shop or not

[ptf]

I run a mobile flooring shop, all run from my home office, and samples brought to clients, Its hit and miss at the moment, good then bad. I also do the fitting, but I keep thinking maybe its time to give up the tools and just sell, but theres not enough business to keep the bills paid without the fitting element, so Im thinking maybe a bricks and mortar shop, but the costs are scary. In my perfect world I would prefer to just keep everything mobile as It means I am not tied to opening hours etc. I know of a few business the same as mine that are very successful, but I just cant seem to crack it.
any advice, cheers.

 

[Lee Jones Jnr]

What's the problem as you see it, not enough enquiries or too few conversions?

 

[ptf]

not enough enquiries, I estimate I get around 90% of what I price for, as i am able to offer discounts etc as low overheads.

 

[warnie]

not enough enquiries, I estimate I get around 90% of what I price for, as i am able to offer discounts etc as low overheads.

Look at it this way, if things don't improve you can just walk away and get a job/try something else.

If you enter into a lease on a shop and things don't work out, you can't walk away without paying off the remainder of the lease and other costs built up. Plus factor in just stocking the place.

I would stay as you are and focus on advertisement and promotions etc
Is there another angle you can come in from that's unique? or can you try for any contract work which would be lower margin but guaranteed work?

 

[voyage]

What sort of advertising do you do compared to your competitors?

 

[Lee Jones Jnr]

not enough enquiries, I estimate I get around 90% of what I price for, as i am able to offer discounts etc as low overheads.

Assuming that this is accurate then you simply need to get in front of more people, so look at what is working and what isn't in terms of repeat work, referrals, advertising etc.

 

[ptf]

What sort of advertising do you do compared to your competitors?

I only advertise in a local magazine, and a couple of Parish magazines. And the van is sign written. Tried papers at great cost and nothing.

Thinking about leafleting etc.

Most work is domestic, which I prefer as payment is made on completion,contract work is a risk as many dont pay for months, and or go bust, been stung before.

Just keep on being pro active is hard as cant think of any other ways.

 

[TotalWebSolutions]

I would recommend adding some testimonials from your customers to your website. I can see that you have photos of your work which is great but you should ask these customers for comments to go with the photos if possible. I would also suggest adding your details to some online directories, perhaps local and national depending on your areas covered. Free Index is a good one to start with but there are plenty out there.

You could also offer discount for word of mouth referrals as this may encourage existing customers to spread the word for you. A good portion of our new clients come as a result of word of mouth referrals from our existing customers.

We have just had laminate flooring fitted on Saturday and we went with a fitter recommended by a friend.

Simon