Knowing when to throw the towel in !!

[herewegoagain.]

Hello All, sorry if this is a negative post - I really need to vent - hopefully to other forum members who might be sympathetic and understand where I am coming from...

Just feeling a bit sorry for myself at the minute - it has been a really rough couple of years business wise - and I am seriously thinking about packing it in...

I just feel as though it is not worth the aggro any more....

Here what has happened to me in the last two or so years...

*Thieving member of staff took me to a tribunal after being dismissed - lied though her teeth and won.

*The shop was ransacked a few months later, closed for 4 days whilst getting sorted - the insurance company tried to worm their way out of paying out - I had to basically threaten to go the the TV to get them to admit they were wrong - then they paid out !

*Landlord tried to increase the rent 33% when negotiating a new lease - so I moved the shop - which to be honest has been the best thing I have done to date !

*Tried to expand the business - moved into an arcade environment - it was great - took off really well - the escalator was out of order (due to an accident) - the access was blocked off - my shop died overnight (along with 3 others...) - so ended up closing down - no help from the landlords or letting agents - lots of stress.... (the access is still blocked over - now after 9 months....)

*I relocated the above shop, again it took off well - even a lower rent ! - the next door neighbouring shop owner and I had a dispute over him blocking my frontage with his second hand furniture - I was threatened in my own shop !!

*Since this incident my trade has dropped off - I cannot be certain but I feel I am being 'badmouthed' by my neighbour.

*This week I have had my shop window smashed -the high insurance excess is more than the cost of repair - so no point claiming on the insurance - it will wipe out about 3 weeks of profit - it is only a small shop.

*I did something the day after the shop window was broke that I have never done - I have gone in before in thick snow, to serve my customers...

I thought 'sod it' I am not going in - cant be bothered with it today... - it is not worth the hassle anymore - for the small amount I earn.

I do want to keep my other shop, which is profitable, fully staffed - who (luckily) they are great.

I don't have good health, (heart problems) - I started my own business after a heart attack (at age 36!) I never wanted (or needed) to earn a fortune, just a small wage (say £100 a week) would have been great for me.

But lately - all I am doing is covering costs with the 2nd shop...

I am thinking of 'packing it all in' - and just getting a little part time job - and just doing the admin for the other shop - I would be no worse off financially.

Does anyone else on here get like this? - that it is no longer worth the hassle...

- I love my shops, but I get the feeling that nothing I do is appreciated - customers say 'oh, that is 2p cheaper in Wilkinson's - lately I really feel like saying 'well p1ss off to Wilkinson's then!'

It is not in my nature to be like this - I just feel 'ground down' - I used to enjoy and love my shops greatly - but lately, if people want to use the supermarkets and pound shops - let em - they can go - I am tired of fighting.....

Thoughts anyone?:|

 

[deniser]

I'm really sorry to hear of your woes. It sounds as though you have had a run of very bad luck. It probably is better to shut the 2nd shop down.

 

[Faevilangel]

being brutally honest, it sounds like you have lost the motivation for the second shop... you need to find a way of getting it back or close it and do something else with your time e.g. another type of shop which will interest you and be needed locally?

We all take our fair amount of knocks in self employment but we really show our true person when we get up, dust our selves off and go back in for round 2.

My dad also has heart issues, which started when he was late 30's so I kinda know the stresses of the illness (he has pacemaker and needs a transplant).

 

[herewegoagain.]

being brutally honest, it sounds like you have lost the motivation for the second shop... you need to find a way of getting it back or close it and do something else with your time e.g. another type of shop which will interest you and be needed locally?

We all take our fair amount of knocks in self employment but we really show our true person when we get up, dust our selves off and go back in for round 2.

My dad also has heart issues, which started when he was late 30's so I kinda know the stresses of the illness (he has pacemaker and needs a transplant).

Thank you - it is good when other understand - my issue is I feel like a failure - deep inside I know I am not but the problem is with me it is not just going back for round 2, it is now about round 7 !! I am seriously thinking about closing the 2nd shop - I have not bought any new stock for 2 weeks now - and at least nothing would go to waste - it can go to the other shop...

I am luckier than most - at least my house is paid off - I really feel like doing a little part time job with no responsibility - my career of 20 years had a lot of responsibility before....

 

[Walkol]

It's 100% as easy as this. Never, ever spend a day doing a job you don't enjoy. It's simply not worth it.

The most precious thing we have is time, so don't waste it on something you don't enjoy. Sell the second shop, and do something you have a passion in. You might not end up as well of financially, but who cares? Money is nothing, and not a patch of doing something everyday that you enjoy.

Less moaning, more doing.

 

[sarahjohs]

It looks like you had a run of bad luck all those years. Unfortunately that is not something we can prepare for. To be honest, I don't think you are a failure at all. If this particular business doesn't seem worth the effort, it is alright to give it up and focus on a relaxed life with the other shop running and that part time job. You also mentioned about heart problems; all the more reason to keep stress at minimum. This is a good decision from a practical point of view the way I see it and businessmen are practical people

Take care, Cheer up and good luck!

 

[herewegoagain.]

It looks like you had a run of bad luck all those years. Unfortunately that is not something we can prepare for. To be honest, I don't think you are a failure at all. If this particular business doesn't seem worth the effort, it is alright to give it up and focus on a relaxed life with the other shop running and that part time job. You also mentioned about heart problems; all the more reason to keep stress at minimum. This is a good decision from a practical point of view the way I see it and businessmen are practical people

Take care, Cheer up and good luck!

Thank you Sarah for your kind words...

 

[Deleted member 27344]

Do it. Seriously, dump the shop if it's causing you stress and is nothing but an uphill struggle.
Life is too short especially if you've got serious health issues.

 

[Trisha&ChrisPlant]

Have a cyberhug herewego.... {{{{{hug}}}}}

I know exactly how you feel. Retail is SUCH a rollercoaster at the moment. One day I feel good about our shop and full of momentum and then other days (like today) I, too, just feel that it's not worth the hassle. It's been really quiet here today - whereas yesterday was pretty good.

Just do what feels right for you.

 

[Talay]

Seriously, if you have health issues and all these things are getting on top of you, then you should think about an exit to a more stress free environment.

 

Sounds like you have had more than your share of slings and arrows.

I am involved with several business's and nearly all are struggling through no fault of there own.

The economic turn down is far more serious than people realise.IMHO

As others have said leave the sinking ship as one of the skills in business is to realise when the hull has been breached.

Do you trade online.? And if not is that not an avenue you could consider.?

Shop overheads seem to be killing small shop business's.

 

[herewegoagain.]

Sounds like you have had more than your share of slings and arrows.

I am involved with several business's and nearly all are struggling through no fault of there own.

The economic turn down is far more serious than people realise.IMHO

As others have said leave the sinking ship as one of the skills in business is to realise when the hull has been breached.

Do you trade online.? And if not is that not an avenue you could consider.?

Shop overheads seem to be killing small shop business's.

Thank you Talay, I have recently started online, via ebay (well at least it has the exposure lol) this is what is keeping me afloat at the 2nd shop - I hope your situation improves too -

Something my partner said was well at least I can do the ebay stuff from home and pay no rent or rates on the 2nd shop !

 

[warnie]

Get out asap! I take it your not tied to a lease?

If not go now, it sounds like it will be a massive weight off your shoulders. I had the same sort of situation with my last business, and I couldn't tell you the relief I felt when I'd finally made the decision.

At least you still have your other shop, so no way can you be considered a failiure

 

[Chris Ashdown]

I must unbelievably agree with Earl in that a online shop may go on well with your skills if the products you sell are suitable for e-commerce and with no second shop overheads but say a small office at home you may well find a bit of zip in your life

You could always get your staff at the shop to pack up and post off the orders for you if they have a quite period, so you learn a new set of skills online and hopefully make more money

I would say though avoid E-Bay and amazon and go it alone with a shop in a box software or a e-commerce shop you just rent monthly online

Good luck I'm sure we are all rooting for you to win

 

[Trisha&ChrisPlant]

Good luck I'm sure we are all rooting for you to win

We are!

 

[Colin Smith CBP]

There is no shame in making a decision to stop. Saying "no" or"no more" is probably the hardest thing to do as a business owner. Persistence is an admirable trait but persistence with a business that is unlikely to ever turn the corner is a waste of your precious time. Sometimes a run of bad luck like the one you have described is the universe's way of telling you to change course.

My advice would be to close the second shop and just pause to take stock of what you want to do next. There will be plenty of other business opportunities for you to seize once you have the time and mental clarity to look for them. Wind up your affairs at the shop and take a few weeks out to develop a plan. You have one successful business and no doubt after a pause to recompose yourself, you will go on to do something else just as successfully.

All the best to you and good luck.

 

[S-Marketing]

For the amount of money you need to earn, a shop is one of the worst ways to do it. You get all the hassle of leases, stock, customers, thieves, vandals and utility bills, and still make less than a bloke who works 1 day a week from home.

Dump the shop and find something less stressful to do.

As you may know if you regularly read my posts in the marketing section, I often
suggest that its possible to make £25 - £30 grand a year doing just about anything if you work hard and get the marketing right. Now I know that the hard graft may be difficult with your health problems, but you certainly shouldn't be slogging away for a couple of hundred quid a week.

Letting the shop go isn't admitting defeat, its taking a positive step.

 

[herewegoagain.]

Get out asap! I take it your not tied to a lease?

If not go now, it sounds like it will be a massive weight off your shoulders. I had the same sort of situation with my last business, and I couldn't tell you the relief I felt when I'd finally made the decision.

At least you still have your other shop, so no way can you be considered a failiure

The problem shop is on a monthly licence, luckily !

 

[herewegoagain.]

For the amount of money you need to earn, a shop is one of the worst ways to do it. You get all the hassle of leases, stock, customers, thieves, vandals and utility bills, and still make less than a bloke who works 1 day a week from home.

Dump the shop and find something less stressful to do.

As you may know if you regularly read my posts in the marketing section, I often
suggest that its possible to make £25 - £30 grand a year doing just about anything if you work hard and get the marketing right. Now I know that the hard graft may be difficult with your health problems, but you certainly shouldn't be slogging away for a couple of hundred quid a week.

Letting the shop go isn't admitting defeat, its taking a positive step.

Thank you EVERYONE for your kind thoughts and support - I feel quite emotional at the minute and really feel warmed by your thoughts - thank you...x

Thank you also Stretchy - with my heart problems I cannot lift heavy items - im ok upto about 5kg - after that its really a no no, I think that I will carry on till Christmas and then knock the 2nd shop on the head... - I have just been looking for a cheap holiday for the new year on teletext holidays !!

I really am a believer in 'as one door closes - another opens' - I just need to find the right door now !!!

AND.... knowing my luck it will be full of woodworm, fall off its hinges and clock me on the head as it falls !!

 

[S-Marketing]

Thank you EVERYONE for your kind thoughts and support - I feel quite emotional at the minute and really feel warmed by your thoughts - thank you...x

Thank you also Stretchy - with my heart problems I cannot lift heavy items - im ok upto about 5kg - after that its really a no no, I think that I will carry on till Christmas and then pack the 2nd shop on the head... -

I really am a believer in 'as one door closes - another opens' - I just need to find the right door now !!!

There are literally hundreds (if not thousands) of things you can do to make the kind of money you need to make that will be a lot less stressful than running a shop.

If you ever need an opinion on an idea, specifically from a marketing or business development perspective, I'm always happy to chat FOC when I'm not busy.

 

[Kirsty H]

Hi Regardless of everything else if you feel so down that you can't be bothered to go in then have you considered that the stress may be worse than you thought and maybe it is worth a chat with your doctor? You may not realise just how bad things are - I had huge prolonged stress at work with complete lack of interest in work and then life. I ended up taking a prolonged period of sick leave, and leaving a year later once I was back to full form to set up my own company.

I hadn't realised how bad things had got, but am glad I got out. You do only have one life, so look after yourself first.

Take it easy.

 

Hi Regardless of everything else if you feel so down that you can't be bothered to go in then have you considered that the stress may be worse than you thought and maybe it is worth a chat with your doctor? You may not realise just how bad things are - I had huge prolonged stress at work with complete lack of interest in work and then life. I ended up taking a prolonged period of sick leave, and leaving a year later once I was back to full form to set up my own company.

I hadn't realised how bad things had got, but am glad I got out. You do only have one life, so look after yourself first.

Take it easy.

Quite agree stress creeps up slowly over a long period in general so that one is not aware of just how great it is.

There are various questions a doctor can ask you which will determine what quality of life you have.

 

[WickITServices]

I really am a believer in 'as one door closes - another opens' - I just need to find the right door now !!!

AND.... knowing my luck it will be full of woodworm, fall off its hinges and clock me on the head as it falls !!

I can only join others in wishing you well and concur with your decision to wind down the second shop. Other ideas and options will present themselves when the time is right.

Your good sense of humour suggests that you feel a little lighter having made the decision.

Just open that new door carefully

 

[Laurenpears]

Do it. Seriously, dump the shop if it's causing you stress and is nothing but an uphill struggle.
Life is too short especially if you've got serious health issues.

Straight to the point - Love it Lee!

 

[herewegoagain.]

Hi Regardless of everything else if you feel so down that you can't be bothered to go in then have you considered that the stress may be worse than you thought and maybe it is worth a chat with your doctor? You may not realise just how bad things are - I had huge prolonged stress at work with complete lack of interest in work and then life. I ended up taking a prolonged period of sick leave, and leaving a year later once I was back to full form to set up my own company.

I hadn't realised how bad things had got, but am glad I got out. You do only have one life, so look after yourself first.

Take it easy.

Hello Kirsty, thank you for your kind words and support, I really appreciate it - I have suffered from depression for quite a few years since a previous series of traumatic events affected me and my family -Luckily my doctor is brilliant and really understands - I have to take daily medication for this...

I have decided on one thing - I am going to buy a camper van (something I have wanted for a long time!) and of course, at the end of the season is a great time to buy as prices are keen !!! - there is always a brighter day ahead... x

 

.

I have decided on one thing - I am going to buy a camper van (something I have wanted for a long time!) and of course, at the end of the season is a great time to buy as prices are keen !!! - there is always a brighter day ahead... x

Quite I had camper vans for many years ,me and the old bird traveled all over the place and always enjoyed it,even when it was peeing down.

No phone ,no bills and none of the everyday worries.

I also sailed for many years all of which helped keep me sane.( any comments will be reported to the mods ):|

P.s if possible get a van with permanent made up beds,as enjoying ones self can be knackering.

 

[Jet Virtual]

Sounds like the main issues are coming from staff and rent ...

Have you thought about going into a service or online business where you don't have the headaches and stress, not to mention overheads of having a retail store?

 

[Ian PES]

It's 100% as easy as this. Never, ever spend a day doing a job you don't enjoy. It's simply not worth it.

The most precious thing we have is time, so don't waste it on something you don't enjoy. Sell the second shop, and do something you have a passion in. You might not end up as well of financially, but who cares? Money is nothing, and not a patch of doing something everyday that you enjoy.

Less moaning, more doing.

Er, no disrespect meant but, out of respect to the person whose thread this is..."It's 100% as easy as this. Never, ever spend a day doing a job you don't enjoy. It's simply not worth it" ...you must mean teenagers who are working for pocket money??! Mortgages, rent, kids etc ....Do you quit the first time you have a bad day!!?? (silliest thing I ever heard to be frank).

And "...Less moaning, more doing...." (2nd silliest statement I've read, at least today). he wasn't moaning he was venting -clear difference and in case you didn't notice, he's been 'doing' for f****** years. (Oops, sorry chaps!)

Actually hats off to you -you've paid off your mortgage and you still have the other shop. I agree with the basic advice given though....think you should let the 2nd one go...and top up any income deficit with less stressful work....(I have just downsized...let my premises go and pt secretary....really tough but feel much better...Just as stressed but not so depressed!)

 

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So M&S,Tesco.vodafone have not been affected by the global recession?

They are all just lazy buggers who don't know what they are doing.?

Interesting.:|

 

[Bruvver]

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Popcorn time

 

[S-Marketing]

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Come on, what you said was a bit stupid and Earl picked up on it, it's as simple as that.

 

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Not according to the wife.

 

[S-Marketing]

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I have a fair idea when it comes to direct response marketing, thanks.

You have missed the point. Earl picked up on you saying that economic downturn is not a good reason for businesses to struggle. That is a daft thing to say, its as simple as that.

 

[LeafletsInLincs]

Drop the second shop. If your 1st shop is doing ok then focus on that. You can probably eek more profit from that if you put the time into it that you've been wasting on the 2nd shop.

 

I have a fair idea when it comes to direct response marketing, thanks.

You have missed the point. Earl picked up on you saying that economic downturn is not a good reason for businesses to struggle. That is a daft thing to say, its as simple as that.

People with vested interests have a slight tendancy to make there arguments suit the vested interest.

Or don't let the facts get in the way of a good debate.

 

[Marketester]

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I completely agree, you should conduct some public opinion research into customer preferences to understand customer's buying habits; this kind of information is vital.

 

[S-Marketing]

People with vested interests have a slight tendancy to make there arguments suit the vested interest.

Or don't let the facts get in the way of a good debate.

I'm guilty of that a bit myself sometimes. I sometimes suggest that my amazing marketing abilities are the answer to most problems small businesses seem to have on this forum.:redface: And lets face it, i'm rarely wrong about anything

However, I wouldn't for a second be daft enough or naive enough to think that I could make a clients business completely immune to the effects of recession or economic downturn.

 

[herewegoagain.]

Hello Everyone, I just wanted to give you an update and to thank you all for your kind words and support - I really do appreciate it....

I have made the decision to close the 2nd shop, I will carry on there until Christmas - and then close it and move the stock to the other shop - I will be concentrating on the online side from the new year and possibly looking for a part time job - not sure doing what yet - but I fancy something totally different from bloody retail !!

I spend nearly all of last weekend with my partner looking at camper vans - we have both had an indepth discussion and come to the (quite simple) conclusion that 'life is far too short' !!

We traveled over 250 miles looking at various campers and found a lovely one - just outside of London !! - diesel too ! - so we shall be hitting the open road over Christmas ! - after all - there is no pockets in shrouds !

I feel a massive sense of relief -and will admit to have had a good cry due to all the stress - but onwards and upwards now ! - x x

all the best Dave x

 

[S-Marketing]

Thats great news. Best of luck with everything and don't forget to enjoy yourself.

 

Great stuff,can I recommend Scotland as a great place for touring,beautiful scenery,peace and quite and plenty of free camping spots.
Just don't forget your hot water bottle.