ok does any one own or operate a surf shop be it longboards normal or sups ?

Im a fairly good sales person and after walking in at least five shops this week found that either the sales person droped the price as soon as i asked and never spoke of adons (legropes,wax,wetsuits,bags and the like )also i was asked what i want not what i should have (asking questions to find out my needs and wants and what i would like it to do for me ) just a question guys as over the years have seen many shops open and close quikly and wondered if they had a good sale person or good sales training for thier staff whether they would have closed.

sorry rant finished now just got me thats all.

warren

I'm a firm believer in doing you're own homework having worked in retail before I know the lingo and techniques for easy sales, quite often as you said fatty the sales people often don't know what they are talking about. But if you're willing to buy something you should find out through everyway possible what is best for you. Unfortunately there are too many posers out there will to make a quick buck, take advantage of those who are eager to join the surfing culture.

I was in my local shop a few months ago chatting with a mate who worked there when a mum and son came in. They had a look around the board racks for a few minutes before my mate approached them and this about how the dialogue went...

mum: we were told my son needs to get a longboard...
mate: really whys that.?
mum: because its easier to learn on...
mate: that not entirely right...
mate (to son): whats your surfing like buddy...can you paddle on to the waves yet?
mum: yeh he can (proud mum buts in)
mate (to son): can you stand up?
son: yeh
mate (to son): so are you catching the waves out the back?
mum: yeh he was out the back catching the big ones yesterday (the day before was lucky to be knee high)
mum: and hes a level 3 surfer so hes pretty good
mate: whats a level 3 surfer?
mum: thats his certificate he for the surf school
mate: sorry to tell you but there no such things as 'levels' in surfing
mate: but this is what I recommend.... etc

I sometimes feel sorry for people like this because if my mate hadn't done the righty or she had gone to anotehr shop this could kid (all of 4 ft high) would have more than likley hitting the lineup on a 9ft longboard none the wiser

yes you all said it.Ive been involved with or around the surf industry since the late 60's.
Back then surf shops actually had surfboards and staff that wanted to help and knew a bit. Like everyone said lucky for most shops these days to have boards mostly clothes,shoes, etc.
I worked as a sales rep for Surftech when they first started, opening accounts along the east coast, was hard to get accepted in because of the markup compared to clothes. Surfboards take up to much room,yea right, surfshop...surfboards.
Anyway most of us know where surfing has gone and sadly is going.

fatsurf said...

ok does any one own or operate a surf shop be it longboards normal or sups ?

fatso dude, yes i own one, and can i say without reserve that the staff deserve the beatings that they get with cat o' nine tails and still they can't operate without a morning surf.


you going to the wrong shops dude.