Author: ericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Disc Repair System Pays for Itself

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Even in this age of on-demand movies and downloadable music, we still love our discs, those little spheres of escape and entertainment. We’ve lovingly compiled a library of tunes, games and movies that we can turn to in times of stress, boredom, excitement and joy so it’s frustrating when one of our little friends goes down for the count.

Something that can bring a disc back from the brink of the dumpster is a good disc repair system, like the JFJ Easy-Pro Disc Repair System. A simple one-step operation buffs out light scratches and fingerprints and takes care of that pesky skipping while a multi-step process can fix up more heavily scratched discs. This is a great system for movie and game rental stores and libraries as well as personal use. The disc repair system also works on Blu-ray discs, CD-roms, Gamecube, PS2, PS3, Wii and XBOX games so fire it up and get to work saving your entire collection! No need to discard those damaged discs and spend the money to replace them.
The disc repair system does not require water to operate so no need to fool with dirty water, hoses and that whole soggy mess. DVD and CD cleaning supplies and buffing pads are included with the disc repair system so you’re ready to roll from the time you unpack the box. Ordering additional cleaning and buffing supplies is quick and easy so you won’t have to deal with a lengthy down-time if you run out. Most repairs are done in 1-2 minutes and at 15 to 20 cents per repair, it’s quite an economical system. Disc repair and cleaning is also a service you can offer to customers and just think of how grateful they will be when you save their favorite music disc or game!
So, what are you waiting for? Your disc collection and customers are depending on you!

Hiring Temporary Employees

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

It’s on the way. The busy summer season! Are you ready for the influx of customers that the nice weather will bring? One thing that will make your summer season flow smoothly is a dynamic, friendly and helpful staff, and this includes your seasonal employees. Here are some helpful hints to make sure you find the temporary employees that are right for your business.

Don’t delay when getting your summer staff roster in order. Start scouting for your talented staff early, before your competition snatches them up. Giving yourself enough time to interview, hire and train your new crew will mean you won’t be flustered when the busy season sneaks up on you, like it’s apt to do.

Check work references. Starting your screening process early also gives you ample time to verify employment and run background checks on your potential temporary employees. Applicants should have previous employers who can attest to their work ethic, reliability and character. Remember, Federal laws prohibit potential employers from asking the applicant, or references, about certain topics that could be used as a basis for discrimination including age, race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, color, pregnancy, marital status, citizenship or disability, along with others.

Dip into the applicant pool. College students and retirees make fantastic employees. The college students’ flexible schedules while on school break coupled with their energy make them ideal candidates for temporary employment. Retirees possess years of work and life experience that can be valuable to your company and, like college students, retirees also have flexible schedules.

Get your ducks in a row. What positions are you looking to fill? What skills are you willing teach and what skills do you need your new employee to possess right off the bat? What sort of personality best fits with your business’ culture? Think about what you need and then ask the same questions of every applicant so you can measure them all with the same yardstick. Develop a scoring system to help you score various areas of expertise and then tally the scores to help you keep track of and compare applicants.

Don’t lead the way. Asking “Can you do ____?” leads the applicant to tell you what you want to hear, not what they have to say. Asking broad questions will lead to more insightful answers. For instance, “Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer or coworker” gives you insight into how they would handle a difficult situation and is more telling than a simple yes or no question.

Think team player, not temp. Hiring seasonal help with the “I just need them to get through the next couple months” attitude can trick you into lowering your standards. You want an employee who will be a positive addition to your company, whether as a temporary or permanent employee. Treat your temp employees with the same respect and consideration that you would your permanent staff. If you like what you see during the summer season, you can always invite your temporary employees back for the holiday season, or even as a permanent team members.

Good luck on your search!

Credit Card Processing

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

We are all aware that “cash money” is a universal language but in case you haven’t noticed, many people are now fluent in speaking “credit card”. Paper or plastic doesn’t just refer to bags any more! The question is, are you speaking your customers’ language?

There is no doubt that people like to have choices. Choices in clothes they wear, the food they order, the fancy (or not-so-fancy) coffee they drink and they like to have options in how to pay for it. I, for one, do not carry cash with me very often and I truly think I could not survive without my debit card (I do not know how I functioned before they came along!). I cannot run across the street to my neighborhood store for a gallon of milk because the merchant only accepts card purchases over $10. I know several people who use their credit cards exclusively so they can rack up points with the credit card company. I understand that many businesses do not offer credit/debit card processing because they are leery of the fees incurred and contract commitment but I wonder just how many customers have been lost to businesses that only accept cash?
If these items don’t convince you that credit/debit card processing is important to a bottom line then check out this little tidbit: Credit card users spend 12%-15% more than those who pay with cash. Now, wouldn’t it be nice if that little boost ended up reflected in your sales?
If you’ve been kicking around the idea of offering card processing to your customers, now is the time to check it out. First Payment Services can set up a card processing program that is right for your business. Nervous about entering into a long contract? Don’t be, because FPS offers month-to-month contracts if that is what you desire. If you already have a card processing company, First Payment Services offers a $1,000 guarantee that they will save you money over your current card processor. Nice deal!
So, why not explore the possibility of offering card processing? You just may get more people fluent in the language of “credit card” walking through your door if you do.

Retail Training Classes

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

I don’t need to tell you how competitive the retail sales industry is. As competitive as this business is, the good news is that there ways to increase your competitive edge. One way is to attend retail training classes that can teach you and your staff new skills and help you fine-tune the ones you already possess. The downside is that, although these classes can be a valuable tool, they can often be expensive and time consuming. Not so with RetailTraining.com.

The on-line classes offered through RetailTraining.com average 20 minutes in length and the best part is that you can take them whenever you want to; all you need is a computer. Not only are these classes concise and and informative, they are very cost effective.

You will discover how to:

  • Utilize impulse merchandising and visual merchandising to enhance your customers’ experience and generate unplanned purchases
  • Retain valuable employees by building morale, skills, confidence and loyalty
  • Use key financial statements to assess and analyze the fiscal health of your retail business
  • Develop a strategic retail plan and store audit to keep your business on track
  • Implement a Customer Loyalty program and discover how your business will benefit from the program

Sign up for a free, no-obligation on-line retail training class to take the first step toward building a stronger foundation for you business by further developing your greatest asset: the knowledge you and your staff possess.

Instructional Videos for Product Assembly

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

I’ve noticed lately while surfing the web that more and more videos are being posted on news links in addition to, or even in place of, written copy. While I am an avid reader, there is something to be said about just being able to click a button and having information told and/or shown to me. Apparently, video clips are the way to go and Specialty Store Services has definitely caught the video wave by creating video assembly instructions.

Need to know how to assemble our 2-way garment rack? Well, check out the video to see how to assemble a 2-way garment rack (#2621)! You can also view the instructional videos on how to assemble the Waterfall Stacking Basket Display (#3387) and the Bucket Seat Stool (#5860B). See all of our current instructional videos at Specialty Store Services’ channel on Youtube. You can also see the videos on our Facebook page. While you’re there, be sure to “like” us so you can stay on top of product and merchandising information as well as receive special promotions exclusive to Facebook friends. The instructional videos will soon be posted on our website, as well, so stay tuned.

Are there any SSS products for which you’d like to see an instructional video made? Let me know!

 

Vertical Merchandising with Grid Displays

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We all know that displaying merchandise can be tricky but even trickier is working with limited display space. When floor space is at a premium, your best bet is go up. Enter Grid Panels!Grid panels range in height from 4’ to 8’ and widths of 1’ to 4’. Just think of how much merchandise you can showcase on a 5’ tall display! Grid panels are incredibly versatile and can be directly attached to the wall or connected to other grid panels to create floor displays. These nifty panels can be configured into different shaped grid displays such as “T,” “H,” quad and triangle displays, or can be connected end to end to span the length of wall; the configurations are only as limited as your imagination. Mobilize the displays with casters and a floor plan can be rearranged with ease. Slatgrid panels can be employed in the same manner as grid panels and, what’s more, any slatwall accessories you may have can also be used on slatgrid!

Retail flexibility is yours when choosing from grid accessories such peg hooks, faceouts, waterfalls, hang rails, shelves, baskets and more. Use a wide variety of grid accessories to display anything from clothing and purses to books and movies. Half round mannequins can be hung on the grid panels to garner attention and show customers how clothing will look when worn. Accessories can also be moved around with ease to accommodate changing inventory.

As you can see, grid displays are versatile and ideal for cross merchandising which makes them a great investment for any retail environment.

Impulse Purchases: Pump up the Volume!

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Pump up the volume of impulse items you sell, that is. We covered the yummy goodness of chocolate and candy impulse items last week but now let’s explore some impulse sale techniques.Make the impulsive human nature work for you. Customers standing in line waiting to check out have already made the decision to purchase something, so initiating another small purchase just requires a little nudge to the impulsive human nature. Many of us have that little voice in our head that says “I’m already checking out and that item is interesting/necessary/cute so what is a few more dollars?” The trick is to offer your customers small, inexpensive items at or near the checkout counter. Make sure your impulse items are inexpensive, ideally under $10 but even $1 items can really add up. Imagine how much extra revenue you could generate if nearly every customer spontaneously purchased a $1 pack of gum or travel-size hand sanitizer.

Make the impulse items small so they “blend in” with your customers’ purchases. A larger item may stick out and make them second guess their impulse purchase but a smaller item tossed onto the counter or into the basket will easily blend in so the customer won’t be phased out. So make the point of sale items small and easy to grab if one’s hands are full, such as funny sticky notes, sample sized toiletries, gummy bracelets or hair accessories. Also, think about your target audience; what would most appeal to the customers who shop in your particular store?
Finally, display your impulse sale items in attractive and easily accessible containers and display racks. Countertop displays can be attractive and do not take up much valuable counter space. If you have room next to your registers then you may want to consider a larger floor display that can hold a wide variety of items. There are many display options including wood baskets, mesh baskets, plastic jars, acrylic jars and peghook displays so take a look at around and think about what would complement your decor and best showcase the impulse merchandise you offer.

Little things can mean a lot, namely extra cash in your register, so don’t underestimate the effect of point of sale items on the impulsive human nature.

Retail Sale Idea: Boss is Away Sale

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Here is a fun and creative idea to generate interest in your store, courtesy of The Cozy Nest in New Hampshire. The employees at the Cozy Nest had a “Boss is Away Sale”, and just look what great results they had when they were given permission to go wild, have fun, and create sales in her absence!

“I wanted to share a promotion that my staff had while I was at the June Retail Success Summit. I borrowed the idea from someone that said she had a “While the cat is away the mice will play” promotion while she was away from her store. I asked my employees if they would like to plan a similar event while I was at the Summit and that I would trust them to handle it and didn’t want to know anything about it.

“It was a huge success. They had a 237% gain over last year.

“Here are some of the things they did:

  • Wore little glittery mouse ears with a pink bow the whole time I was gone
  • Sent out a daily e-mail about the deal of the day (borrowed idea from the 12 days of Christmas)
  • Had a big poster for the customers to sign and leave me a message
  • Created a poster with a thermometer that they filled in every day to show how they were progressing
  • Asked neighboring businesses to send their customers over and gave those customers an extra 10% off. Plus, the business that sent the most people received a gift certificate
  • Raffled off a gift basket worth $300 (all clearance items)
  • Held a daily raffle for 4 gift certificates ($25 each)

“I gave them a hefty sales goal and if they met it, I’d give them each a day off with pay, and they met their goal. They had a blast and were really proud of their event. The customers also had a blast.

“I had a friend drive by and they told me it was like a feeding frenzy and the parking lot was a mob scene. I am sure that created some buzz around town, plus it brought in some new customers that wanted to see what was going on!”

What a fun idea! I especially love the Deal of the Day email, the reciprocal program with neighboring businesses, the message poster for the boss and the mouse ears. Gosh, I guess I loved all the ideas. Please me know if you try this out. It sounds like a hoot!

Candy: The Ultimate Impulse Item!

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Okay, show of hands. Who does not like chocolate? Hmmm, not many hands up. Chocolate and other candies are popular treats year round and that makes them excellent candidates for your impulse purchase displays.

Although chocolate is tasty at any time (Chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast washed down with chocolate milk? Yes, please!) it doesn’t always store and ship very well in the summer heat. Enter Specialty Store’s annual chocolate sale! That’s right, all of our chocolate is on sale right now so stock up and satisfy your peckish customers’ hankering for a sweet snack after shopping at your store. Candy isn’t just for convenience stores and food stores any more. If you look at many big-name department stores you will see candy for sale at their check out counters and believe me when I say that it is hard to resist. I speak from experience (but never with my mouth full).
Check out our chocolate sale items including Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Twix and M&Ms, just to name a few. But why stop there when other favorites such as Twizzlers, Skittles, lollipops and Sour Patch Kids are available? Give impulse candy a try if you haven’t already. Your sugared-up customers will thank you.

Calming the Retail Customers’ Fear of Purchasing

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

You have customers walking through your door every day. They are cordially greeted by you or your staff, they browse, they ask questions and, if all goes according to your plan, they purchase your merchandise. But sometimes they do not. Hmmm! What could be the reason for this? Perhaps you don’t have quite what they’re looking for…or perhaps they’re afraid. Not afraid of you or your oh-so-not-scary merchandise, but afraid of the item not working out for them, after all.
Let’s look at some reasons a customer might be afraid to purchase. They are afraid that:
    • the item may be less expensive elsewhere

 

  • their significant other won’t like it

 

 

  • it won’t match (their sofa, their pants, etc.)

 

 

  • they won’t know how to use it

 

Have a meeting with your staff and ask them why customers may be hesitant to purchase in your store in particular. Once you pinpoint possible reasons, you can prepare your solutions. For instance, if the customer fears they will find the item cheaper elsewhere, you can implement a price-matching program if you don’t already have one in place. People may be more inclined to purchase if they know that they will be reimbursed the difference if the same item is found to be cheaper somewhere else within the next 30 days (or whatever time frame you choose). If the item doesn’t match or their significant other doesn’t approve, let them know they’ve got nothing to lose by trying it out since they can always return their purchase for a refund or store credit. If the customer is nervous that he or she won’t know how to operate whatever it is they are purchasing, offer them a training session and let them know they can always call the store for assistance.

As we’ve all heard said “The best offense is a good defense”. Being prepared for any objection or fear that may pop up means that you don’t have to fear losing a sale.