My name is
Michal and I own a small computer store, which was founded by my father in
1993. Besides selling IT, I also deal with servicing and managing computer networks.
The store is located in Turnov in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). It is a
small historic town with 14 thousand inhabitants. In our store we have always
strived for a human and friendly approach when dealing with our customers. For
us, a customer is not just a person who brings us money, and we do not make
him/her buy the most expensive goods either. We place emphasis on a friendly
approach, trying to give our customers good advice and honest recommendations. We
always provide them with individual advice, respect their wishes, recommend
several options with the best price-performance ratio; we also take into
account their financial possibilities and, if possible, look for cheaper
solutions. Time dedicated to our customer is always very important to us.
Unfortunately,
this approach is nowadays unable to compete with low sales prices that are
consistently offered by large e-shops and chain stores or their massive
advertising. I would be very grateful if I could, with the help of your
contributions, modernise my existing business so that it is competitive, but
still does not lose the human-cantered approach to the customer. I wish to
create a store where our customers can do their shopping without being rushed and
where everything can be tried first in order to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.
A store where everyone can seek advice and help for their serious but also
smaller problems which they have not encountered yet. People are often ashamed
to visit a large service that might be too busy to deal with such a problem
(because it is unprofitable for the service) or would charge excessive money. My
store would also provide the public with the opportunity to learn basic
computer literacy (e.g. individual training for parents, consultancy for children
and students - help with homework they struggle to handle, training for seniors
who would like to learn to use a computer or the Internet in order not to feel
excluded in the world of modern technologies - why not be in touch with other
seniors, read interesting posts or watch TV over the Internet).
I would
like to offer our customers not only a good range of goods but also extra
services, which cannot be found at one point anywhere else.
Vision of our above standard services:
-
Possibility to thoroughly and with no time limit test the goods offered at the
store. (Are you looking for a new laptop? We can help you select a specific
model according to your requirements. If you are interested, take it to a
quieter part of the store with comfortable seating, try to use it, test its
writing function, check how it handles the speed and graphics of your favourite
game, which might be the reason why you are getting it, etc.)
- Problem
solving consultancy. (Are you struggling to run your e-mail client? Bring your
laptop to our store and your problem will be quickly resolved over a cup of
coffee with the help of our technician)
- Service
and challenging repairs when the preliminary price is always consulted in
advance and, if necessary, a cheaper solution is sought
- Home service
and consulting services directly at the customer’s residence (for customers for
whom standard opening hours are inconvenient, for those who are unwilling or
unable to get to our store, for seniors, mothers on maternity leave, etc.)
-
Possibility to connect directly to a customer’s computer and solve the problem
almost instantly via remote support
-
Individual training of computer literacy
- Several
computers and tablets, which can be used by our customers for free!
-
Relaxation area with a coffee vending machine, a seating area and free WiFi
- Workshops
for schools (the risks of social networking, risky online behaviour, etc.)
What will the money be used for:
- Moving store to larger premises
- Local advertising in the city
(spot on a radio, billboards)
- Strengthening the existing staff
from 1 (me) to 3-4 employees
- Expansion of our product
assortment
- Acquisition of new store equipment
- New website including e-shop with
a collection pointin
the store
I will very much appreciate it if you decide to
help realise my dream. You will not only help save the family business and
promote the tradition, but also give the thumbs-up to the personal approach in
business. Thank you.
Other Ways You Can Help
Just spread the word! Send the indiegogo link to anyone you can. I appreciate your help. Thanks for even taking the time to look over my project!