Full Version: My New Showroom...Finally!
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