Conversations with our suppliers at the annual Toy Fair last month inevitably gravitated towards price. As new retailers we are extremely aware of the importance of price to our customers and any upwards movement in supplier prices causes plenty of debate in the WoodenToyShop office.
We are in business to earn a living for us and our families. There, I’ve said it and there is no point ignoring this fact. However, we have both climbed the traditional corporate career ladder, spent time working in the City and left London some years ago in search of a more positive work life balance. One of the reasons we set up WoodenToyShop.co.uk was because we both wanted to run a business on our own terms and work in a field which was of interest to us. So while WoodenToyShop is of course a commercial enterprise, it is one born out of a passion, commitment, energy and enthusiasm. We felt there was a gap in the online retail market for a seller of high quality contemporary and traditional wooden toys. We wanted to showcase an exemplary selection of the kind of toys we loved as children and that we thought would still have a place in the hearts of children (and families as a whole) in the 21st century.
Another reason we chose to set up online was a firm belief that we would be able to price the products we sell at very competitive rates. Our overheads are less than a traditional shop – we don’t pay rent to a high street landlord, for example – and by ensuring our operations are as efficient as possible we keep our costs down and can pass on these savings to our customers.
Unfortunately, however, we cannot control the price at which we buy our toys. We have worked closely with all of our suppliers since well before we launched our site last year and will continue to do so as our business grows. But we can’t control their prices. If the price of sustainably sourced wood rises, if the price of child friendly paints rises, if the prices of packaging rises, then the prices we pay for the toys we sell will rise. And this is where we are. Some of our suppliers have tried to reimagine their toys to keep prices down by repackaging and making small amendments and to some extent we support this, but there have been occasions where we have asked ourselves why change a winning formula? We want to be as honest and transparent as we can be about our prices, which is why we offer our customers these promises:
- · All our toys will be displayed at our very best price. The prices you see are as low as we can make them.
- · We will keep our shipping fees as low as possible without compromising on the quality of the packing materials we use and also the reliability of our delivery services.
- · Whatever the price of our toys, one thing that will always be free at WoodenToyShop.co.uk is our fantastic customer service. If you have a question, comment or complaint, you can call us on 01626 221 380, email us, tweet us @woodentoyshopuk or leave a message on our Facebook page.
Go on, give us a try. If you are looking for inspiration at birthday time or just want to buy a wonderful wooden toy for a little angel, give us the opportunity to send you something special.
