Message-Id: <5D17BB91-204D-4BF5-9E74-B38164F430E6@adunate.com> From: Adunate Word & Design <di@adunate.com> Subject: Re: Copy Charges Date: Sat, 2 Apr 2011 07:44:06 -0500
Morning Bill,
I'm a graphic/web designer by profession and history buff by hobby.
I'm not sure I understand your question: are you referring to people
making copy requests while visiting your society or people sending in
copy requests from afar?
If from afar, here are my thoughts:
When I'm searching for my family tree, I don't have time to fill out
forms and USPS mail them. Convenience is key. So the sources I love
best are those that are online and make it quick and easy (by quick, I
mean quick to search and order - I realize fulfilling the order takes
time for research and sending).
I don't think $1 is too much to charge. In fact, I often pay $5-15. I
consider this reasonable, considering the time the society spends
fulfilling my request or the money they previously spent setting up an
electronic data base for my availability.
The reason I happily pay this is that it's so convenient. I simply
fill out an online form, charge it to my card (via Paypal or another
credit collection) and click "send." Sometimes my request comes to me
immediately, other times within a designated time. It always comes in
digital format. This is important because, after all, that's where we
keep our genealogical records these days - on computers.
Here's an example of a source I've ordered from and found very
convenient. http://www.cookcountygenealogy.com/
Jarrod, your Monroe Co. site is a great example of how I like to shop.
Kudos! The one improvement I suggest is to clarify your ordering
process. I couldn't find where to click "add to cart." Do I click
"send" to add to cart? I was afraid to do so because I thought maybe
I'd be doing the final sending. I know I could watch your
instructional video, but you know me...I'm always in a hurry. This
morning I just don't have six minutes to spend watching a video so I
know how to add something to my cart. My point is that sites must be
explicitly user friendly and explanatory, especially since most
genealogy users will be older.
Thanks Bill, Jarrod and all you other historical societies! Love and
appreciate your work!
Have a great weekend,
Di
Diahann Lohr
Adunate Word & Design
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FAX 920-261-5539
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On Mar 31, 2011, at 12:33 PM, Bill Schuette wrote:
> This may have been asked before, but it might be time for an update.
> What do other organizations charge researchers for Xerox copies of
> documents?
> We currently are charging $1.00 per copy and throw in a few free
> copies if they make many copies.
> Would lowering our price, garner more copies, and thus, more income?
> Bill
> Sauk County Historical Society