starstruck
New Member
Joined:June 2015
Posts: 3 
Location:
Likes: 1
Recent Posts
Last Online Jun 23, 2015 7:15:47 GMT
|
Post by starstruck on Jun 20, 2015 8:01:30 GMT
A quick word with your bank manager may save you some pondering. Opening any type of retail business is not just risky, at the moment it's reckless. The power of the internet would slaughter you in no time. Plus you have the turbulence caused by the biggest decision this country has face in 50 years coming up, the in or out vote for the EU. Thanks buggirtt - can't disagree on retail being risky - BUT - with over 400 web retailers already out there I think trying to differentiate to attract customers will be off the scale hard. I really think that boat has sailed. Bricks and mortar has its own risks - but the fact that new retailers are springing up all over suggests there is a market (albeit an uber competitive one !). One of the businesses I'm looking at is an existing retailer - so again, no guarantees but at least the sales numbers can be verified by an accountant meaning I understand my start position. The bigger worries are post May next year..... Fingers crossed for TW in trying to get common sense to prevail in Europe (is this where the Mission Impossible music should kick in and images Tom Cruise doing a risky ceiling entrance on a suspension cable.....) |
|
starstruck
New Member
Joined:June 2015
Posts: 3
Location:
Likes: 1
Recent Posts
Last Online Jun 23, 2015 7:15:47 GMT
|
Post by starstruck on Jun 19, 2015 6:37:35 GMT
Many thanks all for the posts - genuinely very grateful. It isn't putting the family home on the line - but would still hurt (really hurt) if it all went wrong.
I think I'm in the same camp as Igual and Disco Des - the TPD legislation and whether UK Gov or the TW appeal make any difference will be key. In my heart I just find it so hard to believe the legislation will be applied as literally as it currently stands - this could close the majority of shops if rigidly enforced as well as getting adverse press coverage and worrying customers unnecessarily.
Any members that have retail units out there ? You looking to sell ? Try to conform with legislation ? Or nervous whilst we wait and see... ?
Also let's not forget the implications of the big tobacco companies getting medical licences. What happens when customers realise they can get ecigs on prescription !?
Challenging times and also agree with the comments on mixing - getting a shop that makes this easy may still have a chance !?
|
|
starstruck
New Member
Joined:June 2015
Posts: 3
Location:
Likes: 1
Recent Posts
Last Online Jun 23, 2015 7:15:47 GMT
|
Post by starstruck on Jun 18, 2015 15:59:35 GMT
OK - I know the legislation is changing with the following key impacts: • Nicotine levels going to be sub 20mg with Manufacturers likely to pitch in about 18mg to be safe • LARGE businesses likely to apply for medical licences meaning that the products could be categorised as smoking cessation products and be made available on prescription (good for the large businesses - not so good for the retailers !) • EU rules will impose much higher standards on the kit (reliability / consistency of operation / testing / licensing etc) meaning extra investment needed and cost to the suppliers - and ultimately customers but with the manufacturers and retailers likely being squeezed first. Add to this that the market is now reaching saturation with e-cigs available in many, many outlets (from markets to petrol stations to the large grocery stores) and there will no doubt be a continued pressure on making any money ! Am I mad ? Has this boat already sailed ? Will the smaller independents still have a future by the end of 2016 ??? Really interested in any thoughts and opinions on this ?? A potentially large outlay to get started - large enough that Mrs Starstruck would be turfing me out if we lost all our savings !  |
|
