We know from consumer research by several organisations that Australian consumers think newsagencies are expensive places to shop. While I think it is too difficult for us to address this nationally, some newsagents can address it locally.
If you are in a high street situation and unencumbered by landlord rules, why not choose some common everyday items and regularly price check against national competitors located nearby. I tried this in a couple of shopping centre situations and each time the landlord pointed out the lease clauses my action breached. High street newsagency leases should not have such restrictions.
While there is the risk that the chain you target strikes back, if you are not rude and promote the price comparison in a professional and consistent way you could slowly educate local shoppers to change their shopping habits and that has to be a key goal for any newsagent.
Mark,
My I-Phone is becoming one of my greatest price checking tools I have in my business. I have competitor APPS loaded and can pick any stationary item in my store and scan it to check my prices against others. As an example I have in the past week picked up 2 new Ink customers by spending a couple of minutes with them price checking my competitors. The best thing about the experience was the customer amazement. They also loved the fact that I was offering the best prices, not just simply “matching” others.
I always check the Ink & Toner prices at my 2 major competitors before pricing these items for my business customers – and then make sure to let them know how much they are saving by buying from us.
Happy to reinforce that a certain stationery co does not have the lowest prices.