Too many mat samples?

[keiki]

Since last season, I have been trying to simplify where ever I can. Haven't had much luck, tho.
I don't really want to reduce the number of corner samples I have on the wall since I have an unusual display system that doesn't overwhelm the customer.

But how many mat samples are too many?

I carry only rag samples now but use most of Crescent,Bainbridge,TruVue and Artique. There are colors in each that I really use a lot and I like the versatility I can offer the customer. Being a one person shop I feel I should be able get that perfect match, though that is also a time factor in a sale. Am I complicating my life too much?
Truck delivery is available from several suppliers, so shipping isn't a large factor. I suppose the ordering/stocking/storing is where I have the snag. I've been in the business for 18 years and an owner for 7 and I'm trying to reduce the burnout I get every season(Oct-Mar here).
High on my list for this year is a POS but how do I best streamline?

 

[Ron Eggers]

keiki,

Click here for a long, rambling, sometimes humorous discussion of this topic, complete with full-color photos.

 

[Lance E]

Perhaps you could try taking out the ones you don't have in stock now, within reason leave the ones that will be needed to maintain a good balance of choices. Keep these extra samples "hidden" away and refrain from using them unless there is an occassion where you are most certain that there is a better option amoungst them, at this stage (hopefully a few weeks down the track) re-asess the range and fill gaps that you may have noticed and remove boards that really are not likely to sell. If you have time this might become a regular occurance, but surely as a one person business a faster sale time will become more important as you increase workflow in the future.

 

[keiki]

Thanks, Ron, good thread to check out.

Lance E, I will have to get cut throat and divide the rack again. I have eliminated aprox. 1/3 of the 4 companies mats, but will have to reduce again to see how that works. I don't really stock any mats other than scraps and fall outs (have maybe 20 full sheets) since I have truck delivery Tues,Thurs,Fri from various co.

Just looking for ways to save time/frustration and maybe a cleaning elf is the only answer.