Watch Out for the Tumble Weeds!

I've been very neglectful of my Blog over the last few months, I've been busy, but that's no excuse. Things have eased of a bit now so I have a little breathing space to catch up.
I promise to post at least once a month from now on!

Grow Your Own - Sell Up

GYO has been going strong for a number of years now and although some who started down this road have fallen by the wayside there are many who have stuck with it and are ready to commit to it in a more serious way. Don't forget these customers when purchasing stock. A €99 poly tunnel is the very least that they could commit to, not to mention large greenhouses or heaters. Make sure you keep serious GYOers happy and make a few bob too!

Trends 2011 - The Return of the DIYer

Where DIFM (Do It For Me) was the trend of the Noughties we are returning back to the 1980s and early 1990s when DIY was king. The problem is that a whole generation has grown up without knowing how to dig with a spade, let alone prune an apple tree or lay paving. Educate these DIY beginners with simple to follow leaflets, effective signage on products and demonstration events. Don’t assume customers know how to Do It Themselves! I know many people who can’t even use a hammer correctly, strangling it near the head instead of holding it at the grip.

(Excerpt from article for trade magazine.)

GLEE and all that!

It was a great GLEE from my point of view, with a lot of interest in my services from both old and new clients. Also, it's the first time that I have had positive thoughts about the new season from most of the people I met, both selling and buying.
Yes the show was small and, yes, some suppliers were absent but that seemed to make everyone more committed to using the show effectively. There was more talking, more creativity and more energy on the stands than I have ever come across.
Maybe it's just the effect I have on people!
Email me if you want my feelings on any of the suppliers at the show. I made a good few notes!

Are you up-to-date?

It amazes me how many Irish websites are out of date. They have information from last January or last year in some cases!
Now I know I can be a little behind in my posts but not to the same degree. Have you looked at yours recently?
Potential customers who look at an outdated site won't really be encouraged to visit you in person. This is 2010, not 2009!

Too Cheap?

It is still possible to be selling products too cheap you know?
I know of garden centres who went for a cheaper option in compost this season by switching suppliers. They had no serious competition close to them but after comparing prices they went with the supposed 'Value' option. That's all well and good but it means less profit on every sale, and on a volume line like compost it can turn in to huge losses.
I have advised clients not to change just because a supplier is cheaper UNLESS YOU CAN GAURANTEE MORE SALES TO OFFSET LOSS OF PROFIT. Something that the compost suppliers can't get their head around.
So don't change suppliers for the wrong reason. Think before you switch.
Contact me for more information.

Store Audit 4 Profit - Brochure

View & Download PDF here