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Survival for Mom-and-Pop Computer Stores?
Jeramy asks: "Hello,
In February I entered into a partnership with a friend and now own and operate a 'mom and pop' computer store. In this day and age of PriceWatch and $599 systems from Wal-Mart, it is very frustrating (to say the least)to try to sell anything computer related to anyone. Customers walk into the store trying to haggle down our relatively low prices (relative to what we pay plus shipping to get it here) like we are a discount fish market. So my question is: Since 'every day low prices' are not possible, what can a local store do to attract customers?"
Service, service, and more service. Of all types. Consider your store your home base and nothing else. Store front retail should almost be the icing on the cake, and give your customers some peace of mind that you are not running a business out of your garage.
Figure that you basically are not going to make anything on a base computer. Focus on upgrades (even for new systems,) Repairs, software enemas, etc. Market yourself to other small local businesses as a resource. If you are in a small town setting, you may be able to pickup service contracts for government offices, schools, etc. The smaller offices / businesses generally don't have their own IT person.
To support small businesses, check out POS systems, and learn accounting software. You need to be the "goto guy".
Know networking inside and out. Be able to setup routers, network printers, firewalls, file servers, and focus on security. Find an electrical contractor to partner with to run conduit and wires for you
(both from a labor / equipment point of view, and license / liability point.)
Don't forget backup systems / UPS's, and remote access for troubleshooting (Timbuktu.)
Hey, this isn't easy stuff. Running a small business is Hard Work. You are going to put in more time than you ever did at a regular job. You also need to be an expert in everything.