Product Hold

In most cases we do not hold product for customers. If someone asks about a hold let them know that most products don't move that quickly so if they plan to come back anytime within the week they should be fine. If they are persistent about having a product held you can do it but you must do the following. PUT A NOTE ON IT! Be sure the note has the following info, date held, date they will be back to get it, your name, and the customers name. I am bringing this up because of the numerous items that are sitting in the back of St. Peters right now that are "on hold". If they really want it they will put a deposit on it, and if they need it transferred or custom ordered they have to put a deposit on it. Don't hesitate to offer to order it for them, no matter what it is, just be sure to get a deposit and fill out the "Special Order Form". If it ends up being out of stock I can suggest them a different item and normally they will find something they like.
REMEMBER, always under promise and over deliver! Telling the customer you can do something and not following through is as good as telling them to go shop somewhere else.

New Complete Prices

Please note that the Shop Complete discount has changed from -$20 to -$15 and the logo complete discount has changed from -$15 to -$10. We are seeing decreased margins on a lot of hardgoods and this will help make up some ground. This does not need to be advertised to our customers as it will not be a shock to most, completes are typically purchased yearly at most so it will not be an obvious change. This brings the average shop complete price to $94 and right around $101 with tax.

Daily To-Do Lists

We have implemented the daily to-do list as of this week and it is something that needs to be kept up on from here on out. Please see the link that has been added to the blog for all the info. There you will see the list with links to descriptions of each of the tasks that need to be done. This is required and must be done by each employee on every shift. If you have any questions please ask myself or the the manager.

Skatepark Guide

I will be assembling a "St. Louis Skatepark Guide" over the next few months and could use your help. This will be a trifold brochure that we can distribute at the shops that will have a map of St. Louis with all the skateparks in the area as points on the map. It should be really helpful for customers and make a great resource for the glove box when you need a new place to skate. Please rack your brain for a bit and list all the parks you can think of in the area. List them all in the comments of the blog. All I need is a name and general area and I will do all the research. Think hard, lets not forget any.

Plan Nine Session/AWS Mind Field Premiere

We are having the first of many "Plan Nine Sessions" next Thursday, Feb 12th at Ramp Riders from 6pm-10pm. This is for everyone that works or skates for Plan Nine as well as all our customers. The idea is to get everyone together to enjoy what we do, skate and ride. As this is the first event I am pumping it up a bit but throwing in free food and the premiere of the new Alien Workshop video Mind Field. This is not required but strongly recommended, I think getting out and skating with the people we serve will be really great. Also, tell all your friends and everyone you skate with regularly. If you have to work that evening I will make sure we alternate for other sessions.

See the newsletter I sent out to the Hook Up here.

We made it!

January is typically the toughest month of the entire year. It's cold, kids are fat from the holidays, and mom's credit card bill showed up. I thank all of you for staying on task and making sure the stores performed as well as they could. If it seemed super slow just think of this way, we were actually up from last year! It is just that time of the year. February will be slow again but you should see a little boost as the month progresses.
In other news, we are relocating our Fairview Heights store. The mall has offered us a bigger space with greater visibility and we are to move within the month. Should be good for that store.
Also, Andrew Keller will now be managing the St. Peters store. With a manager in place at each store it should free up some time for me to work on the business and start planning things for the summer.
Stay motivated out there! The worst is over.

I'm Here If You Need Me

While Casey's off in Colorado, I wanted put it out there that you can call me if you have any questions about anything. My number is 636 368 5494, and the only reason I won't answer is because I'm in class, and occasionally if I'm skating. Otherwise, I'll pick up.

- Joe