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Starting my new job tomorrow. Shalom is good!
I'm highly anticipating your entries on big horn sheep, feral cattle, super blooms on the north end, and over all desert bliss.
A big fucking congrats 50mm! Living the dream!
Thanks man. I'm excited to do something so insanely different every day.
Logging in daily, I expect a first day, first week and first month report on the job situation!
I've been running an online skateshop out of my apartment for the past 3 months. What started off as gear hoarding during lockdown transformed into me trying to clear boards I would never ride, to trying to make it a sustainable business model. Had a really good 2 weeks of sales, my stuff I'm selling is quality and better than the pre-built completes available. The margins are thin honestly given the amount of time you need to spend talking to customers, sourcing for product, gripping boards, arranging for deliveries. But it's a great outlet and escape from my corporate job.
I do have competitors selling China knock offs (Independent trucks, Spitfire wheels, Bones Bearings, Baker / Crail decks) to make a quick buck but I'm not in this for the money; I doubt most "core" skate shops are. Been selling only legitimate brands at reasonable prices, getting lots of happy customers along the way.
Price is definitely a factor for a lot of customers but I try to avoid that conversation and that market. People who look for me know they are getting quality product and insight about what would work best for their skill level and physique (yes I know it's highly subjective). Yeah I could do a huge order of product and compete with them on price but I would be saddled with 100 boards and would stress over moving product fast instead of providing a quality service and connection to customers. So I've decided to do better with less and excel where they are lacking - social media, content creation, growing a customer base that returns after each sale as they get better.
The local shop situation isn't great, we have 2 big stores, 1 of which has served the community for 30 years and a younger upstart who began 10 years ago. What they lack in product or competitive prices, is where I look to succeed. And with the online competition - beat them where they lack in quality product or product "consultancy".
Just wanted to share it here, stoked to be a "skate shop" and it's my way of contributing to the local scene.
Shalom my friends.