The snowfall of 2009

On Saturday, December 18 Th, 2009, our neighborhood  got hammered with a massive snowstorm.  Approximately 22 inches of snow accumulated in my hometown. Now, I have to admit I hate snow.
However, I like the fact that a snowstorm brings out the best in neighbors.  It is refreshing to watch people who barely know each other offer a helping hand. For instance, people who are willing to help dig a neighbor's car out because a nurse  must cover his hospital shift. The willingness of one neighbor to share his snow blower with the young couple who just moved in the neighborhood. 
Perhaps what I like most is watching the children.  Their smiling faces, rosy with cold, slipping and sliding to go back up the sledding hill. And seeing big brothers and big sisters helping the younger ones along. 
I still hate snow; but memories of the  snowfall of 2009 will always bring a smile to my face.

Mike's Sporting Goods know for quality knowledge and service.

Customer service is an integral part of any business.  It is especially important to an online business.  Since customers do not get to meet you face to face, the online business must project friendliness, honesty, and a willingness to help the customer. 
Friendliness
Projecting friendliness with online customers is not an easy task.  Perhaps thinking as a customer would help. 
Honesty
Of course your business is honest.  Honestly also means if you made a mistake own up to it.  If you shipped the wrong item, say so and rectify the situation immediately. 
Willingness to help
The basic how can I help you just doesn't cut if for an online business.  For instance, a customer emails you and states I really want the personalized pink fishing hat; but, my order won't go through the payment system. You can respond just try again.  Or, you can take it one step further.  Email or call the customer, show empathy, and offer one or two solutions to the problem.
Remember the customer service golden rule.  Treat each customer as you want to be treated.

Cyber Monday

Mike's Sporting Goods has  been in business for almost 40 years.  However, we are new to online selling.  And there is definitely a difference between online selling  and owning a brick and mortar store. 
Our preparations for Black Friday are tried and true.  We know as a hunting and fishing store most of our business is not the Christmas rush; but, the beginning of hunting season which coincides with Black Friday.

What about this Cyber Monday thing?  What is it?   Now that Mike's does have an online store how can mikessportingoods participate? 

The term Cyber Monday refers to the Monday immediately following Black Friday. It is the ceremonial kick-off of the holiday online shopping season in the United States. 

What we can do as a small family owned business is
1.  List more items in our mikessportingoods ecrater store
2.  Participate in google check out promotions
3.  Post updates on twitter, facebook or other social media sites
4.  Advertise on classified sites
5.  Post on forums which are related to our products.
6.  Track all orders received on Cyber Monday

Custom Embroidery

Mike's Sporting Goods, a fishing and  hunting store in Hainesport, NJ, is more than a fishing and hunting store.  A few years ago, Mike's added custom embroidery services.  Some of our customers ask "how in the world did Mike Sporting Goods get into custom embroidery work"?  The answer is simple.  Our local customers were members of fishing clubs or hunting clubs and they wanted custom t shirts, hats, and sweatshirts at affordable prices.  Most of them had screen print or heat press items; but the images faded or cracked after repeated  washings.  Mike Kapelus, owner of Mike's Sporting Goods knew custom embroidery was the answer. 
To see some of Mike's Sporting Goods affordable custom embroidered t shirts, hats, and sweatshirts visit us online at Mike's Sporting Goods.

Mike's Sporting Goods