Trusted Shops accredited online shop – Interview with bombero
Bombero is a retailer of contemporary interior accessories, gifts, furniture and lighting. The store offers designs from Europe’s most innovative manufacturers and most talented designers. In the following interview we asked Tom Elliott, Managing Director of bombero.co.uk, to tell us more about his sales strategy.
What is Bombero?
Bombero are retailers of contemporary interior accessories, gifts, furniture and lighting – a collection that includes designs from Europe’s most innovative manufacturers and most talented designers. Our aim is to give our customers the best product design, product quality and customer service available, both in our hight street store in Bangor (Northern Ireland) and online shop. We always try to make shopping with us a completely enjoyable experience.
Why did you decide to start an e-commerce business?
By the end of 2005 we were trading very successfully from our high street shop and we were looking for ways to take us to the next level in our development. To grow, we knew we needed to reach a broader customer base than we could from our high street store alone. We began seriously to consider trading from an online shop.
When did your shop open?
Our high street store opened in November 2003 and our online shop in May 2006.
How did you start setting up your online shop?
We identified the ISP and an online shop software package that we felt met our needs in terms of cost, reliability and ease of use. We didn’t want a huge capital outlay and we wanted software that we could manage ourselves. By May 2006 our online shop based on epages was opened and we were receiving orders.
What are the advantages of your online shop against a high street store?
Together, our online shop and our high street store have been a great success. Many of the costs and skills are shared by both: The same stock and warehouse space service both , the same staff operate both, so skills learned in one can be used in both. The enormous benefit of online trading is 24-hour opening: our online shop is always open. We can receive orders at anytime and process them during normal working hours.
Which payment systems do you offer?
Our online payments are processed through WorldPay and PayPal.
Where are your customers located?
Our customers are mainly based in the UK and Ireland.
What did you do to increase the visibility of your shop?
We promote our website in local newspapers and magazines. Advertise on search engines and sell on shopping comparison sites. We encourage suppliers and others to create links to our site.
What have you done to increase consumer confidence?
Consumer confidence is fundamental to online trading, which is why we sought Trusted Shops accreditation. We also try to reassure our customers by having clear and constructive terms and conditions.
What are your plans for the next months?
We plan to refine and improve our offer, bringing new and exciting designs to our collection and delivering the best possible customer service.
For more information Check out the store or have a look at the Shopprofile at Trusted Shops.
