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We talk about all the things that Core Group US can do, but the bottom-line question that all of our prospective clients pose to us is pretty consistent – What’s this relationship going to look like for me?
It’s a fair question. Before you pay for any customized service, you want to know what really happens when the rubber meets the road. Not only in terms of getting value for your money, but there’s the question of that all-important (and equally vague) notion of being a “good fit.”
We think the best way to give you an idea of what we have in store is for you to hear it from one of our existing customers.
Below is an interview with Lindsay, an entrepreneur who runs a shop specializing in the sales and consignment of work produced by local designers and artisans. They offer everything from t-shirts to furniture, and they’ve been an established presence on the local retail scene for almost a decade.
Core Group US – In your own words, how would you describe your company?
Lindsay – We’re a retail shop that focuses on primarily on artist-made goods.
CGUS – How did you find us?
Lindsay – I had asked a couple people I knew who ran small retail shops here in town. The person I had before just wasn’t familiar with a small retail business. It’s not unlike looking for a lawyer who specializes in a certain area of law because there are so many different rules. I was interested in working with Core Group US because I knew that you already had small retail business under your belt and working with my operation wouldn’t be a complete shock.
CGUS – And how long have you been working with us?
Lindsay – Well, I know I just got a card from you guys mentioned that we just wrapped up three years together, so I think we’re now going on year 4.
CGUS – So what has the process been like working with Core Group US?
Lindsay – Well, I don’t think I’m not too needy (laughs), so working with Core Group is just about making sure that things are getting done. Working with DeRenda (Lindsay’s Core Group agent) has definitely been interactive. My situation is unique because my shop is a mix of consignment and wholesale, so when I have a question for DeRenda, she’ll say, “Let me find the right answer and get back to you,” instead of just saying, “Do it this way.”
CGUS – Are there any processes or systems that our folks helped you implement, and did they work immediately or did they take some time?
Lindsay – At the beginning there were some issues when doing consignment sales and giving artist 1099s, because when I was doing consignment I never received one. Also my practices about paying myself have changed, although when COVID happened everything kind of went out the window. But I feel that you’ve really tailored your services to meet my needs because Core Group knows the ins and outs of my business. For example, the idea of using a credit card just for wholesale orders and shipping charges has made it much easier to track our expenses in those areas.
CGUS – What results have you seen from your relationship with CGUS? How would you describe it?
Lindsay - For me, it’s just been about peace of mind. I know that I can focus on the day-to-day running of the business and having art shows and events and I’m not worried about the books. Doing the books would be like forcing me to have a ZOOM meeting everyday – I do not want to do it. With peace of mind there’s also the time factor. Because I don’t want to do it, it [doing the books] would take me a lot longer to do. Now I consider it [working with CGUS] just the cost of doing business – it’s definitely not a luxury.
CGUS – Who would you recommend CGUS to? What kind of business owners?
Lindsay – When someone asks me how I keep track of everything I tell them that I don’t – I hired you guys. Anyone who asks me about an accountant, I recommend Core Group US. When you can focus on what you’re good at, then you find people that you trust and have them do the other stuff. There are a lot of people who don’t even know how to set up an LLC or get an FEIN. I think there are smaller places that could really use those services to help them get built up.
Thanks, Lindsay!
Core Group US’s service plans don’t have to be expensive, complicated, or intrusive. We’re here to help you run your business better, and leave you free to operate according to your strategy and values.
We’re here to support you, so why don’t you give Core Group US a call and let’s talk about what you need to be better at your job!
MORE INSIGHTS IN THE (FREE!) CORE EBOOK
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