Question:

I’m a traveling salesperson peddling my own line of casual clothing. I need a rack that travels easily and can fold up for travel, but shows well at presentations. Any suggestions?
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Good question! There are several racks that will accommodate a traveling sales person, especially if all modes of transport are used such as train, bus, plane or car. As you never know where sales opportunities will come up, let’s discuss the racks that will work well with ALL types of transport.

The RCW/4 Collapsible Garment Rack is made of 1" square tubing with a chrome finish. A 48" hangrail with two 12" pull-out rods offers additional hanging space if needed. Height is adjustable at 55", 60", and 65". The 4" ball bearing casters allow easy rolling transport and the entire unit folds to compact dimensions of 51 ½ x 22 ¼ x 4 ½. Rack includes clips for hangrail storage and protective rubber bumpers. This unit is of industrial quality, excellent for continual usage and folds down.

The RCS/1 Collapsible Garment Rack is also considered heavy duty like the RCW/4 and offers all the same amenities. The only difference is the RCS/1 has round tubing instead of square as on the RCW/1. Both racks are durable and well-suited for travel.

Another accessory to consider if you present your clothing directly from the rack is the dual-use RCA/5, Collapsible Rack Display Screen/ Shelf; folded in half, the screen acts as a merchandise shelf. When opened, it can be used as a display screen for exhibiting merchandise. The screen hangs directly on the rack and is compatible with both the RCW/4 and RCS/1.

Best of luck at your next presentation!

Let's Talk Business...

With the challenging economy and competitive retail market, a lot of our customers discuss how they promote their store/company without spending a lot of money. The answer is always great service, great service, and great service!

Following is a situation Valley Store Equipment (VSE) had with a supplier that will keep us a customer for life…

As a VSE salesperson, sometimes I have a fixture emergency; somebody needs to open his shop that weekend and is missing a piece or part or he forgot to order an item and needs it right away. One day, a lady called VSE. She needed some acrylic displays ASAP for a tradeshow in two days. She placed the order and VSE requested her displays to be shipped that day. VSE received a phone call from the acrylics representative that the freight carrier was too late and had not picked up the shipment. We offered to scramble and find another carrier, but our rep. said he would drop the order off at the carriers on his way home. This is a million $ company that was willing to drop a $25 order at the carrier to retain our business. Since this occurrence, VSE goes out of their way to send significant business to this supplier. It’s a win-win situation!

In business, it’s the extra little things you do that keep your customers coming back to you; taking that extra step, taking an extra minute or making that additional phone call can be the small activities applied everyday that add up to big success with your customers. That is our idea of great customer service and running a smart business!

Let us know: What’s your idea of great customer service?

Question:

I am so tired of the standard black, white and chrome fixtures. What fixtures can I use in my store that are unique and different?
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This is a common question for retailers across the country. We are always looking for something new and different to catch the eye of prospective customers. If you already have the standard black, white and chrome, you may consider implementing a retail system to complement the fixtures you already have.

A retail system is a line of fixtures of the same style. Some lines have more options than others so you will want to discuss with a VSE representative exactly what you are trying to accomplish so they can give you suggestions. Whether your retail location has an industrial, pop-culture, retro or ultra modern look, there is a system for you.

Some suggestions would be the following:

Pearl District is an upscale line of fixtures mixing brushed satin nickel and reversible wood melamine shelves to promote clean lines and extreme durability. Pearl District offers the custom look without the custom price tag.

Mod Fusion implements a clean, unique chrome and steel hybrid style. With round tubing and sheet steel this futuristic look displays products with shiny, clustering tables, chrome accessories and Hard Rock Maple finish shelves. Mod Fusion looks well with other fixtures; keep in mind hardware may not be compatible with your present line.

Chainlinx is an industrial look great for skate and urban shops to convey street smart design. Chain link fencing portrays a gritty, downtown feel with accessories not typically considered “gritty.” For example, the nesting tables, equated with upscale scent shops, have been transformed with chain link and epoxy grey to convey an upscale slant to an urban landscape. This line also goes well with black and chrome.

Aaron Contemporary is a line of raw steel fixtures with a clear coat finish that includes scrolling elements for a “steel magnolia” design. This line is very popular in lingerie, dress and ultimately very feminine shops. With this line, a little goes a long way. Choosing certain items to be placed or mounted throughout your shop will change the entire look. Considering many women buy Aaron Contemporary items for their homes, you know it’s a look that will attract the discerning customer.

I hope this gives you a few ideas!