Rich Bronk – Port of Call Consignments – BizInt
Written by Staff on March 21, 2024
Rich Bronk – Port of Call Consignments – BizInt – by Liam Sweeny.
RRX: Who are you? What is the name of your business, and what do you make/do?
RB: Rich Bronk, Owner of Port Of Call Consignments in Waterford, N.Y. Port Of Call is a brick & mortar retail shop that carries a wide variety of vintage & collectible items. I also buy & sell special interest items such as bar signs , vinyl records, fishing equipment, hobby items, bicycles, nautical decor and more.
RRX: If you could only offer one thing, one good, one specific service, that would really show what you’re all about, what is it, and why?
RB: Variety, I know that does not really answer your question, but my business relies on having a variety of merchandise to appeal to a wider customer base.
RRX: What sparked your interest in starting the business you started? Was it something you were already good at? Or did you just jump in the pool nose first?
RB: I have dabbled in collectible toys, classic cars & parts etc. since I was a teenager, going to car shows with my father. We bought and sold to make our “play money” to support our own restoration projects. I spent 20+ years in the automotive industry until getting burned out in 2012. I then decided to take the plunge and try something on my own. The store started off much differently than what it is now. My inventory was mainly other people’s merchandise such as women’s clothing and accessories, local crafts, jewelry, baby gear, etc..
RRX: What do you see as your angle? What makes you better than other people out there running a similar business?
RB: I’m not sure I really have angle, As long as I can continue to be successful doing what I love I am content. I don’t know that I’m better than anyone else in the field, however I am often told that I have a “great eye” regarding my merchandise. Customers also express their appreciation of a clean, well-organized and odor-free store.
RRX: How has the economy affected your business? Setbacks? Any opportunities right now?
RB: There are constant struggles regarding the economy. Covid was the worst for me as it was for most small businesses. Fortunately, I was able to survive relying mostly on online sales. Seasonal changes also affect business due to the lack of foot traffic in the winter. Spring and Summer bring a whole new customer base with the boating traffic that comes through Waterford & the Erie Canal.
RRX: What is on the horizon for you? Any new products? Any new offerings? Let us be your sounding board!
RB: I am always buying vintage / collectible items to maintain the ever-changing inventory here at Port Of Call. Also, I currently have a 15% OFF sale on all vinyl records in the shop.
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