New Store

[Neena]

I was woundering if i could get some help from you guys. I am looking to open my own store. However i was woundering in regards to displays , modulars etc. what is the best company i can go to . I have heard of Modular design what other companys are out there?. ALso if i can get the board to display glasses where can i get the framing done any idea. I was thinking a furniture company but just a thought i am not sure how it will look.

Please help.

[Diane]

Neena,

First of all, Good luck to you in your new venture. I wish you well.

Before deciding what displays to go with, you need to identify what the image/brand of your practice will be. What are the demographics of your patient base? What is the look of the area? Do you want to have your practice have the "LOOK" of your area or do you want something else? What is your direct competition? There are a lot of great displays available in the marketplace.

There are also a lot of cookie cutter looks. Cookie cutter may not be bad in the right location, but it's not for everyone.

Actual furniture can also be very effective for the right practice. I've helped design dispensaries, and have suggested various products, but it has to be based on the practice identity. Don't select furnishings and THEN identify the practice...;)

Diane

[LandLord]

Neena


Before you open your store, answer these questions.

1. Why would someone buy glasses from you? If your answer is price, quality, style or service then answer question 2.

2. Why would someone buy glasses from you if they can get price, quality, style and service at a dozen other stores in your area?

If you don't have a short, simple compelling answer then you should seriously reconsider opening your own store.


p.s. People don't shop at stores because the store has nice displays or furniture.

[obxeyeguy]

Neena


Before you open your store, answer these questions.

1. Why would someone buy glasses from you? If your answer is price, quality, style or service then answer question 2.

2. Why would someone buy glasses from you if they can get price, quality, style and service at a dozen other stores in your area?

If you don't have a short, simple compelling answer then you should seriously reconsider opening your own store.


p.s. People don't shop at stores because the store has nice displays or furniture.

I'm a bit confused here. If answer to one is (better) price, (better) quality, (better) style, or (better) service, and the answer to #2 is (same) price, (same) quality, (same) style, or (same)service at a dozen other stores in your area? Why would any of us open a store?

You have completely taken any possible varient out of the equation here, and thus created all equals. All practices in the area have no advantage at all, so I might consider my decor as a factor, all things being equal.


I did insert A couple words here, to help clarify the question.

[LandLord]

Have you ever purchased a product because the store had nice decor? I think not.

And no, I am not eliminating all reasons to open a store. Just a store that is the same as every other store.

[obxeyeguy]

Have you ever purchased a product because the store had nice decor? I think not.

And no, I am not eliminating all reasons to open a store. Just a store that is the same as every other store.

If they are all they same, nothing separates them in any manner. What exactly are you trying to say here?

[LandLord]

If they are all they same, nothing separates them in any manner

Exactly.

All I'm saying is your store better be unique.

[Lee Prewitt]

Contact Jan Ennis at Ennco. He does fantastic work and will custom the design to both your budget and your vision. He is based in Seattle but does work all over the place. US based businesses are a good source and besides I believe he is Canadian too!

Jan Ennis
Ennco Display
800-833-6626
janennis@ennco.com

Be sure to mention my name.

[Jedi]

Have you ever purchased a product because the store had nice decor? I think not.

And no, I am not eliminating all reasons to open a store. Just a store that is the same as every other store.

I'd be reluctant to purchase an item that was style, fashion, design related if the decor did not represent the retailers overall vision. Ikea is an example. Display are laid out through the warehouse to look like contemporary home, big space small space, all with a vision of cohesive design and it ties together very well. I forget that I am in a giant warehouse, until I get to the warehouse then I remember their other philosophies, value, simplicity and environmentally conscious.

I also feel that Ikea furniture can be used in a dispensary very well, glass displays, lighting and shelving are not only stylish but quite affordable.

*I am no way affliated with Ikea or Sweden, just a guy who likes their stuff and is frustrated that Halifax doesn't have one anymore.*

[Neena]

Wow there sure is alot of stuff to look into. I Have another question. What are the expenses in starting your store. So far i have
equipment
Lensometer
Keratometer
autorefractor
warmer
slit lamp
job trays
tools
screws
nose pads
lens gauge

Furniture
Chairs
Table

Inventory
frames
contact lenses
sunglasses


Accesories
Cloths
cleaners
cases
chains

This is all i have so far. However what is the initial cost in starting a brand new store. including equipment etc.

[LandLord]

I'd be reluctant to purchase an item that was style, fashion, design related if the decor did not represent the retailers overall vision

Have you ever heard anyone else say that? I haven't. People don't talk that way and they don't think that way. The vast majority will not purchase products simply because of a beautiful decor.
Basic decor will be enough if your offering is unique and good.

If your offering isn't unique and good, all the decor in the world won't save you.

[tmorse]

Wow there sure is alot of stuff to look into. I Have another question. What are the expenses in starting your store. So far i have
equipment
Lensometer
Keratometer
autorefractor
warmer
slit lamp
job trays
tools
screws
nose pads
lens gauge

Furniture
Chairs
Table

Inventory
frames
contact lenses
sunglasses


Accesories
Cloths
cleaners
cases
chains

This is all i have so far. However what is the initial cost in starting a brand new store. including equipment etc.

A distometer and pupilometer immediately comes to mind.:D

[Jedi]

Have you ever heard anyone else say that? I haven't. People don't talk that way and they don't think that way. The vast majority will not purchase products simply because of a beautiful decor.
Basic decor will be enough if your offering is unique and good.

If your offering isn't unique and good, all the decor in the world won't save you.

You are correct that a product won't be sold simply because the decor is pretty, but people do think that way. Salons would all look the same if that wasn't a factor, they all essentially provide the same service. I have two grocery stores in relative close proximity to me, same company exactly the same products and services. The newer, updated location is always busier. In this industry, product distinction is blurring, everyone is offering very similar services, having a more stylish office can give you an advantage.

Going back to your original statement about purchasing an item simply because of nice decor, no, but I've decided to shop elsewhere if a place looks like a mis-mash of stuff.

[Neena]

Ok before i say this comment i just want to say no offense to anyone working at this optical Chain. But i just want to use it as an example.
When i look at The Hakim stores it looks awful the frames are all over the place. it looks like someone grabbed some frames and just throw them on the display. that is why i feel it is so important to have a neat nice looking optical store. And to be honest i never want to go into Hakim for that reason. just my opinion sorry

[Fezz]

Make sure that you have a very good lawyer to look at everything you are doing, signing, leasing, writing, etc. Have a very good accountant look everything over, and over again, before you get yourself in a world of hurt. Have a second lawyer to help keep an eye on lawyer#1 and accountant. I suggest having at least 2 years income, maybe three, in CASH, set aside to support your adventure and to keep you afloat while the business grows.


I agree with Tmorse....get yourself a distometer and an accurate pupilometer as well.

I would keep a few books handy to pass away the time between patients:

Management for Opticians, by Appler, Dennis, Muth, White

System for Ophthalmic Dispensing, by Brooks&Borish.

Ophthalmic Dispensing: Present Day Realities, by Drew

The Optics of Ophthalmic Lenses, by Morgan

Dictionary of Visual Science, by Schapero, Cline, Hofstetter

[Fezz]

Here is a decent thread to check out:


http://www.optiboard.com/forums/show...r+clips&page=2

[Fezz]

You should have a very detailed business plan! Have it reviewed by your accountant, your 2 lawyers, your banker, your mental health advisor, the local SCORES (or whatever group in your area), the local college business department, etc.

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

[Fezz]

Wow there sure is alot of stuff to look into. I Have another question. What are the expenses in starting your store. So far i have
equipment
Lensometer
Keratometer
autorefractor
warmer
slit lamp
job trays
tools
screws
nose pads
lens gauge

Furniture
Chairs
Table

Inventory
frames
contact lenses
sunglasses


Accesories
Cloths
cleaners
cases
chains

This is all i have so far. However what is the initial cost in starting a brand new store. including equipment etc.

Paper
Pens
Pencils
Fax machine
Credit card machine
Cash register system/desk drawer organizer
Computer
Paper clips
Stapler
Staples
File cabinets
Files
Phone system
Advertising funds
Toilet Paper
Tissues
Towels
Cleaning supplies
Thank you cards
Sticky note pads
Antacids
First aid kits
Insurance
White-Out
Xanax
Radio
Storage area
Storage bins
Security system
Employee handbook
Will
Light bulbs
TV
Magazine subscriptions
Kids toys
Fridge
microwave
etc,
etc,
etc...................

[Fezz]

This is all i have so far. However what is the initial cost in starting a brand new store. including equipment etc.

Low-end estimate with Dr. equipment, dispensary, inventory, and office supplies: Mid-high $30 thousands, if you are rather savvy in your buying.

Realistically for the majority: $55-$85,000

Just a guess.


;):cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::D

[obxeyeguy]

etc,
etc,
etc...................
__________________
The Man, The Myth, The Legend,

Fezz

Alcohol ( both kinds);)

[Fezz]

Internet service
Labs that you have opened accounts with...before you open!
Subscription to Optiboard Pro's Only Forum
Excederin


;):cheers::cheers::cheers::D

[Snitgirl]

I was once told by a very noble ~ highly successful Optician.

"Perception is Eveything"

Jedi, I agree with you...

[LandLord]

Ok before i say this comment i just want to say no offense to anyone working at this optical Chain. But i just want to use it as an example.
When i look at The Hakim stores it looks awful the frames are all over the place. it looks like someone grabbed some frames and just throw them on the display. that is why i feel it is so important to have a neat nice looking optical store. And to be honest i never want to go into Hakim for that reason. just my opinion sorry

Neena. I wish you the best of luck in pursuing your dreams. But please, please, please do yourself a favour and read some marketing books before you open. If you want to open a store so that people will praise you for being neat and having a great sense of style, then by all means go ahead. However, if your first concern is making a legal profit as you practice your craft (it should be) then you should take a second look at Hakim and see why it is such a successful company. Literally hundreds of opticians have opened and closed nice looking stores since Hakim first began.