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15/12/11. More shark stuff and sales. Shark frenzy fever has hit the point where crew are freaking out at a chunk of seaweed sitting on the bottom of the ocean as they paddle over the top of it. Seriously, the amount of crew whos' mates, mates, friends, Dads, brother, sisters, uncles girlfriends father saw one yesterday is getting beyond a joke. For myself, it has gotten to the point that when I lift the lid on the toilet bowl, I check and make sure there isn't one swimming around in there in case it bites my goolies off (sorry, i need my goolies as it defines me as a male). Now for some we are all use to seeing the odd bronze whaler or other resident shark that sometimes hangs around at your local, but the bigger concern are the Great Whites that seem to be hanging around. If it is freaking out some of us that much, go spend some bucks on a shark shield or make sure you go surfing where it's crowded (that's just about everywhere in WA) to lessen your chances. Now for some we are all use to seeing the odd bronze whaler or other resident shark that sometimes hangs around at your local, but the bigger concern are the Great Whites that seem to be hanging around. IF you see a shark, report it as a confirmed sighting. Report any shark sightings by phoning the water police on 94428600. . Some surf shops and other surf oriented businesses are saying the lack of sales are due to sharks keeping people out of the water. Lets have a look at other contributing factors lads: The surf has been pretty crap at times as we have been plagued by winds more out of the South than East. When the surf has been good, there has been no problems with crowds wth plenty of people in the water. The GFC isn't helping in sales. Online sales and cheap imports have not been helping in sales And last, but not least, some shop staff have not been helping in sales. Yep that's right, some of your staff. Here is a recent one that happened last week, this is a true story. . A guy I know walks into a well know surf shop, he is pretty cashed up. Picks out two mini mals and a long skate board he wants to buy and asks the shop staff member how much discount he would knock off the price. The shop staff member says none! . The guy then goes down the road and blows $1700.00 at another surf shop where he recieved $50 off and has a more friendlier experience during his sale. The surf shop that didn't want to do the deal, lost the sale and the customer, who will now shop at the surf shop that gave him the friendlier service and discount. . It's just like going to a restaurant. One may sell great food but have crap service, while the other one may have mediocre food, but great service and friendly staff, you don't have to be a Rhodes scholar to work out which one is going to be making the money. . Also product knowledge with some of your stuff would be of great benefit. I know this first hand after walking into a shop, being served by some kid who didn't know what a "rocker" was (the bottom curve of a board basically). Guys you can't sell a board, if you don't know what you are selling. . So there you have it, there are other factors that are determining your sales for some of you surf shop owners. Not just online sales where people seem to be going more, because it's less hassle at times dealing with a computer than a shop assistant who has no retail skills. Train your staff if you have to, it seems to be working for other shop owners. |