For two years we have offered a good selection of art supplies which we have sourced from Queensland based Mega Shed. Sales have been good and we’re nicely in the art space.
While the range has been good we have been disappointed that Mega Shed directly competes with us in their retail and online businesses. This disappointment is compounded by frustration over delivery costs. They require us to order in pallet lots and this can be a challenge. When we cannot meet a pallet requirement, freight costs are extraordinary.
When they are out of stock it is frustrating to find the same product in stock in their retail business.
We are not continuing our relationship with Mega Shed and will instead seek a relationship with a more commercially astute art supplier – a partner who specialises in wholesaling rather than retailing.
Art supplies are an excellent add-on product for newsagencies. The key is getting a good range of product at a fair price and with good backup stock availability.