eChipmunks

DIY folks: Can I get your opinion on a DIY store?

It's mostly DIY pest control products, but we are trying to branch out and sell other things as well. We have some fertilizers and are not interested in pool stuff because there's too many pool product stores already. What would you guys, as DIY homeowners, like to see in a DIY store? Pomohud- We dont carry anything that you can find at home depot or Loews. Because their pest control products are a joke. Literally....I laugh in the pest control section.

Public Comments

1. we have them,Lowes,Home depot, and Ace hardware.
2. YIKES!! Writing for myself, only. Tough question. My guess is that you want to smooth over the seasonal nature of your business, generate cash-flow and also you do not want to get into arts-and-crafts. So, ask yourself what you like to do in various seasons, and what you need to do it. And how much space you have to dedicate to that sort of thing. Thoughts along those lines: a) Used books, DVDs or CDs: You buy them for 'store credit' and sell them for cash - and that store-credit is only for other books or CDs, not new goods. So, you get cash income and no outgo other than the cost of space. Those I have seen (and use) operate on a 3:1 basis. Three credits buy one item. b) Specialty finishing products, specialty caulks, waxes, wood fillers, even wood appliques. This goes well as you are already chemical/hazmat certified. c) Energy savings: Either specific items such as CFL-type lamps - with specific reference to specialty items such a candelabra based lamps, or as a clearing house for various vendors. You get a piece-of-the-action on anything source from your store. Solar is getting big, both for electric power and hot water as more and more states are offering tax credits in addition to the federal credits. The internet has gone a long way towards making DIY stores obsolete unless you are in or near a large city. I know that I have several fairly serious hobbies from vintage audio & radios, clocks, R/C and so forth. And the nature of my business (property management) puts me in touch with vendors, contractors and professionals of many natures and types. We also live in a fairly large house neglected before we bought it 2 years ago built in 1890, so DIY in the major systems (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, basic carpentry) is the only defense mechanism we have against eventual bankruptcy - offered in humor, but you get the idea. For me, you would have to offer things that I cannot find at Lowes/Home-Depot/Supply-House outlets, or cannot find more cheaply on the net or cannot make myself. Even at $2.50 a gallon, gas is not so cheap as I am inclined to waste trips when for the cost of a couple of gallons of gas and a few clicks of the mouse I can have it dropped at the front door. Good luck!