I like the 3 Ways to Start Planning Better for your Business ideas from a blogger on the SBA site.
Especially #1.
In fact, I think you need to block out some time on your new 2012 calendar, in January, to seriously do this. Here’s all three ways. How about small groups, say of 4 each, early in the morning or after hours?
Have you ever done this? How did it go? What would you advise others to do?
.
.
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
Diane~
I have had teenagers come in with their moms and make the comment “I’m not wearing clothes someone wore”. After a few times hearing this statement I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I would look at the teen and say “I over heard what you said to you mom, can I ask you something”. I very nicely ask them if have they ever used a cloth napkin at a resturant, slept or took a shower in a hotel. I have always gotten an yes as an answer to that question. I politely say you were probably not the first or only to have ever used that napkin in the resturant, slept on those sheets or used that towel in the hotel. Every single time I have gotten a “thank you” from mom and the roll of the eyes from the teen. When I have had adult make the same type of comment I would relay that story to one of my customers loud enough for the other customer to hear.
Next time ask those questions…..at least it will make them think about what they are saying.
LikeLike
OK Kate, I like this, but there is something that I need help with. How to not let the “snobs” get to you. In my old location I was next to a Antique Store and also in a location that use to be an Antique Store, every Sunday I dreeded going to the store because all day I would have to deal with people who love Antique Stores but are appalled by a Consignment Store. These people would say rude and crude things even in front of my customers.
I have moved across the street and now I am next to an upscale Boutique and the issues have only gotten worst. The browsers from next store come in and again snub their noses and say horrible things.
My store is very clean and set up like a boutique. I have new and used items and very good prices.
I do not allow Consignors only at my store because they too use to try to drive up my prices, fight with me when I would not take their items, and say crude things in my store.
I am sad to say that I am taking it personally and unfortunately is making me sad.
I work 7 days a week, I arrive at the store 2 hours prior to opening to clean and organize, iron every item that comes in my store, but have finally come to the realization that none of this will change my biggest problem. The Snobs.
By the way, I want to stop running ads in the newspaper because I find the weeks I run ads the Snob Browsers only get worst.
Help me. I do not want to feel this way especially at the holidays.
LikeLike
Diane, you’re doing something RIGHT. Your shop looks so intriguing from the sidewalk that pedestrians actually are lured in! If your image, displays, storefront were unappealing, these shoppers would simply pass you by.
So, that said, how are you disappointing them once they step over your threshold? Without knowing what “crude, horrible things” they have said, we can’t tell. But I’ll bet a friend would. So ask one to be honest with you. Does the shop smell? Are the lights dim, the displays out-of-style, your prices not what the atmosphere of the shop would lead browsers to expect? These are the questions you would ask your friends to assess honestly.
And yes, some of your hurt could be your attitude. It takes a while to separate people’s impressions of your shop from what you perceive as personal attacks. “I do not allow consignors”… does that mean you’re a buy-outright?
As for stopping running ads… are they, too, good because they draw potential customers in… but then there is something about your shop that causes folks to be dismayed, when your advertising and from-afar image promises more than your merchandise delivers?
I suggest that you work diligently on finding that out, but even more diligently on altering your attitude. Find out, from these “rude and crude” remarks, the impression your shop makes on them. Your problem isn’t the Snobs. It’s figuring out what you’re doing RIGHT that makes them enter your shop, and applying whatever that is to the inside atmosphere of your shop.
LikeLike
I am not a buy out right but When an item sells the Consigner received 25% cash and 25% store credit. My shop is well lit, set as a boutique, every item is ironed, shoes alcoholed and jewelry sparkling etc. In addition my racks are organized by size and color. I sell both new and used items. One of the biggest problems I have is that I am in a very small bedroom community, that is considered to be middle to high class. My second floor is a former apartment and is set up with furniture, home decor etc.
One of the problems I have is that everyone in town talks about how wonderful the place looks and how you get such great deals and that leads more and more people in.
The negative comments I receive is “Oh, I refuse to buy something used”. I have even had people go to the extent to say if the new items are not completely segregated from the old I will not buy them.
I gift wrap all gifts with high quality ribbon and boxes, most say it is even nicer than the boutique next door.
I have done a lot of research regarding the comments and have found out that there is a stigmatism out there about Consignment Shops. So many bad have popped up, and with the Goodwills and Savers out there it make people think only poor can shop there.
What do you suggest for me to say when someone says they refuse to buy used?
LikeLike
Diane, I am confused. Why do you say “One of the problems I have is that everyone in town talks about how wonderful the place looks and how you get such great deals and that leads more and more people in”… it’s a problem, that people come in?
And is this comment of yours the seed of what your solution might be: “I have even had people…say if the new items are not completely segregated from the old I will not buy them.”? … so, separate them out if this is a prevalent attitude and you think it will help. And MAKE SURE your most spectacular displays INCLUDE previously-enjoyed items.
I’m not sure why you think “Oh, I refuse to buy something used” is a horrible rude comment. A statement of opinion doesn’t call for any response. And any response you might make will simply backfire… because in order to prove herself right, she has to… *not buy anything* ;). Simply steer these customers to your new merchandise.
Finally, do what is suggested by the link above in my blog entry. Get some people together and listen to their thoughts. Who knows, they may come up with some ideas, suggestions, and yes, even objections… that you are overlooking.
LikeLike