bedlambedlam is an alternative clothing and lifestyle store located in Seattle, Washington.
bedlambedlam is also developing a Small Business technology suite.
We've been undercapitalized since we opened, and this is part of the plan to fix that. This campaign is to launch a substantial spring line and help us keep our space thriving through 2013, so that we have time to prototype our Business Technology.
If we are progressing toward our initial goal, we will announce more stretch goals!
Our first stretch goal:
If we hit $27,500 we'll open Mondays, and extend Sunday hours, so that our store is 12pm to 9pm / 7 days a week!
bedlambedlam was launched September of 2011. Suki and Shea had a vision to create a business that focused on quality, creating a safe space, being a member of the local gothic / alternative community, being body diverse, being queer and trans friendly, and engaging with the larger community.
We immediately noticed technological needs that were unmet by the current small business market. Point of Sale systems were expensive and poorly made; online stores had difficulty integrating with those systems; customer relations management was ad-hoc, and designed around a model of business where the customer was a target instead of a community member.
Nonetheless bedlambedlam has had great success in its first year and a half in business.
- We've increased sales by about 10% while having about 25% less inventory.*
- We've achieved a 400% growth in social media exposure.
- We did a toy drive that generated $1200 worth of toys for impoverished children, and a food drive that generated 500 pounds of food for a local food bank.
- We’ve generated thousands in sales for local artisans.
* This is important. Though our sales have grown in a less than spectacular manner, our Net Sales to Inventory Ratio has grown substantially.
We're trying to set up a massive spring launch! Our sales are directly proportional to what's available on our racks, and we have a ton of ideas for great things to put on our racks. We have a reputation for finding amazing clothes that come in a variety of sizes: http://www.yelp.com/biz/bedlam-bedlam-seattle.
This campaign should give us enough to expand our selection of brands we're already carrying (Heavy Red, Hellbunny, Funhouse, Queen of Darkness), expand into new brands (Necessary Evil, Fan Plus Friend), expand our men's selection (an oft requested feature), and expand our non-clothing selections too. We've been in discussions with Espionage Cosmetics about carrying their makeup, and with Villainess about creating a signature bedlambedlam scent in their full range of products!
We also need time to finish our technology project. This project is designed to have inventory management integrated with online shopping, customer relations, and point-of-sale. The initial prototype (which we estimate to take 3 months) will feature the point-of-sale, online store, barcode printing, reports, comments, user management, gift card management, and API's. We want our customers' virtual lives to be fully integrated with their brick and mortar shopping experience. Future features would include forums, user-profiles, friending, and other social media integration. The most important feature though will be making it customizable and Turn Key.
At this point you might be thinking, "I love the store, but I don't care about the technology", or "That tech idea sounds great but what does it have to do with the store?"
Good Question...
These pieces fit together!
The two are tightly integrated! We've had pressure from our customer to get an online store up, but the technology for businesses to do that currently is further behind than you would expect. There is a reason why most brick and mortar stores don't have online stores. However the current economic reality is that it's going to become increasingly difficult for brick and mortar stores to compete without an online presence.
The technology needs the brick and mortar store as well. Point of Sale systems are largely terrible. Why? Because they're made by companies that specialize in Software Engineering! The realities of running a business on a day-to-day basis is radically incompatible with the technology that is developed by the creators of Small Business Solutions. Just as test-driven development informs the lines of code written; purpose driven development (as in how it actually works in the real world) needs to inform an evolving software design.
At this point we know what technology needs to be created to take bedlambedlam to the next level, we know how to abstract that idea, and we know where it will take us.
On the small scale, we're a small retail store; but what we're engaging in here is so much more than that. We're trying to reinvigorate physical spaces, by helping to make businesses members of their community. What is the value added in retail spaces? Storefront retailers are members of a community, and can engage people on a level that virtual retailers can't.
When we opened, we knew we were undercapitalized. We made the conscious choice to open anyway, hoping to prove the concept. In that regard, we feel that we've succeeded.
We intended to demonstrate that a business can run admiring a diversity of body sizes, cultures, skin tones, and backgrounds. That we didn't have to stretch our ideals to turn a profit. That agile software methods translated into business methods. That people would pay for well made, ethically sourced products. That rabid fans were better for a business than lots of semi-pleased customers.
Following that model we don't have constant for-sale signs. We don't do pressure selling. We keep our prices reasonable. We carry a diverse set of body sizes, without relegating certain clothes to a "plus size ghetto". We strive to have every customer leaving the store feeling better about themselves and better about life than they did when they came in.
Does "proof of concept" mean that we're profitable? No! We've proven it with a progressively higher inventory turnover; meaning we have more sales with less stuff. We've proven it with our rave reviews. We've proven it with the relationships we manage to keep with our vendors. Have we been perfect? Far from it, this is after all an experiment.
So what happens if we reach our goal?
We'll likely have enough product and cash to get us through 2013. That provides ample time to prototype our software (which we are currently estimating a July soft-launch). Is it enough to sustain bedlambedlam forever? Probably not, but it doesn't have to be. We need the time to make a proper showing; to realize the value and potential that a tiny shop can make. At that point we'll have the store, and a tech startup to boot!
And we're pretty certain this will give us enough time. We've been operating on a shoestring budget since we've opened. We know how to stretch a dollar.
That being said the future is hard to predict. Can we fulfill our perks? Absolutely! We already have the gift certificates printed. The t-shirts aren't a challenge. And we can definitely keep our site up for two years, no matter what happens.
That all depends on what you want! You want to see a small retailer grow? Then support us. You want to see the current business models challenged? Then you should support us. You want to see some awesome software that will lower the barrier to entry for micro-businesses like us? Then you should support us. You want to find clothing that looks amazing, is dramatic, doesn't fall apart in three days, and isn't made by the hands of little children? Then you should support us. Maybe, you just want to get what we already have at a discount! Then you should support us! Perhaps you want to take advantage of this to advertise in a circuitous market... then support us.
The Devil is always in the details!
The money will go towards the bedlambedlam retail locations in the following amounts:
$15,000 - Increase our current inventory
Expand our Men's selection. Fill in gaps in our current selects, especially the plus size clothing that has sold. Expand the range of brands we carry.
$10,000 - Operating Expenses - Rent, Payroll, and Utilities
We need to keep the doors open, and we also need to keep the bills paid and make sure the lights are on so our customers can see what they are buying.
$0 - Software Development
Shea Kauffman is a software engineer by trade, and in addition to continuing to finance bedlambedlam, he's also volunteering his expertise to create the prototype. Sean Bennick has a background in Graphic Design, so he can cover the front end, also on an Equity Basis. Suki Valentine, as an artist, will allow us to keep all aspects of what we're doing a cohesive whole.
The Software Prototype will involve:
- An Inventory Management API
- A Sales API
- A Comment and Rating API
- A User Management API
- A Customer Relations API
- A Reporting API
- A Web Store front end
- A Point of Sale front end
So that you know we're staying on task, we'll feature a developer blog on our site that is updated at least weekly. (Starting the first week of April)
This software would enable any small business to instantly have access to the kinds of tools that typically would cost at least thousands of dollars. And have the flexibility to be fully customizable due to the usage of API's.
Besides a warm feeling in your heart? There are a bunch of options! We've oriented the donations around two tracks. The Ego tack and the Id Track:
Ego |
Id |
The Ego track is if you're a business, band, or other non-clothes wearing entity; and you're looking for fame. |
The Id Track is if you are a customer (past, present, or future) and want lots of amazing products. |
So here are the rewards:
$10 - I want to know everything
I want to be everywhere; I want to *whip sound* everyone in the world; I want to do something that matters -Nine Inch Nails
Ego |
Id |
We'll scrawl your name on our websites thank you page. |
We'll scrawl your pseudonym (whatever you want that is name like) on our websites thank you page. |
$25 - Small Things Are Big
Huge things are small; Tiny Acts Have Huge Effects; Everything Counts; Nothing's Lost - Project Pitchfork
Ego |
Id |
We'll scrawl your name on our websites thank you page.
We’ll mention how awesome you are for helping us on our Facebook Page and Twitter.
|
We'll scrawl your pseudonym (whatever you want that is name like) on our websites thank you page.
We’ll give you a black T-Shirt in your size. For $5 more we’ll ship it to you, and for $10 more we’ll ship it within North America, and for $15 we’ll ship it internationally.
|
$50 - Get your body beat!
Doesn't matter what you say; Never understood at all; Don't give a f*ck what people say -Combichrist
Ego |
Id |
We'll scrawl your name on our websites thank you page.
We’ll mention how awesome you are for helping us on our Facebook Page and Twitter.
And you can put a link on the thank you page as well!
|
We'll scrawl your pseudonym (whatever you want that is name like) on our websites thank you page.
We’ll give you a black T-Shirt in your size. (Same Shipping Rules)
And you'll receive a $50 Gift Certificate!
|
$100 - Dead Stars Still Burn
We find ourselves in pictures on the net; Blinded by science, addicted to devotion - Covenant
Ego |
Id |
We'll scrawl your name on our websites thank you page.
We’ll mention how awesome you are for helping us on our Facebook Page and Twitter.
And you can put a linking 120x60 image on the thank you page as well!
|
We'll scrawl your pseudonym (whatever you want that is name like) on our websites thank you page.
We’ll give you a black T-Shirt in your size. (Same Shipping Rules)
And you'll receive a $110 Gift Certificate!
|
$250 - Moments Lost and Time Remains
I am so proud of what we were; No Pain Remains, no feeling; Eternity Awaits; Grant Me wings that I might fly; My Restless Soul is Longing - VNV Nation
Ego |
Id |
We'll scrawl your name on our websites thank you page.
We’ll mention how awesome you are for helping us on our Facebook Page and Twitter.
And you can put a linking 250x250 image on the thank you page as well!
|
We'll scrawl your pseudonym (whatever you want that is name like) on our websites thank you page.
We’ll give you a black T-Shirt in your size. (Same Shipping Rules)
And you'll receive a $300 Gift Certificate!
|
$500 - will call our ships to port
The countless lonely voices; like whispers in the dark; a second of reflection can take you to the moon; the slightest hesitation can bring you down in flames - Covenant
Everyone at this level or higher will also get a shoutout!
Ego |
Id |
We'll scrawl your name on our websites thank you page.
We’ll mention how awesome you are for helping us on our Facebook Page and Twitter.
You can put a linking 250x250 image on the thank you page as well!
Plus, we’ll include an article on our page with up to 10,000 words. Want to explain why your band is the best thing since Bauhaus? Here’s your chance. Don’t want to write? We’ll give you a 250 word blurb and embed whatever you want!
|
We'll scrawl your pseudonym (whatever you want that is name like) on our websites thank you page.
We’ll give you a black T-Shirt in your size. (Same Shipping Rules)
And you'll receive a $625 Gift Certificate!
|
$1000 - Come Lie Next To Me
Know why, you and me are one; Come lie next to me; No lies, you and me are one - Apoptygma Berzerk
Ego |
Id |
We'll scrawl your name on our websites thank you page.
We’ll mention how awesome you are for helping us on our Facebook Page and Twitter.
You can put a linking 250x250 image on the thank you page as well!
We’ll include an article on our page (as above)
Also, we'll feature a picture of you, you favorite band, or whatever you want in our Thank You video that we do at the end!
|
We'll scrawl your pseudonym (whatever you want that is name like) on our websites thank you page.
We’ll give you a black T-Shirt in your size. (Same Shipping Rules)
And you'll receive a $1300 Gift Certificate!
|
$2500 - The Grabbing Hands
Grab all they can; All for themselves; After all; It's a competitive world; Everything counts in large amounts - Depeche Mode
Ego |
Id |
We'll scrawl your name on our websites thank you page.
We’ll mention how awesome you are for helping us on our Facebook Page and Twitter.
We’ll include an article on our page (as above)
The Video Feature (as above)
Plus, we'll place a small side banner (120x60) on our site.
|
We'll scrawl your pseudonym (whatever you want that is name like) on our websites thank you page.
We’ll give you a black T-Shirt in your size. (Same Shipping Rules)
And you'll receive a $3500 Gift Certificate!
|
$5000 - We'll give you everything and more
The strain's too much, can't take much more; Oh, I've walked on water, run through fire; Can't seem to feel it anymore - Joy Division
Ego |
Id |
We'll scrawl your name on our websites thank you page.
We’ll mention how awesome you are for helping us on our Facebook Page and Twitter.
And you can put a link on the thank you page as well!
We’ll include an article on our page (as above)
The Video Feature (as above)
Plus, we'll place a large side banner (120x600) on our site.
|
We'll scrawl your pseudonym (whatever you want that is name like) on our websites thank you page.
We’ll give you a black T-Shirt in your size. (Same Shipping Rules)
You'll receive a $3500 Gift Certificate!
And, you'll receive our employee discount for life (typically 30% off).
|
Notes:
Items placed on our site will stay up for a minimum of 2 years, however the thank you pages, and the added pages will probably live much longer than that.
Items placed on our site can not express hate, nor can it be anything that would flag our site as pornographic.
Everyone here wears multiple hats!
Shea Kauffman (Technology & Financial) - Shea Kauffman has dual degrees in Psychology and Computer Science. He has many years of experience working as a software engineer, specializing in rapid development, in successful startups and Fortune 500 Companies.
Suki Valentine (Lady of the Manor & Creative Director) - Suki has a Fine Arts degree in design from Pratt Institute in New York City. She is well positioned as the art director and primary buyer for the shop. Everything you see in bedlambedlam was hand-picked with a careful eye toward detail, quality and aesthetic.
Sean Bennick (Business Management & Graphic Design) - Sean has a background in Graphic Design and Marketing and has a great deal of experience helping businesses create and spread their message.
Valentine Graves (Business Development & Sales) - Valentine has a degree in Business Administration, and countless years in sales.
Lauren Sauer (Sales & Product Management) - Lauren is experienced in fashion retail, and follows fashion trends. She also masters every product we carry.
Steve Barta (Resident Rake & Public Relations) - Steve is an Investor, a Project Manager with a Fortune 500 Company, and can often be seen around the city (and occasionally in the desert extolling our virtues).
If we get fully funded Colorado based Gorh-Rap group BLKHRTS will perform an exlusive live show in bedlambedlam.
Also Sean Bennick has pledge his hair color to the first person that donates $250 or more!