If you watch even a small amount of TV, you know that the economy stinks and people are feeling the pinch. Yours truly fits into that category. I personally have to go back to 2007 to find a Christmas where money wasn't a huge issue. Yea, I know that the housing bubble burst in late 2007, and the Stock Market followed in 2008. 2009 was the year of the "double whack". The housing continued in the toilet and unemployment hit all time highs. While I'm not one to celebrate New Years, this year I'm going to stay up and watch the clock hit 2010...
Christmas has taken on a new meaning for myself and family. Regardless of how I thought I saw Christmas, it's changed. In the past I would be the first guy to bellow that Christmas was about family, and I honestly meant it. However, I also was the guy shopping for the perfect gift, and would pay anything to get it. I didn't want to be the guy who sat there Christmas morning, wondering if I spent enough to equal the gifts I received... Funny how things can change your perspective.
Yes, I'm an owner of a retail store. Yes, I stay in business because people spend money. Yes, I'm the guy telling you to shop smart.
I've been doing this 11 years, and in that time I can honestly say that I've never been in it for the money. Of course I need to turn a profit. Without profit I don't exist. The difference is that I firmly believed that I had to earn it. If someone else was offering something I didn't, they deserve the sale. It's that simple. What I never expected is for a time to come where people simply felt scared to buy. We are there now, and everyone can see it.
Let me tell you a story...lol. Last year I was sitting around the house and had nothing to do. All of a sudden I felt the strong urge to buy a RC helicopter. I figured I could fly it around the back yard, mess with the dogs a bit, and generally have a little fun. Across the street from my house I have a small hobby shop, and being that I like to buy locally if I can, I dropped in to see what they had. While small, they had a great selection. I walked around a bit, looked at the prices and walked out. I just couldn't justify the expense. In 2007 I would have slapped down the cash without thinking twice.
In this day and age everyone needs to buy smarter. If a Dealer tells you that the more expensive helmet (example) is what you need, ask why. If they can't spit it out in a way that makes sense, trust your gut and walk away. Never allow yourself to be pushed into something you don't need. While I can go on and on about price, it's sometimes better to buy something you require, and forget about how much (or little) it costs. It would be super easy for me to tell you that the best stuff comes with the highest price tag. It's simply not true.
Here's some insider info... I've looked around online at other companies selling the same stuff I do. It's part of my job. Many of them do a great job, and I respect them. However, be careful. I've seen more and more companies popping up using price and "specials" as their only sales option. Look, the item they're selling is the same as everyone else. My advise is to look behind the product at who's running the show. Ultimately this is the "unknown" you're paying for, and it will lead to issues if the company falls apart after the strong sales pitch. Anyone can "sell" if given the right personally, or training. Integrity is something you either have, or don't have.
I won't be writing again until after New Years. I hope you have a GREAT Christmas, and wish you a fantastic New Year. See you in 2010.
