January/February 2010

A look to the new year

2009 is behind us. For some it has been very difficult and are glad we made it through. For others it has been business as usual. From what I hear, talking with business owners around the country at events we have attended, the difference often depends on the type of business they are in, and the economic climate in their local regions. The majority reported an uptrend towards the end of season, and are cautiously hopeful for better times this year.

With this first issue of the New Year we are focusing on the aspects of retailing. We bring you critical information on avoiding leaks in profitability through difficult problems such as hidden fees from credit card companies, and losses due to theft and shrinkage. While not fun things to consider, saving wasted profits is vital to the survival and growth of every business.

To balance the daunting nature of these two articles, we have two stories about powering up your retail sales – Improve Retailing Systems to Increase Sales; Mom Says To Play Nice; and then a website exclusive article Thinking of Starting a Pond Shop.

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In the past couple of months I attended Info Tanza near Atlanta and the International Pool and Spa Expo in

Las Vegas. Info Tanza was a good event, with high quality presentations, congratulations to IPPCA. The pool and spa expo provided a great venue to find high quality cross-over products that could well fill a need in our industry. Watch future issues for new product announcements, and Trade News for press releases.

I will be heading out to the National Association of Pond Professionals (NAPP) Water Feature Conference and Expo the end of February. Hope to see you there.

Please remember to tell our advertisers you saw their ad in POND Trade Magazine!!

Download the January/February 2010 PDF

Article List

Improve Retailing Systems to Increase Sales
Joe Pawlak
In-depth article about holding systems and tips about retailing. Includes some simple fixes to increase sales and average invoice size. There are many steps to being successful in business, learn them here the easy way.

Swiped!
Sarah Martinez
Credit card interchange and processing fees are pulling money out of retailers' pockets. What can you do to avoid getting taken? Includes details on fees retailers should watch for and scrutinize closely.

Dealing with Theft in Your Business
Mark Battersby
'Fidelity' Losses: Prevent, Protect, Insure & Recover - Read expert tips on preventing theft and embezzlement. Also how to deal with insurance and taxes if it happens; and important tips about the tax rules covering your loss.

The Use of Color in Ponds
David Curtright
Color and Interest in the Water Garden - Our plant expert goes into great detail about the many plants that are available, when to use them and how to mix them.

Language of Koi – Glossary
Joel Burkard
Sell koi? Do you know what beni, matsuba, shiro, tosai, …means? You need to know these Japanese words and terms. Here is a quick, illustrated list of some of the more common words you will hear.

Mom Says You Should Play Nice
Pam Greiner
It's time to revisit the top 10 rules of communication. Included are tips on how to strengthen your Professional Image and how the industry can work together better.

Thinking of Starting a Pond Shop
Chris Moore
Learn from a Pond Shop veteran what it is like to have successful retail outlet. It is important to have an inviting environment to attract your customers to new areas and new ideas.

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