The Inventory Mastery Program

(At-Home Study Version)

Increase Profits.
Improve Cash Flow.
Reduce Markdowns.
Generate More Sales.
Improve Customer Service.
Maximize POS Potential.  
Put More Money In Your Bank Account!    

Dear Colleague,  

Have you ever caught yourself asking the question,  “If business is so great, why aren’t we making any MONEY?”  

If you have, you’re not alone.  It’s a very common predicament.  And it’s one that hits very, very close to home….  

You see, it’s the story of my husband, Bob, and his store, the Mackinaw Kite Co.    Bob and his brother, Steve, worked very hard at building their business for over a dozen years. They watched their sales grow every year.  They developed a following of extremely loyal customers. And they always had a great crew of talented employees.  

Yet they couldn’t seem to “turn the corner” and generate the cash and profits they knew should be coming from their business.    

At the end of the year, there was never any money left in the bank.  

Why?  

Because they didn’t possess one of the most important skills every retailer MUST have to be successful…  

They didn’t know how to manage their inventory.  

You see, your inventory is the lifeblood of your business.  And you need to manage your inventory like your business depends on it - because it does.  

When I first met Bob, I had just moved to Michigan from California where I was a senior executive and buyer for Macy’s in San Francisco.   As we got to know each other better I began to learn more and more about his business.   

And what I learned didn’t surprise me.  

They carried some really fun and exciting merchandise, but they lacked a clear merchandise  plan  that would really “WOW” their customers. They were constantly making rush orders on must-have items (like kite string!). Their end-of-season sale was always a blow-out because there was so much merchandise left over.  They were choking on it!   It was clear that although Bob and Steve knew what they had to do - manage their inventory - they just didn’t know how to do it.   

Fortunately, I was able to help.  

We developed a killer assortment plan, started a simple but super-effective inventory management system, and things began to change…   

There were a lot fewer markdowns, best sellers were always in stock, more cash was available, profits jumped, and there was a lot less stress. The Mackinaw Kite Co. finally “turned the corner”.  

I’m writing because I think you may be a lot like Bob...   

You have a good idea, you work hard, and your customers like you.  But you’re not really making the kind of money you deserve, because your inventory isn’t under control.  If that’s the case, you’re going to love what I’m about to tell you!  

Announcing:

 The Inventory Mastery Program

This is a personalized coaching program, where I can work with you, through the power of the Internet, and help you grow your profits, improve cash flow, increase your sales, and upgrade your customer service.   

Guaranteed.   (More on that later!)  

Now those are some pretty big promises.  So let me explain, in a nutshell, how it works.   

The goal of good inventory management is to maintain an appropriate level of inventory for your current level of sales.  Nothing more and nothing less.

• If you’ve bought too much stuff, or the wrong stuff, you end up with a serious cash flow drain, high markdowns, falling gross margins, and shrinking profits.  Ugh.
• If you’ve bought too little stuff, or too little of the right stuff, you’ll end up out of best sellers, annoying your customers, and missing sales.  Ouch.  

The trick is to have the Right Amount of the Right Stuff at the Right Time.  

It sounds easy.  And it is, if you know how...  

Some people think that buying an expensive, super powerful Point Of Sale computer is the key to great inventory control.   And it is true that a great POS system can be an absolute GOLD MINE for your business.  If you know how to use it.  

But a computer can’t do anything its human user doesn’t ask it to do.   So if you don’t know how to manage your inventory, your POS can’t do it for you!   

Software without skills makes your technology investment nothing more than a really expensive cash register.   This is where the Inventory Mastery Program comes into play.  You and I will work closely together for ten weeks.  At the end of our time together you’ll know how to manage your inventory.  You’ll understand exactly how to use your POS system to buy the right amount, of the right stuff, at the right time, for your store.    

What’s more, you’ll have the skills you need to do it again next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.  

In fact, I’ve helped clients both large and small, do exactly that. 

Just listen to what Larry Weller from the Moynihan Gallery in Holland, Michigan has to say about how this inventory management program helped his business…         

Hi Bob and Susan,  

I just read your e-mail about the 'Inventory Mastery Program'.  As you know Susan consulted with us on her 'open-to-buy' inventory plan a couple of years ago.  You may remember that I was... let's say a little resistant to some of your ideas.  Although the math was logical, I had trouble letting go of the notion that I needed to reduce inventory.   Inventory is like money in the bank, right?    Wrong!  

The long and short of it is that we did start running the open-to-buy system. I watched my inventory shrink by a third over the course of a year.  And, in awe, I saw our sales go up and our store inventory turns increase, as did our profits!   Kate, (my wife and partner) my staff, (who were able to keep their jobs after 9-11) and I are all quite happy that we learned the system. Now we use it every month to plan our buying and to track and reduce our mark-downs.  Frankly, we're not sure we would still be in business if we hadn't changed our buying philosophy!    

As you know, this year we were voted 'One of the Top 100 Galleries' in the U.S.  What qualified us to win in the division we entered, our profit ratio and business practices.    I feel the need to promote this program because it does work and if practiced will benefit any business that maintains an inventory. Do yourselves a favor.  Learn the system and practice it… it works.  

Regards,  

Larry Weller    

Here are seven reasons WHY the Inventory Mastery Program works:  

1. You get access to my 17 years of buying experience for both large department stores and small independent retailers.  I’ve been there, done that.  Made the mistakes and learned the lessons.  So I can guide you every step of the way.
2. It’s a tried and true system.  You can benefit from what department stores have learned about managing inventory over literally hundreds of years.  That’s what someone taught me, and what I will teach you.
3. It’s right for small, independent retailers.  I have put those “big box” skills to work in a small store environment just like yours, so I know the ropes. I know how much time you (don’t) have and how to make the system simple enough for you to manage.
4. You get all the forms, computer templates, and planners you need.   You won’t have to spend days creating this stuff.  You’ll get right to work building the system for your store, making you money.
5. It has the structure you need to get the system up and running.   Why re-invent the wheel? I’ve already figured out the best way to organize and execute a simple open-to-buy system. It doesn’t get any easier than this. 
6. You’ll love the flexible work environment.  You don’t have to leave your store, take a road trip, or hop on a plane to get this information.  You do the work on your own time, in your own office, and at your own pace.
7. It’s far less expensive than one-to-one, in-person consulting.  It would cost ten times the price of this coaching program (or more) to have me work with you in a traditional consulting mode.  

But you need to know right up front that this coaching program is not for everyone. 
And I don’t want to waste your time, or mine, if you’re not really a qualified candidate for the program.  

So, if you want your inventory to miraculously take care of itself, you’re barking up the wrong tree.  There is simply no magic bullet, no pill you can swallow, to make the process effortless.  And anyone who says there is, is lying to you. You’ve got to do the work to reap the rewards.  

If you want me to do all the work for you, this isn’t the right program either. I want to teach you how to manage your inventory yourself – for as long as you own your business – not give you a quick fix.   

If you want to spend twenty-nine dollars to get thousands upon thousands of dollars in return, you might as well quit reading.  I believe in value for value exchange, and you’ll be learning a system that will make you money year, after year, after year.  

However…

• If you want to reduce your markdowns to raise margins and INCREASE PROFITS;
• If you want to dramatically improve your cash flow; 
• If you want to make that POS system you spent thousands on really pay for itself;
• If you want to generate more sales; and, 
• If you are as serious as a heart attack about finally getting control of your business…

This is finally your chance!  

There’s no better time than right now to start the Inventory Mastery Program.  For many of you, Christmas buying is right around the corner.  This year, you’ll have an inventory plan in place to maximize those all-important 4th quarter sales and minimize your post-Christmas markdowns.   

And that could make this year your best year yet!       

If you think this Program is right for you, let me tell you more about what you’ll get:    

• 10-Week Coaching Program designed to get an inventory management plan in place and a realistic, functioning Open-to-Buy system going for your store.  
• Personalized Help. I am not going to leave you high and dry.  The #1 reason I decided to start this program in back in 2003 was the realization that most business owners needed one-on-one help to actually get an Open to Buy system running in their stores.   
• Weekly Written Lessons via e-mail with homework to be completed each week. We’ll take it step-by-step until the job is done. 
• Weekly Multimedia CD’s with tips, tricks, and techniques to guide you every step of the way.  You’ll get to hear and see me as I walk you through the system. 
• Expert Review and critique of all your planning homework via e-mail. I’ll make sure you’re on the right track every step of the way so you don’t waste valuable time backtracking to fix mistakes. 
• E-mail Support from me – for the inevitable questions and concerns along the way.  Just blast off your question and you’ll get an answer from me. 
• Open-To-Buy Notebook with all the forms, planners and templates you need to make the system a reality in your store.  Also, the templates and planners will come on CD-Rom so you can use them year after year.
• Our Inventory Mastery System Kit “Inventory Management.”  You’ll get everything you need to take a rock-solid physical inventory.  Because accurate inventory numbers are essential for an open-to-buy plan that really works. It’s a $479 value!
• Six Months of On-Going Support. Just fax in your monthly OTB adjustment form and I will review it for problems and answer any questions you may have.  It will keep you on track and using the system until it is a habit.   This alone is worth the price of the entire program!!    

Plus, you’ll get these two BONUSES...  

Bonus #1:

Five one-hour CDs filled with the wisdom and the “wily veteran” techniques that retail expert Bob Negen has amassed in over 20 years as an independent retailer.  

Disc 1: “What’s In Store For Specialty Retailers: An Interview with Bob Negen”
Disc 2: “Things Your CPA and Banker Don’t Tell You – Straight Talk on How to Manage your Cash and Finances” 
Disc 3:  “How To Get The Most From Every Sale” 
Disc 4:  “Messages That Sell: How To Write Killer Copy” 
Disc 5:  “E-Mail Marketing... The Secret To Making Your Web Site Sizzle”

Bonus #2:  

The Downloadable E-Book: Five Years of WhizBang! Tips. 

That’s 260 WhizBang! Tips of the Week, starting with Tip #1, compiled and organized to help you become a super successful retailer.   
You’ll get Tips like:

• “Hiring Details That Make A Difference” 
• “A Magnificent Marketing Maneuver”
• “Three Great Sales Contests”
• “How to Spot Your Next Superstar”
• “Pricing For Improved Profit”
• “How to Build A Better Business Card"

And lots more great Tips!  

That’s what you will get from me. 

Ten weeks plus six months of my time, access to my expertise, plus tons of extra resources that can really make you money.    

If you’re ready to take the next step in profitability, sales, and service, you’re probably wondering...  

What’s the investment?  

The Inventory Mastery Program is only $1997.  By some standards, this would be considered expensive.  And maybe in the short-term it is expensive for you.  

But when you look at the importance of managing your inventory and the long-term impact it will have on your cash position, sales, and profits… this program is an absolute bargain!   

In fact, I’d say many of you can’t afford not to take advantage of the program.  

You will quickly recover the cost of the program in improved profits and, like the Energizer Bunny, the rewards you reap from this Program will just keep on going, and going, and going….  

Putting more money in your pocket year in and year out.  

To make it easier for everyone who really wants to enroll in the program, we’re offering a payment plan – three equal installments of $697 for a total program cost of $2091 (this small additional fee help cover our administrative costs to finance your purchase).  One payment will be due immediately as a deposit to hold your spot, one a month before the program begins and one the week the program begins.  

I know that almost two thousand dollars is a lot of money for some of you, and making that kind of commitment could be difficult.  But I’m also confident that you’ll see exactly where you’ll make money, where you’ll save money, and how much a difference this information will make to your business.  

That’s why I’m offering you an…  

Absolutely No-Risk Guarantee

It’s simple. If, after the first month you don’t think the program is worth every penny of your money, cancel your subscription.  We'll refund your entire purchase price.

That’s how confident I am that you’ll see the profit-generating power of this program right away.  I know some unscrupulous knucklehead could take advantage of this guarantee, but if you are sitting on the fence about doing this,  I want to nudge you my way… and I hope that a powerful guarantee will do the trick.   

With this kind of guarantee, what reason could you possibly have for not signing up for this Program, getting control of your inventory once and for all, and making the kind of money you deserve?

Click here to put your name on the waiting list for our next session.