Pre Migration Most liked posts in thread: Local Shop Directory Project

  1. k-huevo

    k-huevo Club Coordinator

    May 6, 2009
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    Pipe Creek, Texas
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    #2 k-huevo, Sep 18, 2009
  2. Ernesto

    Ernesto Club Coordinator

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    #3 Ernesto, Sep 18, 2009
    This is a great idea.. I get asked where to go for non-dealer service a bunch these days.
    I have 2 from the Chicagoland area:

    Name: Axels Automotive
    Address: 29870 N Skokie Hwy
    City: Lake Bluff
    State/Province: IL
    Zip/Postal Code: 60044-1194
    Country: USA
    Phone Number: (847) 688-0500
    Contact: Nick or Axel
    Comments: Axels Automotive
    An ex-MINI mechanic works there



    Name: Import Service Center
    Address: 1822 Lehigh Ave
    City: Glenview
    State/Province: IL
    Zip/Postal Code: 60025
    Country: USA
    Phone Number:847-724-4336
    Contact: Dan
    Comments: Import Service Center Homepage - 847-724-4336
    Shop is owned by a local MINI Club member
     
  3. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    #4 Nathan, Oct 28, 2009
    Lest you think I forgot about this, I haven't. Currently working to update the same product that powers the WheelFinder and Badge listings to be able to support comments and ratings.
     
  4. Steve

    Steve Administrator
    Staff Member Articles Moderator

    Apr 23, 2009
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    #5 Steve, Oct 28, 2009
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2009
    If it's going to be able to support comments and ratings then I won't mind putting in one or two that I'm not so happy with. Sort of an Angie's List for automotive work. This, to me, seems like an even more valuable tool. Of course I can also imagine a comments/ratings section being abused...

    It might also be good if it would discern between different types of shops and/or include the different types of service they offer (e.g., body/paint, maintenance, scheduled maintenance (for those still on that clock), parts (oem and/or aftermarket), installation, tuning, etc). And/or maybe that should be a blank to fill in (or drop down menu) for what you had done that is the source of your review/comment/rating.

    I know, probably pushing the limits of the tool/product available, but I figure now is the time for brainstorming.
    ------------------
    Thought of another service option when Helix (Ralph) posted just a couple minutes ago that they're now offering state inspections...
     
  5. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #6 Nathan, Oct 28, 2009
    The data model will need to be created. I'm also shooting for a multi-select dropdown in the latest version. With that multiple categories can be selected to list the various types of services the shop is capable of performing.

    Of course it needs to be search-able on many levels as well. Mapping would also be included with the Google API.

    Please feel free to add to the specs for the data model.
     
  6. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
    Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
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    Bend, OR USA
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    #7 ScottinBend, Oct 28, 2009
    .....
     
  7. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #8 Nathan, Oct 28, 2009
    Please don't add any more data, there will be a form to fill out. lets leave this for discussion on how to build it for now please.
     
  8. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
    Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
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    #9 ScottinBend, Oct 28, 2009
    But it looked so cool in red !

    :D
     
  9. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #10 Nathan, Oct 28, 2009
    Yes it does...

    To flesh out more of what I am thinking here...

    Site Member enters data into a form that would include all the stuff one would need such as Shop Name, Address, URL, etc.

    Multiselect box for the types of services the shop offers.

    All this would display as the first post of a new thread. Thread title would be pulled from form to include Shop Name, City, State/Provence.

    After entry the same member would reply to the post with comments and a rating. Raing is 1-5 Stars (stars could also be MINI's or whatever). The rating would be dynamically updated as others submit comments and rating for same shop.

    This would all be search-able on many levels. Location, services, ratings and of course name. Search could be displayed either on Map or as alpha listing, selectable by member. Also could search by zip code and narrow to within a certain mileage range. Such as all shops within 25 miles. Also would include features now found in sponsor and clubs listings such as the popup with more info and the ability to get directions to or from.

    Thinking a little higher level only members can rate and leave comments. Shop owners would be allowed to enter their shop but not rate.

    Thats my nickel tour of the product as I see it. What did I miss or what other functionality would you like to see.

    Please keep in mind this will not be coded overnight.
     
  10. Deviant

    Deviant Banned

    Apr 23, 2009
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    Southern IL
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    #11 Deviant, Oct 29, 2009
    It would be great, something like CarTalk's Mechanics File
    Obviously what you're putting together is much more complex than that but it maybe offers some ideas.
     
  11. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

    Jun 12, 2009
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    #12 BThayer23, Oct 29, 2009
    Would the shops want a place to list brands that they're authorized retailers of?
     
  12. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #13 Nathan, Oct 29, 2009
    Had not thought of that, thanks.
     
  13. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #14 Nathan, Oct 29, 2009
    Update on Data to capture...This is a list in progress, please post your ideas to this thread.

    Name:

    Address:

    City:

    State/Province:

    Zip/Postal Code:

    Country:

    Phone Number:

    Contact:

    URL:

    Services Offered:

    Authorized Retailers of:

    What else?
     
  14. nabeshin

    nabeshin New Member

    Jun 8, 2009
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    Lincoln, NE
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    #15 nabeshin, Oct 29, 2009
    Price for common maintenance/service procedures?
     
  15. Deviant

    Deviant Banned

    Apr 23, 2009
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    #16 Deviant, Oct 30, 2009
    Maybe a listing to narrow down what type of car they specialize in, ie "Classic European cars", "Modern import performance cars" or "high-end luxury cars" etc.
     
  16. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #17 Nathan, Dec 1, 2009
    So this has started taking a different path. At first I thought I could just build a shop rieview system but them I started looking at how this could be leveraged into a full blown product review type product. I'm sure many of you have seen the product review section on that others site. That is an off the shelf product that has a lot a off features but lacks the real feel of it being part of the forums, has more of a tacked on feel to me. I started researching other off the shelf products and nothing really fit the bill, all of them are lacking in same way.

    We are now looking at building a full blown product review product that has the look and feel of the forums.

    Just wanted to report that this has not fallen by the wayside but has just taken a few detours along the way.