one of the letters brings a page with no items listed.

 

[jsackin]

I'm liking the new site....It finally has a wishlist.

But I did have a feature request.

If I search by tool type and for example I choose drill bits, it allows me to refine my search to:

• Cobalt
• Drill Bit Sets
• High Speed
• Molybdeneum (Spelled wrong on the new site, correct spelling is Molybdenum)
• Numbered
• Uni Bits

But if I search by Tool Brand and pick Norseman, it doesn't show the categories that I listed above. Instead it forces me to look through the entire list when I might only want a Molybdenum bit.

Yes, that would be helpful. That is definitely filed under "future projects". I'll see what I can do.

Not having luck with the new site so far.

Clicking tool type or brand, then trying to click one of the letters brings a page with no items listed.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll get that fixed tomorrow.

 

[espyking83]

The new site is much better, it is appreciated.

 

[espyking83]

Oh wow, there's even a COO option, I have never even seen that before.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Jori, to be honest I am absolutely amazed with the new site. Glad that the country of origin page is still there and most of all, this is given a much cooler update.

Boy you weren't kidding when you said you were uploading more Wright items. Do those items that weren't made by Wright still count for the Wright wrench? That Mayhew scrapper is something that really has caught my attention and other items.

There is just so much awesomeness with this site, I don't know where to start. Thank you very much.

 

[onarant]

Still can't get new site.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Same here. Well, we've got 5 days till Epsteins Day. I'd think it would be worked out by then.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Jori, just wanted to thank you again for a feature I just noticed. You made adding items to the cart seamless. Let's say you add an item to the cart, but don't want to leave the page; well thankfully the new site allows this.

I am truly amazed how you were able to upload this new site. You must have been working on this for a LONG time to get this to this end result. Very cool and I mean that.

 

[jsackin]

Thank you everyone for the feedback. It is much needed. I will be busily working to improve things. It is also great to hear that people enjoy some of the new features.

If anyone is still having trouble seeing the new site, it is most likely a cache issue. Cache is just information your computer has stored to find things more quickly. Clearing your browser history is an easy way to clear out the old cache, so that might just do the trick. If anyone is still having trouble tomorrow, send me a PM and I will try to help.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Jori, to be more specific on what I really like is how you separated the brand names and tool types. This information is all on ONE page and really speeds up the process of looking for items.

So I also like how well this is organized as well. There is a section determining if the item is close out or not, the exact country of origin and just in general what a splendid job. Nice job on adding a Paypal option as well.

For me, the challenging part is determining what I want for Epstein Day.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

While checking out the new website (which is great!) I came across this video and thought it was worth posting for those who haven't seen it. It's cool to see that GJ voices are being heard.

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/blog/sk-day-garage-journal/

 

[Titanium Steel]

I remember watching that video and even seeing comments there originally. I guess with this new website that all changed. That was a really insightful video and really enjoyable as well. Hard to imagine a forum could create a event that would create enough attention for manufacturers to take notice and respond.

I wear my SK Day shirt with pride as that was really my introduction to SK tools.

Someday I wonder if there ever will be USA made locking pliers again?

 

[littleponderosa]

Jori, nice work on the site. Looking forward to Saturday and watching the account tool account empty out.
Bill

 

[Duck tape Bill]

Hey Jori,
I really like the new site so far! The wishlist and shopping cart that stays full are great. I also like that when you click on a manufacturer you can see all of their products at once, unlike the old site that would only put up a limited number of items.

One thing I have noticed though is that some items are not labeled with the company name. For example, I'm looking at some rope, item # PR38T, that I know was labeled on the old website, but now it isn't. This would be useful in this instance because i could go to the companies website and look up the specs for the rope.

 

[LB-1911]

One thing I have noticed though is that some items are not labeled with the company name. For example, I'm looking at some rope, item # PR38T, that I know was labeled on the old website, but now it isn't. This would be useful in this instance because i could go to the companies website and look up the specs for the rope.

Look upper left @

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.p.../index/?brand_for_product_detail=2786&q=PR38T

Brand: Tytan

http://tytanintl.info/?product_cat=rope-products

 

[Duck tape Bill]

Look upper left @

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.p.../index/?brand_for_product_detail=2786&q=PR38T

Brand: Tytan

http://tytanintl.info/?product_cat=rope-products

You're right, it is there, but not once you go to the individual item page:
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-x-600-twist-rope.html

 

[Titanium Steel]

Anyone else notice the About Us section on Harry J Epstein is blank? Not that this a big deal, but I was wondering if that was just something that has occurred on my end.

 

[jsackin]

Not having luck with the new site so far.

Clicking tool type or brand, then trying to click one of the letters brings a page with no items listed.

This is fixed. Alphabetically index now works for both categories.

Hey Jori,
I really like the new site so far! The wishlist and shopping cart that stays full are great. I also like that when you click on a manufacturer you can see all of their products at once, unlike the old site that would only put up a limited number of items.

One thing I have noticed though is that some items are not labeled with the company name. For example, I'm looking at some rope, item # PR38T, that I know was labeled on the old website, but now it isn't. This would be useful in this instance because i could go to the companies website and look up the specs for the rope.

This is a good find. Looks like only the US made products have the company listed in the product details. I'll add this to my list of things to do.

 

[Titanium Steel]

So Jori, here is a question about Wright. There are some items that are Wright branded, but made by other manufacturers. Do those count as Wright items on Epstein Day for that custom made wrench. Likewise with the SK items as well.

 

[jsackin]

So Jori, here is a question about Wright. There are some items that are Wright branded, but made by other manufacturers. Do those count as Wright items on Epstein Day for that custom made wrench. Likewise with the SK items as well.

Since we are buying them through Wright, I would say these items count.

 

[Askme42]

Digging the site but the wishlist may be both the best and worst thing that have happened to me in a long time.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Since we are buying them through Wright, I would say these items count.

Thank you Jori. I never knew that Wright re-branded for other companies, but this is great.

Askme42: You know I need to make one of those myself. Would sure be easier than trying to remember all that I need or want. As let's be honest, at some point even the most organized person could use a means of remembering information.

 

[iScream]

I'm pretty new to GJ and seeing this thread today is the first time I've heard of HJE. I like the idea of this Epstein's day and I got on the new site during lunch to see what I might pick up for myself.

I'm going to be honest here though. I'm finding the web site to be very unfriendly to use. I've been wanting to pick up a nice set of t-handle hex drivers for working on my motorcycle so I searched "t-handle". I get a collection of individual hex drivers with no brand name plus a few sets. I clicked on one of the sets and there are basically no details. It says "7 pc 2.5 - 10mm" but there is nothing to tell me what actual sizes are included.

I wanted to check out these Wright brand tools everyone is talking about in this thread so I clicked the navigate by brand link and selected Wright Tools. There are 3,316 items with no way to filter down the results.

I need a nice set of 1/4" and 3/8" extensions so I searched "wright tool extensions". I get a few impact rated extensions and several multi-hundred dollar tool sets for a result. I changed my search to "wright extension" and, after skipping over a full page of large tools sets, I see some individual extensions. But it doesn't tell me if they are 1/4", 3/8" or what, even when I click on one of them.

So I went to navigate by tool type and selected wrenches. Now I see a link for allen wrenches and I see SK brand t-handle sets that weren't shown when I searched "t-handle" earlier. And they didn't show up when I searched "allen wrenches" either.

I have nothing whatsoever against HJE and wish nothing but success for them but the web site is practically unusable for me. I feel bad for posting something so critical but I also feel like they need this honest feedback from someone who never used the old site.

Please don't get all mad at me. I may still try to dig through and find something to purchase on the 11th.

-Chris

 

[LB-1911]

Extensions;

1/4" Wright -
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.p...e.html?brand_for_product_detail=2823&cat=1002

3/8" Wright -
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/tool-type/sockets/38dr.html?cat=1479

 

[iScream]

Extensions;

1/4" Wright -
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.p...e.html?brand_for_product_detail=2823&cat=1002

3/8" Wright -
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/tool-type/sockets/38dr.html?cat=1479

Thanks for the links. Actually looks like SK probably has a couple sets that fit my needs.

The HJE site is definitely more usable by following the navigate by tool type link than by using the search feature or the navigate by tool brand link.

-Chris

 

[jsackin]

I'm pretty new to GJ and seeing this thread today is the first time I've heard of HJE. I like the idea of this Epstein's day and I got on the new site during lunch to see what I might pick up for myself.

I'm going to be honest here though. I'm finding the web site to be very unfriendly to use. I've been wanting to pick up a nice set of t-handle hex drivers for working on my motorcycle so I searched "t-handle". I get a collection of individual hex drivers with no brand name plus a few sets. I clicked on one of the sets and there are basically no details. It says "7 pc 2.5 - 10mm" but there is nothing to tell me what actual sizes are included.

I wanted to check out these Wright brand tools everyone is talking about in this thread so I clicked the navigate by brand link and selected Wright Tools. There are 3,316 items with no way to filter down the results.

I need a nice set of 1/4" and 3/8" extensions so I searched "wright tool extensions". I get a few impact rated extensions and several multi-hundred dollar tool sets for a result. I changed my search to "wright extension" and, after skipping over a full page of large tools sets, I see some individual extensions. But it doesn't tell me if they are 1/4", 3/8" or what, even when I click on one of them.

So I went to navigate by tool type and selected wrenches. Now I see a link for allen wrenches and I see SK brand t-handle sets that weren't shown when I searched "t-handle" earlier. And they didn't show up when I searched "allen wrenches" either.

I have nothing whatsoever against HJE and wish nothing but success for them but the web site is practically unusable for me. I feel bad for posting something so critical but I also feel like they need this honest feedback from someone who never used the old site.

Please don't get all mad at me. I may still try to dig through and find something to purchase on the 11th.

-Chris

Chris,

All feedback is appreciated. We are trying to improve search functionality. We are also working to improve the product details. We recently just imported over 3,000 new wright items into the website, so it will take us a little bit of time to go through and flush out a more detailed description.

thanks

Jori
HJE

 

[jsackin]

In the meantime a useful rule of thumb for wright products is:

1/4" drive products start with 2.

3/8" drive start with 3.

1/2" drive starts with 4.

3/4" drive starts with 6.

1" drive starts with 8.

Most all are four digit numbers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Askme42]

Not that I expect you to keep inventory of everything but I noticed everything I have searched says 50 in stock.

 

[iScream]

Chris,

All feedback is appreciated. We are trying to improve search functionality. We are also working to improve the product details. We recently just imported over 3,000 new wright items into the website, so it will take us a little bit of time to go through and flush out a more detailed description.

thanks

Jori
HJE

Hi Jori,

I did get the impression that maybe you were under pressure to have the site ready on the 4th and maybe it isn't to the point you would have liked. But you know what they say about only one chance to make a first impression.

Thanks for taking it as constructive and I hope I didn't come off as too much of a ****. I do wish you well and I'm pretty sure I'll pick up something or another from you guys on the 11th.

-Chris

 

[jsackin]

Not that I expect you to keep inventory of everything but I noticed everything I have searched says 50 in stock.

Yes, inventory will be a work in progress. We are currently working on getting a good estimate of all of our closeout items first. You should see those come online in the next week or so. Then once we get a point of sale system in place at the store, we will start refining regular stock inventory.

Hi Jori,

I did get the impression that maybe you were under pressure to have the site ready on the 4th and maybe it isn't to the point you would have liked. But you know what they say about only one chance to make a first impression.

Thanks for taking it as constructive and I hope I didn't come off as too much of a ****. I do wish you well and I'm pretty sure I'll pick up something or another from you guys on the 11th.

-Chris

This is exactly how improvement is supposed to happen. Someone notices something that doesn't work quite right and points it out, then hopefully the other person can adjust it in a timely manner to make it work better. Search is a complicated function. You don't want to give people too many or too few results.

PS

I did go ahead and add (drive size) to all the Wright extensions as well as the Wright ratchets.

 

[jakemac]

Not that I expect you to keep inventory of everything but I noticed everything I have searched says 50 in stock.

The number 50 is just an arbitrary place holder until they have the time to go though thousands of inventory items and update each item based on physical inventory numbers. Without a number in the field, the program won't allow any sales of that item. So, a fake number is inserted until it can be updated. It will take a long time to sort out. (I used to be a shipper and had to work with our inventory control person on a daily basis)

This was an easy way for HJE to get the site operating without limiting sales of any item during the flood of orders that will be coming. It's a minor inconsistency that will allow them to work on other more vital issues with the site.

An inventory feature is something that I look for when deciding which website I purchase from. Sometimes even above price. It allows me to determine whether or not there may be a delay in shipping. Some sites that don't have this feature are on a JIT (Just In Time) inventory system, and some are on a OWN (Order When Needed) inventory system. With a JIT system, they may or may not have the item in stock. With a OWN system they don't actually stock anything, they order the item when you place your order and then you have to wait for it to be shipped to them before it is shipped to you. Without the Inventory feature on a site, you have no way of knowing what kind of system the seller uses and no way to plan for delays.

I think EVERY online seller should include inventory numbers on their site. I'm happy to see it included on HJE's new site, and look forward to seeing it in action when it's fully functioning.

EDIT : I see that Jori addressed the question before I could press submit.

 

[Askme42]

The number 50 is just an arbitrary place holder until they have the time to go though thousands of inventory items and update each item based on physical inventory numbers. Without a number in the field, the program won't allow any sales of that item. So, a fake number is inserted until it can be updated. It will take a long time to sort out. (I used to be a shipper and had to work with our inventory control person on a daily basis)

This was an easy way for HJE to get the site operating without limiting sales of any item during the flood of orders that will be coming. It's a minor inconsistency that will allow them to work on other more vital issues with the site.

An inventory feature is something that I look for when deciding which website I purchase from. Sometimes even above price. It allows me to determine whether or not there may be a delay in shipping. Some sites that don't have this feature are on a JIT (Just In Time) inventory system, and some are on a OWN (Order When Needed) inventory system. With a JIT system, they may or may not have the item in stock. With a OWN system they don't actually stock anything, they order the item when you place your order and then you have to wait for it to be shipped to them before it is shipped to you. Without the Inventory feature on a site, you have no way of knowing what kind of system the seller uses and no way to plan for delays.

I think EVERY online seller should include inventory numbers on their site. I'm happy to see it included on HJE's new site, and look forward to seeing it in action when it's fully functioning.

EDIT : I see that Jori addressed the question before I could press submit.

Thanks a lot. I assumed it was just a plug in number but hadn't given it much thought beyond that.


Thank you for the in depth explanation though.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Jake, thank you for providing a opportunity to educate me about what you mentioned. I never knew the proper terminology.

Jori, thank you very much for all your patience and hard work. I can only imagine the amount of work that you've done to get the site ready.

I am very proud and enjoy buying from Harry J Epstein. Country of origin matters to me, so I am glad I can support American jobs from your company, but there is also the enjoyment from buying from a family owned company. You take the time to respond to questions, add a sense of personality and above all treat your customers as people.

To say the least, I gladly do and would buy from Harry J Epstein, so I am fine with any bugs here and there. This is a brand new website, so of course there will be a learning curve for both parties I am sure.

 

[sseddon641]

I have a question for Jori. Do close out items count towards the t-shirt as both of the sk items I am looking at are close outs? I want to make sure I buy enough to get a shirt since that thing is wicked cool.

 

[McFarmer]

I'll say it, I liked the old site better. I will no doubt get used to the new one, but hey, I'm still bitter about Windows 3.1.

 

[jsackin]

I have a question for Jori. Do close out items count towards the t-shirt as both of the sk items I am looking at are close outs? I want to make sure I buy enough to get a shirt since that thing is wicked cool.

Yes, closeout items count.

I'll say it, I liked the old site better. I will no doubt get used to the new one, but hey, I'm still bitter about Windows 3.1.

Well, I knew that was coming eventually. Thanks for being the first and getting it out of the way.