Opening a surf shop, any suggestions?

Question

Opening a surf shop, any suggestions?

Answer 1

Remember, Location location location

No, you wouldn't want to sell stuff in Antarctica but you probably wouldn't want to sell on the beach either

Why? Because who's going to buy a surfboard AT the beach?

Wouldn't they buy it BEFORE going?

Answer 2

Make sure you don't open it in the desert far from the ocean.

Answer 3

I agree with what HB and solar said but a couple of other things.  

I have a friend that owns a shop but he tends to stock high end products that do not move as well, both in boards (Bing, Hobie, MR, Firewire, etc)and softgoods (RVCA, Quiksliver Edition etc).  Your biggest margins are in the softgoods so set yourself up to sell proportionally more of them then boards.  

One of the things that his shop has done that I think is great is that they have a surf club.  Costs like 25 dollars a year and you get shirt and stickers a stuff and they meet every Saturday.  The shop brings a small selection of boards that members are free to use.  Gives you a chance to try different boards without having to buy them.

Set up a computer database of your customers that tracks there purchases.  This will let you know who your regulars are.  My other local shop offers discounts to regulars.  You just give them your name when you check out and the computer automatically deducts whatever percentage they have programmed in for you. Think of it as a managed bro deal program.

You also need to hire people that ACTUALLY surf.  Sure there's something to be said for hot chicks working there but if they cannot offer knowledgeable advice on products you will lose your core athletes.  Not everybody has to surf but you always need to have someone there who can talk intelligently.

Answer 4

dont be a poser surf shop.

sell nice boards. skateboards, swimsuits. and surf brand items!

Answer 5

a good name, and lots of cool surfboards skimboards boogie boards. I LOVE THE BEACH OCEAN

Answer 6

There are a lot of things involved with opening a shop besides just buying items to sell or making some boards to sell.  I found the two biggest issues (besides $) were location and licenses for making boards.  Below is a link to a small business plan I wrote years ago when I started Wave Trek.  Might give you some ideas.

Answer 7

Network with the community where you'll be opening your shop. Are there any surf clubs that put on events? Support those events (provide a board to be raffled off, etc.) and you'll be building good will with the local surf community and getting marketing visibility. Host or sponsor events like a surf movie night, or used gear surf swap. Look to cross-training sports too, like skating. Stock quality gear and you'll get the core surfers, stock fashion or second-rate gear and you'll get one-time wannabe's.

Answer 8

Ka Nalu

surf wax vending machines

Answer 9

sell surf stuff and bikinis.

Answer 10

you should make sure there is everything you need for surfing like boards, gloves, boots, wetsuits and all that other stuff also you should have a good name for the store. Next you should have good brands in the store like rip curl, roxy, freak, and other good names too! also make the store look good and put it in a good location. And last but not least have fun with it and be creative!! good luck!!

Answer 11

Well what i like to see in a surf shop, is a lot of selection. Don't limit yourself, and also make sure u have a lot of stickers on your window, those are cool.