I need your help to make VHFP better

[OCCD]

It has come to my attention that VHFP has deficiencies. I need to rectify this problem coz it needs to be done. Anders and I are located in a shop with limited space. Even though it is twice the space we had just one year ago, we are jammed to the gills with awesome equipment and parts to keep vintage audio equipment operating. Anders is the best tech I have ever seen. Sorry Bob. We are looking for viable ideas on how to be the best shop in the country. Please help.
 No, a new ice maker is not in the cards.  Please help.

Also, since we are repairing equipment from around the country now, turn around time is what it is. Semi slow.

[MasterBlaster]

The shop should look more like this:

[TNRabbit]

Continue to provide quality products & service with honesty at a fair price.  That will serve you well & ensure business flocks to your door. The rest is cake, dude!

You guys rock.

[bmwr75]

Share with us your ideas for improvements.

[Slim-Shaddy]

Big things would be a rack for a staging area for repairs, and liquidating some inventory somehow. I think just having the front room and the listening area opened up would make a big difference.
If that doesn't work, this might...

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

I've been on this board for a while and stopped by the shop a couple times.   I still don't have a clear understanding of when you are open and when you have the Saturday get togethers.   Clearly posting hours of operation and holding fast to them gives the customer an important sense of security.

[Reverend]

@ Mark, hours are posted on the website and meetings are every Saturday.

I suggest we get these gals to help out around the shop.

[Kingman]

Move to S.C. so I can get in on all the fun!!! 

[wkhanna]

It appears to me you are experiencing growing pains as a small one-person business becomes financially viable and begins expanding. Decisions regarding the direction your business takes at this point are critical, and will ultimately determine the success of this entrepreneurial endeavor.

First let us evaluate the store's core competencies.

1.   Customer Service/Relations
2.   Technical Knowledge
3.   Outstanding Repair Service w/ Vast Inventory of Parts/Components
4.   Carver Specialist w/ Direct Support from Bob
5.   Diverse & Extensive Equipment Inventory (Something for Everyone)
6.   Devoted Core-Customer Base
7.   Prices – You’re the Cheapest Decent Looking Ho in Town

Next, some areas that could be diplomatically described as “Ripe for Opportunities of Improvement”.

1.   Repair Turn-Around Time
2.   Physical Space & Organization
3.   Market Visibility – Are Potential Customers Aware of Your Product?


Lastly, what are the shop's goals? Where do you want to see the store in two years?

Some advice I heard just this week from a 40 yo Billionaire who started a business in her basement: When you first start expanding & hiring, hire people who are good at the things you suck at. Which in Tom's case, leaves V little.

[Slim-Shaddy]

It appears to me you are experiencing growing pains as a small one-person business becomes financially viable and begins expanding. Decisions regarding the direction your business takes at this point are critical, and will ultimately determine the success of this entrepreneurial endeavor.

First let us evaluate the store's core competencies.

1.   Customer Service/Relations
2.   Technical Knowledge
3.   Outstanding Repair Service w/ Vast Inventory of Parts/Components
4.   Carver Specialist w/ Direct Support from Bob
5.   Diverse & Extensive Equipment Inventory (Something for Everyone)
6.   Devoted Core-Customer Base
7.   Prices – You’re the Cheapest Decent Looking Ho in Town

Next, some areas that could be diplomatically described as “Ripe for Opportunities of Improvement”.

1.   Repair Turn-Around Time
2.   Physical Space & Organization
3.   Market Visibility – Are Potential Customers Aware of Your Product?


Lastly, what are the shop's goals? Where do you want to see the store in two years?

Some advice I heard just this week from a 40 yo Billionaire who started a business in her basement: When you first start expanding & hiring, hire people who are good at the things you suck at. Which in Tom's case, leaves V little.

^^Awesome answer!!
T, What about a sign out front? Megan (my wife) has an artist friend up in Erie who does signs for Giant Eagle. She could probably come up with something pretty nice.

[wkhanna]

What is the primary focus of the shop to be?

What does/will account for the major portion of cash flow?

Is it primarily a repair facility, a used equipment shop…..etc,

Are you considering or have any desire of becoming new equipment dealer?

What do you, the owner, want it to be?

Ultimately, I know you want to enjoy and have fun doing what you are doing.

[MacGeek]

Lots of good ideas here.  To clear some space, how about a "garage sale"?  How many budget tuners, low end laser disc players, dated timers, etc do you need taking up valuable space?  Set up some tables outside on a nice Saturday afternoon.  Maybe have a BBQ at the same time to increase interest (the car dealers do it and hot dogs are relatively cheap).

Advertise in the Penny Saver, Craig's list, etc for next to nothing.  There is tons of traffic on Babcock, so there will also be "walk ins".  Package "vintage systems" (source, receiver/amp and speakers) rather than selling stuff a piece at a time.  What you show outside may lead to more sales inside.  What doesn't sell might not be worth keeping and can be donated for a tax deduction, or torn down for parts.

The new inside space can be used to store repair work or display higher ticket/bigger margin gear and free the front and listening room, as Ed suggested, so even more gear can be auditioned and maybe sold.

What a positive problem to have.  Good luck.

[Bunni]

Bob getting his dealer page finished would help. 

A sign outside, but I've said this before. 

An Audio society of sorts created for our area would be cool.  This could create some diversity and attention.

I like the yard sale idea with the bbq.

We all know hours have been posted, and have changed several times.  Next time you want to change if there is a next time, try to include a heads up to people.  Anders shows up at the shop and customers are waiting   This is a good thing, but how many might you be losing?

There are a few sites on the web where the info isn't updated, and I'm having trouble gaining access to fix them.  A lot have been updated.  Let's get together on those.

Advertise everywhere.

Offer your services to other businesses that are doing high end, cus Anders is trained, and they don't all do their own repairs.

Consistency and an even pace will win the race!

And yes, Anders is the best tech, and yes I'm totally biased.  However, a lot of people think that of him and we're both glad you guys found each other.

[Bunni]

Just went to the Bob Carver LLC site, their dealer page is finally up, but VHFP is listed as Vintage Audio of pittsburgh and they spelled the link wrong..I emailed them and asked supplied corrected information.

Hope that helps

[NATOE]

I will put my 2 cents in..

how about not having it look like uncle Larry's.

how about a bick and I will find you another place to go since aunt knee is closed.

Asign even in the window with hours that someone will be there.

epay some off the junk on the shelf time to let it go its not the garage. the shop is beyond some of that stuff.

fire sale.