Hammock Store Inventory

[bigbamaguy]

Just Jeff is right, kinda!!!!!!!!!! Most people are willing to pay a little more for and item when they can get it right then and there. I have to admit that I am guilty of this very same shopping pheanomenon! Lets face it, wating for an item will cause some people to spend a litlle extra for a desired item that they "need"!!!!!!!!! I like the idea and wish you all the luck in this endeavor.

[Just Jeff]

I've actually paid more for an item from a brick and mortar store than I could get it for online. He looked it up, said he couldn't match the price but could come close, and I gave him my business so I could keep the money in my community, build a relationship with a local vendor, have it right then, etc. I thought it was a fair investment. Still, you should be aware that much of your energy will be spent on customer service to people who are just researching and won't buy from you. But if you factor that into your business plan, you might get enough return for your time just from the reputation you build in the community.

I think having display models for comparison would help a lot. Lots of folks don't want to make such a big purchase w/o seeing all the options, and right now there really isn't a place to do that (other than HF gatherings). But that depends on the "local" community where your shoppers will come from...so location will be very important.

For internet sales, you'll be competing against the vendors themselves in most cases. It might be worth it to them to give you a volume discount, though...steady business, it gets their name out there, etc. That way you could sell it in the store for the same price they have on the site.

[gargoyle]

My basement has planty of stoves, backpacks and water filters aslo.

Mine too!!! It is awesome to have a home "testing facility".

I would love to see a local hammock store, good to touch and lay in the hammock and get an idea of what's available.

[WonderMonkey]

Having display models has positives and negatives.

Positives
- Higher sales and a sense of customer service

Negatives
- Additional floor space
- Cost of providing the hammock though you could sell it later at a reduced price
- They will get damaged

[Strapped-4-Cache]

My basement has plenty of stoves, backpacks and water filters aslo.

Mine too!!! It is awesome to have a home "testing facility".

So, Dutch and Gargoyle....

When will you be opening your stores for us to come and shop???? Since many of the items are used, can we expect a discount of some sort?

[G.L.P.]

I like to shop at Dutch outfitters.....what a great store...you always leave with a smile on your face

[FalseAesop]

I don't think you'd want to have a lot of display models hanging out there at once. That's a lot of floorspace. Have a couple of hanging spaces then have a number of display hammocks that can be thrown up in a hurry.

I know that people would like to browse, but I'm thinking of our local paddling store. Its not particularly big, but is very well stocked. The friendly staff asks what you're looking for, price range, the use you want to get out of it, and starts to pull boats off the wall if you want to take a seat in one.

With online sales most people like to go direct to vendor, although being able to buy a WBBB, whoopie slings, dutch clips and what not all from one source might be nice.

[WonderMonkey]

I don't think you'd want to have a lot of display models hanging out there at once. That's a lot of floorspace. Have a couple of hanging spaces then have a number of display hammocks that can be thrown up in a hurry.

I know that people would like to browse, but I'm thinking of our local paddling store. Its not particularly big, but is very well stocked. The friendly staff asks what you're looking for, price range, the use you want to get out of it, and starts to pull boats off the wall if you want to take a seat in one.

With online sales most people like to go direct to vendor, although being able to buy a WBBB, whoopie slings, dutch clips and what not all from one source might be nice.

This is a good idea. It also allows you to show how they are setup.

[oldgringo]

Speaking for myself, I'd avoid selling something I was passionate about, because I fear that I'd be unable to disassociate my passion from my judgement. YMMV

That said, hammocks are a niche market...you'll need to cast a wider net. An outdoor outfitter with a strong hammock department would be more likely to succede. Like it or not, you're gonna have to sell some tents to pay the bills.

[fr8pilot1]

All,

Thanks for all the great advice and ideas. I realize that any business in today's world will have to compete with the internet. but I believe there are ways.

I realize the risk of mixing a passion and a job. I have always loved motorcycles, but owning a motorcycle dealership for several years only increased my interest.

I am still trying to work out the numbers, so...we'll see.

Thanks again everyone.