Have a children's retail store... with questions

[JodiR]

I opened a children's boutique in a mall at the end of October. Besides clothing, I have tutus, birthday sets, personalized clothing, etc.

Someone said the other day that I should rent out the tutus. I have Valentine ones that people may just want for pictures.

They sell between $24 and $27 (most are $27). What would be a good plan to offer rentals? Should I ask for a deposit in addition to the rental fee? What other things should I think about?

Thanks

 

[AKL_Megs]

Yeah, I would get the full $27 deposit, and then when the item was returned in the same condition it was in when rented, I would return a portion of the money... leaving YOU with whatever you felt comfortable as the rental price.

Like for me, I would charge $15 for the rental, but with a $27 deposit, so they would get back $12 upon returning the tutu.

I would even go so far as to say that if you THEN spent the extra $12 towards something at the store (it could even be a SPECIFIC something, like a personalized tee), you'd save 10% or something.

I'd even have a "wall" with pics of the cute girls in the rented tutu's, and offer 10% off a future purchase if you bring back a picture of the child in the rented tutu... most people LOVE being on those "wall of fame's"

 

[OceanAnnie]

I would have a few decorative panels or backdrops where they could take pictures using the props! Of course, you'd have to market it so people would bring their camera. Maybe a Valentine's Special. It would be a good draw. If it is profitable, I'd rotate a special and themes according to a holiday or season. You could get customers to sign up for e-mail sales and specials.

I'd charge $5-$10 for props and they could have a few minutes at a station. Probably be best to have a special reserve of different, maybe less expensive tutus for the pictures. I'd charge more if they wanted the higher grade or if they wanted to take the tutus for use and return them. It would be fun, and keep the customers in the shop longer (maybe they'll spend more the longer they are there).

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

I hate to be a Debbie Downer but I wouldn't pay a deposit plus $10-15 for something that I could buy outright for $25. I just wouldn't. I might buy one of your tutus.....bet they're cute. I may pay to have my child's picture made in your store wearing a tutu. Could you get a photographer to come to your store one Saturday? Could drum up business for both of you.

 

[JodiR]

My mom thought the same thing.. charge $27 and then upon return they would get back $17. I would charge $10 to rent.

I was only asking about a deposit if I charged the $10 rental fee only. I would get a deposit that would be returned when the item is brought back.

Alot of people buy the tutus for pictures. They often ask what to do with them afterwards.

I have a local photographer I work with already. I am in a mall so since the photographer does not rent there, she cannot profit from the photo session. We are still trying to work something out.

 

[luvmyfam444]

I don't think I'd rent them to the average person - IF you had a contact with a local photographer then you might rent to them just for their pics. BUt they are an afforadable splurge that people that love tutus are gonna spend that. I would most definltely not rent to the average joe.

 

[MariDisney]

I would make sure you factor in the amount you'll spend to clean them between rentals.

 

[dimimi]

I would charge the $27. If they return the item in original condition, give them back $17. Otherwise, they can keep the item. Sort of like Blockbuster Video does with the video rentals...

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I hate to be a Debbie Downer but I wouldn't pay a deposit plus $10-15 for something that I could buy outright for $25. I just wouldn't. I might buy one of your tutus.....bet they're cute. I may pay to have my child's picture made in your store wearing a tutu. Could you get a photographer to come to your store one Saturday? Could drum up business for both of you.

Same here. Plus the rental ones are going to be "used clothing" right? I don't get a boutiquey vibe from having rentals in a store.

Maybe I am totally wrong, I don't know. Just throwing a thought out there.

 

[simba928]

Here's my question...What's to stop people from buying a tutu, using it for whatever, then returning it? Why would people pay $10 when they could get the same result for free (in a totally dishonest way, but money is more important to a lot of people than honesty)? I bet you would have ALOT of people buying then returning rather than just renting. Unless you had a no return policy on the items you were renting, but in that case I think that would drive away a lot of customers.

 

[JodiR]

I would know up front if they were renting. Someone would pay $27 and have the item for a week (usually just for pictures). Then if they come back within the time allowed, they get $17 back.

I have already had people buy tutus and return. They did look used. You can tell the ones that were just tried on from those used. So, I will probably just have an exchange done on tutus (for those not renting). No money back, but they can exchange. I don't want people to buy and then return for a full refund when they are done using it.

Still haven't decided if I will rent them out yet. I have asked and alot of people think it is a good idea. It may generate more sales.

I would probably have a section for rentals and a section for those that want to buy new.

 

[JodiR]

I hate to be a Debbie Downer but I wouldn't pay a deposit plus $10-15 for something that I could buy outright for $25. I just wouldn't. I might buy one of your tutus.....bet they're cute. I may pay to have my child's picture made in your store wearing a tutu. Could you get a photographer to come to your store one Saturday? Could drum up business for both of you.

I am in a mall and having a photographer profit off my store would be considering subleasing... which is not allowed. The photographer would need to rent a an open space in the mall and then we could work together.

I do like the idea of getting a backdrop and having people come in with their own cameras for pictures. Not sure how to make this benefit me but it sounds interesting. Anyone have thoughts on this?

 

[LuvOrlando]

I am in a mall and having a photographer profit off my store would be considering subleasing... which is not allowed. The photographer would need to rent a an open space in the mall and then we could work together.

I do like the idea of getting a backdrop and having people come in with their own cameras for pictures. Not sure how to make this benefit me but it sounds interesting. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Being the mother of a little girl, ANY store that gets me in the door always stands a good chance of my buying something before I leave. I mean, it is very hard to resist, "But Mommy I LOVEEEEEEE it". We have a Sweet and Sassy around here and every time I get DD a haircut we leave with something else glittery and girly. Look at WDW and all the Princess stuff they sell. My DD11 has never worn a single thing I bought there once we came home, but I still bought it and will, no doubt, be buying more stuff when we get there next week.

Get the parent into the store with their kids, the kids will do the rest.

Easter/Spring is almost here. Good Luck

 

[OceanAnnie]

I am in a mall and having a photographer profit off my store would be considering subleasing... which is not allowed. The photographer would need to rent a an open space in the mall and then we could work together.

I do like the idea of getting a backdrop and having people come in with their own cameras for pictures. Not sure how to make this benefit me but it sounds interesting. Anyone have thoughts on this?

I think you could have some props for purchase, maybe not quite as high end, for the parents to buy and use for the pictures. Or you could have some props for use for free. I would set the backdrop away from anything that might be considered a prop too.

Before you do the backdrop idea, I'd put a little notebook out and ask your customers if they would like it and if so, have a written request for their e-mail to be notified of sales and to bring their children and a camera to the new "picture corner". Great way to contact customers. I know one boutique I frequent does the e-mail notification. I love it!

I think you could have some really cute ideas to rotate for the store. Maybe a tea party backdrop with a table, chairs, and tea set and teddy bears. Maybe have a Easter basket, (or egg tree) and Easter eggs on or near the table. Have nice big hats and some gloves in a prop basket. That would be so cute for pictures! And run a good sale at the same time!

 

[JodiR]

Would you let them use the tutus for the pictures? Should I charge a $10 session fee and they can then use my props at no additional cost? Or say spend $25 and get use of the picture corner?

This sounds so fun but I want to make sure I do it right.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Would you let them use the tutus for the pictures? Should I charge a $10 session fee and they can then use my props at no additional cost? Or say spend $25 and get use of the picture corner?

This sounds so fun but I want to make sure I do it right.

I don't know. I don't think I'd let them use your high end tutus for the pictures. If they purchase them, they can use them for pictures (good incentive).

Rather than charge for the session, maybe make it into a customer appreciation thing. Maybe let it be free with a purchase. And I'd still have a basket of props for sale. Just fun stuff for a range of $5-$15. If they don't have their camera with them that day, let them show a receipt when they come in later. A customer that returns may be another sale.

Make it simple and fun. The little things you do for your customers are what makes them return!