mom & pop nurseries
- To:
- Subject: mom & pop nurseries
- From: G*
- Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 08:44:20 -0400
Hello Barb,
I guess the most simple and direct answer is I simply do not compete. I
found a specialty area and stay there. Smaller piece of the pie, but at
least a piece. There is no way I can compete with the biggies and discount
stores so I do not. That road is filled with small nurseries who expanded
and discounted themselves into oblivion.
I specialize in shade plants.. the so called perennials, natives and
non-native woodlanders. I have a hard copy catalog (very expensive and the
biggies give them away so I must as well). Almost no one will pay for a
catalog up front today. Postage is more than the catalog... $1.00 each to
mail them out. Web site is a must in todays world if you specialize.
Another expense that does not directly pay in full for itself and often
takes more time than the rest of the nursery duties.
I am open by appointment only. Normal appointment is 1 1/2 to 2 hours of
talk and viewing the display garden. I intentionally set it up this way
because I go to nurseries and purchase plants myself. Never can find anyone
who knows what the hell they are talking about ... if they can find the
plant for you.... at the larger nurseries. I set my nursery up the way I
would want to be treated in the best of worlds. Personal service and you
are the only one getting the attention while you are there. No
interruptions. Even offer you something to drink while you shop. Sit under
the shade tree and talk plants as long as you like.
In short... do unto others... always remember you are selling good
feelings. When in business you are there to serve... no other purpose.
Anything else comes as a bonus.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----------
> From: WHTROS@aol.com
snip......
> How about a Word from some of our Nurserymen on this list? I'm
> assuming you are all relative small. How do you manage to compete??
snip.....
> Best Wishes to you all --
> Barb
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