Full Version: My New Showroom...Finally!
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#1]
15 Jul 2005
To: ALL
http://www.etchedintimeengraving.com/showroom.htm
From: UncleSteve [#2]
15 Jul 2005
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#1] 15 Jul 2005
Laura, very nice!
It is "soft" and inviting and looks very "friendly", not the hard look of many mall locations where you don't have full control of the image you want to present.
The candles(?) and other gift items should bring in customers for the engraving, also.
Best of luck with your new showroom.
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#3]
15 Jul 2005
To: UncleSteve [#2] 15 Jul 2005
Thanks for your comments. Initially I did not want a retail location, least of all a gift shop. However, an opportunity presented itself and it was one I simply couldn't pass up. I've chosed to take a unique approach on my business and see where it takes me.
Given the location it would be very difficult to pull in customers as a traditional awards and engraving business. I decided to have fun with it and go with the gift shop route in appearances while making it clear I offer other traditioal engraving products and services. So far so good. I do get the one or two gift item orders, which I price to be profitable, but I'm finding I get a lot of large quanity gift item orders, trophies, promotional items, etc. so it is going as planned.
The whole black/white/pink scheme seems to be working well. I realize it is more geared towards a female market but it catches the attention of both female and males and they recognize and remember my corporate identity.
I realize I'm breaking some of the traditional rules but luckily the situation I'm in allows for a lot of freedom so like I said, I'll just see where it takes me. :) I can always adjust and change as necessary in the future.
From: UncleSteve [#4]
15 Jul 2005
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#3] 15 Jul 2005
The nice part is that you never know who is walking through the door. A company exec that is "just looking for a gift for a newborn" leaves knowing that a friendly local company can meet their corporate needs.
Then the call comes: "remember when I stopped by and bought the engraved spoon for the baby last month? Well, we need a plaque for our employee of the month. Could you stop by with some ideas?"
And the growth continues..... :D
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#5]
15 Jul 2005
To: UncleSteve [#4] 15 Jul 2005
Exactly! :)
I get a lot of "Oh I didn't know you could do such-and-such." It's GREAT to have an actual storefront. I have so many more people able and willing to stop by at their convenience to talk to me and see so much more first hand than if I were to stop by their office.
I'm having a ball!
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#6]
15 Jul 2005
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#5] 15 Jul 2005
Laura,
Congratulations! Your shop looks very inviting. Some of those displays are very creative. It sounds like you are on track and really enjoying yourself.
I have a little house near my shop that was rehabbed, then painted pink and white. It is a little gift shop called Raz Ma Taz, using the same color scheme as yours. They have only been open about 30 days. I will stop by and ask if I can take some pictures of their displays to share with you. You might be able to steal an idea or two.
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#7]
15 Jul 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#6] 15 Jul 2005
I would love to see photos of that shop David! The color scheme is pretty trendy right now and I love visiting other shops and getting ideas. I was having so much fun putting the store together I almost had to remind myself I'm an engraver, not a decorator!
It all started with the curtains. I was at the fabric store for something else and saw the two materials near each other. I pulled the bolts of fabric out and sparks were flying as my head started spinning with ideas. :) I made the valance box and curtain to cover the back window, decided to make the panel curtains for the front of the shop, then painted the cork board. I was having a ball until family members started in with "I didn't know you could sew...I have this shirt/pair of pants/etc. that needs a little work" and "Oh, you'll have to make me some curtains" (What did I get myself into?!)
Things have been going great. I sent out a bunch of postcards last week and officially opened the doors this past Tuesday and already I'm getting lots of calls and e-mails from people (some with orders too)! The highlight of my week was opening the mail and finding an order with a check enclosed! If I can get a steady flow of orders I will be on cloud 9...for once I truly love what I do and feel more like I'm getting paid to play than work.
Right now I've got the laser in my home workshop where it will likely stay, so my next goal is to get a diamond drag machine I can keep at the store to do on the spot engraving. I think that will be a huge success if I can get it up and going before the holidays but we'll see.
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8]
15 Jul 2005
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#7] 15 Jul 2005
Laura,
You will discover that people in the community will hear that you engrave and will assume it is mechanical computerized engraving. I think it is a wise decision, if you can afford the investment, to add that service to the mix. The holiday business is incredible enough, but especially for this engraving process.
I am anxiously awaiting the release of Xenetech's new mechanical engraver that was built to compete with the New Hermes IS400 Volume. It might be one to consider if it is released any time soon. New Hermes also has a nice collection of machines specifically designed for gift retailers.
As you well know, consider the service-after-the-sale factor.
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#9]
15 Jul 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8] 16 Jul 2005
David,
That's what I'm trying to explain to my husband...as it's been stated in other threads people don't want to come in and be told "no, we can't engrave on that type of item" (What do you mean? You're an ENGRAVING STORE?) I try to explain the difference between a laser and traditional engraving but something tells me it doesn't always soak in. I figure it's bad enough I don't have the laser on site so it would be a huge plus to offer some type of engraving on site and a mechanical machine would cover all the bases.
I'm sure the additional business the machine would bring will more than cover the extra expense but I feel bad keeping my husband's spending habits to a minimum while it seems like I'm on a daily shopping spree ordering for the store. (Honey, golf does not turn a profit, more inventory and equipment does) :) Wait, I shouldn't say that...he begged me to do some personalized tees for him and his friends at a golf outing a couple weeks ago so I did. The order and check I received in the mail this week was from one of the guys who wanted 1,000 done for his business. So...maybe I should tell my husband the new machine could potentially cover more golfing/advertising expenses?! ;)
New Hermes is at the top of my list, my main concern is who my sales rep is for my area. I wasn't real thrilled with the little bit of experience I had several years ago. Xenetech is the next in line. I've only used an old pantograph and a NH Vanguard 3000 (which I HATED, it was so old...I hadn't seen cartridges like that since my Atari and Kaleco games!) so I'm excited to look into the newer machines.
From: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#10]
15 Jul 2005
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#1] 15 Jul 2005
Laura,
Congratulations on a job well done! It looks very inviting.
As a small business owner you will fine tune every day. If you can walk through your showroom and not touch, move or fix anything you have probably become myopic.
Good luck and keep us posted as you grow.
Dee & Harv
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#11]
15 Jul 2005
To: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#10] 15 Jul 2005
Thanks Dee!
I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit your store and meet you and Harvey. I learned so much that afternoon and have been able to use a lot of ideas with my own store.
From: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#12]
15 Jul 2005
To: UncleSteve [#2] 15 Jul 2005
About that crack about mall locations. You got a problem with my store? :-)
See you on Sunday.
Dee
From: UncleSteve [#13]
15 Jul 2005
To: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#12] 16 Jul 2005
Wasn't a crack! YOU are the one that said the mall limited what you could do as it had to fit the "image" of the mall....
Your shop is terrific but you said you had additional ideas they wouldn't let you follow through on.
Or are my old ears failing me? It could happen!
EDITED: 15 Jul 2005 by UNCLESTEVE
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#14]
16 Jul 2005
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#7] 16 Jul 2005
Laura,
Do you have ANY idea of what you have started? NOW I am REALLY Jonesing for a showroom storefront.
You have done a FABULOUS job with yours. When I saw the pictures, I was truly impressed.
Now I cannot wait to get mine open....hopefully by September.
You are going to be an amazing success and I look forward to watching you grow and to "stealing" ideas :-) hehehe (insert laugh here)
Anyway, congratulations on a job well done.
All we ask is that you "Remember us when....."
EDITED: 16 Jul 2005 by DATAKES
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#15]
16 Jul 2005
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#14] 16 Jul 2005
LOL :) Thanks for your nice comments and vote of confidence Chuck!
I must say though, it does feel like a huge step in the right direction and I'm sure my business will grow much faster with a storefront. I have been EXTREMELY fortunate as far as opening the showroom; I'm able to keep AND run my day job AT THE SAME TIME and believe it or not, I have $0 overhead on the showroom for the time being. It's almost too good to be true. I run all aspects of the office of a construction business (http://www.johnsongolfcourseconstructioninc.com) for one family member and another family member owns the building that houses the construction office/shop and my new showroom.
That was the offer I couldn't refuse - fix up a run down section of the shop and use it as my showroom. (I'll try to post some "before" photos - I NEVER thought it would look like a real store!) As long as I keep up with the work from the day job I'm free to run my business and still collect my regular paycheck. Now I feel bad for all the times I complained about working for family, *almost* ;)
Of course it's never easy; I'm pretty much on call 24/7 for both companies. I have to run both offices and answer two sets of phones all day and run back and forth to the different offices to grab files and whatnot. Then when I "leave for the day" I go home to my workshop to engrave and still field calls on my cell phone for the guys in our crews.
Plus, my husband also works for the golf course construction company so he works out of state leaving me to handle our house and two dogs. :S (Thank goodness we don't have kids.)
Setting up the storeroom was my bosses bribe...er...um...excuse me..."idea". :) He knows I'm growing tired of my husband being away so much so I think he figured if he could help me build my dream I wouldn't make my husband quit building his dream. (Or maybe he thought I'd be too busy to realize he's not home?!) He's right to a certain point, but he knows my goal is to eventually do well enough so my husband can take a lesser paying local job anyway.
I'm totally upfront and honest about it but I don't think he realizes the potential in the engraving industry. From his perspective, my business, compared to his business, is small potatoes however, so are my debts. Although I am extremely appreciative of his generousity, I get the feeling like he's patting me on the head when we discuss my business. (devil) This just fuels the fire for me to be more successful even faster. I don't want to bite the hand that feeds me, but I can't wait for the day I can honestly say "I'm not sure I can afford to keep working for you, my business has grown too much." :) Even if, no, WHEN that day comes I'll just hire myself an assistant (to do my work for HIS business!); no sense in giving up additional income. ;)
Laura DeMeyer, President
Workaholics 4-Hire
"The first step is admitting it" :)
EDITED: 16 Jul 2005 by ELLEMD628
From: Barbara (RGILE) [#16]
27 Jul 2005
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#15] 27 Jul 2005
Hi Laura,
I loved your new store, and wish you a lot of luck with it. I am sure based on your style and ambition that you will do wonderful. And with such a good deal to start off with, when he does start charging you more rent, you will be able to afford it.
I opened a new location in May of this year, and it has been much better for me. I am at least making the rent and most of the bills. although I haven't quit my second job at night yet.
I am thinking about getting a small sandblaster, do you have one? I think the glassware would look better with one. I still haven't bought one yet though.
I too am always looking for new ideas, and have been doing a lot with brides and Pets. I also do special occasions, but the Pets and Brides have been a little better.
When I moved into the store, the building owners asked me to engrave some clocks and glass and brass awards, and I did them, and bingo!! I got a little taste of awards and acheivements. I now have catalogs in my store for them, and recently also got a KFC job. It's a small one, but potential for more. My problem, is that I want to go out on the road a little bit, but cannot leave the store alone. I have posted hours and want to be here for them.
I cannot afford to hire anyone yet, so I have tried to do a few phone calls, but feel that that is not the best approach. I am going to look into doing some of the local dog shows though. I think that is a good market for me.
I have also done a wedding show, and that is also good for me.
Good luck with your key promotions. I might also try something like that.
Keep me posted on your success with it, and I will do the same.
Again, Good Luck,
Barbara
PS. How are you painted marble plaques going. I have people that love them, but still haven't sold many of them yet.
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#17]
27 Jul 2005
To: Barbara (RGILE) [#16] 28 Jul 2005
Hi Barbara!
Thank you for your nice comments about the showroom, I must admit I am quite impressed with myself. Although I have high expectations of myself I wasn't 100% sure I could pull this off as well as I have (so far.)
I do not have sandblasting equipment but would like to look into it in the future. My next step is to get a computerize or manual engraver on site by Christmas, but we'll see. I think it would be *huge* but being a company of 1 (and wanting to stay that way) it may not be feasible that soon. I too have set hours that I try to stick to which makes it hard to do much face-to-face sales, which is my weakness anyway.
Most of my orders have come from friends and family/word of mouth, the internet, and target marketing direct mailings. I had my first walk-ins yesterday (very exciting!) but they were looking to have jewelry engraved. All the more reason I need another machine!! The nice thing is they said they found the store just by driving by - I'm not very visble where I'm at and I'm working on some outside advertising and attention grabbers.
I've been doing a lot of memorial items, mostly photos in black marble. Although a lot of people like to look at the painted marble I've not had any orders. I have a small selection of corporate awards & trophies but my location and the image of the showroom is going to attract more women looking for gift type items.
I figure I can use the showroom for the girly/gifty market and still do target marketing for other groups of potential customers. I love to get people from various markets to see the different products and say "Oh, I didn't know you could do THAT."
Good luck with your business and let's definitely keep in touch!
From: Barbara (RGILE) [#18]
28 Jul 2005
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#17] 28 Jul 2005
Hi Laura,
I know what you mean about being excited about people walking in. I opened this store on May 12th and I have had more walkin's that I ever did in the 5 months at the other location. I was so discouraged in the other spot. I really thought I might have made a mistake going into this, but knew deep down, that there was a need for it.
I too have been doing a lot of marble and granite plaques for people, and have discovered that Pet's have become a big part of my business. I am thinking now of doing dog shows along with the wedding shows. Can't hurt to try it right!!
I advertise in a local Vet's office also. I am trying to get involved with the local humane society also.
I called them but haven't heard back from them, so I am going to go there on a Sunday afternoon. I just found out that they open for a few hours on Sunday. I hope someone who is in charge will be there, but I am going to make up something in marble and leave it with them.
I also found out about an auction that they are having, so I am going to donate some certificates. Hopefully, that will get some more attention.
I love my new store, and when I get a chance I will send you some pictures of it also.
I also got invlolved with a company that puts laser photos on gold and silver, and they do the work, and it's guaranteed for 90 days, so I sold one today, and am thrilled about it. They are beautiful keepsakes and right in line with what I am doing here.
Yes, lets keep in touch, maybe we can help each other when necessary.
I just love this forum, when I am in a pinch I know I have friends that will help me out.
Barbara