Strategic Long Term Planning & Survival

[eyemanflying]

The target audience for this thread is all independant self employed Canadian Opticians...

As I'm sure each of you has noticed, over the past few years, the optical playing field has changed substantially. It has become lean and mean and continues to tighten up on a daily basis.

More recently, with the addition of internet eyewear sales, large optometric based buying groups, big box optical stores and retail chains, the day of the thriving independant Optician looks to be on the endangered list.

Independants must start banding together to remain competitive and survive long term. I have developed a solution and will be available shortly.

I have a few brief survey questions listed below. Please answer in detail and elaborate best you can. If you prefer to remain anonymous, please PM me.

1. What is the main driving force of your business? i.e., location, store hours, product line, pricing, value, quick turnaround etc.
2. What sets you apart from your competition? i.e., service levels, experience, technical expertise.
3. What forms of advertising have you implemented that has proven effective? i.e., mass media, transit, radio, local newspaper, senior citizen targeted magazines, website.
4. Do you receive word of mouth referrals? If so, how often?
5. Aside from advertising, what else is driving customers to your store?
6. Are you open to new ideas and suggestions?
7. Do you prefer to deal with a single lab, or open to dealing more than one if pricing and service levels are competitive?
8. What are your thoughts on private label quality products (free-form, digital and conventional products)?
9. What is your average wholesale cost on frames you currently carry in your store?
10. Are cash back and rebate incentives enticing and would you weigh your support to a supplier that offered these things?

I appreciate in advance any responses received!

[LandLord]

Originally Posted by eyemanflying

The target audience for this thread is all independant self employed Canadian Opticians...

As I'm sure each of you has noticed, over the past few years, the optical playing field has changed substantially. It has become lean and mean and continues to tighten up on a daily basis.

More recently, with the addition of internet eyewear sales, large optometric based buying groups, big box optical stores and retail chains, the day of the thriving independant Optician looks to be on the endangered list.

Independants must start banding together to remain competitive and survive long term. I have developed a solution and will be available shortly.

I have a few brief survey questions listed below. Please answer in detail and elaborate best you can. If you prefer to remain anonymous, please PM me.

1. What is the main driving force of your business? uniqueness
2. What sets you apart from your competition? I have a product no one else has.
3. What forms of advertising have you implemented that has proven effective? radio
4. Do you receive word of mouth referrals? Yes, every week.
5. Aside from advertising, what else is driving customers to your store? People see customers wearing my product, notice its uniqueness and ask where they can get the same.
6. Are you open to new ideas and suggestions? always
7. Do you prefer to deal with a single lab, or open to dealing more than one if pricing and service levels are competitive? price rules
8. What are your thoughts on private label quality products? I prefer them over ubiquitous name brands.
9. What is your average wholesale cost on frames you currently carry in your store? pass
10. Are cash back and rebate incentives enticing and would you weigh your support to a supplier that offered these things? No

I appreciate in advance any responses received!

thanks

[eyemanflying]

Originally Posted by LandLord

thanks

For?

[LandLord]

everything

[eyemanflying]

Originally Posted by LandLord

everything

oooook.