Fast forward a few years and I no longer wonder how I will afford that amazing designer piece. I more than fund those Champagne tastes and shopping now supports my lifestyle and my passion for all things designer. Seems too good to be true? Not something you could ever do? Wrong.
The wonderful thing about those who love to shop, shop often and shop in a variety of stores, is that we have an amazing built-in knowledge of what makes a great customer experience. By using those wonderful shopping instincts you can provide great products and services to customers hungry for great value and wonderful customer service.
We shoppers have seen it all – great shopping experiences, bad shopping experiences, lovely packaging, giveaways, service and we can readily, list the key components of a great experience that they have had, whether online or in store. Right?
As an executive working in retail channels, my shopping prowess was always a great resource; like having a built in customer test panel to give feedback on what works and what buyers like. I thought everyone knew this stuff so I didn’t fully appreciate the value of my shopping ‘apprenticeship’ until I started my fledgling online store. This, was when I discovered the true genius of being a shopaholic and how, it informs and contributes to your success every. I call this the Genius of the Shopaholic
By exploiting your knowledge about those amazing product categories you are passionate about, you could fund your designer wardrobe season on season.
Want to know how to do it yourself?
Simple and to help you remember I came up with this formula
Passion & Knowledge + Savvy Shopping + Service + selling platform = Genius of the Shopaholic
I’ll give you an example of how this formula works. I love kitchen gadgets and all of the latest machines to produce gourmet food. I can’t help myself. I am constantly checking out the latest cookbooks and recipes, cookware and crockery.
- Passion and knowledge – Find what you are passionate about. I utilized my exuberance for the kitchen product niche and applied it to my new business. I didn’t have to study as I was already well versed in this product area. I knew what was sexy, what was trending and I immediately recognized a great bargain.
- Savvy Shopping skills/Sourcing – You know the prices so when you spot a bargain, think like a retailer. As I was already shopping in this product area for myself, when I found a great bargain for me I bought extra for my store.
- Customer Service – You know what great customer service looks like so pass it on. I applied all I knew about what the ideal shopping experience should be for my customers
- Selling Platform – Pretty sells. I presented the products beautifully in my online store. I started on eBay because it is so easy to get started and profitable.
This is the formula I use to help others get started online and it is the formula I use to start other product niches for my new stores.
Remember that Diet Coke budget?
When I first started to be successful online I found myself wandering through the Louis Vuitton Store at Melbourne’s Crown Casino. I was struck by a stunning giant red Alma handbag displayed on the wall and it was love. The first thing that came to mind was ‘I deserve it’. This was a change from how I used to shop (you know, holding my breath and thinking that maybe one day that vision of perfection would come home with me). I didn’t ask the price I just bought it, the matching wallet and the scarf. This was such a novelty. No thinking about price. Then it dawned on me, that I could shop to my hearts content for my customers, and that by servicing them well, I could shop anywhere. The fabulous news is so can you!
The Carousel thanks Jo Munro from savvyshopaholic for this article.
