Introducting the PFS- Pony Finder Service

[Eskara1862]

The Pony Finder Service is an idea I"ve had rattling around in my head for about a year now.  I finally sat down today and actually got the details worked out!  I still have to code the pages and get it uploaded to my website, but here are the basics. 
 
I'd really appreciate any tips for improvements or critiques!
 
What is the PFS?

The Pony Finder Service (PFS) is designed to help you find the ponies or pony items that currently elude you. It is open to anyone world wide. Approximately once a month, I make a trip into the big city and hit every store that carries ponies on the way.  In general, this is about 100 miles of pony hunting and approximately 30 stores.  Chances are, I can track down whatever it is you are looking for.

How do I place an order?

You can either fill out this form (link forthcoming) or e-mail me directly(link forthcoming).  I will then get back to you and let you know if I can hunt for your item or not. Some items, such as Fashion Style Applejack, are no longer in production and can’t be found.  Others are too new and haven’t made it to my area. Either way, I will let you know if it’s something I think I can find.

What does it cost?

For a mere $3, plus the cost of your item and shipping, you get a whole day of my time to find whatever it is you want. The $3 is non-refundable and helps pay for gas during my search. Add $1 for each additional item.

How do I pay you?

After I confirm that I can search for your item, I will send you three payment requests through PayPal. The first is for $3 to be sent as a gift/donation; this is the non-refundable searching fee.  The second is for half of your item so I can pay for it when I find it.  The last request will contain the last half of your payment and the shipping costs; this will be made after I have your item in hand and ready to go.

How do I get my pony/item?

I will ship it to you within 48 hours of receiving the last payment.  If you live close enough to me, we can arrange a local pickup and the nearest Toys’r’us, local restaurant, or library.

Are there any restrictions?

Not many! The items have to be currently available, obviously.  I can’t guarantee that I can track down something from last year.  Items also have to be found within the USA.  I’m lucky at finding ponies, but I can’t travel overseas just to pony hunt!  Finally, I can’t ship to Italy due to Italian import restrictions.

What if you can’t find my pony?

You get a refund! I’m not going to keep your money if I can’t find what you’re looking for. The only bit I keep is the $3 non-refundable searching fee.

[Sonata]

That sounds like a really cool idea ! But I have one question: will it work only for USA or will you be able to do it for people outside the USA? Just wondering, really. For now lol.

Also, I know there are sites out there that are like a search engine that will search for your item on every store that sells online and it will sort the item by pricing, always showing the cheapest first. I know I saw that once or twice, but if you made a research on that it would probably help you on your "hunt" for ponies and locating the cheapest ones. It would make you get more people to come to you and would make your "customers" happy :3

Just a few suggestions, but I really like the idea; sounds really fun !

[babystarz]

Cool idea! Will you charge per item? E.g. if someone wants five or ten things, will that make a difference in the cost of the search?

[Chi]

That's such a wonderful idea. You're so nice to offer this to the community.

[Keiri]

This is a great idea!

[Eskara1862]

That sounds like a really cool idea ! But I have one question: will it work only for USA or will you be able to do it for people outside the USA? Just wondering, really. For now lol.

Whoops!  Yes, I'll do it for anywhere in the world.  After all, it can be difficult for people overseas to get some US exclusives! Updated section:

What is the PFS?

The Pony Finder Service (PFS) is designed to help you find the ponies or pony items that currently elude you. It is open to anyone world wide. Approximately once a month, I make a trip into the big city and hit every store that carries ponies on the way.  In general, this is about 100 miles of pony hunting and approximately 30 stores.  Chances are, I can track down whatever it is you are looking for.

Also, I know there are sites out there that are like a search engine that will search for your item on every store that sells online and it will sort the item by pricing, always showing the cheapest first. I know I saw that once or twice, but if you made a research on that it would probably help you on your "hunt" for ponies and locating the cheapest ones. It would make you get more people to come to you and would make your "customers" happy :3

Thanks for the tip=)  This could certainly come in handy if I need to place a large order or get several ponies at once.

Cool idea! Will you charge per item? E.g. if someone wants five or ten things, will that make a difference in the cost of the search?

Ooh!  Good point.  Thanks =)  Verbiage on How much Does it Cost is changed to:

What does it cost?

For a mere $3, plus the cost of your item and shipping, you get a whole day of my time to find whatever it is you want. The $3 is non-refundable and helps pay for gas during my search.  Add $1 for each additional item.

I really appreciate the help! You guys are awesome 

[lovesbabysquirmy]

How wonderful of you to do this for our community! 

[hyenacub]

What a cool idea!  Good luck with that!  : D

[butterflybuttons]

That's a good idea.

[ThriftyPony]

Great idea!

[hlbmlp]

THIS IS AWESOME!! especially if you are near me!

[CuteyBina3]

This is a wonderful idea, it's very sweet of you to do so! Good luck with setting it up!

[Sarah-Bee]

This is a great idea and thank you so much for doing it for us! xxx

[zora]

thats a great idea! is that service for any generation or just for the ones which are available in stores?

[Va_ShaMera]

i would totally use this service! you are very kind to offer this.
Thanks! I wait eagerly to hear if you go ahead and kick this off.