Mooloo's "Making my future, one stitch at a time"?

Savvy_sewing

Bobarella wrote: »

So you sell clothes as well as do repairs/workshops?

Yes, I sell clothes too!
When I first started the shop, I didn't think that I would be able to sew enough on my own to pay the bills etc, so I decided that I needed to make use of the middle floor, so using our surplus clothes, and but in some via car boots, charity shops etc, I started to sell clothes.
It was a slow burn to start with, but more people are coming in now for the clothes as well as the alterations.
I am going to see how the sales analysis works after a year trading, and will decide if I continue or not.
I'd like to do more lessons, courses etc and less alterations myself, and now I have sewing staff, a shop staff, and a girl who does both, it may be possible sooner rather then later.

Bobarella

Interesting. It makes sense to build on the areas there are cross overs in your business repair clothing? Sell it too. Etc.

Savvy_sewing

Well today was a strange day. There weren't any takers on the skirt course, so I had less pressure, and took a couple of hours out in the late morning to go and see Biggest of Mooloo's before they go on holiday today. Then a quick cup of tea with my Mum, who had a neighbour over for a chat.
So excited as she has a 15needle embroidery machine that I can have!
More professional work can be done on that then.
Then this afternoon a friend asked to collect DGD and take her to the park and home for tea. So I came home to eat alone, have a cuppa and a bath in peace. Bonus.
Analysing May, we did £2,000 plus in alterations, £240 odd in Clothes, and around £70 in the notions. Which is double Aprils figures.

Violetta_2

Ooh embroidery machine is exciting, I've gotten a local company to personalise lovely soft blanket's with names and dates of birth for a few friends wee one's first birthday and they have gone down well. So glad to see you are doing so well x

Bobarella

So pleased to hear your business is thriving Mooloo. Here's to more of the same!

Savvy_sewing

Bobarella wrote: »

So pleased to hear your business is thriving Mooloo. Here's to more of the same!

Thank you.
Now I need to find time to analyse, work out targets, and earn a wage!
I am paying 3 staff, yet I'm not paying me!

Js_Other_Half

I saw little pyramid beansbags recently meant for resting ipad/tablets on. Might be worth looking into?

Savvy_sewing

Yes I have a pattern in a craft magazine to make those.
Certainly have to find time in my day to do makes, to help feed my creative need, that alterations certainly don't do!
At the moment I have some really ragged riding gear to repair, which in my opinion really are only fit for the bin. At best require complete new linings, but customer wants patched up!
Horrid job!
Two jackets and two waistcoats in complete tatters. The linings are shot to pieces, and the fabric is rotting!!

On the plus side, the weather was lovely and we went to watch the Soapbox derby, in the Main Street yesterday, and used the garden to sit out in. Didn't quite get the paddling pool out though. ( it's at the back of the rather full shed).
I have got my summer clothes out of the vaccum bag, and the winter duvet in one.
Now all my clothes need ironing and the winter ones thining and storing to make room for the summer ones!

Bobarella

Mooloo wrote: »

Thank you.
Now I need to find time to analyse, work out targets, and earn a wage!
I am paying 3 staff, yet I'm not paying me!

that was my situation too until recently. I had 4 staff and I know what it's like to be looking down the back of the sofa to find their wages on bad months let alone anything for me.

Since I reopened I've been managing on my own. Which I don't always enjoy. But I don't have The Fear of ruining someone else's life. It's an incredibly hard balancing act running your own shop.
Tips I would give and try to follow myself are really analysing when bills are due. I need to speak to 2 companies today to see if I can move their payment dates as added to the same period the rent & PAYE are due it's a bit too hard at present. I'm not saying I can't pay just that it makes it very difficult. So talking to people is one thing I've learnt after 3 years.

grandma247

Mooloo I would have given them a ridiculous price for doing that job in the hope they would not bother and if they still wanted it doing then they have paid a nice sum for it