Retail Business Kit For Dummies Reviews

• Great for basics, too general for experienced marketers

  
  By A3PVTC2PQCJV1N on 2003-10-12
  I should preface this review by saying that I am probably not the typical reader the author had in mind when writing this book. As a marketing consultant, I was recently was engaged to develop retail feasibility study and project plan for an Internet retailer planning their first bricks and mortar store. Although I have retail marketing experience, I bought this book to make sure that I had all bases covered and to get some fresh ideas on visual merchandising, retail POS systems and operations for small retailers.

  This book is a great tool for a would-be entrepreneur thinking about starting their first retail business. It covers all the basics needed to plan, set up and manage a retail business, from writing the business plan to making the business a reality. The author makes good use of case studies which illustrate some of the retail successes and failures that he has observed. Another feature I found particularly useful are the tips on all aspects of retailing that could take years of trial and error to learn on your own. Last but not least the CD contains a wealth of useful forms and checklists.

  Some areas that I would like to see developed in future editions are:

  * Visual merchandising and store layout - more on principles and examples of floor plans
  * Software suggestions - small business retail POS systems, planogram and merchandising design software
  * Sample budgets and project plans
  * Links to online sources of information - where to find designers, software, sales staff etc

  To summarize, an excellent book on retail basics and if Rick Segel writes an "Advanced Retailing for Dummies" book, I will be the first customer.
  
  

• Everything You Need to Know About Retail Businesses

  
  By A4JVHYQGXSUBS on 2001-09-06
  Hi, Amazon.com shoppers. I would like to say a few words about Retail Business Kit For Dummies. I work in the retail industry, and I was drawn to this book because I heard Rick Segel speak several years ago. He was so funny and inspirational, and I really enjoyed his presentation, unlike some speeches I've heard that put me to sleep. So, I was curious about this book. Let me say that I was not disappointed. I felt that Rick's personality really came across, which made the material very fun to read. (IMHO, it doesn't matter how valuable the information is if it's written in a dry and boring style.) I think the little anecdotes and true stories that he scatters throughout are a great way to illustrate the points he makes. For example, I really liked a story he told about a jewelry store owner who sent out a very elaborate (read, expensive!) invitation to a private sale to his best 78 customers. Almost 50 of them came to the event and spent money, results that totally blew away the response he had gotten to the thousands of cheap postcards he sent out in past promotions. The moral? It pays to focus on your very best customers, even if you have to spend a little more.
  Basically, I learned a lot of tips and tricks of the trade that I can share with my colleagues. What a great book! To anyone who's reading this review, check it out! It gives you a ton of great insights you'll appreciate.
  Thanks for listening (well, reading!) and have a great day!
  
  

• Great book for retailing entrepreneurs!

  
  By A93CNU0OL0E7K on 2003-06-16
  I'm a CPA in Redmond, WA with a heavy retail clientale. (I'm also the author of QuickBooks for Dummies and Quicken for Dummies.)

  This is a great book for people looking to start successful retail stops. Tons of great ideas. It's also a great book for established retailers looking to improve their profitability.

  My one gripe with the book is that the tax advice and information is wrong. But your accountant or attorney can and should provide that information to you.

  ...P>Steve
  
  

• All the information I needed!

  
  By A2F56Q952KBSU9 on 2001-09-06
  What can I say about this book?
  I bought it because I'm thinking about opening my own little gift shop. It's been a dream of mine for a long time, but I've never known where to begin. You know, it's not all fun and games. With all the stuff you have to learn about taxes and legalities, it can be downright intimidating.
  After reading Retail Business Kit For Dummies I understand a lot more about what it's like to operate a store. It covers everything. I don't feel so intimidated now!

  Thanks, Rick Segel! I'm still not sure if I'm going to do it, but at least now I can make an informed decision.
  
  

• Learning to serve customers the RIGHT way

  
  By on 2001-09-06
  The most interesting parts of this book were the ones about customer service. Generally I HATE shopping, because salespeople are either all over you the minute you walk in the door, or else they ignore you. (I bet everyone has experienced the
  you're-inconveniencing-me-while-I-gab-with-my-friend-on-the-phone syndrome!) It makes you want to buy everything from the Internet-hey....

  Sorry I'm being so negative, I just feel that too many stores have forgotten that they exist TO SERVE THE CUSTOMER! Okay, I've vented and I feel better now! My point is that Retail Business Kit For Dummies HASN'T forgotten that. The author (Rick Segel) is adamant that retailers should wow their customers and be appreciative of them. I especially like the chapter on soft suggestive selling-no, it has nothing to do with sex, it's all about offering hassle-free, non-pushy service.

  In closing, I think every store owner and manager should read this book. It would make the retail world a much more pleasant place for customers-which would, in turn, make the stores more profitable. Obviously, that's the bottom line.
  
  

• A must read for the beginner
  By A3C4I8UNIIUJMT on 2005-07-20
  I could hardly put this book down after receiving it. I especially liked the section on writing a business plan. Lots of detail in this book.
  
  
• This book is priceless!
  By A1V2LWAAM8VBY2 on 2001-09-06
  I loved this book! Actually, I've read several of the Dummies books and liked them all; they really do put complex information in "plain English." Retail Business Kit For Dummies is no exception. After reading it I feel that I could run right out and open up a successful store! I'm not ready to quit my day job just yet. But someday . . . !
  
  
• Good read, but too rudimentary
  By A15I282CTPMTTD on 2006-08-31
  One thing is for sure - if you really intend to start your own retail business, Retail Business Kit for Dummies will not take you far. It is very rudimentary, to say the least. My real disappointment is because of the CD that came with the book, supposedly full of useful forms, reports etc. They looked as if they were written with a typewriter.Anyway, regardless of your profile, I do not think that this book will help you open or run a successful retail business, nor significantly compliment your existing knowledge.
  However, it does make an interesting read, and offers good common sense advice based on the authors many years in the industry.
  
  
  
• Retail Business Kit for Dummies
  By A3IZR67HJL2UTS on 2007-08-04
  I recently opened a small shop in an antiques mall and found this book to be quite helpful. The information is presented in an interesting and easy to use format. The book covers all the basics and is loaded with useful suggestions for marketing your business.
  
  
• If you are looking for help in starting or continuing to run a business...this is the book for you...
  By AG49J1RTX00W4 on 2008-11-10
  This book is filled with practical advice for retail business owners that is truly helpful. I have followed Rick Segel for many years now, and the advice he gives is down to earth, solid business advice from a completely different angle than most authors, his is from actually having owned and worked a retail business.
  
  Advertising is something that most business owners I know struggled with and I was really impressed with the advice that Rick gave on what to include in my advertising arsenal. It has helped me to focus on effective advertising that has attracted new customers.
  
  I implemented one of Rick's ideas for a one day sale in my shoe store, and it caused me to run $10,000 in sales on that day, without killing my business the next week. I had over thirty people standing in line just waiting to get into my shoe store at 8:00am, it was amazing.
  
  I highly recommend this book for anyone whether just starting a business, or if you've been at it for a long time...there is way more stuff in this book than you will probably ever use...it is a must add to your business book collection.
  
  
  
  

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