HuntingNet.com Forums - View Single Post - Is your Dealer QUALIFIED???

04-14-2004 | 07:01 PM

#36

Len in Maryland

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 1,385

Likes: 0

From: Baltimore Maryland USA

RE: Is your Dealer QUALIFIED???

Rules for small shop owners.

#1 Never let them see you sweat.

I've heard that somewhere before!
#2 Don't try to compete on pricing with the discount houses/marts. Set your prices where your accountant tells you they have to be to stay in business. You can vary +/- 10%; but, the average better be above what is needed. If products don't sell at those prices, don't sell the product. Things I don't handle any more because of this is clothes, shoes, 3D targets, certain treestands, blinds, etc. There are stocking ideas that I have that would take up an entire seminar. My new approach is to stock variety and not quantity unless I know that it's a good seller. Ever hear of the MIN/MAX approach to stocking items. You should also never run out of staples - kissers, peeps, etc.
#3 Sell what the big boys don't sell: Pro Shop only items, SERVICE, specialty items, SERVICE, strings and cables, SERVICE, traditional equipment, SERVICE.
#4 Keep up with the latest in both archery equipment and tools. Attend seminars given at the ATA Show. They're free and they even serve a continental breakfast.

If you don't attend the ATA Show, shame on you.[&o]
#5 You're NOT going to please everyone and may tick off a few. I just got someone else mad at me today. Man, I'm having a bad week![:@]
#6 No matter what price you charge, it'll never be low enough. To some people $0 is the price they want. They'll badger you to see how low you'll go if you give an inch. If your price is fair and you're not gouging the customer, stick to it. If, on the other hand, that item is wearing a hole in your floor, let it go. It's called negotiation and you have to learn when and how to do it.
#7 There will always be 'basement bandits' that give away their talents for free. They come and they go. They are in it for fun and must not mind being pestered any day and at any hour. If you're going to run it as a profitable business, you'll look like a bad guy no matter what you charge. If you're good at what you do, make sure you charge for it. Do you think that a plumber, electrician, doctor or lawyer derates his fees very often?? If you're a PROfessional, act and charge as a PROfessional. And when I say PROfessional, you'd better have the credentials and certifications and background to prove it, or you're just another bow mechanic. Sounds harsh but it's true.
#8 Listen to your customers' needs. Listen to your customers' complaints. Listen to your customers. Sometimes you have to read between the lines to get to the true matter of the problem.
#9 Change your store set-up around from time to time. If it remains the same, it becomes mundane to both the customer and your performance. Change will also make the customers look around more to see what new things you may have brought in and may make them see things that they missed on their last visit. Take a look at the BIG stores, they're always moving things around and highlighting certain items.
#10 SMILE and greet every customer who walks through the door. And DON'T let cliches develop that will chase new customers away. How would you feel if you felt like a stranger as soon as you walked through the door??????
#11 Visit the local BIG boys and leave your card(s) with them. They are known to send customers elsewhere when they don't carry a product or can't do the service. I get a lot of business from some of them.
#12 You'll be working long and hard hours at times - especially during the height of the season. Pace yourself so that you can remain fresh in mind and body. Remember, they've got a staff that only works standard shift hours, but can cover a longer work day because of their large staff. Give yourself a break and don't try to match them hour for hour.

That's 12 to start with. Anyone else is more than welcome to chime in. Remember, we're talking about things that will set a small business apart from the BIG boys. I could go on but I think it would be nice to either add to or expound upon the first 12 points.

Straightarrow: Only 3 in 20 years?? Man, now I know that I'm a COF.

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