http://www.thehomecenters.com
Why buy from a locally owned furniture and mattress store?
With the awareness of all the grandiose furniture and mattress stores in the market place, the things that I find are missing all of the time, is the knowledge of the products sold, and the service that's available. We small businesses depend on the return and referral customers.
How does this all happen? By being dependable, knowledgeable, and servicing the needs when requests are asked of us. I believe that the customer wants the same that we the owners expect from our vendors. Teach us about the products that we sell, show us all of the factors which make the product worth the price. Help us see how it is made, what materials are put into the items, and why it warrants the warranty that they put behind their items. Once it is determined to show the merchandise, we spend a lot of time teaching all of our staff about the product, and how the vendor supports their line. Knowing as much as possible about merchandise makes it so much easier to have a good relationship with our customer. People are not just looking, I know they want to know about what they would like to buy. But, if they feel no comfort with the staff because of lack of product knowledge, they will excuse themselves by saying " I'm just looking".
Now about service, it's simple. Follow through, all the way to the counter for the close. After the merchandise is sold, all of the other parts make the difference. Delivery schedule, pick up at the door, special orders, follow up phone calls, I could go on and on. These are where a small business can make great strides in building a real relationship that will last.
When walking into a locally owned furniture and mattress store, remember to take extra time and get to know your sales staff, you may be working with the owner. I know I would like to know your name and somethings about you and your family. It's so much more fun when we are on a name to name basis, it helps break down barriers. Have a good time shopping and I hope to see you soon.
Remember the contest. You could win $250.00.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Win $250.00
It's not work every minute at The Home Center! Sometimes we try and put a little fun in the work place with all of our customers. This is one of those times. During the month of May with the sun showing up? and the weather turning a little warmer? we all like that famous treat.
The Ice Cream Cone! It's always a warming feeling when you eat an Ice Cream Cone.
At The Home Center, we have found out the owner has a real craving for ice cream and putting it on a cone is a real special treat for him. Knowing that, we are running a contest that all will get a kick from. It's real simple, " guess what flavor the Owner like best." That's all you have to do.
You can guess what flavor the owner likes email it to " robertb@thehomecenters.com " and we will keep your guess on record until the end of May ( 31st ). One entry per person please. June 5th, we will announce the winner and the flavor. If there is more than one right guess, we will put the names into a hat and draw the winner from there. The winner will receive a cashiers check for $250.00. That's right win $250.00 for your guess.
Have fun and send your guess in, employees and families may not participate.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Keep Shopping Locally
http://www.thehomecenters.com
Are you aware: Where does your sales tax moneys go?
It is a question that each of us needs to know. Because it is spread out among many different agencies. And each of us needs to be aware of how we help our community or hinder it. With every dollar that is collected and then spent it effects our other tax collections, and services. Police, Fire, Roads, Parks, Sewer, Water, Schools, all public services too many to mention.
The first two listed and Schools are of great concern to me and I'm sure everyone. But, it's not something we think about when it's time to go and buy that special item we are looking for. I'm not sure how exactly the moneys are divided between each of the above and the state, however I do know that it does represent an important part of the budget for a city. When the revenue is lowered the first thing that the city budget does is cut our services. Example: How is the sports programs in the school systems? Do the schools still offer all the programs they did 5 yrs. ago? Do the streets get cleaned regularly? Does the police dept come out and work with the youth in the ball fields? Do the parks get mowed and cleaned properly? I'm sure that there are many things as you think about it that are changing.
Being the owner of a small business in small communities, I'm concerned! Today our families are putting together auctions, rallies, drawing to keep some of the services moving in a protective and productive way. Yet, people leave their own community and do their buying in other cities. They are benefiting other police depts, fire depts, and schools without understanding that their spending is effecting them and the life style of those around them. It's important to keep the wheel turning in each of the smaller communities as well as a state level.
Knowing your local drug store seems to be the thing of the past, yet that drug store has been a supporter of baseball parks, boys and girls activities, adult auctions, and many other adventures over the years. Wasn't it nice when you knew the person's name when you were buying product or asking for a service? Wouldn't you feel a little more secure with your purchase if the company's name was Bill, Susan, instead of a company's name? Or knowing the person sitting next to you at the sports game, or the dinner out was someone you could relate to when you are shopping for that special item? If we are going to use the Internet to be that sales person today, why not call the local stores and see if they use the Internet to communicate with the customer? Then when its time to go and purchase the items you will have begun to build a relationship with a real person in your own community.
What a success story that would be, first you met someone in your own community, and second you supported you local city and services. I believe, that if people would just walk around their own city streets, they would find no matter how large or small the city all of the items they are looking for. ( Even if they have to order them and wait an extra day or two ). What a concept? Be introduced to new people in your own area, and see the area you live in.
I would like to end this little blog with this: "I have lived in this community for 30 years and never been in this store". You have no idea how many times that conversation would end with " your service, prices, and store is wonderful, I'll take it!"
Are you aware: Where does your sales tax moneys go?
It is a question that each of us needs to know. Because it is spread out among many different agencies. And each of us needs to be aware of how we help our community or hinder it. With every dollar that is collected and then spent it effects our other tax collections, and services. Police, Fire, Roads, Parks, Sewer, Water, Schools, all public services too many to mention.
The first two listed and Schools are of great concern to me and I'm sure everyone. But, it's not something we think about when it's time to go and buy that special item we are looking for. I'm not sure how exactly the moneys are divided between each of the above and the state, however I do know that it does represent an important part of the budget for a city. When the revenue is lowered the first thing that the city budget does is cut our services. Example: How is the sports programs in the school systems? Do the schools still offer all the programs they did 5 yrs. ago? Do the streets get cleaned regularly? Does the police dept come out and work with the youth in the ball fields? Do the parks get mowed and cleaned properly? I'm sure that there are many things as you think about it that are changing.
Being the owner of a small business in small communities, I'm concerned! Today our families are putting together auctions, rallies, drawing to keep some of the services moving in a protective and productive way. Yet, people leave their own community and do their buying in other cities. They are benefiting other police depts, fire depts, and schools without understanding that their spending is effecting them and the life style of those around them. It's important to keep the wheel turning in each of the smaller communities as well as a state level.
Knowing your local drug store seems to be the thing of the past, yet that drug store has been a supporter of baseball parks, boys and girls activities, adult auctions, and many other adventures over the years. Wasn't it nice when you knew the person's name when you were buying product or asking for a service? Wouldn't you feel a little more secure with your purchase if the company's name was Bill, Susan, instead of a company's name? Or knowing the person sitting next to you at the sports game, or the dinner out was someone you could relate to when you are shopping for that special item? If we are going to use the Internet to be that sales person today, why not call the local stores and see if they use the Internet to communicate with the customer? Then when its time to go and purchase the items you will have begun to build a relationship with a real person in your own community.
What a success story that would be, first you met someone in your own community, and second you supported you local city and services. I believe, that if people would just walk around their own city streets, they would find no matter how large or small the city all of the items they are looking for. ( Even if they have to order them and wait an extra day or two ). What a concept? Be introduced to new people in your own area, and see the area you live in.
I would like to end this little blog with this: "I have lived in this community for 30 years and never been in this store". You have no idea how many times that conversation would end with " your service, prices, and store is wonderful, I'll take it!"
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Shopping locally
http://www.thehomecenters.com
Have you ever heard, " I'm just looking"? That's not normally the case in the furniture industry.
You will soon see that in the furniture retail, the stores are independent buildings, they wait for the customer to come to them.
This means the customer is on a hunt and wants some real answers to questions that they have, or some knowledge about an item. There is a want or need that is going to be filled one way or another. And, it starts with a greeting! If the person or persons feel welcome there will be a beginning. An entry into the development of a relationship between the customer, the sales person, and the retail store. But in todays world we in the industry have trained the customer to look for it on their own, not enough help, poor merchandising, bad sales people, and little knowledge of the products. It's been set up to be a "do it on your own.." attitude.
I ask myself, why so much interest with the internet? Why the call and not the normal traffic? Why only asking for a price over the phone? How do they know if it is comparable to the last phone call request they just made? How many times did the merchandise get to the home and it wasn't what they thought it was as far a quality? How many times does the retailer get a bad mark because it didn't stand up to the standards the customer was looking for? I know they are not getting the product they should get if, I could show them from what was described, the one they should have gotten.
Am I on the right track? I think so.
What the customer wants first is being recognized. Second, they are made to feel comfortable in the place they are at, and there are real answers about all of the products they are hunting for. To listen is to win their loyalty. To answer their questions with honesty is to gain their trust. Sometimes that means having to say "I don't know", finding out the right answer, then report back to them. Taking the extra steps will lead to a more meaningful relationship in the future.
I have taken the time to hunt for items on the internet, made by different manufactures and found in every case they all have the best. Without the one on one connection with a real person it is hard to believe there are not some differences between each. I.e. tires, they all make a mud and snow tire, refrigerators, lots to choose and they are all the best, paint, furniture, mattresses, same thing ect... BUT, what about the salesperson who can help make the right decision? Sometimes price is not the "I'll buy it " answer. Why are there 3 types of gas for the cars and trucks? Why is there red and white wine? Why is rare or medium? I find it more rewarding to answer these and other questions with the help from someone I can see and trust.
Being the owner I welcome people to help us get better with positive input on how we are doing, and how can we become better. So please feel free to comment.
Oh, how about becoming a follower too?
Have you ever heard, " I'm just looking"? That's not normally the case in the furniture industry.
You will soon see that in the furniture retail, the stores are independent buildings, they wait for the customer to come to them.
This means the customer is on a hunt and wants some real answers to questions that they have, or some knowledge about an item. There is a want or need that is going to be filled one way or another. And, it starts with a greeting! If the person or persons feel welcome there will be a beginning. An entry into the development of a relationship between the customer, the sales person, and the retail store. But in todays world we in the industry have trained the customer to look for it on their own, not enough help, poor merchandising, bad sales people, and little knowledge of the products. It's been set up to be a "do it on your own.." attitude.
I ask myself, why so much interest with the internet? Why the call and not the normal traffic? Why only asking for a price over the phone? How do they know if it is comparable to the last phone call request they just made? How many times did the merchandise get to the home and it wasn't what they thought it was as far a quality? How many times does the retailer get a bad mark because it didn't stand up to the standards the customer was looking for? I know they are not getting the product they should get if, I could show them from what was described, the one they should have gotten.
Am I on the right track? I think so.
What the customer wants first is being recognized. Second, they are made to feel comfortable in the place they are at, and there are real answers about all of the products they are hunting for. To listen is to win their loyalty. To answer their questions with honesty is to gain their trust. Sometimes that means having to say "I don't know", finding out the right answer, then report back to them. Taking the extra steps will lead to a more meaningful relationship in the future.
I have taken the time to hunt for items on the internet, made by different manufactures and found in every case they all have the best. Without the one on one connection with a real person it is hard to believe there are not some differences between each. I.e. tires, they all make a mud and snow tire, refrigerators, lots to choose and they are all the best, paint, furniture, mattresses, same thing ect... BUT, what about the salesperson who can help make the right decision? Sometimes price is not the "I'll buy it " answer. Why are there 3 types of gas for the cars and trucks? Why is there red and white wine? Why is rare or medium? I find it more rewarding to answer these and other questions with the help from someone I can see and trust.
Being the owner I welcome people to help us get better with positive input on how we are doing, and how can we become better. So please feel free to comment.
Oh, how about becoming a follower too?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Furniture Specials Become a Fan on Facebook
Hi friends so you online shopping for furniture great! You all ready know about the blogger but did you know we also have a cool online presence on http://www.facebook.com/ So Please look us up The Home Center and become a fan.
http://www.thehomecenters.com
http://www.thehomecenters.com
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
New Deal!
The weather is starting to change, and the sun has sure been shining bright these last few days! We are so excited about summer that we have decided to give you all a great opportunity to pick up all the items you may need. A new mattress, new sofas and love seats, dining sets, lamps, pictures-- you name it-- we have it-- and we are ready to deliver!
We have worked very hard to mark down, package price, and group items that are a must see! This month there are a number for items that you can simply not miss out on. Bedroom groups with free queen mattress set included, dining tables marked low, sectionals sitting pretty at a fresh new striking price. There are so many deals this month it is hard to keep up! And that is not even to mention the WE PAY TAX!
That's right! Here at The Home Center we are going to give you another break. Along with the smashing new deals for April we have also decided to pay your tax! I mean who does that?
It's i-n-s-a-n-e!
So if you are out on the town, stop buy! Let us show you the best of the best, and be part of The Home Center family!!
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