Forum Moderators: buckworks
We do quite a few "Will Calls" at this time of the year. Some right up until the evening of the 24th.
Customer: "Since I'm local, can I Will Call that item so I can have it in time for Xmas?"
Client: "Sure, you can stop by the house anytime and I'll pull one from inventory for you."
They usually end up buying a few more items in the process once they see inventory all over the place, literally!
"Oh, can I have one of those, and how much is that? I'll take two of those."
^ Like kids in a candy store.
Happy Holidays!
We're here to serve the client 24/7/365.
They usually end up buying a few more items in the process once they see inventory all over the place, literally!
You need a shop.
As for getting a shop - many online shops are 'niche' types of things - a B&M is only a good idea if you expect a big enough local market to justify the overhead. (or if you're big enough to already have the staff and space - why not just throw an 'open' sign on the door).
But for many small outfits, you can't beat the tax savings of using part of your home.
You need a shop.
Not any more. My one client does just fine without the overhead of a shop. He used to have 20,000 square feet of shop until his significant other passed away. The shop closed and all inventory moved to the garage and house.
As for getting a shop - many online shops are 'niche' types of things - a B&M is only a good idea if you expect a big enough local market to justify the overhead. (or if you're big enough to already have the staff and space - why not just throw an 'open' sign on the door).
The key word there is "niche". I just watched an outlet of 110 shops close over a weekend. Their niche has been hit hard by the current buying climate. Also, the proprietors may have mismanaged the property and were probably the main cause of the closure. Either way, there are 110 store owners who now have inventories in their garages, homes, etc.
But for many small outfits, you can't beat the tax savings of using part of your home.
Its a great setup for those who wish to make additional income. If you've got available space and the time to manage shipping operations, it may be to your benefit. I always strive for drop ship from the manufacturer but that doesn't always work out when you are dealing with smaller dollar items.
I'm also finding many local stores closing shop. It just isn't worth it for them anymore to keep their doors open. Many of these shops are niche oriented and I'm going to guess that much of the buying has moved to the online environment. There is still the Baby Boomer group but they too are moving more towards online purchases of these types of items.
We're still getting orders which is normal this time of year. Many of the new visitors don't realize that our discounts are year round so they are taking advantage of them while the holidays are here. I'm sure he'll have some Will Calls up until tomorrow sometime. Heck, I might even make a trip over and do some last minute shopping. I don't have to worry about parking, crowds, etc. I can even order in advance and have it waiting for me upon arrival. :)
Truth was they were only 15 miles from my flat, soooo I drove the product over to them. Knocked on the door and gave it to the lady ! Delivery time about, 1 hour, she was expecting about 8 days.
Ill never forget the look on her face.
