What to display? (1 Viewer)

MarkeytMaker

MarkeytMaker

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I'm considering opening a toy soldier shop. I would have a nice 4x8 window at the entrance for display. My question is what K&C items would draw the most interest to get people to come in? Would it be soldiers, diorama's, tanks and vehicles of more in the way of a name?
 
One more thing...the foot traffic is walking by the window...not visable from the roadway/street!
 
MarkeytMaker said:
I'm considering opening a toy soldier shop. I would have a nice 4x8 window at the entrance for display. My question is what K&C items would draw the most interest to get people to come in? Would it be soldiers, diorama's, tanks and vehicles of more in the way of a name?
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I would think dioramas would draw the most attention, especially with foot traffic. They're interesting to look at and would would make people want to come into your shop. I might also display some soldiers and vehicals by themselves but I think dioramas would be best.


Good luck with your shop!
 
MarkeytMaker said:
I'm considering opening a toy soldier shop. I would have a nice 4x8 window at the entrance for display. My question is what K&C items would draw the most interest to get people to come in? Would it be soldiers, diorama's, tanks and vehicles of more in the way of a name?
Click to expand...

IMHO, dio!!

good luck
 
Plenty of colours and on mass, I would consider Ancient Egypt for mass, as Andy says more releases to come, anything Egypt appeals to most ages and perhaps AWI for colour, best of luck, wish you were opening in Adelaide, cheers, Robin.
 
I would have several small dioramas each representing a different popular theme with some vehicles, aircraft,
Dio buildings showcasing and drawing the interest to come into the shop. I would keep anything with a
Swastica out of initial view from outside of the shop to keep it simple. Like the old saying goes........
Presentation is 90% of the sale. !!!
 
MarkeytMaker said:
I'm considering opening a toy soldier shop. I would have a nice 4x8 window at the entrance for display. My question is what K&C items would draw the most interest to get people to come in? Would it be soldiers, diorama's, tanks and vehicles of more in the way of a name?
Click to expand...

My distributor uses my dios to put amonst his K&C soldiers that are on display. I can say that if I had received 1$ for every picture taken I would be with my yacht in the South of France doing "dolce farniente ........."
Colour is also an important factor, that is the reason why you will also see a lot of Naps and colourful knights in the different show windows of toy soldier shops.
guy:)
 
Hard to say as it will be your choice should you open the shop. I would try several small dio's with a couple of figures from each range and, that would mean you could cover quite a range in the space you are stating. Have different levels to catch the eye than rather have everything on one level. In the back ground you could also use promotional pictures of other ranges you do not have room for so, have a mix of advertising material than just the product.

Also, If you will be stocking other items remember that Glossy and other manufacturers collectors etc may not be interested in K&C's mainly mat ranges so, you will have to add other ranges in also or, at least provide some narrative that you do stock other products. That is unless you are going solo with K&C then, forget what I have just written as it is not relevant.

Perhaps also you could canvas the area you intend to sell and see what comes of that in terms of interest for historical products. It may help. Best of Luck with the venture
Mitch
 
I really do appreciate "every" response so far...I recieved more response's than I thought! There is one fellow member who sent me a private email (private) He suggests a small card identifying the cost of each item displayed. He also suggests putting one or two pieces from each era such that everyone who looks can identify with his (or hers ) interest. So far I like this idea best! As well I like Robin's suggestion of alot of color. Since I have large K&C Glossy collection I was wondering if it would be smart to display all of them in the front window? These glossy's have color and shine. They would also be the highest priced, so when people see this it may spark more curiosity (or not) Then once they enter the store everything else is less expensive. So what I'm saying is, would it be a good or a bad to put high dollar in the window (security is not an issue, or sunlight damage) Again everyone's input is most appreciated

Markey
 
MarkeytMaker said:
I really do appreciate "every" response so far...I recieved more response's than I thought! There is one fellow member who sent me a private email (private) He suggests a small card identifying the cost of each item displayed. He also suggests putting one or two pieces from each era such that everyone who looks can identify with his (or hers ) interest. So far I like this idea best! As well I like Robin's suggestion of alot of color. Since I have large K&C Glossy collection I was wondering if it would be smart to display all of them in the front window? These glossy's have color and shine. They would also be the highest priced, so when people see this it may spark more curiosity (or not) Then once they enter the store everything else is less expensive. So what I'm saying is, would it be a good or a bad to put high dollar in the window (security is not an issue, or sunlight damage) Again everyone's input is most appreciated

Markey
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I would say put the quality but low priced items in the window. If you put a bunch of high price pieces in the display it may drive people away from the start !
 
never seen a toy soldier shop that has prices in the window. I would not put them on as that gives the customer or, potential customer the option of walking away before they even enter. Once in then you at least have the option of starting to build a rapport with them explaining the pieces etc and then more likely get a sale.
Mitch
 
Mark,

Why don't you talk to a dealer or two and see what works for them. The ones in your area may not want to help.

I know the first time I walked into a toy soldier shop, the dealer had displays of K & C WW II (no prices), just troops and tanks after troops and tanks and it blew me away. I bought a set right then and there (having had no intention to do so when I walked in) and bought another the next day.

Brad
 
Mitch said:
never seen a toy soldier shop that has prices in the window. I would not put them on as that gives the customer or, potential customer the option of walking away before they even enter. Once in then you at least have the option of starting to build a rapport with them explaining the pieces etc and then more likely get a sale.
Mitch
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I agree, talk prices once they are inside your shop ! Much better idea keeping listed prices out of sight from outside the shop.
 
I think something with redcoats in a line would catch the eye, as well as a beach landing with landing craft and paratroopers with open chutes!^&grin

Maybe an airfield?

Scott^&grin
 
Mark,

Can I assume this shop/store will be in Maui? Hey, you can always check out the obvious near you-that being Sierra as they have a great "store-front." I know that they change their diorama displays but the last time I was there thy had a RAF setup with the stunning wood Lancaster which was simply stunning. I am a huge fan of using period militaria to supplement the displays. What else...you will need a very good web site as I trust it will be a critical part of the business equation.

Best,
Marc
 
Beaufighter said:
Mark,

Can I assume this shop/store will be in Maui? Hey, you can always check out the obvious near you-that being Sierra as they have a great "store-front." I know that they change their diorama displays but the last time I was there thy had a RAF setup with the stunning wood Lancaster which was simply stunning. I am a huge fan of using period militaria to supplement the displays. What else...you will need a very good web site as I trust it will be a critical part of the business equation.

Best,
Marc
Click to expand...
Marc,

Hawaii...not quite yet? The idea of a toy soldier shop could be located within our locksmith store. We have about 30-40 unique vistors a day. There is a room 500sq ft to the side and within which can be utilized. It could be made into a mini toy Soldier shop. It could be a very nice store without a ton of upfront costs. Rent would be free since the building is paid for. Dark Cherrywood cabinets with black marble floors and some appropriate track lighting would be stunning. The idea is that from within the locksmith store people could look at the display, then peep through the display and discover what resides behind and within the other room. There would be a glass store front to enter from inside the locksmith store (a mini mall feeling) I would hope that a few people now and then make some purchases. I'm pretty sure there won't be any significant income from this and really there wouldn't need to be. It would be hopeful to understand how people in a less favorable location react to purchasing when presented with something they didn't expect seeing, or intended purchasing. I would prefer this store to "not" have an employee inside (free roaming enviornment). A sign that say's "If you are interested in purchasing a set of soldiers please ask for assistance from an employee next door") The employee/s which are locksmiths are plenty capable of providing assistance. This idea for now wouldn't be to become a Sierra Toy Soldier Shop but rather a testing ground so I can get a hands on approach at how it all works on a small scale. Andy told me a couple of years ago when I popped the question of becoming a dealer and having a store...that in order to open a store :)wink2:lad:wink2:)you need experience and time involved, knowledge of the customers interests and the products themselves as well as the history of war...he said talk to me in a few years{eek3} When he told me this, I said to myself, what you don't want someone else to sell your products??? It was almost instantly after that comment to myself that I classified Andy as an appropriate businessman who knew I was on a cloud to think I was the guy K&C was looking for. In time maybe a can get there?
 
This sounds like a good idea and who knows where it might lead you in the future. From small things, big things grow. A small diorama in each locked glass cabinet with the corresponding figures in boxes underneath and some handy samples somewhere for customers to handle. In my experience everyone that picks up a figure for the first time is taken back by the weight and than follow with amazement with the amount of detail up close. This little venture will relieve the everyday boredom of regular work, which you have to endure to support this expensive hobby, best of luck Marc, cheers, Robin.





QUOTE=MarkeytMaker;521432]Marc,

Hawaii...not quite yet? The idea of a toy soldier shop could be located within our locksmith store. We have about 30-40 unique vistors a day. There is a room 500sq ft to the side and within which can be utilized. It could be made into a mini toy Soldier shop. It could be a very nice store without a ton of upfront costs. Rent would be free since the building is paid for. Dark Cherrywood cabinets with black marble floors and some appropriate track lighting would be stunning. The idea is that from within the locksmith store people could look at the display, then peep through the display and discover what resides behind and within the other room. There would be a glass store front to enter from inside the locksmith store (a mini mall feeling) I would hope that a few people now and then make some purchases. I'm pretty sure there won't be any significant income from this and really there wouldn't need to be. It would be hopeful to understand how people in a less favorable location react to purchasing when presented with something they didn't expect seeing, or intended purchasing. I would prefer this store to "not" have an employee inside (free roaming enviornment). A sign that say's "If you are interested in purchasing a set of soldiers please ask for assistance from an employee next door") The employee/s which are locksmiths are plenty capable of providing assistance. This idea for now wouldn't be to become a Sierra Toy Soldier Shop but rather a testing ground so I can get a hands on approach at how it all works on a small scale. Andy told me a couple of years ago when I popped the question of becoming a dealer and having a store...that in order to open a store :)wink2:lad:wink2:)you need experience and time involved, knowledge of the customers interests and the products themselves as well as the history of war...he said talk to me in a few years{eek3} When he told me this, I said to myself, what you don't want someone else to sell your products??? It was almost instantly after that comment to myself that I classified Andy as an appropriate businessman who knew I was on a cloud to think I was the guy K&C was looking for. In time maybe a can get there?[/QUOTE]
 
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