New KEH website: From bad to worse?

eBay has been doing this for years and Keh is following suit.

Sorry, but the way KEH has implemented it is not even close to how effective eBay's implementation has been.

Go to eBay - your first stop is the search box, and the search box is long enough that a typical westerner, who reads left to right, top to bottom (human factors engineering), will see the search box first.
ANother example - go to Amazon - the search box is even longer, and again, it starts on the upper left.
At KEH, upper left is "Purchase."

Bad design is bad design, and one should not have to figure out a best way to navigate your site, whether it is 2004 or 2014.
 
Change is never easy to get accepted, so there will most likely more people who complains than not.

However, I do feel that there should be sub-format or "system"-based categorization like before since a lot of what KEH sells is used older equipments that format-based category is too broad of classification.
I do agree with you.
 
Sorry, but the way KEH has implemented it is not even close to how effective eBay's implementation has been.

Go to eBay - your first stop is the search box, and the search box is long enough that a typical westerner, who reads left to right, top to bottom (human factors engineering), will see the search box first.
ANother example - go to Amazon - the search box is even longer, and again, it starts on the upper left.
At KEH, upper left is "Purchase."

Bad design is bad design, and one should not have to figure out a best way to navigate your site, whether it is 2004 or 2014.

I don't have to *figure out* how the site works.
I automatically look for the search field and go from there. And most people who spend enough time in front of a computer nowadays would probably do the same.

One thing that I do agree with you as far as bad design, is their sorting. How can they remove the most important parameter of all, focal length of lenses. There are multiple easy ways to implement it, most obviously with tags.
 
The look of the old site was immaterial to me. However, it was easy for me to get around, which was great.
I tried to use the new site, and can't find anything.
I know nothing about designing websites, but know that they should be constructed as if they will be navigated by people with no knowledge of how to get around one.
The new KEH site is a navigational nightmare.
 
"People are still buying from web-site with very uninformative product pictures and descriptions topped by overpriced shipping cost?"

You're darned right they are, and for one reason....KEH is the BEST. They stand behind everything they sell, offer warranties, have a no hassle return policy, and offer the most conservative rating system in the business. It's all about the people you deal with, not the website. There's some great people over there. Plus, they now sell film. You couldn't pay me to buy from Adorama, B&H, or any of those Nu Yawk losers. I've had my fill of rude, pushy, unknowledgeable staff, lost shipping items, and having to go through an act of Congress to return something (that was invariably their fault). Here in the states, their shipping prices are in line w/ what you should pay. I don't understand all this carping. Just use the old site by clicking on the bottom of the page. Problem solved.
 
I don't have to *figure out* how the site works.
I automatically look for the search field and go from there. And most people who spend enough time in front of a computer nowadays would probably do the same.

If the search works for you, that's great, but that's based on your individual behavior and preference. Based on the general tone of posts in this thread, the new design is less than ideal to quite a few visitors.

In general, a website should be designed based on what you want your site's visitors to do--if that is 'search' then leverage the search function (look, feel and function) of successful sites such as ebay and amazon. These two sites' search box spreads across the top of the page. KEH could do something as simple as that and move the categorical drop down menus to the right of the home page and use a smaller font. Those two simple changes would actually go a long way to improving the site.
 
If the search works for you, that's great, but that's based on your individual behavior and preference. Based on the general tone of posts in this thread, the new design is less than ideal to quite a few visitors.

So does that mean you and the others on this forum make the rules for KEH??

In general, a website should be designed based on what you want your site's visitors to do--if that is 'search' then leverage the search function (look, feel and function) of successful sites such as ebay and amazon. These two sites' search box spreads across the top of the page. KEH could do something as simple as that and move the categorical drop down menus to the right of the home page and use a smaller font. Those two simple changes would actually go a long way to improving the site.

In my experience using KEH's site the last couple of days it is mostly like what you describe and want..

Instead of complaining, people should take a closer look at the overall site. They might just determine it is easy to navigate..

I've already made a couple of buys and had no problems whatsoever..
 
Well, it can use some work.... I also like to sort lenses by FL, not brand (A-Z, Z-A) or Price (Low to High, High to Low)
a small inconvenience.... but still...

KEH did need a rewrite to be more up-to-date in looks.
 
So does that mean you and the others on this forum make the rules for KEH??

Who said anything about rules? You obviously didn't get the point and have to jump in with attacks. Typical. Lacking actual market focus group data, I am using the posts on this thread as sample data, and my point was that the the general feedback on the re-design is negative. Oh, and I did navigate through the site using different methods to search for a Canon FD 85mm/1.8; some worked better than others.

I would think that RFF'ers who responded on this thread have purchased from KEH. Given that, any website owner should listen to feedback -- not that KEH reads RFF -- and that feedback seems to be less than positive. Not an attack on KEH -- but it would be to KEH's advantage to make the purchasing experience a more seamless one.

Again, good for you if the website works for you; IMO, it still needs some work.
 
Who said anything about rules? You obviously didn't get the point and have to jump in with attacks. Typical. Lacking actual market focus group data, I am using the posts on this thread as sample data, and my point was that the the general feedback on the re-design is negative. Oh, and I did navigate through the site using different methods to search for a Canon FD 85mm/1.8; some worked better than others.

I would think that RFF'ers who responded on this thread have purchased from KEH. Given that, any website owner should listen to feedback -- not that KEH reads RFF -- and that feedback seems to be less than positive. Not an attack on KEH -- but it would be to KEH's advantage to make the purchasing experience a more seamless one.

Again, good for you if the website works for you; IMO, it still needs some work.

Totally agree here. If I'm complaining about using KEH's website then they have major problems (I'm a diehard KEH buyer). Actually, their new website may be the best thing that's happened to my wallet in a long time.
 
You go to a major commerce website anymore there's a good chance you'll be asked to respond to a survey on your website experience. It's important to them because we're on the Gold Standard: we bring the gold, we set the standard.
 
Keh

Keh

Some friends stop by
I tell them there is some beer in the fridge .
Hopefully the fridge door has a handle and some hinges
So they can access the beer .
Perhaps the handle is on the side the hinges are usually on and
The door will not open in the usual manner / or after the door is opened
No beer is to be found .
Perhaps it is in the fridge in the basement or garage , or spare bedroom or front porch . Or maybe in a galvanized tub in the backyard .
Maybe I am mistaken and after an exhaustive search there is in actuality no beer left .
If you can not find something in our instant gratification world , perhaps it does not exist.
If you can not find items easily on keh site buyers will move on
 
Been buying from KEH since the catalog days. Great company, great service, conservative ratings, friendly staff, reasonable prices usually. The new website is atrocious. It's passable if you're looking for a body or lens, or something very specific which you search for. However the old site one could browse, for example "Leica M" and see accessories, cases, straps, flashes, tripod heads, bags etc. Browsing led me to purchase lots of things I never thought about searching for. Thank heavens the classic site is still up.
 
I don't see anything wrong with site 😕

The only thing I don't like is that all items under a category must be filtered... I'd like them the way they used be, each with their own page.

although... OMG they have a stock photo at the home page! :bang:
 
Sorry, I just gave it a shake again. It is worthless.

Test search: try and find Canon RF lenses (presented by themselves like the old site) and post here how you did it, please.
 
Sorry, I just gave it a shake again. It is worthless.

Test search: try and find Canon RF lenses (presented by themselves like the old site) and post here how you did it, please.
Easy when you know: put in the search box: Canon AND Rangefinder. And choose the right sub-category.
 
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