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| What store to buy from and why? |
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[originally posted 5/17/2007]
I am doing some research and one of the aspects i am looking at is why someone whould choose one comic store over another?
Any help would be great guys.
This is my forst post here so i will say HELLO to all.
Mark |
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| Re: What store to buy from and why? |
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[originally posted 5/17/2007]
Hey, Mark. Well, when I was editor of Comics & Games Retailer, this question was -- and still is -- something retailers ask themselves a lot.
I think that service has always been the #1 area where stores can make a difference -- far more than discounts, which often come back to damage the store if it doesn't watch it. Making sure that someone talks to customers when they walk in -- it's basic stuff for the chain stores, but sometimes in owner-operator situations it doesn't always happen. Recognizing who the regular customers are, knowing their names, predicting their interests -- these things allow retailers to add on sales. One of our columnists once wrote, "A store isn't a vending machine." The stores that are really good at service tend to do well.
Then, of course, there are other things that all retailers look at, no matter what they sell -- store layout and design, racking, selection of merchandise, etc.
I know these are broad answers, but it's kind of a broad question
Best, John Jackson Miller • Curator, The Comics Chronicles |
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| Re: What store to buy from and why? |
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[originally posted 5/18/2007]
Thank you so much for the reply. It was exactly what i was after. I am hoping to put together a little store soon and i am trying to get a plan together.
Thanks again for the help.
Mark |
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| Re: What store to buy from and why? |
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[originally posted 5/18/2007]
That is a great question. There are a number of factors that have influenced my decision of which store to shop at like location, discounts and product selection. But, I have to say the the deciding factor has almost always been service. If I feel like the store treats me with respect and is able to get me the comics I want and do a reasonable job answering any questions I have then I'm happy. I'll even drive past one store to go another if I feel that the further store treats me better.
So, maybe "service" isn't the right term. Maybe "respect" is. I just want to be treated like me and my business is valued by the store. One local store lost any chance of getting my business after I went there on Free Comic Book Day and the owner of the store refused to talk to me. I have other options for where I spend my money.
In any case, just like a store isn't a vending machine (what a great quote), my wallet isn't an ATM either. I've stopped shopping at stores that clearly saw it as such.
While a discount can be a factor, that can be a really hard way to get and keep customers. And customers that want that rock bottom price can always go online and find it. Physical stores can and should offer better service and a more personal experience for the customer than an online store can typically offer. The bottom line is make sure the customer leaves the store as happy as possible and as likely as possible to return.
Well, thoughs are my thoughts on the subject. I hope they are of some help...
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| Re: What store to buy from and why? |
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[originally posted 5/18/2007]
One of the things I recommend to every new store owner is the same thing that I recommend to every new self-publisher -- that you start with six months' operating capital in the bank. Rent, orders, everything. As soon as a retailer gets into the cycle of relying on this month's receipts to pay last month's (or even thismonth's or next month's) bills, there's not much margin for error.
I would also keep the discounts strictly for the pull-and-hold customers, and be very sparing with what you set. You have to sell a sizable portion of your order before you can start making money, obviously -- and every point of discount forces you to be that much more accurate in figuring out what your orders should be. Don't give away your margin of error lightly.
I would also suggest going to Comics & Games Retailer magazine's site and signing up for a free subscription. I haven't been involved with the magazine for years (except to contribute my sales charts) but there's a lot of helpful information there.
Best, John Jackson Miller • Curator, The Comics Chronicles |
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