|
|
| Author |
Message |
Budderfly
Orange Belt
Joined: 05 Jun 2003
Posts: 176
|
 Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 12:18 am Post subject: Thinking of opening a MA store |
 |
|
I'm thinking of opening my own martial arts supply store in the next 5 years and have it eventually lead distribution of supplies to schools in western Canada. The demand is large in my area.
I'm hoping you can help me with a couple questions.
As a consumer, what do you look for in a martial arts supply store?
As a school owner, what do you look for in a martial arts supplier?
If anyone has any bit of info on supply stores, positive and negative feedback or anything else please post it here.
Last edited by Budderfly on Tue Apr 06, 2004 5:46 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
ramymensa
Black Belt
Joined: 12 Aug 2002
Posts: 1393
Location: Timisoara, Romania
Styles: Shotokan
|
| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 2:26 am Post subject: |
|
|
Well that's a good idea indeed. I guess you'll have to have some unexpensive equipment along with the "great names", expensive but useful for those who'd like to give some money for quality. It's important to have some costumers that afford expensive things. A good place and promotion are also important.
_________________
Martial Art Links - 1000+ MA links. Free and fast site indexing |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Budderfly
Orange Belt
Joined: 05 Jun 2003
Posts: 176
|
| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 2:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I plan to have a range of different brands as well as cater to all styles of martial arts. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
White_Tiger
Orange Belt
Joined: 30 Jul 2003
Posts: 229
Location: Valdosta, GA
|
| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 7:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
Great idea! One suggestion I would have is offer an online store. That is a great convenience.
Good Luck! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Budderfly
Orange Belt
Joined: 05 Jun 2003
Posts: 176
|
| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 5:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Ah yes, will make note of that. Thanks White Tiger! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Pacificshore
Black Belt
Joined: 26 Mar 2002
Posts: 1694
Location: West Coast
Styles: Chinese Kenpo/Kara-Ho Kempo
|
| Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If I were to operate a martial arts supply store, I would try to keep my inventory low, and set up with the distributor to direct ship to your customer.
_________________
Di'DaDeeeee!!!
Mind of Mencia |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ramymensa
Black Belt
Joined: 12 Aug 2002
Posts: 1393
Location: Timisoara, Romania
Styles: Shotokan
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 1:53 am Post subject: |
|
|
I was thinking at this too. And it could reduce the rate of unsold items. Thus you won't lose money ... I guess
_________________
Martial Art Links - 1000+ MA links. Free and fast site indexing |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Budderfly
Orange Belt
Joined: 05 Jun 2003
Posts: 176
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 2:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I was thinking, to start online and see how the market bites... but because the demand for a good "all round" martial arts store is high here, I would probably do better with a physical store. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Shorinryu Sensei
Black Belt
Joined: 13 Jun 2002
Posts: 2045
Location: Kalispell, Montana
Styles: Shorinryu Matsumura Kenpo (Seito/Orthodox) Karate and Kobudo
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 10:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
Those are all good ideas the others have provided.
On the down side, you'll be competing with instructors themselves (like me) who order at wholesale prices, and charge the studetns retail prices. I absorb the shipping into my profit and that keeps the students from ordering gi, weapons, bags etc themselves because they save on shipping, and I make a few bucks in the process.
Basically, I get what I want at wholesale prices (doesn't everybody?) for myself and wouldn't purchase at a retail store.
It's just what I do, and have been since about 1979. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Budderfly
Orange Belt
Joined: 05 Jun 2003
Posts: 176
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 4:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
That's why I want to move into distributing afterwards.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
on the post.
