How is your shop percieved???

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blackiris

blackiris

SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
Joined
Aug 31, 2007
Posts
10,624
Loc
Sandwich, IL
I have been sitting here in the shop checking out the Grumble and I'm wondering to myself ..............why are people just walking right by my shop!It's a nice sunny afternoon and people are strolling around shopping (we are on a main street in the heart of town).

So I think to myself, come in and check out the art and unique stuff we have
for crying out loud!

I do get a lot of "gawkers" forehead to the front window (greasy spot left over after:vomit:) but then they don't come in........ Are they just making that quick decision that they can't afford anything in the shop??? Does it "look" too expensive?

So this "delimmea" has forced me to think about how my shop is percieved to the public. I know primaraly I am a "destination" shop, but how do you get people to stop and take notice! THATS A BROAD ? isn't it!

Does anyone else have this problem? It's soooo annoying!



:DI'm thinking of hiring someone to dress like a big yellow chicken and stand out front and force people into my shop! :D That's where I'm at right now!
 
I hear ya, Blackiris. It's like The Walk of the Living Dead out there. People stagger past, but nobody is walking through the doors. I'm averaging about 3 customers a week the past 3 weeks, and none of these people are shelling out for $15,000 frame jobs. Other businesses in the area report similar issues. It's as if a neutron bomb fell on San Mateo, killing all the people but leaving the buildings intact.

If this isn't a recession, Mr President, then exactly how would you characterize it? As a surge???
 
wouldn't do the chicken thing. Those statue of Liberty's outside for tax season scare the carp out of me! Hate to have that job!

If you find a way to get people in, let me know will you?

People just have to be in the right mood to spend, or even look.

Also, how's the lighting in the shop? If it looks dark from teh outside, it could look as if you are closed.

Just free thinking here.

I put out Jelly Beans by the counter :)

-Sarah
 
sarah---they redid the whole front of the shop with new windows last year. It does look dark from the outside..... I have spot lights and lamps up there too!

maybe a HUge sign that says FREE CHOCOLATE!!!!! There's a CURVES (workout place next door)hee hee hee!:p
 
C'mon Paul-This is an area that really transcends politics, but I don't think as much as some just want to blame the government (notice i didn't say President) they can do much to change it; sometimes a cycle is just a cycle

I think biz is off for most all retailers; for us, it is also seasonal issue. It's just beautiful outside. Most folks spending "household" money are doing so "outside" the house, not inside

Go to Home Depot Saturday or Sunday for further validation or better yet, go to a Michael's

It's great to want to blame someone; try and turn that wasted energy into something tht might be productive

Bottom Line: If what you are doing isn't working so well, why do you think that by doing the same again will produce different results?
 
Is your front door open?

Do you have a plant or two outside?

In other words is it inviting and welcoming ........... encouraging people to come in?

How often do you change your window displays?

Maybe instead of sitting posting on the grumble go to the front and say hello to passersby offer them a business card.

If they stop and look strike-up a conversation.

put some balloons out front to attract attention.

Blacki post a pic of your store front & interior.

At this point the subject is getting people to come in so no amount of jelly beans will help if they ain't commin' in.

The more you talk(to customers) the more you sell. If its so slow that you are sitting there watching people walk by then you know that isn't working - there's a start.
 
Ok, we all realize that what we sell nobody actually needs, they may want it but they don't need it.

What are you doing to make people think that they need to come into your store? Do you have people coming in and saying "I love to come in here and see whats new" If not what can you do about that? People don't go to stores to see the same old thing over and over. Even if you move things around people will think there is something new.

Think about other businesses around you, which ones do you not go into? Why don't you? Could the same be said about your business? This isn't a retail world where we can sit and wait for people to come in, we need to create a reason for them to want to come in and want to keep coming back.

No offense against Tim, Balloons may get their attention once but, what they experience once they are in your store will determine if they will be back and how often.
 
blackiris said:
I do get a lot of "gawkers" forehead to the front window (greasy spot left over after:vomit:) but then they don't come in......
Click to expand...

HA HA I get that to, same situation, I usually have framed antique maps in the window and people bend down to see them and BOOOMMMMmmm they bonk thier head into the glass. The bright side it it hasn't broken yet.

The down side, my sign was stolen a couple of weeks ago, drunk college kids. They've been trying for years to get it, this time while unable to remove the frame (all the bolts are glued down with Thread Lock) they somehow got the plexiglass signage out. Other brite side while they where walking out the police where walking in. I'm pressing charges, I'd be ok with it if I got to be there when they explain to thier parents that they have warrent for thier arrest. Now people when they walk into the building think I've closed or moved, like I could afford to do either.

Anyways it's been slow for weeks this week finally picked up, thank goodness.
 

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"No offense against Tim, Balloons may get their attention once but, what they experience once they are in your store will determine if they will be back and how often."

Tim

I couldn't agree more but the point was to at least get them in, instead of WATCHING them walk by while posting on the Grumble.


Best,
Tim
 
We've had a run of splendid weather here, so on many days I've had the front door propped open (for my psychic benefit, too). So far all it's brought in are pesky salesmen. I no longer accept good weather as an excuse, since it's almost always good weather here.
 
Hey Tim-I will disagree with you only slightly

I think what we do is something they need; we need to create the "want" from us

They need a car; Lexus makes them "want" that brand

Once they "want" what we have, selling is all downhill

If it is just "need", the lowest common denominator will work

Using my favorite car examples: They need a second car; they don't want anything spectaucular.

Or, you had a great year (or you are the ex Gov of NY) and you need to buy your wife a car; you will get what you (or she) wants
 
There is a huge difference between 'wants' and 'needs'. People will spend far more money on something they 'want' than they will for what they 'need'.

Here is proof. Which guy do you think makes the most money, the one that owns a bread store, or the one that owns a Mercedes Benz dealership?
 
I can just imagine how these peoples faces would look if I came running out the door to talk to them! (most of the time i'm in the back 100ft away!) "Hey, Hey! A possible customer!" The picture in my mind made me smile!:icon21: Or maybe open the door really fast to stop them--i've been tempted to do that to the skateboarders!:rolleyes:

I do change my furniture and displays around a lot.
When people just peek in(even when the door's open! ) it almost feels like you are sitting at a garage sale and people are just driving/walking by to see what you have. My point is do they already assume they can't afford what you are selling? It's a good question to ask!!:shrug:

But I do agree talking to people and educating them would help a lot! Its hard to actually get them in the door, cross the threshold and come over to the darkside!


I am not about to put up a flashing neon sigh saying Girls, Girls, Girls!!!
no offense if anyone has one of those in the window!:icon19:
I will try to post a picture as soon as I can. Of the gallery!
 
I know a sign you could put up that would really get them in the door...

FREE BEER!

I bet that would work like a champ.

My point is do they already assume they can't afford what you are selling?
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I think that a lot of the time the answer is yes.

I have always asked myself what the perfect balance would be. Not too nice, not too junkie. Not too hot, not too cold, just right.

Where is that magic look?
 
Bob Carter said:
I think biz is off for most all retailers; for us, it is also seasonal issue. It's just beautiful outside. Most folks spending "household" money are doing so "outside" the house, not inside /QUOTE]

That's funny. A few weeks ago on this very forum, there was a thread about business being slow because of the bad cold weather....which makes people stay in. Seems that no matter what, the weather is to blame for our bad sales.
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That's so funny Jim. My first year the lady who ran the dry cleaning biz said....It's January, nobody shops after Christmas......It's Valentines Day nobody shops in Feb.....It's snowy, nobody shops in March....It's Easter and tax time, noboy shops in April.....It's warm out everybody is in their yards in May..................she cracked me up.
 
My shop is perceived (note the 'e' before 'i' after 'c' rule there :smiley: ) as an 'Alladins' Cave'

Not the image many so called 'galleries' wish for - but see my avatar - is this the look of a concerned man?

You can put your nose to my window, but you won't see much past its display - there's too much stuff inside; you can put your nose to my door - from which you can see one aisle - all the way to the back wall - but the door opens and closes too much - you'll be in the way - just come in.

I'm in a village - not a lot of footfall. But it's bang in the centre of a hugely populated area - the next village joins on, so does the next, then a town, a few more villages, then a city - no break in the housing, just boundaries on maps.

People walk in here to hear other people say "I LOVE this shop" - "I could LIVE in this shop" - "What a wonderful shop" etc etc.

Our shop has influenced house purchase, we have been told.

Just this week a lady said she has a friend here, a friend who is really pleased to be seeing her 6-8 times a year now, instead of the usual twice. It's because she wants to come here too, from London.

I wish I could say it was all down to market research and being some sort of thinking outside the box business guru. But it's just because we wanted a shop right where we lived and listened to what people wanted.

But what I have learned from my own personal happy accident is this - diversify - get people coming in that would normally walk past a frame shop/gallery without a second glance.

People come in here passing the largest window - full of framed stuff and passing under a large sign saying "ANGMERING FRAMING & ........." looking for nothing more than a 3 cent xerox (or whatever 5 pence is) or a 75 cent reel of cotton - get to the counter to pay and ..... "Oh - you do picture framing?"

"Er - yes"

"Well - I have this (blah blah at home) etc etc the blah blah would have stayed at home, in its drawer for ever were it not for that xerox/reel of cotton.

Give a service you have to people that don't know they need it.

My 2 cents
 
blackiris said:
I have been sitting here in the shop checking out the Grumble and I'm wondering to myself ..............why are people just walking right by my shop!It's a nice sunny afternoon and people are strolling around shopping (we are on a main street in the heart of town).

So this "delimmea" has forced me to think about how my shop is percieved to the public. I know primaraly I am a "destination" shop, but how do you get people to stop and take notice! THATS A BROAD ? isn't it!
Does anyone else have this problem? It's soooo annoying!
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I'm in an upscale shopping center with hundreds of people shopping nearby all day long. I've often wondered what it would take to get more shoppers in the store.

Some of the stores in our shopping center just have that inviting look, that makes people want to come in.

These are a few ideas I have used with success.

A neon sign that flashes open, or an artistic neon sign that says something about your business.

Flowers or potted plants outside the store.

Merchandise stacked outside, like readymades, print bins, framed pictures.

Table and chairs to sit down. If they sit, they might come in, and it makes a good place for the man to chill out, while the women come in to browse.

Also, I run all smokers from other stores away from the front of my store. One of my pet peeves. That and skateboarders. ;)
 
The thing is, I think people only browse frameshops and galleries if they feel like they need something framed, or need to fill some space on their wall with new art. In contrast, women will shop for shoes or clothing or jewelry regardless of whether they actually need another pair of shoes, or another blouse, or another pair of earrings.
 
I know, I know. But I was racking my mind for something that men will shop for incessantly, and all I can come up with are porn, tortilla chips, and beer.
 
Buy $100.00 worth of crapola.

Mark it up 4X.

Place 50% Off signs in the window “Crapola Only”

Swallow you pride and watch the folks walk thru the door.

Doug
 
I think the area you’re in determines lookie loos above your products or smile. If you’re in an area where people will naturally bounce from door to door then you will have traffic. If you’re not, you won’t. That trumps everything else.

Do you want traffic? Before I opened my shop I toured some around (like Louisville and Evansville). Most shops I popped into it was like I had set off the burglar alarms. The tenant was all weirded out about me “just looking”. Usually you could see everything they had to offer within 2 feet of the front door anyway.

When I was in the mall I’d have a minimum of 30 “lookers” a day. I was a pretty poor merchant and had little to offer this audience just like the shops I had visited. So now I’m happy with my status in the merchant world. It’s a better fit for me. So I wouldn’t’ worry to much about it and if you don’t have anything to really offer a casual shopper, then your probably better off without them anyway.
 
I fell you. The last couple weeks in my shop was terrible. I had never swept my saw room so many times. Not because of too much work, but because of boardom. And just got that notice from the IRS about the rebates. What an absolute joke. I think I am going to go to Costco and eat as much as possible at those sample stands tonight. What fun!!!
 
Might try this.

If you haven't updated your window, you may want to try putting in things that sell in your area. Yeah it may meen you have to display a KIN... or Red... but you do need the traffic. Also cartoon characters or cells in bright colors may make them feel more at ease. You probably have all ready thought of this but it does help some. It's a slow time for most of us. Keep your chin.
 
We're a destination. Our only foot traffic are hookers & winos. No offense to the hookers & winos, but they do very little framing so I don't want the front to be too inviting. Doesn't stop some of em though. They come in to ask for bus fare or to ask to use the bathroom. The other day, one of them just stood inside the front door and drooled (wino, not hooker). Had to take him by the arm and walk him out. Neither of us said a word.

But RoboFramer has good advice when he suggests that you give them another reason to come in. Several of the hookers and winos who come in for change, etc. have said "Oh you frame pictures here?", so I know it works.
 
John,

Your shop is what I would love to have. I have a small frame shop with very little gallery space.
Your shop makes me want to start all over! It seems so homey

Do you have any advice for some of us who might want to go in that direction?

Maybe you could e-mail me with some suggestions.
 
I just want my regulars to come in and new customers with thier art or whatever for framing. It's the lookers and browers that are the bane of my exsistence. My shop has a main gallery, a loft office and a basement workroom. It's a very appealing people love to come in and poke around like Robo's. But as fate would have it, whenever I need to get something done I'm in my basement working, usually I've just started a hinge or applied some glue to a frame the door buzzer goes off. I run upstairs, and I'm hit with "Oh we're just looking..." so I make small talk, see if they need help. Really I get a sense if they are just looking or they are going to spend some money. I also sell lots of antique maps (I can't stand posters and art hardly sells) so everyone has story about thier cottage up north ("no I don't have that map, it's a resort/vacation home and everyone wants a map for thier place") YADA (or "my grandfather owned all this area of land and I wanted to see if you had... Oh you do have it! Well that's neat I just wanted to look at it" What am I a library?) YADA ( or "oh that's too much money")YADA, I go upstairs check the computer for email or the G. There are days where I literally get nothing done or don't start a job until 2 PM. I've cosidered making worktable up in the loft, but that requires getting two of almost everything, just another on the long TO DO lists in my shop. Or perhaps a door bell so only serious customers can enter or a tv monitor so I can see who is coming in. All of it is just another expense that doesn't give me any return. But thats all ranting and raving, I wouldn't be anywhere with out the activity you never know what it's going to bring in.
 
RParrish said:
The down side, my sign was stolen a couple of weeks ago, drunk college kids.
Click to expand...

We lost our third A board last month and I'm searching for something more secure. We are also in a college area. SO frustrating.

Bill, merchandise stacked outside? Bins of ready mades? Potted plants? A fast way to give them away in my neighborhood.

As far as business--browsers, and buyers--this is indeed a slow season. The weather is warm for the first time in a while, and tax season looms. We usually pick up in May. Meanwhile, it is off and on, busy, then really slow. With a full staff to pay, although they are always busy with framing and shop projects, it is more of a concern this year as we hear that retail sales are down.

I had to laugh at that other thread regarding paying oneself. Of course we need to pay ourselves--kids in college, house, dog, health care, and so on. This is not a hobby.
 
PaulSF said:
We've had a run of splendid weather here, so on many days I've had the front door propped open (for my psychic benefit, too). So far all it's brought in are pesky salesmen. I no longer accept good weather as an excuse, since it's almost always good weather here.
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No, I disagree, Paul. The first good weather in spring always slows everyone down, or maybe it's coincidental. Once the summer fog sets in, they shop again. Speaking of which, it sure is cold in your SF neighborhood. We took our son out to a birthday dinner tonight on Judah St. at a really great Vietnamese restaurant, forgot the name, around 8th St. and it was cold and actually raining as we walked over there. Great food though.

You mean reps? I put those salespeople to work when they come in! Get me this, order me that, check my samples, oh, and send me the environmental statement! Crunch crunch...granola eating hippie here.
 
You learn a lot about human nature when running a shop. People are very weird. Most are reluctant to casually enter an empty shop. How many times have you had people come in for framing, closely followed by another group who have been dithering about outside for 10 mins gazing in the window. It's the herd instinct.:icon11: I have heard of big stores employing people as fake customers who walk around all day pretending to buy things.....

I have had pictures on the wall for ages that everybody comments on but don't buy. As soon as you do sell it, you can bet someone else will be in shortly to buy the same picture. A favourite trick used at art exhibitions is the put a 'reserved' sticker on a few paintings. People will always want what they think they can't have. The usual practice is to take a phone number and say you will be in touch if the sale falls though.....:)
 
prospero said:
You learn a lot about human nature when running a shop. People are very weird. Most are reluctant to casually enter an empty shop. How many times have you had people come in for framing, closely followed by another group who have been dithering about outside for 10 mins gazing in the window. It's the herd instinct.:icon11: I have heard of big stores employing people as fake customers who walk around all day pretending to buy things.....
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That is so true, I see it happen all the time. If no one is in your shop people are not comfortable walking in to browse, if you do have someone in they feel like they have cover or something to come in and look. I've thought about putting in those life size pictures of people so it looks like someone is here, maybe Batman or Darth Vader (Joking). One good reason I need to focus on my upstairs loft and add a work table, I can keep busy and peolple will feel free to wander in.

I would reccomend to anyone to have work table out where people can see someone in the store. It would also allow you to keep the door open, I don't have that luxury with my shop in the basement, people can come in aleave before I have chance to get upstairs.
 
Ok here is my attempt at posting attachments! I hope this works!:p

A little background on the shop: We are smack dab in the middle of 8 buildings----my particular shop was built in 1880 or so. Yep scary basement and all! The previous owners had a flooring business. We have great ceramic tile and hardwood floors. Shop deminsions 20x100ft So long and narrow! Our town is about 6,500 people. Great small town if you love antiques and cornfields!

My style is pretty modern. I don't like a lot of clutter. I really don't want a neon sign in the front window either. good idea though.

When you walk in there is a sitting area, to the right is the frame couner. the floor had a lot to do with where we arranged the frame counter as it split between hardwood and carpet. To the back is my office (behind the shelving unit) and the classroom area where we teach art classes for ages 3 and up! :p Work room in the back and a whole scary basement to cut frames in! I hate spiders!:o


ps-i was trying to get a picture from the outside with people walking by just to prove my point! I guess I took it too early!;)
 

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Hey Randy I have a friend that does Darth Vader parties! Not kidding total Star Wars dork had the full costume and voice changer, light thingy and everything! He would be great for your shop! :p He could man the counter for you while your working in the basement!;)
 
Browsers are a good thing. People don't just walk around with their artwork. A browser could be someone who just happened on your store, and wants to get a feel for it (and you) before coming back with his or her artwork. Yes, it's distracting, but it can lead to a return visit.

And Kirstie, no foggy summers where my store is in San Mateo. It's hot and sunny down there in the summer. Some days it hits 100. Then I come home and it's 55.
 
I know there are different opinions on selling gift items and such. However when we decided to open, gift items were definitely part of the mix. (actually part of our name) Custom Frame Shops are intimidating. The gift items give the customer a reason to come in and just browse. They often come back with framing later (or actually have it in the car) Not to mention, that the sale of well chosen gift items, is easier than the sale of prints/posters or preframed art. They add a definite amount to our bottom line.

I know it doesn't work for everyone, everywhere, but our centre has a covered walkway (probably 12 -14' deep ) and we keep items out there almost year round. (I don't think I have ever had anything stolen) Doing so causes people to stop and look and come in. Often when they do come in, they comment, I never knew you were here, but I saw your sidewalk display.
 
Great gallery blackiris. Pure class.:) Ever had anyone walk up to your framing counter and ask "Do you do framing?"

Another strange thing customers do: You can have a fantastic display, but some people will take about a 5 second glance at all the hanging pidtures and then start rumaging about in any wrapped up pictures awaiting collection. I have even had offers for the furniture.:icon11:
 
Kirstie said:
I had to laugh at that other thread regarding paying oneself. Of course we need to pay ourselves--kids in college, house, dog, health care, and so on. This is not a hobby.
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Yes, Kirsie most of us have to take a draw but what I wanted to find out (I suppose I should have added this question) is what people are doing if they can't take a draw. I'm sure some of us are thinking "down the line" and trying to take steps to prepare, but how are some of you preparing for the worst? And what will you do if/when it gets here? (sorry, not trying to make this a frankenthread).
 
Hey Black Iris very nice, the walls are a little sparse, maybe some more stuff to look at, mix it up once in a while and see what works. I've often thought of selling small cermaic artists tile they range in price about 20 to 80 dollars, I have a friend who sells nothing but the stuff, and she's doing gang busters plus it's a nice price point for people as opposed to selling framed art.

P.S. You need musuem glass on your front windows:)
 
I used to have a very spartan loooking place, the problem was people would come in an look around in a minute and be done. There is a reason the BB stores are like a maze they want to to come across something you wheren't looking for but are happily suprized to find, happened to me last night at the mall.

Anyways I thought I'd post a few shots of my place and see if what everyones thoughts are good or bad. Okay I'm not sure what pics I upload since I just have the titled #2 #7 and so on, so we shall see what comes up I may have to repost with new shots.
 

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prospero said:
Great gallery blackiris. Pure class.:) Ever had anyone walk up to your framing counter and ask "Do you do framing?"
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Uh, yah all the time--haven't come up with a good reply yet! I frame pictures not houses? ;)

Museum glass on the front windows-------that would be cheap! Can't though--my little nephew likes to stand at the front windows and watch the trains go by---he usually LICKS his hand and smears it all over the glass! At least it keeps him busy! I wonder what saliva does to museum glass?:p
 
Ok smart ### answer to build traffic. Put a lot of 1800's posters on your walls. Then cover your windows with black paper. Put up a sign

CONTINUOUS NUDE REVIEW

You will get traffic but probably not the kind you want, and the first person in will probably be some type of government official.
 
Fake Zorro said:
Ok smart ### answer to build traffic. Put a lot of 1800's posters on your walls. Then cover your windows with black paper. Put up a sign

CONTINUOUS NUDE REVIEW

You will get traffic but probably not the kind you want, and the first person in will probably be some type of government official.
Click to expand...


Yea or GOING OUT OF BUSINESS that brings out the vultures.

But seriously I find that I have a off week or two and then it turns around, comes in like waves. I'm having one of those days today. I need to get 5 frames with captions and strainers to boot, done by Monday and I just recieved the supplies. On top of that I'm doing 350 mats for Thursday, I have about 2/3rds done. My Brother and Sister come in for a visit all morning, browsers all afternoon and it's 2:30 now. I have to pick up the kids from daycare by 5:30, looks like I'll be working Sunday. At least the cash flow is going again, but I would rather be with my kids than in the shop anyday!
 
Although we are constantly told that our place is 'loved' - I'm less than happy with the clutter. It's worse out back!

I don't knock off each day - I escape!

Here's a recent photobucket album - you can see the framing design area - the biggest earner - in profit if not in sales - is cowering in a corner.

Would love a separate room for framing/art - I drool at your open plan design BlackIris.

Still - the estate agent next door has moved out and I'm hoping it will become all mine - nothing but framing plus a bit of art. Was once part of this shop, before our time. Landlord's son in law is also an estate agent though and his promise of first refusal seems to have been forgotten.
 
Wow Roboframer, reminds me of the first artstore/frame shop I worked at, looks like there should be hobbits in there:), it was old and like a maze, the back rooms where even kewler, nowdays everything is the same.
 
Looking in the front windows it is difficult to see much of anything due to reflections, a problem that most of us face during the day. It helps to put things up fairly close to the front windows. Remember that you only have a few seconds to catch peoples attention as they walk by. You have virtually nothing framed by the front window that suggests that you do framing. People casually walking by can't see the frame design counter way back where it is located. If you can exist selling art in a stark sleek modern gallery that's great. My thoughts are that you may reevaluate that and consider window displays exhibiting much more art and framing.
Also something out front to catch peoples attention. A couple of planters, something. Your facade is austere and not at all welcoming.

Best,
Tim
 
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