It’s been a while since I last had a chance to add news to the website due to the workload going on behind the scenes and it’s been very busy to say the least.
Tooltique has always been work in progress, primarily to deliver a better quality finished product so very little work is needed on the new users behalf to use their newly acquired used tools. As such, new methods developed in refurbishment required time to refine, the goal being to make each task economically viable for us to undertake. Our aim has always been to create a website with a comprehensive selection of used tools that craftsmen can rely on for quality, having been thoroughly checked with an expert eye and refurbished to high standards and truly ready for use.
Although the website seems to look the same, we have now moved the website onto a faster more powerful server to improve our website visitors experience, regardless of how many visitors are browsing the website. The website also now has many new features built in that will help visitors navigate the website better, categories are being added to help customers searching for specific types of tools. There was a few interruptions during the summer whilst this work was carried out but all the niggles and faults that occurred during this time have now been rectified, we also want to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We have also been improving the workshop environment, adding further insulation to the unit, improving ventilation and lighting to reduce running costs and to lower our carbon footprint long term. I can say now that we are very close to the final set up there and will be able to concentrate with the production of refurbishing old tools this winter, this will ensure the selection of old tools improves further.
Additional work space has been secured (additional 1500 ft) which is needed to bring a completely different upgrade on certain products and tuition courses that will help those looking to improve their maintenance skills of their old tools. This will be announced once the dedicated unit is finalised in spring next year.
Antique tool collectors will also see an increase in variety, options & interests. We are working hard on things here to find the right solution that helps both buyers and sellers of antique tool collections rather than what’s on offer out there at the moment. This will have its own dedicated website as it will have bespoke features to ignite interest in collecting antique tools as well as those seasoned collectors. This area is a subject we are passionate about but feel this really should be separate from user tools. As ever with something like this we want to do it justice and with a reputation people can rely upon, so they can buy and sell with confidence. Our aim is to have this in place by the latter part of next year, this is, once we have finalised the formula and a website with suitable functionality to make it happen.
Lots to do and ambitious I know, but this is why it was so important the right foundations had to be built first, this is so our ability and confidence in giving accurate descriptions and detailed condition reports are 100% correct when the time arises.
All good things take time and it seems plenty of investment as well as lots of time, but be sure we are re-investing and working hard to make things happen for the future.