I don't want to be Debbie Downer; but damn it was a crappy day at the center. In fighting
between dealers (definately not me) can be a real bitch to be around. NO customers, except the usuals who just come to browse and too much inventory with more coming in can completely drain one's enthusiasm for this biz. I will say this..... owning a shop ain't for p*&sies. It's hard cause you put money into stuff and a lot of times you just don't get it out. Good month, bad month and you just keep going in circles. Sometimes other dealers recount
the good ole' days when they were making money hand over foot. To this I say, "huh?" There were days like that? Never experienced them. I mean, I think I started right when the economy started to really TANK.
This economy shit SUCKS! But hey when I look at a chair
that I've had for ages I have to remember what many dealers know,
"There's an ass for every seat." So for me, I need some asses to come in and SIT DOWN.
Ohhh Angela not a pretty sight.............. But I guess when you need some asses to sit down thats what it takes....
ReplyDeleteI am beyond comforted to hear you say this...even though my business is primarily online and I don't have to deal with a physically empty shop, it's so disheartening (and maybe a little frightening if I'm honest) to go for weeks without a good sale. People are just not shopping, and those that are seem to think you should be desperate and willing to sell essentially at cost...people are literally submitting offers that are yard sale prices which makes me feel eye-bulgy and cray-zay. I mean, you want it at my cost, you can do the work I do to get it then...
ReplyDeleteAlso lots of hours spent in negotiations on price, providing details and advice, and researching shipping methods that culminates in "never mind, I bought something else..."
The really frustrating thing is that I have some of the most beautiful, high-end, unique pieces that I've ever had, but there's no market for them. "Back in the day" I would have made a fortune.
I keep telling myself this economy is picking off the weak ones...if I'm good at what I do I'll come out the other side. You will too!!