Jonathan's Story
"I’d always assumed that Retail consultants were only interested in the big players that pay tens of thousands for retail consultancy! At the end of the day, what do they know about Independent Businesses?"I thought. "We’re a breed apart from the chain store; we’re the heartbeat of communities, we can offer niche product, an extra special shopping experience and service.....how would a consultant relate to me?"
It seemed to be the last thing that I would want or need, not to mention the additional cost. ‘And anyway, it’s my business, I’m supposed to be able to manage it without help aren’t I?’
Or so I thought until one day, a letter arrived offering me a consultation with The Prosperous Shop. Well, to say that I was hesitant was an understatement... eventually I made the call and had a chat with a really friendly lady, who seemed to understand my issues and challenges almost immediately. My business was in a rut, conditions were tough out there on the high street and I knew that I was carrying too much stock, but I wasn’t sure of the best way to move forward. Anyway, after the 1 hour free consultation, I received a report and proposal on the sort of help that I could receive and what it would cost me.
The consultation phase
I was convinced that my consultant knew enough about my situation and there was nothing that she hadn’t come across before, having worked with a variety of businesses from corner shops to large chain stores, so I agreed to an analysis project. Well, we were into the first few days of the project, when my consultant was able to identify whole areas of the business that were underperforming where I needn’t have bought the stock at all. I cringe when I think about what I could have spent that money on. And that was just for starters. By the end of 6 weeks, key areas of performance had been identified in my business, and yes, there were some surprises that I would never have picked up without the data.
Tailored software - helping you make sound decisions
My consultant supplies me with planning and buying tools which are exactly the format used by the chain stores at head office. And this is possibly the best bit; I now take my lap top with me when I go on buying trips. That way, I punch the item details into my strategic planning tool and it keeps tabs on how much I’ve spent on each category and each supplier. It gives a guide to the right quantity to buy of each item and how many items to buy in total. Well, that was 3 years ago. For the last 2 Autumn/Winter seasons I have seen increases of 20% and 17% respectively. I no longer struggle with buying decisions or stock problems. This service has proved invaluable to my business which is leaner and fitter and I have the clarity to make those all important business decision about the future. It really is the Independent’s consultancy.
Affordable, expert advice
If you want to move with the times and become as resilient as the big chains then get in touch and see your business move forward....
It’s affordable too – you can have an analysis project undertaken at a very reasonable price.
Not half as costly as over-buying or as crippling as lost sales through under-buying. And this is money well spent – it actually makes you more money in the end.
Free 1st consultation -
The Prosperous Shop offers a free, no obligation 1 hour consultation in order to identify
and discuss your business needs.