Q: For Joe and Larry

[Largo]

Why don't local dive shops sell at ST prices?

I was thinking that, if I ever opened a dive shop, I would sell at ST prices, and make my $ on training, air, and other stuff.

Joe and Larry are not Wal-Mart, just two guys trying to sell gear at an honest price.

Is it poor accounting skills on the part of the LDS?

[FishFood]

Training and air doesn't make money. Well, not enough to keep a shop open anyhow. I don't know how much "other things" make

[Largo]

You don't know what "other" means?

Beer, massages, bait fish, cigars, movie rentals, limo service, pool cleaning, lawn service...

I'm talking full-service dive shop.

[FishFood]

Hmmm. I see franchise oppurtunities

[ScubaToys Larry]

Hmmm... massages and cigars... Maybe we'll add another few thousand feet to the new building design.

[Largo]

When I was in college, I worked at Wal-Mart.I used to follow the manager around, hoping to soak up some business acumen.Once in a while, he would throw me a bone.He asked me, "Largo, what department brings in the most profits? Harrumph Harrumph Harrumph?"I answer, "Electronics?"He'd slap me on the back and say, "Oh great Methuselah's Ghost no! We make our greatest profit on Wrigley's Gum, at the check out. All of the Flat panel TV's and discount tires are all there to get people to come in, look around, and buy a package of gum...and some bacon for tomorrow...and a new notebook for Cindy Lou...and some Ol' Roy Dog Food for Elvis..."

[ScubaToys Larry]

(note to self... tell Joe to buy Gum and dog food....)

[Largo]

I just wonder what separates a successful business from a failure. So far, I've come up with: 1. Sell at the lowest reasonable price. 2. Make customers feel good.

[unclepooty]

Ol' Roy?................now I know Elvis is dead!

[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by Largo

I just wonder what separates a successful business from a failure. So far, I've come up with: 1. Sell at the lowest reasonable price. 2. Make customers feel good.

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.