Q: For Joe and Larry

[fisheater]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

I'd say at best you have those reversed. And number 2 is very broad....

Treat customers with respect. Care about their needs and desires more than what item you get the most profit on. Communicate as fast as humanly possible. Admit mistakes and correct them as fast as you can and in a way that makes the customer feel good about the situation. Try to limit the number of those mistakes. Offer a community feeling - that the people are not numbers - not "just another customer". Empower employees to take care of things - don't over micro manage. Have employees that feel it's "their shop" and not just a job. Listen, listen, listen to what people are saying - what they dream about - what new stuff they would like to see or learn about. Develop strong relationships with vendors that realize your focus is customer service, and you demand the same from them.

And probably lastly - try to offer a fair price for your services and products.

We all thank God that you're a heretic.

If this were orthodoxy, everyone would be doing it.

[Splitlip]

Well, I would not call larry and Joe "just two guys trying to sell gear at an honest price" anymore. Have you read about Scubatoys in the business publications?
Most of the Mom and Pops just can't do it. And I would not call Joe and Larry Mom and Pop (not that there is anything wrong with that).
I don't play games with my local shops. They know exactly what ST and even LP is selling a product for. They do the best they can without me pulling something from the web.
Now I love ST, but I buy from them what I cannot get locally.