Last month, I attended a meeting of billiard dealers from around the country. The group was comprised of over a dozen dealers ranging from small family owned stores to large franchised chains. The meeting was to see new product, introduce container specials and discuss MAP pricing. However, during an informal visit after the meeting – my eyes were opened to the theory behind the “fast talking – today’s special” sales technique. In order to understand some of the difficulties that…
In the heart of the city, surrounded by the trendy Washington Avenue district, lies a 75 year old Houston tradition. International Billiards Inc. is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a Houston family owned and operated business. Amidst the corporate giants and impersonal service of other billiard dealers, you can find the second, third and fourth generation owners of International Billiards Inc. still here on a daily basis ready to help you find the right billiard, shuffleboard or game table, dart…
I do. I really really really love our industry. My grandfather started this business in 1940 and my father purchased and started growing it in 1971. My joke has always been that I started working here in 1963. However that would mean that I started at birth and the truth is that I was probably 6 or 7 before I was doing various age appropriate tasks. My earliest memory of coming to work is confirmed by my 1968 diary. I…
Discounts…. everyone is talking about them. The media is all over it and Dave Ramsey even supports asking for them. But did you know that in some instances, especially in small “mom and pop” establishments, that asking for a discount is unrealistic? On average, it costs 35% to open the doors of a store. Rent, taxes, payroll, insurance and utilities add up. Most small businesses make 3%-10% net profit during good economies. In the last few years during this bad…