13 November 2017
Bedshed franchisee reveals behind-the-scenes secrets of a Bedshed buying trip
A little over four years ago, Patrick and his wife Gill Weiner opened their store at Nunawading, Victoria. They’d heard on the Bedshed grapevine about the bi-annual buying trips that Bedshed hosts across Asia including Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and China. However, it was only this year that they decided to take up the opportunity to attend.
Here, Patrick shares what you can expect from a buying trip with Bedshed.
1. An opportunity to have your say
People often associate franchisees with having little to no decision making power or input into product selection within their franchise. From my experience with Bedshed, this couldn’t be further from the truth, and my recent attendance at the buying trip further proves this point. Each franchisee has the opportunity to share their view around what products will or won’t sell in store, and their input is definitely taken into consideration over the final decision.
2. Interactive experience with the products
Having worked in my store for over four years, I have a pretty good understanding of the products that will appeal to my customers. The buying trip gave me the opportunity to physically see and touch a number of potential new products, and I was able to decide then and there whether I thought a certain product would be suitable for my store. The opportunity to make these choices as a franchisee is one of the reasons I entered the Bedshed network in the first place!
3. Keep your finger on the pulse
Staying ahead of the game with the latest trends is vital in our industry. The buying trip gave us the ability to get up to speed on the latest and greatest in mattress technology and innovation for the year ahead, and we can therefore ensure we’re bringing that in-depth knowledge back to our stores and more importantly, our customers.
4. Mingle and learn from other franchisees
While we’re constantly in contact with other franchisees in the Bedshed network, spending 10 days together gives you the opportunity to really get to know and learn from each other. We’re able to bounce ideas around and share valuable learnings on what we think will and won’t work in our various stores. It’s a wonderful feeling to know you’re part of an inclusive community that is there to guide and support you.
*Katy Gennai, of Bedshed Watergardens, has attended a number of Bedshed’s buying trips. You can read about her experience here.*
5. Factory visits will improve your customer service
Seeing firsthand where your products are made gives you an incredible advantage when you are selling that product in-store. After visiting the factories and seeing the quality manner in which they’re operated and how products are handled, I’m now able to dispel any myths a customer may have around where a product has come from and the way in which it’s made.
6. Networking with manufacturers
The ability to have a face-to-face conversation with some of the manufacturers and suppliers is a priceless experience. Rather than waiting for an email response, you are able to have robust conversations about what it is you are looking for in a mattress. They do an excellent job of helping to point you in the right direction and giving you extra information that you didn’t even know you needed!
