Going from internet to bricks and mortar

[Al1x]

I'd love KPautomotive to become an actual shop rather than just online. I've been thinking about it so much lately. There are so many possible suppliers I could use but so many wont sell to an internet based business.

What kind of things do i need to think about? I know obviously I'd need to find the right location for a shop.. but is it hard to set up a shop? Its all kinda daunting to me.

[kybirkin]

Try pming BazOnBoard as I know she has recently gone into bricks and mortar

[funkyfish]

I'd love KPautomotive to become an actual shop rather than just online. I've been thinking about it so much lately. There are so many possible suppliers I could use but so many wont sell to an internet based business.

What kind of things do i need to think about? I know obviously I'd need to find the right location for a shop.. but is it hard to set up a shop? Its all kinda daunting to me.

Hi

I took the plunge about a year ago and currently finding things very hard.

It took 8 months to sort out the lease so by the time I got in I had so much stock and the season was almost over. (one of those things!)

Financially its obviously a big step, but time wise its a nightmare.
Its effectively like running two businesses. The original plan was that web type stuff could be done in the shop during working hours. The reality is that is not possible. I worked hard before and long hours now I am struggling. Often wake in the night worrying about bills.

Admittedly I have access to so many more suppliers now but although thats nice and its helped with broadening the range online its not as easy to manage as you think it would be. Also, the rewards have not been worth it.

The set up probably cost be around 15-20k (not inc stock) and we did all the donkey work and shop fitting ourselves.

School holidays are a nightmare - hardly see the kids which is the thing I find worse :o(

Going abroad is difficult - fortunately some of the shops in my parade close for two weeks in August which means I can close for a week without too much problem.

Staffing is a nightmare - its easier enough to get cover and staff but no-one looks after the stock the same (shoplifting and keeping an eye on the customers) or knows the product range as well as the boss PLUS its actually very hard to get a natural sales person - so if you do get anyone in to cover the sales will almost certainly be lower.

Sorry to be so negative but if you can expand online in anyway I would do so.

I have a 12 year lease and will work at it for 4 years. If it is not worth it I will sublet the shop and move on.

Fortunately, I got the location right so selling on a lease will be easy(ish). I am in London so rents are ridiculous!

[Miranda]

Would it help to incentivise the staff, eg by offering a bonus based on % sales over a base level and a bonus based on stock not being nicked/profitability

[funkyfish]

Would it help to incentivise the staff, eg by offering a bonus based on % sales over a base level and a bonus based on stock not being nicked/profitability

I appreciate your suggestion and will try this on full price stock with the younger girls. :happy72:
Have you tried thsi yourself? Would be interested if you have any feedback on this.

At the moment we have a sale running so it’s not a possibility to offer to pay more when we are selling at cost anyway. I pay well above minimum wage and I pay much better than the high street multiples in fashion but consumers are shopping more online and browsing more in shops and making selective purchases and it really does take some effort to get a sale when you are a small independent.

I was not meaning to criticize my staff, just pointing out the unfortunate facts to Al1x.
All my girls (from 17-36) are absolutely lovely, intelligent, they speak beautifully to the customers but they just have not got the experience at clinching a sale.
All have been trained and really do want to sell well but as in all retail it is becoming harder and harder and most shops have suffered in the last year.
Many customers who shop in independents want to be served by the owner too.
I also think that some people have that "jena se qua"!

The online industry is the growth industry of the decade and anyone who is doing well should maximize.:woot:

I wish I could be more encouraging to people considering expansion into bricks and mortar - but I can't lie. I was an online trader for over 4 years and the bricks and mortar has not been a good move (so far - its still early days).

Many local shops to me are struggling and setting up websites to support the business and my shops location is very affluent.

However, it sounds like the product is different from mine so who knows it could be a good move - :laugh: