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dougj

dougj

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jan 15, 2005
Posts
1,449
Loc
Martha's Vineyard Vineyard Haven MA
We have a gallery /custom framing on MAIN STREET have had No customers since 4:30 not even a walk in. We are members of the business associaton which is doing a christmas raffle. Spend $25 get a chance to win up to $2000. Also from 4pm till closing we have make any purchase get a chance to win a $85 gift (and free wine and cheese).
It is now 7:30 no one Is any one else feeling this. Most of the store owners are feeling the same.
How are you doing? Better I hope
 
I suspect they are all in Walmart and Target frantically finishing their last minute shopping. Maybe your timing for the event is off......
 
They're all in Oak Bluffs getting alcohol.
 
Not to be mean spirited, but why would they be coming to your store? What is it you are offering this time of year that makes your shop a "must see" destination

Every retailer is competing for those gazillion shoppers spending mega-gajillions of dollars, but you have to have what they want, when they want it at a price they want to pay

What would make a consumer come to you?

It's all about retailing
 
I was wondering the same thing Doug. Business was good right up until this past Saturday which was a zero day. All this week we have only done about $600 and most of that was pick ups with a balance due. Is this normal? This is my first Christmas in framing and was expecting this week to be crazy. We worked hard to get ahead of the schedule so that we could take advantage of last minute orders which have not come through. So now I am twiddling my thumbs waiting for Santa.
 
I really believe in the value of a location. The downtown merchants in my area are suffering also. The crowds are at the malls.

I took in 16 jobs yesterday, only two must be done for Christmas. I get my last truck delivery today and I will be working around the clock to get all the orders filled by noonish tomorrow.

You really have to be where the people are.
 
Hanna-I don't mean this to be mean spirited, but how can you say you "Think" your numbers are te same

You don't "know"?

We should know where are sales numbers are, which categories are producing, which are not.

As close as Albuquerque is to Vegas, you need to hop on an airplane and take one of the classes offered by Bluestone or maybe, me.

That way, next year, with about a week left in the year, you can definitively say where your numbers are

That thought scares the devil out of me that someone that owns a business doesn't know that answer
 
Yesterday was my 3rd best day of the year. After today I hope to make it my 4th. Who knows?

Like Jerry said its Location, Location, and a sexy framer. 2 out of 3 isn't bad.
 
I agree with Hanna - erratic!! Sales have been great but in clumps. We are way ahead of last year and happy happy about that.

This week has been nuts and today, when I thought it would be crazy for our gift shop area, it's been extremely quiet - doesn't mean they won't be here after their holiday luncheons come to an end... and the pick ups will be later as well I suspect. I have ALL but 2 Xmas projects done.

I am ready for a holiday libation!! Or two!

Merry Merry and Happy Happy!!

Here's to a great 2006!!

Roz
 
I realize that art is not the gift for everyone and we don't usually do a lot of art sales but we normally do quite good with framing and gift certificates
This time last year we were strightout with framing for Christmas got everything done customers very pleased.
This year as of today 2 orders not for Christmas
not even rush orders.
One good thing Plenty of wine and beer left don't want carry it home might have to lighten the load HO HO HO
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL
 
Originally posted by Bob Carter:
Hanna-I don't mean this to be mean spirited, but how can you say you "Think" your numbers are te same

You don't "know"?

We should know where are sales numbers are, which categories are producing, which are not.

As close as Albuquerque is to Vegas, you need to hop on an airplane and take one of the classes offered by Bluestone or maybe, me.

That way, next year, with about a week left in the year, you can definitively say where your numbers are

That thought scares the devil out of me that someone that owns a business doesn't know that answer
Click to expand...
Okay, I just checked... just for you.

I have sold MORE this month than I had at this time last month.

Happy?
 
Dougj, please forgive me but I just can't overlook this. Here is a quote from another thread: "We don't sell cheap
just have some cheap customers (we all have them)
so well sell them expensive over priced discounted cheap they really think they got a deal and come back for more Let me make you an offer you can't under stand"

Just from that I could suggest several reasons your might not be busy. But I would just be guessing.

Carry on.
 
I have to be honest, This has been a steady Christmas but not a blow out like last year.

I only have two pictures to finish and I will be done for the holidays. Last year I couldn't get away from the counter long enough to get any framing done and had to stay late to finish.

This year has been good but we are down in sales for the month of December by about 25% but up for the year about 9% overall so far.

I was hoping to reach that next level in income but it looks like we will be about the same or maybe just a little more for the year end.

That's OK. I'm thankful to be working and to be able to have a decent income at all.

The Lord is good to me.

I'll just have to work harder on my marketing for next year.

Jennifer
 
An hour ago I set-up my design counter and one of my windows with ready-mades and I've sold 5...customers say the Target parking lot is too full, not worth the long lines and waiting.
 
I sell gift items along with custom framing.
A couple of weeks ago I changed my signboard...
stained glass ornaments $10

That has brought in a steady flow of new customers. Most of them have bought at least a couple of ornaments and many have purchased other gallery items.
Some of them have said they will be back with framing after Christmas is over.
 
One good thing Plenty of wine and beer left don't want carry it home might have to lighten the load HO HO HO
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL
Well it's working bear(oops ha ha sorry bear) weer and bine almost gone
Just had 3 customers come in the one in the middle bought a something???

Bust pee cime ta ho gome
Creey ist maus :eek:
 
Our downtown location has been booked up since the early part of this month but we still took frame jobs for Christmas. It hasn't been all that crazy though.

However, the northside location got slaughtered with customers. We had to send help.
 
Originally posted by Jay H:
Dougj, please forgive me but I just can't overlook this. Here is a quote from another thread: "We don't sell cheap
just have some cheap customers (we all have them)
so well sell them expensive over priced discounted cheap they really think they got a deal and come back for more Let me make you an offer you can't under stand"

Just from that I could suggest several reasons your might not be busy. But I would just be guessing.

Carry on.
Click to expand...
Jay
Sorry if I sounded misleading.
No matter who the customer we do the best we can.
We have gained a good rep as having reasonable
framing, art, a good turn around time and done when prommised.( also very nice work) We try not to turn any one away just because they don't want or can't afford to spend too much.
Happy Holidays
Doug
 
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