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Interview: The reality, challenges, and charms of a one-person shop operator
Interviewer: Hello! Today, I'm going to talk to someone who runs a massage shop. Please introduce yourself briefly.
Shopkeeper: Hi, my name is Minji Kim, and I run a massage shop called Refreshing. I've worked in the massage field for about eight years, and I've been running a massage shop for three years myself. It's very rewarding and enjoyable to communicate with customers every day and relieve their fatigue.
Interviewer: I'm curious how you started a one-person shop. Why did you choose a one-person shop instead of a large one? 1인샵
Shopkeeper: When I was working in a large shop, I had to deal with a lot of customers, so it was difficult to reflect the needs of each customer in detail. As I felt limited in satisfying the needs of each customer, I started a one-person shop where I could provide more personal and customized services. It was very attractive that one-person shops could relate more closely to customers and provide services in the way I wanted.
Interviewer: So what's the biggest advantage of running a one-person shop?
Shopkeeper: The biggest advantage is that you can build trust with customers. Large shops often have difficulty concentrating on one customer because multiple employees work at the same time, but one-person shops can fully concentrate on the customer. I think the satisfaction level increases because I can relieve customer fatigue with care and accurately reflect their needs. Also, I feel very rewarded because I can build deeper relationships with each customer.
Interviewer: So did you have any difficulties running a one-person shop?
Shopkeeper: Of course, there are a lot of difficulties. A one-person shop has to do everything on its own, so it's very physically challenging. There are lots of hectic times when you have to do a variety of things on your own, such as booking, cleaning, managing supplies, marketing, etc. And because customers make a variety of demands, you have to take care to provide services that meet those demands. Sometimes it's exhausting, but when a customer is satisfied and grateful, all those difficulties turn into a rewarding one.
Interviewer: You said building trust is important, how are you building trust with your customers?
Shopkeeper: Trust takes time, but it's an important part of it. I have had many conversations from the beginning to make sure my clients feel comfortable, and before the massages, I ask them enough about their condition or the part they want. I make sure that they don't feel uncomfortable during the massages, and I try to create an atmosphere where they can rest comfortably. With all these careful considerations, the clients naturally feel trusted, and many of them come back.
Interviewer: It wouldn't be easy to get customers to come over and over again. Why do you think customers usually go to a single shop?
Shop operator: Many people who visit single shops want personal time and space. There are many cases where it is difficult to have time alone because there are many people in large shops. On the other hand, single shops provide spaces where customers can spend their time comfortably. Also, there are many people who want their own customized services. For example, there are many people who want intensive massages on certain areas, or who come here for the purpose of relieving stress and healing. Single shops are the right places to meet those needs.
Interviewer: I think it can be difficult to run a one-person shop when competition is getting worse, but what's the secret to being successful nonetheless?
Shop Operator: Although competition has intensified, I have tried to provide differentiated services. For example, I paid a lot of attention not only to massage techniques, but also to the atmosphere and details of the space so that customers can feel comfortable. In addition, we tried to continuously improve the quality of service by actively reflecting customer feedback, and we tried to provide customized services that meet customer needs. I think this has made customers remember as 'the place they want to come back'. After all, I think that in order to survive the competition, it is most important to provide differentiated services based on trust with customers.
Interviewer: What if you could advise prospective founders who want to start a one-person shop?
Shopkeeper: To start a one-person shop, physical strength and mental management are just as important as the technicality. When you first start, the work is very difficult, and sometimes the customers don't come right away. However, when you build up the trust of customers and provide steady service, at some point, you will naturally have regular customers and that will stabilize your business. Also, it is important to try various marketing and promotion methods, and find your own style while increasing communication with customers. I think the key to success is to maintain the basic quality of service while adding differentiated elements. 마타이
Interviewer: Lastly, could you share your most rewarding moment while running a single-person shop?
Shopkeeper: The most rewarding moment was when I had more and more regular customers and they said, "You've made me feel a lot better here." At first, I was nervous and provided the service, but as time passed, customer satisfaction increased and I was most pleased when they naturally recommended it. It was the most rewarding moment when customers trusted me and came back.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing great stories today. I hope many people will continue to experience comfortable healing at Kim Min-ji's one-person shop.
Shop Operator: Thank you! I will continue to work hard to provide better service.