I am trying to find some ideas of where I can start searching for things I am looking for. Normally, these things would be in newspapers, magazines, and internet. But we are in a country where English is a not so popular language for reading materials. ( I used to buy magazines monthly in Canada, but now I don't because I hate readinf french, and most articles are not bound to CH.) Computer mags for instance, have no good companies found in CH.

Can anyone offer any names of what they buy? (I want to buy a magazine with companies in it, that speak English, who are found in Switzerland.) All the stores I have found, are by word of mouth. Well this is OK, but most mouths I know have told me what I know already, so I am looking for new places to search.

Any ideas?

Thanks

PCDesigns

Usually it's in the last place you would think of looking, start there.

You have tried down the back of the sofa?




Nigel

I guess you could post a message here saying "I'm looking for XXX - can you recommend somewhere english-speaking in Switzerland that can give me that"

It seems to be what most people on the forum do :-)

OK,
It seems as though the funny guys found my post first! great! nice way to start the morning. I do miss that from NA, ( a sense of humour seems to be left for Swiss bred only), (or maybe we just don't get the joke).
but seriously boys.. Does anyone recommend magazine names written here? Bikes, cars, computing, etc....

Custom built Computers, Hardware & Software, Services & Repairs:
At PCDesigns, we offer one the best and most reliable computer services to the entire country of Switzerland and we strive to give all our customers the personal service they require to fulfill their computer needs.
We offer customized computers for those who not only need a new computer or laptop, but also those who want to get the best computer possible for their personalized needs. Buying pre-manufactured computers or laptops is usually not the best way to make a purchase. We build computers and notebooks for personal or universal usages, without the worry of long delays or poor after sales service. We have the experience necessary to help you make the right decision, whether it be advice, software or hardware, or new machines, we’ll be pleased to give you the help you seek.
All of the computers built OR serviced here at PCDesigns are fully guaranteed for 12 months without hassles.
There is no need to wait in line for a month to get your machine built or repaired. Most computers built at PCDesigns can be finished, and ready for use, (home set-up, if required), within 10 days. Operating systems and software are available in English, French and German.
Have a look at our home page, or send us an email, to have your questions answered. Our details are:
www.pcdesigns.ch
support@pcdesigns.ch
Robert McKinnon

Hi there, if i understand your post correctly you are looking for a sort of mag or such that gives you a list of stores and what they sell and they need to be English speaking. Wow, not sure that exists. I do know that the know it all passport book offers some advice on stores that are English speaking but not sure it is what you are looking for. Maybe i have misunderstood what you are after.

Yeh it is a bit hard to read...
Ex. I am English speaking, I can't speak any foreign languages, I come to CH and now I need... a motorcycle tire... I can't read the stupid phone book, my neighbors can't help me, there are no stores in my neighborhood, I go to the magazine store, I can see the pictures, but WAIT!!! the magazine is full of trash from the neighboring countries! Well that does no good here in Switzerland. So there is an example for clarity.
So, I do read magazines, but most of the info seems to be in France or Germany. Does Switzerland offer magazine stores that cater to ONLY Swiss companies? (Personally, bikes, cars, computers, electronics, home construction, etc)
PCDesigns

Ok yes i know exactly what you mean and I know how frustrating it is but i dont think there is something like that. It is one of the things that frustrates me too about CH. If i was looking for something in the UK, gosh the options where endless. Companies all bidding for my business and where ever you turn you can find what you need and more.

Like at xmas time i could have just walked down to the high street and done all my shopping there in one go. Instead it took me weeks and weeks to find what i wanted and i still did not find exactly what i needed and had to compromise. Or i could have gone on the internet and bought everything i needed for xmas without having to leave home. Well here that is just not an option as most stores do not offer online shopping so if i want something i have to buy it from an online UK store and pay heafty postage for it to get here. In the UK you just go onto google and type in what you want and so many options of what you want come up. Here, not a chance. I dont think it is about the language barrier either as even reading it in French you see how it all falls short. It is like coming from a 1st world country, the UK, to a 3rd world country.

Sorry the post is negative but i really just would love to have everything at my fingertips again when and if i want it.

Exactly the same would happen if you were Swiss living in the UK and wanted Guetzli and Grittibands, Bratwurst, Aromat, Thomi mustard etc etc.

What would you recommend to a Swiss person in that situation?

Potential maximum readers in a population of 3 million Swiss Germans, and much less for French and Italian speakers, will limit the number of specialist publications for the market. But specialist Swiss magazines do exist, but not 'Motor Cycle Tyre Weekly'.

Plus if you are Swiss and you want a new tyre for your motorcycle you get you dealer to do it. DIY and fixing your own stuff is not popular here.

Again, what would you recommend a Swiss who spoke only German to do in this situation in Canada?

Like i said in my post, i am not talking about unusual and hard to find items i am talking about everyday stuff. The selection is so limited here and it is so hard to find what little selection there is. By the way you can get aromat in the UK in the local supermarket and i have not actually looked for the other items but i am sure if you googled it in the UK you would be able to get it easily, if it is not in the local supermarket which it may be.

I THINK THIS TOPIC GOT VERY MISUNDERSTOOD. SO LET'S RESTART...

YES THIS IS NOT WHERE I WAS HEADING WITH THE QUESTION.
SORRY FOR ALL THE CONFUSION.
LET'S RESTART.

LETS RESTART THIS THREAD: (it turned negative somehow.)

Being an english speaking person, when I came to Switzerland I wanted to find various things. With ALOT of searching I found everything except a Tim Hortons coffee shop and Subway....

Now owning my own business, I want to be sure I give the people, like myself 8 years ago, the chance to find my company. (just like other expats in business offering help to expats).

So I have published my business in 4-5 magazines, some newspapers, and various on-line links.

Now I would like some new ideas, from people like those in this forum, where a business like mine may be perfectly positioned so it can be found.
I know my target clients are English speaking, since German and French mother tongue people would prefer to go to someone that speaks their language perfectly.

Personally, I look at local newspapers, but for our company to locate ONE client in CHF2000. investment in publication costs will ruin a company fast.
Maybe I should start a pole and let people write their reading materials bought in CH.

PCDesigns

"How to promote my company in Switzerland" might be be a lot better, and in the commercial section. Then I'm sure you'll get a lot more answers. Incidentally, I can't tell what you do from the name on your avatar. Do you design PCs ? or perform design with them ? are you devoted to political correctness ?

dave


I think the answers will reveal themselves when you indulge in some marketing. What are you offering ? Who are you customers ? What is the target market, what is your competitive advantage ? Commercial or Consumer ? Where do you pitch your pricing ? Who are you competing with ?

Assuming you sell PCs and arent doing value-added, there is no point in advertising in the same expensive publication as Media Markt...

dave

As this thread has become commercial in nature I've moved it to the existing PC Designes thread in the Commercial section.

I am not trying to promote my company on this thread. I am simply looking for opinions of other people's ventures that may have been tried.
My web site has details on what we do. I don't think I should explain our company on this thread, we have a web site for that.
Political correctness? What do you mean? Did I tread on someone?

Commercial?
I was trying to keep it general so EVERYONE could offer their opinions on what they read. I wasn't only talking to the people who own businesses.
Anyway, it is your forum right to place things where you see fit.

I am not into marketing, have never trained in it, and don't want to. That is not my field of pleasure, but it does come as part of being self employed, so I must venture.

Since the topic got moved into commercial it has lost it's search field of a general question to all members of the forum.

NOW, for all you pros... how about some marketing ideas???
I have NO problem competing with Media Markt, I can out price them easily. Other similar companies are the same. Actually, our services are far better and guarantees more personalized. You want it repaired the next day? NOT WITH those others.... try a week or longer. You want the pc your way... forget it at Media Markt, you get what is on the shelf and some kid replacing the hard disk in the back room with Jam on his face and a smoke in his mouth. (I've seen it and worked in it).
Not our company....
Anyway, this topic is getting out of the scope I had in mind.

Thanks for your opinions. Good or bad...
PCDesigns

here's a test for you...

I want a system with the following:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (2.13Ghz), 2Gb RAM 667Mhz (2x1Gb not 4x512Mb), lots of SATA disk (RAID controller optional), Windows MCE with Vista upgrade for free (P&P charge of course), decent graphics card (256Mb), hybrid TV tuner + remote., DVD-R/W-DL

Casing should be very quiet and have room for at least one more disk. It will be connected to a projector and be used to process videos from TS or convert formats.

Case can be shuttle-type, if there is space for my needs. I'd want at least one more PCI slot "just in case".

No need for a monitor. BT keyboard/mouse could work but I have existing wireless set so not necessary.

How much?

Well Lob, here's the thing. This is a huge forum and I assume you are not actually going to buy anything from me. This is a custom configuration and every quote I do is free. Since I cannot simply put your specs into my database and BAM, out pops a machine, I must invest from 1 to 3 hours in every quote I do. My time is generally lost. This is part of operating expenses and normal.
What you are asking me to do is all the work with 100% guarantee of no sale, (unless, you may buy it). I do have paying clients to attend to, but to humour you, I will do it ASAP. Check back later... :-)

I am looking for this machine and have a price in mind that I know I can achieve - now if you don't want to check into this and offer suggestions, that's fine. If I could do something like this with your website, I would.

You surely should have an idea to within 1-200 francs in your head already? I know I do

Edit: plus with that type of presumption, you're doing no favours to yourself. It's very negative.

Here's the edit... If you want my company to offer you a price, please email my company and we will do it properly, not on a public forum.
This is why I assumed you were not seriously considering a purchase. I would be happy to send you a proper quote for the system you desire. Generally when people run companies, they don't sell a personal configuration over a public forum.
PCDesigns.