What would you do?

[T16GEM]

I have come across a real dilemma, having booked the villa for next November (09) for 21 nights DH tells me last night that the person who was going to work in our shop while we are away will not do the full 3 weeks and now wants someone else to help - fair enough but there just isn't anybody. So we have these options:

1. Go at Christmas instead when the shop is closed but then the parks are busy and crowds are high. Weather could go either way. We will only need to cover the shop for 7-10 days.

2. Still go in November for 14 nights.

3. Close the shop for 1 week (the middle week) lose takings, annoy customers (potentially) lose business.

4. Don't go at all.

What would you do? Any other options gratefully received! What would you think if a business that you used was closed for a week, would you still use them or what would be your views on this. I think the main problem is that we are still building the business as this is the case we have no staff and it would be difficult to employ someone that was trustworthy on a temp basis and we are worried that closing it for holidays could be the worst thing we ever do.

Thanks for listening!

Gems

Ps - If anyone in Birmingham fancies running a really nice shop for a week then in November please let me know!

 

[natalielongstaff]

if it was me i would go in november for 2 weeks ( no way would i close the shop ! )

Good luck with your decision

 

[wils]

With those options I'd probably do November for 2 weeks too

If the kids were a little older and more independant I'd happily spend a week in your shop!

Good luck

 

[CustardTart]

I'd opt for 14 nights in November - seems the best compromise... Good luck with whatever you decide, Gems...

 

[T16GEM]

If the kids were a little older and more independant I'd happily spend a week in your shop!

Thanks Jo! Maybe in future years huh?!

 

[Pinky166]

I would definately just do the two weeks in November, it's not worth risking losing any of your customers.

The only other suggestion I can think of is to offer the person who is covering the 2 weeks a bonus on top of their usual salary as a bit of an incentive...that would work for me.

 

[T16GEM]

I would definately just do the two weeks in November, it's not worth risking losing any of your customers.

The only other suggestion I can think of is to offer the person who is covering the 2 weeks a bonus on top of their usual salary as a bit of an incentive...that would work for me.

I don't think it's a financial thing, more a health thing - she has a bad back and thinks it would be too much for her.

 

[darthtatty]

aww thats a shame, if that was me id prob close if i could afford to- customers have very short memories these days.


the 2 week option is prob best.

 

[Snowy-girls]

I would also choose the 2 week option Gem.Everyone wins then .I deffinatley would'nt close the shop.x.

 

[Vana]

I would definately do the 2 weeks in November, customers are fickle if they have to go elsewhere they tend to stay away rather than swapping back.

Is there any family that could help out for a week for a bonus ?

 

[jjk]

I would go for the two weeks in November option, rather than close your shop

 

[mandymouse]

I would go for the two weeks in November option, rather than close your shop

Me too, I certainly wouldn't cancel my trip - Good Luck with your decision

 

[mikki.young]

How soon do you have to make the decision? Is there any chance you could find someone and train them up in the next year to cover the shop? If not then I'd be another saying just do 2 weeks. Good luck!

 

[T16GEM]

Well thanks for the opinions guys - looks like we are going for the Christmas option as we were closed after Christmas last year for our last trip, and we gave lots of warning, didn't notice any difference in the trade as most of the business in the village did the same Xmas opening and holiday dates. The village that the shop is in is rather affulent and they all go off cruising and skiiing at Christmas so we will be good with that - it's a plus that January is the slowest time of year.

I have spoken to the lady who I booked the villa with and the price goes up to £1600 for 3 weeks, which is still good I think for everything it has. I just need to talk to DH about it - I honestly could have cried this morning I was like a kid who had her favorite toy taken away!