okiebuck Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Hello all, I am kicking around the idea of opening a small outdoor store in my town, due to the fact that any good store is 30-45 miles away, and Wally World never has what I need, when I need it due to their seasonal product placement. So, what are some of the necessities you guys would look for in your local shop? Of course basic hunting & fishing gear, good quality stuff, but in the beginning I would have to start out on the lower end stuff. Also thinking about carrying a bad boy buggy or 2, seems like they are getting pretty popular now. Thanks in advance for your ideas! Can't wait to hear them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Wish we had a shop that was really local. Would do as much research as you can before diving in. Think the main things to carry would be just what you mention, the things you need throughout the year that you may not find at other places around you. Do not think you could go wrong carrying shooting supplies and archery supplies year round, people shoot year round, and often will need stuff at times in the off season. Another thing to look at may be atv/utv accessories, again typically purchased year round. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailtrax Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Sounds like quite the undertaking! When I'm hunting or fishing in an area that lacks a big sporting good store, I typically go into the small local shop to buy bait for fishing, area specific flies, lures, or other fishing essentials, ammunition, camping supplies (Coleman stuff for example), and things like bug spray or perhaps a cheap pair of gloves or a hat because I lost something. For larger purchases I almost always wait to get to a big retailer because the selection is so much better than what the little man can carry. Pior to opening your store, quiz as many locals as you can about what they want to see in your store. I wish you all the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ate1cropy Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 BATTERIES! Seems to me that when ever I go out of town on a fishing or hunting trip something of mine runs low on batteries. Everything from deep cycle to batteries used for some archery sights. I'm sure you've thought of this already but just wanted to make sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bear_Down Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 I would Carry hunting and fishing equipment that is specialized to you're area. Camo. that really works for you're territory. Fishing lures that work for you're local species. Nothing worse than having to order equipment from out of area when you want it now. Good luck with you're adventure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCFORLIFE Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 I would Carry hunting and fishing equipment that is specialized to you're area. Camo. that really works for you're territory. Fishing lures that work for you're local species. Nothing worse than having to order equipment from out of area when you want it now. Good luck with you're adventure. You should open with the basics and then see what the people in your area need, or want. I've got one shop that I purchase all of my stuff from when I need it. The best thing I can tell you is to offer the best customer service you can. I think that makes the difference for me when I go into a shop. I hate going into some shop and nobody even ask if you need some help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 I'm not a business major, but here's my ideas: You should offer products that customers can't get from nearby stores, or order (catalog - internet) from Cabelas or similiar. What that equates to me is a pro-staff. Yourself or others that can set up and repair a bow, offer a practice range, provide heavy items that most don't want to pay shipping for. You have to meet the needs of the customers in your area or you'll be out of business in no time (especially the way the current economy is). Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyohunter Posted May 3, 2008 Report Share Posted May 3, 2008 maybe put a ad in your local newspaper asking your public, what they would like to see in a store.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccwhitey Posted May 4, 2008 Report Share Posted May 4, 2008 What that equates to me is a pro-staff. Yourself or others that can set up and repair a bow, offer a practice range, provide heavy items that most don't want to pay shipping for. Good luck! We had an outdoor store open up in my small town of 1200 and that is the biggest thing that he is missing. If he had that I would go there alot more. Otherwise I go there for fishing supplies and ammo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okiebuck Posted May 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2008 Thanks for all of the ideas guys, I agree with all of you. The newspaper ad is a great thought, the editor of our local paper is a good friend of mine so that can be easily done! Thanks again for all of your input! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAhunter14 Posted May 5, 2008 Report Share Posted May 5, 2008 offer a practice range yup theres a local bow shop in my area that has a practice range and he has all kinds of leauges that draw in people and i think thats how he gets most of his customers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coles Posted May 7, 2008 Report Share Posted May 7, 2008 about 6 to 7 years ago my little hometown didnt have anything in the way of sporting goods. now there is 2 places to get stuff but their selection is limited and since its 50 miles to the nearest sporting good store they jack their prices up. thats the only thing i dont like about them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 7, 2008 Report Share Posted May 7, 2008 about 6 to 7 years ago my little hometown didnt have anything in the way of sporting goods. now there is 2 places to get stuff but their selection is limited and since its 50 miles to the nearest sporting good store they jack their prices up. thats the only thing i dont like about them. That seems to be a problem with some smaller shops that I have seen in the past. There is a small shop about 30 minutes from here that was good at first, they had competitive prices and had good service and i gave them some of my business. They ended up at some point raising their prices and eventually their bowtech quit on them. Now I never go to the store anymore, which is a shame. Would treat your customers how you would like to be treated, get repeat business and good word of mouth and you will be in business for a long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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