Vintage HiFi Audio Forum
General Banter => The Circular File => Topic started by: OCCD on March 22, 2012, 02:34:22 AM
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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.
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The shop should look more like this:
(http://artspla-site-austral.ac-reunion.fr/Galerie/Bacon/slides/Perry-ogden_photo-of-francis-bacon-reece-mews-studio.jpg)
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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.
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Share with us your ideas for improvements.
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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...
(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx85/96bearcat/Paz_Vega.jpg)
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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.
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@ Mark, hours are posted on the website and meetings are every Saturday.
I suggest we get these gals to help out around the shop.
(http://media1.break.com/dnet/media/2012/3/21/fd0050b1-450f-4c9e-af53-7add235e2676_thumb.jpeg)
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Move to S.C. so I can get in on all the fun!!! 8) O0 8)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 :)
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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.
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Put asking prices on everything that is for sale. Last time I was in, I asked twice for a price on a DAC, never got an answer. Granted......it was Saturday night and I forgot to ask a 3rd time. ;D
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Another thought......
As others have said or not: dejunk/declutter, clean the place up and create a nice listening space.
I hated seeing Bob's cherry red tube amps sitting on the floor covered in dust.......and I think a potato chip resting on one of them.
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T... if you need a hand with anything, let me know. I'm usually available 4-5 nights a week. I just need to know a couple days in advance.
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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.
X2 and a little cleaning of shelf space
Brian
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Why don't "we" try to tackle one issue at a time based upon order of precedence?
In my opinion, first and foremost, the shop needs to physically organized and space needs to be maximized before anything else can fall into place. I don't have the time to donate at present, but, after this semester I'll gladly devote a day to this cause. I feel that once the physical space is organized and some sort of guideline is established for what goes where and when, other great things will follow.
As part of that organizing process, I really do like the idea of labeling and pricing all of the gear.
Additionally, if we had a cleanup weekend, the cost to Tom would be nothing more than a case of Beer. The benefit from that cost would be a clean organized shop as well as (most likely) a large pile of gear that can be used for the "garage sale" idea, which would generate revenue for the shop.
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As part of that idea, we could put our heads together at the shop one evening and create a sort of "floor plan" for which types of gear should go where, as well as establish some sort of guidelines for the physical layout and contents of the listening room.
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Also, again, why not utilize what the shop has to offer - GEAR. The way I figure it, 2-3 high end systems could be set up in the listening room, depending on physical dimensions, of course. Additionally, another 2-3 systems could be set up on display in the front room, and possibly one more in the back room that contains the kitchen area.
Racks don't take up THAT much room, but from an aesthetic point of view, in the eyes of a customer, walking in to a stereo shop with several kick-ass systems set up would make my day.
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Put asking prices on everything that is for sale. Last time I was in, I asked twice for a price on a DAC, never got an answer. Granted......it was Saturday night and I forgot to ask a 3rd time. ;D
I'm fairly certain that this is state law. I don't know who, if anyone, enforces that law, but it is the law none the less.
I agree about prioritizing and think that signage and posted hours are the obvious first step.
I disagree somewhat about ridding yourself of all the bottom end stuff. It is good to have at least a couple of pieces for the college kid looking to start in the hobby.
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Bottom end doesn't equate to inexpensive, and vice versa.
That's a great point about the legality of pricing, Mark. It's actually the department of weights and measures that audits pricing, although Tom could technically claim that he's out of inventory at present and has only the items in view which are currently being repaired or are waiting for their owners to arrive and claim them since they've been restored to working condition. :)
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How about a 3 month limit on holding consignment gear?
Also, BIG +1 on the garage sale. Memorial day weekend? Get forum members involved to bring tables and sell their dust collectors. Advertise within a 100+ mile radius and offer food and beer.
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I'd honestly say July 4. Memorial day is a little close.
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Greetings!
A lot of great ideas. I think Bill's idea of a business plan was on the mark.
A sign is fundamental. This needs to get done.
A clearance sale could bring a lot of traffic and make more space available.
A little advertising would help. AudioKarma sells advertising fairly cheap and that Forum is really tailor made for your products (repair and vintage gear). Do a little more for sale items on Craigslist.
The shop need to be more presentable.
You have a great opportunity with your quality of gear, repair expertise, fair and friendly service.
If we need to pass the hat for some signage or advertising, I'm game.
Regards,
Carl
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Shop Comments…
Lots of GOOD ideas mentioned…
My 2 cents…
I have mixed feelings about the (nice) sign... I believe the North Hills/Babcock Blvd. area is relatively safe… Do you now want to paint a TARGET sign to tell “would be” thieves… Here is a shop with lots of STUFF!? If the shop has a very good security system and good insurance, this is not as big a deal… If the sign read “Pittsburgh VHF” or such, not as big a deal… Just something to consider…
Garage sale/BBQ – Great idea!!!
Reduce clutter/Floor Layout/Appearance – AGREE!!! Goal to get the shop to be more organized… First step, get ONE room “FIXED UP”
Priorities for Shop – Have Tom/Anders provide a list of top three reasons for shop’s existence…
Recycled Electronics - I often bring recycled (non-working) audio stuff with me when I visit the shop… Tom politely tells me to put it “there” (meaning in the middle of the floor, adding to the clutter). So the clutter is MY fault too! :D Possibly have a shed or such behind the building (or wherever, NOT in the building) for items. They are not working anyway, so who cares if they get taken! Who would want them!!! Or is there somewhere else where we can dispose of Recycled Electronics?
Again, my 2 cents…
George
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Thank you to all that have responded.
Priorities for Shop – Have Tom/Anders provide a list of top three reasons for shop’s existence… This is easy to answer. We love vintage audio gear and we are both very dedicated to it.
To answer a few other comments.
There is window vinyl in the works. It will be nothing extravagant. We have new people every week that "find" us. I only want real audio people co come in here.
It is not a problem with the recycled electronics. PLEASE BRING THEM IN. They are gone from the shop within a few days. They are all dismantled. The problem is the amount of time it takes to tear down,separate , and put away the parts. It eats up tons of time. Glad we have a new intern. Just hope he doesn't show up one day with a forklift and a hungry stomach.
Floor layout and rack space are big problem. It is just as bad here as it was at the old place. There is quite a bit of stuff here that needs to be here. It seems that no matter how many Sq Ft we have, we fill it. I was denied permission to erect a shed in the back. Tried that last year.
I like the idea of a garage sale /meeting/BBQ that anyone can bring in equipment to sell for Memorial Day weekend.
I also like the idea of the "organize" meeting one Saturday.
New rule. No food or drink near the Carver amps. If I would have seen a potato chip on the amp, I would have gone ballistic.
This place needs dusted all the time. I hope to have help with that soon.
We do have a business plan, however, it is difficult when working on a shoestring budget and during a poor economy. Sales are down 50 % from two years ago and 25% from last year. Repairs however, are on the rise.
Not sure how well a clearance sale would work. People in Pittsburgh already want everything for nothing and want to sell for top dollar.
We have no budget for advertising.
Pricing is in a computer database and fluctuates constantly based on current market values.
It would be difficult to have several systems setup due to the lack of space.
Saturday nights can be very bad for asking a price when too many things are going on. lol Every time I tried, I was sidetracked. Sorry Scott.
Hours of operation are on the web site and these are the ones we are sticking with. Yes, sometimes people are in the lot when I get here, and more often than not, it is before 4PM.
Mandatory posted pricing is not necessary for a shop like mine.
Ebay is not an option unless it is high dollar equipment that is in demand.
I plan on being more selective on gear that comes in. However, you would be shocked at the amount of low end tuners, cassette decks and such we actually sell.
For the record. turn around time on repairs has been stellar lately. Most of the time, before the estimated date with very few exceptions.
Any more ideas, let me know.
T
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Greetings!
A lot of great ideas. I think Bill's idea of a business plan was on the mark.
A sign is fundamental. This needs to get done.
A clearance sale could bring a lot of traffic and make more space available.
A little advertising would help. AudioKarma sells advertising fairly cheap and that Forum is really tailor made for your products (repair and vintage gear). Do a little more for sale items on Craigslist.
The shop need to be more presentable.
You have a great opportunity with your quality of gear, repair expertise, fair and friendly service.
If we need to pass the hat for some signage or advertising, I'm game.
Regards,
Carl
I rarely if ever post but check this site out daily so here's my 2 cents The only other places I know of in the area is that shop that shall not be named in Bloomfield and the initiated know not to deal with them. Vin up at Galaxie is a nice guy but he's so swamped with repairs that he rarely has anything decent in there. Which leaves VHFP in my opinion as thee only place to go.
I would posit that there are a lot of people out there beyond Western PA that would chomp at the bit to get there hands on some of the gear I've seen there. To Carl's point I think AK would be a good idea. If advertising on their site is cost prohibitive now why not become a member?. I believe it's $25 and gives you access to Barter Town & Members Classifieds. Build a presence on there sharing your awesome knowledge and I'll bet it would be in no time that business would pick up.
True story: A young guy from Polish Hill joined AK a month or so ago and I got involved in a thread he started along the way I mentioned VHFP and he had no idea you existed. I told him where you were located and he said he would definitely check it out.
Another true story: I was doing some work at this ladies house and I noticed she had some really interesting speakers. Turns out they were some Thiels and then she showed me her kick ass old Rotel amp. Turns out it was her ex-husbands hand me down system. She said she had more gear in the basement but it needed to be repaired and then lamented that she there aren't anyplace anymore that repairs good equipment. I immediately mentioned you, your store etc;. She was so exited that she called her ex (who she is still on good terms with) and told him about our conversation. When I spoke with her again a week or so later she mention how excited he was to hear about this place and was gonna check it out.
I have yet another story/example of when I get in involved in audio conversations with people and then mention VHFP and the response is "I never heard of them" but I don't want to take up any more space.
Best of luck Tom & Anders, you guys have the goods and I believe if more like minded folk knew about you and then told there friends the sky would be the limit.
PS: Updating "Just Arrived" on a more regular basis Imho might be very helpful.
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Sales are down 50 % from two years ago and 25% from last year. Repairs however, are on the rise............turn around time on repairs has been stellar lately. Most of the time, before the estimated date with very few exceptions.
An obvious area to focus recouses on.
Floor layout and rack space are big problem
Repeat
We love vintage audio gear and we are both very dedicated to it.
Obvious as soon as you walk in the door.
Your core compentancy.
It's up to us to keep VHFP viable.
Each one of us should make it a goal to bring a new potential customer to the shop.
It is a grass roots thing.
To build a comunity, we must suport it, nuture it and commit to it.
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It's up to us to keep VHFP viable.
Each one of us should make it a goal to bring a new potential customer to the shop.
It is a grass roots thing.
To build a comunity, we must suport it, nuture it and commit to it.
Amen
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We also just enacted a new policy. No beer allowed! Just kidding.
If you bring in junk equipment for salvage, you pay for no parts required to complete a repair.
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Although Tom will not agree with me on this, I say start selling headphones, used, new, vintage, and modern. They should generate a decent profit considering how much real estate they (don't) occupy.
Although you'd have Anders constantly trying to push everyone on to a set of vintage Sennheisers! :P
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Anders wouldn't push anything, but he might talk people out of a lot of things! lol He loves his headphones :)
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Any idea why sales are down? Is it lack of inventory, the wrong inventory, price (it shouldn't be price), location (also shouldn't be)? Might you be paying more attention to service and getting sidetracked?
Mark at Northern Audio started out selling used gear, ran out of inventory and took on new product lines to have something to sell. He now does a significant chunk of his business with Spin Clean and on the internet.
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Nah I won't push anything but I'll take all the Sennheisers I can get ;) :laugh: ;D :)
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Most likely the crappy economy is helping things along.
I think using and promoting repairs has definitely brought more in, but ya gotta keep changing up the game a bit. Others are advertising, and yeah I know about 0 budget for advertising, but people find others first for the obvious reason that they are easier to find.
For those not seeing the web site, the shop's hours are not evident. Lots of people are old school too. They are not being reached.
Right here at home, we could create some new biz cards, Pass a bunch of them out to the regulars and ask them all to hand them out to places where they do business. When you go pick up pizza, hand them a card, ask them to pass it on or put it up somewhere. Hell we could create fliers and pass em around, put them on windshields, etc. Lots of cheap and no cost ways to get the word around.
Exchange those business cards with your customer's biz cards and refer people to your customers. I've seen places where a container is placed full of business cards, and I know there;s a couple bulletin boards in the shop that could be placed in a viewable area.
I understand the worry's about a sign, but you can't do business with people who can't find you. They will go to the competition. They will not be treated as well.
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It's up to us to keep VHFP viable.
Each one of us should make it a goal to bring a new potential customer to the shop.
It is a grass roots thing.
To build a community, we must support it, nurture it and commit to it.
Absolutely!
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Any idea why sales are down? Is it lack of inventory, the wrong inventory, price (it shouldn't be price), location (also shouldn't be)? Might you be paying more attention to service and getting sidetracked?
Mark at Northern Audio started out selling used gear, ran out of inventory and took on new product lines to have something to sell. He now does a significant chunk of his business with Spin Clean and on the internet.
It would appear to be economy based at the moment.
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Everyone is suffering...I haven't bought a Carver based piece in 4-5 weeks. :o
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I like all the ideas mentioned. I like the shop a lot - I think it is one of the reasons I like living in Pittsburgh - VHFP is here.
These are my suggestions:
- The shop used to be more of an audio geek club with repairs a secondary service. Now that Anders is there and the repair volumes are up, the quality must be carefully monitored to make sure the repair reputation is solidly good. Make sure the repaired/refurbished stuff is fully ready before pick up. For me it is painful to drive an hour and find a piece was not ready for prime time. Make quality a top priority (specially for new customers and those that drive from far away - but really for all).
- Help the customer understand what to expect as far as pricing for repairs, as early as possible in the process, not after the repair is done. I would love a call from the shop to tel me "Pepe, we opened this thing up and it looks like it will cost you more to repair it han it is worth, why don't you write this one off?" (and of course, charge me a nominal fee for assessing it - nothing is (or can be) free.
- Explore the possibility of offering upgrades for certain pieces for a specific price. You could come up with a bunch of "products" to sell on the website based on upgrading classic gear. If you can improve the sound of my TGP1 or 300x2, let me know! Develop a reputation for mods - make it so that people talk about amps upgraded by VHFP in Audiokarma, etc. As I mentioned to Rev, I would like to bring some of my TTs to have the arms rewired with newer/better cable - there is demand for that type of thing if done well.
- There has to be a better way to keep the website fresh with available-for-sale inventory information. Feels like it is too tedious to add items, so Tom does it but slowly. Would it be easier to maintain a typed list on the For-Sale section of the forum (including prices) describing condition and ask buyers to request pictures if interested? Consider it.
- Consider getting representation for a few brands of new equipment that may be under-represented in Pittsburgh. Paradigm, Anthem, Adcom, Magnepan, etc. Or look at representing less-expensive accessories if working capital is limited - like the record-washing tubs.
- If you need working capital, figure out a way for angel investors to be attracted.
That is all I have - my beer mug is empty.
Cheers,
Pepe
PS: And order the pizza before 10PM for us old geezers.
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Thanks Anders - the CT-F1250 is operating nicely, like the recorded sound very much (still not up there with a CT-F1000 in good condition, that thing can scare dragons away!). currently moving a Percussion tribute to Perez Prado vinyl to a Sony Cr tape. So thank you!!! (now I need to pay you - PM the pain).
Pepe