Cyprus-Forum.com

[JamieNelson]

Hi folks, thanks for taking the time to read this topic. I am doing a bit of research here and I would really appreciate your thoughts.

I am a furniture retailer in the UK and I'm looking at the possibilities of retailing furniture to Cyprus. The 2 main advantages I am planning with my company compared to others is;

a) I will set my prices somewhere in the region of 25-30% below normal retail prices

b) I will personally inspect each item for export prior to loading AND I will also make all arrangements for my exporters to deliver the goods direct to your home in Cyprus.

The reason for my interest has arisen from one of my friends moving to Cyprus recently. He also has a furniture background and plans to set up an interior design service which will run hand in hand with myself.

Early days in my plans at this stage but as mentioned your thoughts are truly appreciated.

[Get Real!]

In September I'll be shopping to fill up a whole house with furniture but I wouldn't risk the hassles of goods arriving from overseas damaged from transport which is always a possibility unfortunately.

Competition is huge here and as if that wasn't enough IKEA has just arrived! In any case good luck.

[JamieNelson]

Ok, cheers. Can you tell me what part they have located in. I was initially aiming at Paphos and surrounding areas. Also, not to sound derogatory but I'm not aiming at the Ikea market. The majority of my suppliers are top end kit which in itself illiminates some of the worries about transit damage. Also, my exporters are one of the most experienced and respected in the furniture industry.

Thanks again for your feedback.

[Get Real!]

Ok, cheers. Can you tell me what part they have located in. I was initially aiming at Paphos and surrounding areas. Also, not to sound derogatory but I'm not aiming at the Ikea market. The majority of my suppliers are top end kit which in itself illiminates some of the worries about transit damage. Also, my exporters are one of the most experienced and respected in the furniture industry.

Thanks again for your feedback.

I've seen one under construction as you enter Nicosia on your right in the Athalassa suburb.

I'm a classic quality furniture fanatic and wouldn't even look at IKEA crap so they won't be getting a dime from me!

As for kits, I don't know how that's going to work out given that there will be zilch local support. What happens if someone is stuck and can't assemble it? You'll have serious problems trying to guide them over the phone at international rates! Many people out there aren't as handy as they think!

[Eliko]

JamieNelson, welcome to the forum and good luck in your aspirations.

The furniture available here is in some cases highly decorative, well designed and of good quality.

I think the Cypriot people do have a tendancy to choose furniture that could be loosely described as ostentatious.

If you intend to target the British residents, I think you would be wise to take a trip over here and test the water a little, perhaps target the 'letting fraternity' which might prove more successful.

There are many second-hand dealers here, they seem to be doing very nicely in that particular field.

[JamieNelson]

Sorry!! Wrong choice of words. By 'kit' I meant product. 95% of my furniture is fully assembled on delivery, I really only have 1 supplier who delivers in 'kit form', but I have already made enquires to have that assembled for the customer to save any hassle or worry.
I am currently looking at a getting a presentation DVD created to show potential customers the type of furniture available and I will also be including an insight into the warehousing and transit facilities I will be using.

[Get Real!]

Sorry!! Wrong choice of words. By 'kit' I meant product. 95% of my furniture is fully assembled on delivery, I really only have 1 supplier who delivers in 'kit form', but I have already made enquires to have that assembled for the customer to save any hassle or worry.

Well that definitely helps.

I am currently looking at a getting a presentation DVD created to show potential customers the type of furniture available and I will also be including an insight into the warehousing and transit facilities I will be using.

So how do you plan to distribute that DVD? An insert in popular newspapers/magazines would definitely work.

Do you have a website? I'd like to check out your line and who knows I might end up being your first customer if you'll be taking care of them that much...

[JamieNelson]

Cheers Eliko, contemporary furniture is very popular in the UK right now. Simple, timeless designs are selling very well. Also, I have noticed a remarkable upturn in the beds market, in the last 18-24 months we have sold more expensive good quality beds than ever before. The public seem to be really switched on to health care and the importance of looking after your back. It may be a cliche, but 'you DO get what you pay for'.

[JamieNelson]

My only problem so far is the web address. My company is 'Shore 2 Shore' but both .com and .co.uk and already taken. I looking into the possibilites of getting .com from its current owner. My other option is to advertise in magazines and perhaps (if possible) be allowed to do an advert on this website something similar to the Leptos banner at the top.

[juliesewell]

Jamie,

Is there a .eu address available perhaps? After all, both UK and Cyprus are in the EU