Living up to customers’ expectations
We are a few short weeks away from opening the farmshop, obviously it is an exciting time but also nerve racking. What will the public think when they walk through the doors? Will everything be ready in time, such as permission for directional signs to the site and an alcohol license? Will we have enough stock? Too much stock? I keep telling myself if we waited until everything was perfect we would never get open, improvements are a continual part of business.
I think an added worry at the moment is all this talk of a recession, being a new business we feel vulnerable starting out in this economic climate. However, I have read that even during a recession people like to have little treats, like a day trip out and maybe a bite to eat.
Choosing stock has been an enjoyable yet difficult task; although we have a whole host of quality local suppliers I constantly have to ask myself what our customers will want to buy, not just what appeals to me. My task has been greatly helped by the regional food group, Deliciously Yorkshire, who work with both producers and retailers.
I think I am becoming a bit customer obsessed actually, the other night I woke up thinking about our under-construction website. I bet customers would love to know more about our suppliers and their stories; why not have supplier of the month? So there I am at 1am writing it down before I forgot. If I manage to hold onto my boyfriend it will be a miracle! Work/life balance is a nightmare!!
