Let's say you've decided it's time to open your own doll-related business, whether it be web-based or brick and mortar, or both.
The most important thing to do first is research, research, research.
I would argue that the most important research to do first is this: if you haven't recently held a job which required you to deal with customers and hopefully suppliers on a regular basis, then get thee to a retail store of some sort and get to work.
Why? Because if you can't stand the thought of dealing with the problems that your customers and suppliers will inevitably have, then you don't belong in a job where you have to deal with them. If you don't think you can apologize to customers for things that weren't actually your fault, don't open a retail-based business. If you think dealing with people is the worst part of your day, then dealing with people is what you should avoid. After all, selling dolls isn't just about ordering the new dolls as they are introduced (although that's a great deal of the fun, I have to admit), it's about selling those dolls so you can afford to order more.
I mentioned working with suppliers previously because that is one of the biggest parts of selling dolls. Communicating clearly with suppliers is often a challenge which requires a lot of patience. Dealing with the inevitable delays your suppliers will have in their production/shipping schedules means extra work for you. Not only will you have to take those delays into account when considering what to order next, but you will have to deal with your customers who are frustrated at not getting their merchandise when originally promised. They have every right to be frustrated, and that may end up getting taken out on you. If you can't deal with their frustration and your own, then you shouldn't be in retail.
Obviously I can't go into every sort of issue you may have with customers and suppliers, but hopefully you now realize how important it is that you can, and are willing to deal effectively and positively, with people on both sides of your sales counter.
The most important thing to do first is research, research, research.
I would argue that the most important research to do first is this: if you haven't recently held a job which required you to deal with customers and hopefully suppliers on a regular basis, then get thee to a retail store of some sort and get to work.
Why? Because if you can't stand the thought of dealing with the problems that your customers and suppliers will inevitably have, then you don't belong in a job where you have to deal with them. If you don't think you can apologize to customers for things that weren't actually your fault, don't open a retail-based business. If you think dealing with people is the worst part of your day, then dealing with people is what you should avoid. After all, selling dolls isn't just about ordering the new dolls as they are introduced (although that's a great deal of the fun, I have to admit), it's about selling those dolls so you can afford to order more.
I mentioned working with suppliers previously because that is one of the biggest parts of selling dolls. Communicating clearly with suppliers is often a challenge which requires a lot of patience. Dealing with the inevitable delays your suppliers will have in their production/shipping schedules means extra work for you. Not only will you have to take those delays into account when considering what to order next, but you will have to deal with your customers who are frustrated at not getting their merchandise when originally promised. They have every right to be frustrated, and that may end up getting taken out on you. If you can't deal with their frustration and your own, then you shouldn't be in retail.
Obviously I can't go into every sort of issue you may have with customers and suppliers, but hopefully you now realize how important it is that you can, and are willing to deal effectively and positively, with people on both sides of your sales counter.
