Gone very quiet
Discussion
We've seen the EV charger sector slow down quite a bit since the end of March (which was insane due to the ending of the govt grant scheme for homes).
We're still doing fine but, like the whole sector, are affected by the microchip shortage slowing new car sales down but in the past few weeks our suppliers seem to have been very proactive with calls to us, much more than usual. We've had more electricians than usual approach us looking for work and a number of related sales companies not only calling us but also being very pushy/persistent. One, an email marketing company, called me every day. I liked what they did but his over the top sales techniques have put me off. He/they are clearly struggling too.
We're using the time to diversify into solar but that will take time.
We're still doing fine but, like the whole sector, are affected by the microchip shortage slowing new car sales down but in the past few weeks our suppliers seem to have been very proactive with calls to us, much more than usual. We've had more electricians than usual approach us looking for work and a number of related sales companies not only calling us but also being very pushy/persistent. One, an email marketing company, called me every day. I liked what they did but his over the top sales techniques have put me off. He/they are clearly struggling too.
We're using the time to diversify into solar but that will take time.
April and May have picked up for us. We’re not quite on the budget I set last year (it’s our Q4) but we’re back recruiting again.
We’re in the process of making a strategic change to pivot slightly from focusing on service delivery of one specific software to add an additional two (both at request of the vendors themselves).
This should allow us to take our offering further upmarket into higher up the mid market space
We’re in the process of making a strategic change to pivot slightly from focusing on service delivery of one specific software to add an additional two (both at request of the vendors themselves).
This should allow us to take our offering further upmarket into higher up the mid market space
pmanson said:
We’re in the process of making a strategic change to pivot slightly from focusing on service delivery of one specific software to add an additional two (both at request of the vendors themselves). This should allow us to take our offering further upmarket into higher up the mid market space
'We're going to sell more expensive stuff'. FTFY 
Phooey said:
How are you guys that retail (online or/and high street) finding trade is at the moment? Particularly this weekend?
Yesterday was average for me as opposed to the ‘poor’ it’s been all week. My ‘high-end’ round was quiet, but the overall picture was made up by my other two rounds being slightly above average.The guy who loads next to me told me he was also back to being on target yesterday. I didn’t get the chance to speak to any of the other drivers besides a ‘hello’, so no idea how they were doing.
105.4 said:
Yesterday was average for me as opposed to the ‘poor’ it’s been all week. My ‘high-end’ round was quiet, but the overall picture was made up by my other two rounds being slightly above average.
The guy who loads next to me told me he was also back to being on target yesterday. I didn’t get the chance to speak to any of the other drivers besides a ‘hello’, so no idea how they were doing.
Interesting thanks. Recently I seem to see and hear of more business owners noticing their trade/sales are suffering. Amazon sellers especially The guy who loads next to me told me he was also back to being on target yesterday. I didn’t get the chance to speak to any of the other drivers besides a ‘hello’, so no idea how they were doing.
Phooey said:
How are you guys that retail (online or/and high street) finding trade is at the moment? Particularly this weekend?
Not got this weekends data yet, but past few weeks has been massively down year on year (online, household, clothing, garden etc). Similar trading levels as pre-COVID (£ terms), but in volume terms double digit down.There will be a few sectors that enjoy warm weather seasonal trading and perhaps bank holiday / jubilee celebration spending, but overall what we are seeing is a real tightening of spend.
Wilmslowboy said:
There will be a few sectors that enjoy warm weather seasonal trading and perhaps bank holiday / jubilee celebration spending, but overall what we are seeing is a real tightening of spend.
It will be interesting to see what things are like come early-mid June once the Bank Holiday / Jubilee hoo-har is over.
Maybe preparation for folks summer holidays will keep things busy, followed by back to school / end of summer season sales?
Wilmslowboy said:
Not got this weekends data yet, but past few weeks has been massively down year on year (online, household, clothing, garden etc). Similar trading levels as pre-COVID ( terms), but in volume terms double digit down.
There will be a few sectors that enjoy warm weather seasonal trading and perhaps bank holiday / jubilee celebration spending, but overall what we are seeing is a real tightening of spend.
Those I have spoken too have seen their Amazon sales almost -50% this year (me included), with this past few weeks being their worst on record. I don't think the media reporting that we are all going to be searching bins for scrap food is helping customer confidence. There will be a few sectors that enjoy warm weather seasonal trading and perhaps bank holiday / jubilee celebration spending, but overall what we are seeing is a real tightening of spend.
Phooey said:
I do deliver Amazon stuff, which I suspect is often overspill from their own drivers.
I reckon my Amazon stuff is down around 90%. Where I would have been taking 20-30 Amazon parcels a day, (on top of my other stuff), I’m now only doing 3-4 or less a day.
edited to add,
I wonder if this is just a steady decline from the unusual peak of 21-24 months ago?
What would the figures have been like 30-36 months ago?
Edited by 105.4 on Sunday 22 May 10:14
105.4 said:
I do deliver Amazon stuff, which I suspect is often overspill from their own drivers.
I reckon my Amazon stuff is down around 90%. Where I would have been taking 20-30 Amazon parcels a day, (on top of my other stuff), I’m now only doing 3-4 or less a day.
Phooey said:
How are you guys that retail (online or/and high street) finding trade is at the moment? Particularly this weekend?
Very good day yesterday, and generally trading is up on a torrid Feb/Mar.We’ve done a lot around Google Shopping, social, mailing lists etc, which seems to be helping.
Phooey said:
Interestingly recently I've had quite a bit of stuff delivered by Royal Mail instead of Amazon logistics. This is stuff sold by Amazon (Prime) and not 3rd party sellers. I ordered some t-shirts (sold by Amazon) for the gym on Thursday last week which were delivered on Friday by Royal Mail. I order quite a lot of stuff off Amazon/Prime and it up until recently it always comes by Amazon logistics
We have moved all our Amazon stuff from DPD to Royal Mail as you get automatic delivery on time stats. With DPD, just a couple of late deliveries, even if just because the customer isn’t in, loses you status.Phooey said:
105.4 said:
I do deliver Amazon stuff, which I suspect is often overspill from their own drivers.
I reckon my Amazon stuff is down around 90%. Where I would have been taking 20-30 Amazon parcels a day, (on top of my other stuff), I’m now only doing 3-4 or less a day.
Frimley111R said:
Just seen a post on FB from one of the main track day companies saying only 7 cars booked for an evening at Bedford!
This has been going on all year to be honest. Evening sessions used to be around £80. The session in question is £129.Couple that with the increased fuel costs and it makes for an expensive few hours.
Phooey said:
Those I have spoken too have seen their Amazon sales almost -50% this year (me included), with this past few weeks being their worst on record. I don't think the media reporting that we are all going to be searching bins for scrap food is helping customer confidence.
That’s interesting as I’m heavily involved with several Amazon business models. All of them are on 360 and showing (up to April) significant YOY growth. Possibly the May report will show slowdowns but seems good so far. Sectors are kids clothing, confectionery, hardware and supplements.Phooey said:
loafer123 said:
Is that from the US though (“vacation”)?
Yes, and fair point. I can't imagine it being vastly different on the UK side thoughGassing Station | Business | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff