Would you shut up shop?

[Banned]

Following on from another thread I'm seriously bored and generally peed off at the moment (not sympathy seeking so bear with me!).

Situation is retail is quiet at the moment - obviously - over the past year/18 months I've made massive changes and everything is ticking along ok now, not fantastic but a living wage. I have a second business that is doing great but looks after itself so requires little to no input as I don't want to expand it further.

I'm used to being active and working hard, now I'm stuck in the bleedin' shop eleven hours a day twiddling my thumbs and tormenting Earl. I'm going slowly insane and need to be doing something.

Luckily I can ditch the shop with no notice (well end of each month) and walk away and do something else, not sure what though. So what would you do - continue this mindless existence that does however pay a wage (it's not worth putting staff into the shop) or close up and force yourself to do something else?

Also if you had the option to get out retail at the end of the month would you?

 

[tony84]

If the other business is bringing in a wage to the extent where you dont need the shop, then yes i would.
If i needed the money then no i wouldnt.

If your that bored and enjoy the running the business then there is nothing stopping you setting up something else while your in the shop twiddling your thumbs.

Depending what the shop is you might be able to set up an online shop to run alongside the shop and then if its doing ok take on staff or flog the whole business?

But ive realised having a decent quality of life is better than having money so sitting around for 11 hours(!!!) bored wouldnt even be an option.

 

[Banned]

If your that bored and enjoy the running the business then there is nothing stopping you setting up something else while your in the shop twiddling your thumbs.

Cheers, set up the other business a year and a bit ago from the shop. Would do that again but just no ideas at the moment - I know, I'll admit I've got lazy!

Online sales for the shop are already in place so that's been done.

 

[S-Marketing]

I'd say it very much depends on your mentality and longer term plans.

Personally, I cant think of anything worse. I like to spend my days working out how I can make more money than yesterday, last week, last month and last year.

I do, however, see the appeal of kicking back and spending a bit of time with life not being quite so hectic. Although I wouldn't be sitting in a shop earning a 'living wage', that would kill me.

I'd dust off the car or bike from the garage and disappear off for a while. Maybe coming back when the economy has picked up a bit. (like the Mrs would let me:redface

 

[Cobby]

Following on from another thread I'm seriously bored and generally peed off at the moment (not sympathy seeking so bear with me!).

Situation is retail is quiet at the moment - obviously - over the past year/18 months I've made massive changes and everything is ticking along ok now, not fantastic but a living wage. I have a second business that is doing great but looks after itself so requires little to no input as I don't want to expand it further.

I'm used to being active and working hard, now I'm stuck in the bleedin' shop eleven hours a day twiddling my thumbs and tormenting Earl. I'm going slowly insane and need to be doing something.

Luckily I can ditch the shop with no notice (well end of each month) and walk away and do something else, not sure what though. So what would you do - continue this mindless existence that does however pay a wage (it's not worth putting staff into the shop) or close up and force yourself to do something else?

Also if you had the option to get out retail at the end of the month would you?

Take up something computery. If I'm at a loose end, I do some coding for a friend's software business while waiting for customers, then trawl the forums between compiles.

Would I get out? I'm still bringing my businesses out of debt and they're paying okay these days - if I could sell it all at what I think it's worth, I would, but I can't, so...

 

[Banned]

I'd say it very much depends on your mentality and longer term plans.

Personally, I cant think of anything worse. I like to spend my days working out how I can make more money than yesterday, last week, last month and last year.

I do, however, see the appeal of kicking back and spending a bit of time with life not being quite so hectic. Although I wouldn't be sitting in a shop earning a 'living wage', that would kill me.

I'd dust off the car or bike from the garage and disappear off for a while. Maybe coming back when the economy has picked up a bit. (like the Mrs would let me:redface

That's sort of what I'm thinking, I can always come back to retail if I wish. I enjoyed the easy live in the shop - for a while, now gawd it's only a matter of time before I throttle a customer

Like the idea of disappearing, like you though I'm married so unless I include divorce in my plans that ain't going to happen!

 

[ABOAccountants]

What does the other business generate in comparison to the shop and why don't you wish to expand it. Is it worth replicating for increasing cash/profitability?

In the shop what's the profitability split between in shop and online sales? Could you convert to online only and ship from a warehouse/drop shipper?

Closing the shop would save all the rental and associates costs so could you just have the online piece? Would it still work?

I guess it depends what kind of shop it is but when you look at the high street and the names that have gone, you do wonder about the future of retail in some segments.

 

[Fresco_Creative]

From your other business which is doing well, may be open up a business that is similar in the way it requires lower levels of ongoing effort.

i would very much try and get out of the retail game. The overheads will always be a drain on what sales you do manage.

 

[Banned]

What does the other business generate in comparison to the shop and why don't you wish to expand it. Is it worth replicating for increasing cash/profitability?

In the shop what's the profitability split between in shop and online sales? Could you convert to online only and ship from a warehouse/drop shipper?

Closing the shop would save all the rental and associates costs so could you just have the online piece? Would it still work?

I guess it depends what kind of shop it is but when you look at the high street and the names that have gone, you do wonder about the future of retail in some segments.

I'll be honest the 2nd "business" is simply dog walking and was done as an "experiment" to give Mrs Banned something to do. It can't really be expanded as I don't want to employ staff on it and the wife is fully booked every day. Did consider doing some walking myself - still might - as we are turning away new clients on a daily basis.

Online sales are minimal for the shop and not worth pursuing.

Thanks for the suggestions

 

[emmylou74]

This week has been dire in my shop - I'm lucky too can get out with a months notice - the lease comes up in July and really don't think I will be renewing it. I miss the days of getting out with my pups when I had finished my work. Being in the shop at the moment is just soul destroying. I think I would be much better off just doing some of the bigger dog shows in the year and staying online only.

 

[emmylou74]

I'm also fed up of hearing people mis understanding their dogs behaviour - wanting a magic pill to cure behaviour problems rather than do the work involved with their dog, breed their dog to make money, and act as if I am trying to poison their dog by promoting all natural all healthy food and treats

 

[Banned]

Thanks Emmylou, you sound more fed up than me, nice I'm to know I'm not on my own

 

[Tombo46]

And the award for most depressing thread goes to....

 

[Banned]

And the award for most depressing thread goes to....

Not depressing, I'm not depressed, just bored and considering getting out and curious as to what others would do in my position. Consider it a realistic thread if you like. In fact it's the opposite because I'm looking at moving onwards and upwards - that's all positive.

Depressing is reading threads from people who think they are going to make millions with their facebook/ebay beating website just as soon as they can get a partner on board to do all the work for a 10% share

 

[the Chocolate]

All that time on your side is thinking time,starting up a new business, product,whatever! Now is the time to do it!

 

[Banned]

All that time on your side is thinking time,starting up a new business, product,whatever! Now is the time to do it!

I thinking, thinking, messing about on here, thinking, watching the apprentice, feeling very confident there's much competition out there, thinking, thinking and then drinking.

It's the start of a business plan

 

[S-Marketing]

I'd be happy to tell you how I think there is proper money to be made in dog walking if you are interested. As I seem to have accidentally become the forums dog walking business expert.

 

[Esk247]

Get someone else to run the shop? You create employment and get to boss someone around instead of arguing with Earl

Hang on...what happened to retail being better than online and all online sales will be swallowed up because retail is better and..and..and...nobody in retail ever makes a loss..and..and we're all rich because we're independents and you all suck 'cos you're all internet people with like, keyboards and stuff..yeah..so..ner again.

?????

You could probably sell the business you have even if its only tiddly and go on a mission to find something new and exciting, invest in someone elses business? they need your experience and you would get a throne to sit on, like Earl.

 

[Tombo46]

watching the apprentice.D

now THAT'S depressing!

 

[Banned]

Get someone else to run the shop? You create employment and get to boss someone around instead of arguing with Earl

Hang on...what happened to retail being better than online and all online sales will be swallowed up because retail is better and..and..and...nobody in retail ever makes a loss..and..and we're all rich because we're independents and you all suck 'cos you're all internet people with like, keyboards and stuff..yeah..so..ner again.

?????

You could probably sell the business you have even if its only tiddly and go on a mission to find something new and exciting, invest in someone elses business? they need your experience and you would get a throne to sit on, like Earl.

Never said I had to close (edit - nor did you, I've lost the plot!!), said I'm considering it because at the moment it's so quiet I'm bored senseless and I'm used to being busy. It's not worth employing someone as that would leave precious little left on the bottom line and not worth the aggravation.

I stand by everything I've said in the past about the High Street surviving, it is and will, but at the moment what I have to do to make the shop survive I'm not happy doing - that's all. I certainly wouldn't start a internet only business, no way, not ever - so ner ner back at ya

For reasons I can't go into it's worthless as a business to sale.

I'm not sitting on the throne with Earl thanks - that's all very European and no doubt he wouldn't share the bog paper either!

 

[Banned]

I'd be happy to tell you how I think there is proper money to be made in dog walking if you are interested. As I seem to have accidentally become the forums dog walking business expert.

All those dog poo bags - bluurgh. And it's raining again which puts me off somewhat.

Think I've turned into a big girls blouse who's idle with it

 

[BeeDub]

Can you not employ someone to run your shop and then also someone to walk the dogs to grow your wifes business?

You can then spend all day doing as you please (early retirement if you will), money coming in and the Wife out at work - win win!

 

[Banned]

Can you not employ someone to run your shop and then also someone to walk the dogs to grow your wifes business?

You can then spend all day doing as you please (early retirement if you will), money coming in and the Wife out at work - win win!

Not worth the grief employing someone in the shop - it would have to be a managers wage circa £20k plus, and a part-timer for days six and seven, which after the associated costs etc would leave about £6k - £10k spare, for that I would rather not bother and sit here myself (employed people in the past, it's ok if you have enough to cover sick, holidays etc, just one or two are just a pain in the rear, hence not growing the dog walking either).

The current serious consideration is to walk dogs myself, just need to get past the *gags* poo bags!

I will just add that I'm not being negative or not bothering, it's just I have no desire to empire build anymore and happy with a reasonable income.

 

[Doodle-Noodle]

We all wonder whether it's worth it when customers are thin on the ground. I do it all the time.
I can't walk away at the moment as my next break option is 2 years away, so I don't have the choice.
Having said that, I like my shop. OK, I worry when it's quiet, but I can just make more stuff ready for when people do come in. Making stuff helps sell our art/craft materials too - sold over £100 worth of porcelaine paints to just 2 customers today on the strength of standing here painting with them, so that was good.
I like playing shops. I'd like it even more if it made shed loads of money, but I do still feel that I am fulfilling a dream which is there for the taking if only I could somehow unlock the secret door......

 

[S-Marketing]

All those dog poo bags - bluurgh. And it's raining again which puts me off somewhat.

Think I've turned into a big girls blouse who's idle with it

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to walk dogs to make money from dog walking.

 

[Banned]

We all wonder whether it's worth it when customers are thin on the ground. I do it all the time.
I can't walk away at the moment as my next break option is 2 years away, so I don't have the choice.
Having said that, I like my shop. OK, I worry when it's quiet, but I can just make more stuff ready for when people do come in. Making stuff helps sell our art/craft materials too - sold over £100 worth of porcelaine paints to just 2 customers today on the strength of standing here painting with them, so that was good.
I like playing shops. I'd like it even more if it made shed loads of money, but I do still feel that I am fulfilling a dream which is there for the taking if only I could somehow unlock the secret door......

I like playing shops as well, when it's busy. It's not so much about the money though as, although it's not even close to what it used to be, it provides enough. If I was making just the same money as now but four times busier I would be a happy chappy!

Two customer and £100, well done you. It's nice when you get those unexpected ones isn't it

Actually just done a "X" and it's not been a bad day all things considered, a few larger sales have boosted the total.

 

[Banned]

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to walk dogs to make money from dog walking.

Oh go on then you've got me curious, pm me, if it's worthy and works I'll happily pay you a percentage.

Just two things though, I don't want to employ people, and I really really would like a way around the poo bags - they are all warm and squishy *little bit of vomit arrives at the back of mouth*.

 

[Doodle-Noodle]

I just did a "Z" ..... good job I was painting!!!!

 

[Banned]

I just did a "Z" ..... good job I was painting!!!!

Very sorry, but that did make me laugh out loud (refuse to LOL). Not because it wasn't a great day, but because of the way you put it

Tip - always do an "X" about an hour before closing, it prepares you for the worst

 

[Esk247]

Can you get one of those poo bag grabber upper things? On a really long stick that does all the messy bit for you and you can just walk across the field, arm outstretched with the long 2 metre stick in your hand while pulling a funny face?

Take up painting in the shop? Get an artists stool and oil paints on the go?

 

[Banned]

Can you get one of those poo bag grabber upper things? On a really long stick that does all the messy bit for you and you can just walk across the field, arm outstretched with the long 2 metre stick in your hand while pulling a funny face?

Take up painting in the shop? Get an artists stool and oil paints on the go?

Those long arm things are good for one bag of poo then you have to hold it while you open the poo bins (unless you have 2 meter arms). Need to invent a spray which dissolves dog poo.

Me paint, a retarded pissed up chimp on drugs could do better than me :redface:

 

[captaincloser]

a retarded pissed up chimp on drugs could do better than me :redface:

At your service....

 

[S-Marketing]

Oh go on then you've got me curious, pm me, if it's worthy and works I'll happily pay you a percentage.

Just two things though, I don't want to employ people, and I really really would like a way around the poo bags - they are all warm and squishy *little bit of vomit arrives at the back of mouth*.

It was just a genuine friendly offer as you were asking what everyone thought you should do.

I didn't want money for the ideas, or even a percentage.

 

[Banned]

It was just a genuine friendly offer as you were asking what everyone thought you should do.

I didn't want money for the ideas, or even a percentage.

Cheers mate, look forward to the details

I'll still pay you though if they work - only fair.

 

[Banned]

Get the clients, pay someone to walk them.
Where do I send my invoice???

No no no tit and that, you retarded pissed up chimp on drugs.

No employees - I hate employees in a mini micro business.

Send the invoice anyway - then I can post your details on here

 

[Banned]

Wayne Kerr CEO

Tesco PLC

Well that's just not a real name is it

 

[Banned]

Actually I knew a Scottish bloke called Wayne Kerr and that I'd the truth

Bad parenting that.

 

[gr9ce]

I would probably shut up shop in a heartbeat. Learn to embrace dog poo as so much more than just dog poo... Women probably are better at the clean up concept especially if they have had children...(also on cold days like today the bags make great hand warmers)

Just think of the interesting detective work...what did it eat? why is it white? what are the red elastic bits? the possibilities are endless.

Just avoid cat care especially if they bring in mice then let them go to disappear behind the furniture never to be seen again...well unless they get into kids modelling clay and leave multicolour glow in the dark droppings in their wake....(true story!)

 

[gr9ce]

I would probably shut up shop in a heartbeat. Learn to embrace dog poo as so much more than just dog poo... Women probably are better at the clean up concept especially if they have had children...(also on cold days like today the bags make great hand warmers)

Just think of the interesting detective work...what did it eat? why is it white? what are the red elastic bits? the possibilities are endless.

Just avoid cat care especially if they bring in mice then let them go to disappear behind the furniture never to be seen again...well unless they get into kids modelling clay and leave multicolour glow in the dark droppings in their wake....(true story!)

 

[bdw]

If your that bored and enjoy the running the business then there is nothing stopping you setting up something else while your in the shop twiddling your thumbs.

My thoughts too.

You have yourself (your time) and whatever you are good at. You have premises. You are online. Think of something else that you can do and do it while you are in the shop twiddling your thumbs. You would be in the lucky position of not having to lay out anything more than your spare time and you would not have to be very successful to make it worthwhile. Let's say you can make an additional £10K per annum from your thumb twiddling time. Wouldn't that keep you better occupied, give you a challenge and make keeping the shop going more of an attractive prospect?

(You could try SEO. Seems to be easy to make money at that going by some of the posts in here.)