Buying Tip 46

Good buying should extend to your wrapping paper, bags, till rolls, racking etc. search the market or use www.costco.com also in UK

Buying Tip 45

"One off" promotions of lines slightly outside your normal stock range can increase foot fall.

Buying Tip 44

Know where you earn your highest weekly  margin. Best sellers may not even be near the top earners  -  80 / 20 rules apply.

Buying Tip 43

If a supplier offers a LIVE in-store demonstration TAKE IT! Sales will jump. (even static video presenters can do wonders for a while).

Buying Tip 42

Concession space can be let on an ongoing basis or just for a day, a week, or other short period

Buying Tip 41

If you have a lot of space take in a concession - no stock cost, just a share of the take.

Buying Tip 40

Great display opportunities can be built around Chinese New Year, Halloween etc. but check stock volumes carefully

Buying Tip 39

Take care with "one day" promotions such as Mothers Day, Valentines, etc. I love the "buzz" but waste can be a problem

Buying Tip 38

A few Brand Name items may be needed to give authority to your offer but go for higher margin alternatives if possible.

Buying Tip 37

Go on factory visits if they are offered. Always a good thing for both sides!

Buying Tip 36

Allow suppliers to visit & merchandise (re-order) stock, if they will take back slow lines.

Buying Tip 35

Ask brand suppliers  to dress your windows or in-store display FREE

Buying Tip 34

Ask your suppliers for FREE staff training. Worth 5% - 10%

Buying Tip 33

Unless you have EPOS be very carefull when listening to staff tell you what is / is not selling.
Even your own impressions can be plain wrong when you look at the figures.

Buying Tip 32

Don't be too proud to advice from the representative, give him a chance (at least once) to guide you.