Sailsport April 2004

AFTER just a year’s trading, an Exeter company has tripled its turnover.
Set up by Tony Blackmore who lives in Exeter, SailSport is a chandlery specialising in dinghy equipment, thought to the only chandlery in the country which does not have a retail shop.

Instead, Tony, who is himself a keen sailor, has taken the technology route offering his customers the chance to buy direct from his website – www.sail-sport.com – or straight from his van with consequently cheaper prices.

And he’s now finding enquiries are coming in from across the UK.
He said: “I started off selling to people I knew, mostly in the Exeter area. Now I’ve had enquiries from deepest Wales, to Scotland and Essex. I’m really thrilled with the way it’s going. It was a big decision to make, giving up a well-paid job for the uncertainty of setting up my own business, but it’s great. I’m really happy.

“ I offer free postage on most of my items, something most people can’t believe.
“ Their reaction is always: ‘wow, what, you mean it, no postage.’ They always double check they did actually hear me correctly. Originally this was going to be for a limited period of time but it’s proving so popular that I’ve decided to continue it indefinitely.

“ It’s all part of my daring to be different ethos. I’ve dared and it seems to be paying off.
“ I go to people’s houses or boat parks, something which is always appreciated, for instance, I spent a couple of hours last week tailor-making a spinnaker system for one client.”

Tony will also go round to different clubs attending their open meetings and nationals. He already has events at Teignmouth, Sidmouth and Looe lined up and is willing to put others in his diary.
And he is offering sailing clubs the chance to have a presence on his website, so they can advertise their forthcoming events. Information can be emailed to events@sail-sport.com.

Clubs can also set up an affiliation scheme whereby if they become affiliate members, they can earn five per cent of everything their members spend with SailSport.
SailSport can also be contacted on 01392 420043.
Ends

For further information contact Katina Read at BreezeMarine on 01626 353333 or contact Tony direct on 01392 420043 or 07977 512673

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