Budderfly Posted April 6, 2004 Share Posted April 6, 2004 (edited) I'm thinking of opening my own martial arts supply store in the next 5 years and have it eventually lead distribution of supplies to schools in western Canada. The demand is large in my area. I'm hoping you can help me with a couple questions. As a consumer, what do you look for in a martial arts supply store? As a school owner, what do you look for in a martial arts supplier? If anyone has any bit of info on supply stores, positive and negative feedback or anything else please post it here. Edited April 6, 2004 by Budderfly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramymensa Posted April 6, 2004 Share Posted April 6, 2004 Well that's a good idea indeed. I guess you'll have to have some unexpensive equipment along with the "great names", expensive but useful for those who'd like to give some money for quality. It's important to have some costumers that afford expensive things. A good place and promotion are also important. World Shotokan Karate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budderfly Posted April 6, 2004 Author Share Posted April 6, 2004 I plan to have a range of different brands as well as cater to all styles of martial arts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White_Tiger Posted April 6, 2004 Share Posted April 6, 2004 Great idea! One suggestion I would have is offer an online store. That is a great convenience. Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budderfly Posted April 6, 2004 Author Share Posted April 6, 2004 Ah yes, will make note of that. Thanks White Tiger! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pacificshore Posted April 7, 2004 Share Posted April 7, 2004 If I were to operate a martial arts supply store, I would try to keep my inventory low, and set up with the distributor to direct ship to your customer. Di'DaDeeeee!!!Mind of Mencia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramymensa Posted April 7, 2004 Share Posted April 7, 2004 I was thinking at this too. And it could reduce the rate of unsold items. Thus you won't lose money ... I guess World Shotokan Karate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budderfly Posted April 7, 2004 Author Share Posted April 7, 2004 I was thinking, to start online and see how the market bites... but because the demand for a good "all round" martial arts store is high here, I would probably do better with a physical store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shorinryu Sensei Posted April 9, 2004 Share Posted April 9, 2004 Those are all good ideas the others have provided. On the down side, you'll be competing with instructors themselves (like me) who order at wholesale prices, and charge the studetns retail prices. I absorb the shipping into my profit and that keeps the students from ordering gi, weapons, bags etc themselves because they save on shipping, and I make a few bucks in the process. Basically, I get what I want at wholesale prices (doesn't everybody?) for myself and wouldn't purchase at a retail store. It's just what I do, and have been since about 1979. My nightly prayer..."Please, just let me win that PowerBall Jackpot just once. I'll prove to you that it won't change me!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budderfly Posted April 10, 2004 Author Share Posted April 10, 2004 That's why I want to move into distributing afterwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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