MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS WITH AN INTELLIGENT SCHEDULE

FOR ALL RETAILERS

Another idea on the theme of “survival in 2010,” is to have everyone look at maximizing his/her business. One smart way to intelligently manage your business is to review your schedule. Take a page from the major retailers fighting to make all they can during a holiday season.

Look at every major retailer during a holiday. In an effort to make up for soft sales, the Wal Mart, Sears, Macy's and hundreds of other stores extend the days and hours of operation. They realize the only way to make money is to be open, with consumers in the store. Try to take that stance with your place.

Opening on holidays on which you were previously closed can bring in incremental monies. Extending your days and/or hours can also work (where legally allowed). Being the first bar or package store open or the last to close may bring you new customers. These customers may return later and become regulars.

In order to make this idea work, one rule must be followed: STAY OPEN THE ENTIRE TIME YOU HAVE POSTED. Don’t open late or close early. The savings resulting from sending personnel home a few hours early will very seldom result in a long-term positive. If you post an 8:00 am opening with a 2:00 am closing, never stray from these hours. The reason? When a customer is looking for a place to buy a case of beer or get an ice cold one, they know you will be open.

The worst thing for any business is to have a customer try your front door and find it locked. Those people may never return. Conversely, when customers are deciding where to go, knowing that your place is always open for the posted hours makes you the best choice. Remember…everyone is after the same disposable income. The ones who will survive are those who offer consistency to their customers. Be smarter than your competition.

We appreciate your support and welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. It is our hope that these posts will help you to run your operation better and to achieve your ultimate goal...a strong R.O.I.

Thank you,

Don Apostolos

The Apostolos Pro Beer Post

973.692.9585

dapostolos@optonline.net