When will SIAQ commence operations?

Depending on the number of confirmed interests/participants, we hope to commence operations by the end of June / early July.

Why was SIAQ created?

I (Pearl) have been dabling in arts & crafts for as long as I can recall, and more recently I've been spending my time learning and perfecting the art of glass bead making and glass fusing & cold-working. I've sold my pieces through the markets and through shops on consignment and as well as though online websites.

What I discovered from my different selling avenues was that: -
1. with the markets, I had to pay a fee, set up my table/shade/products, be there myself to sell them, and then have to take it all down again that day and do it all over again the following week or month!
2. at a shop, there was no guarantee that the shop would actively sell my pieces for me as they would concentrate more on their stock before mine; and
3. through online websites, I was only reaching audiences who were comfortable with online shopping.

So, I thought, wouldn't it be great if: -
1. there was a place in a main-stream way that could provide an avenue for individuals to display and sell their self-created products; and
2. to know that without having to be there, their products would be actively promoted and sold on their behalf!?

Hence, SIAQ was created!

Is SIAQ legit?

SIAQ is very much a real business. We have registered the Business Name and are currently in the process of having the business structure finalised and an ABN registered.

Will there be interest at a Shopping Centre for self-created products?

Absolutely!

I have given a lot of thought in regards to people who are interested in handmade/self-created items and the places they would go to to purchase them.

And I thought, instead of having people go to a specific place to look for a specific item, I'd give them the convenience of having it available and accessible easily...plus, people who wouldn't ordinarily go out of their way to purchase something unique will find it refreshing to have it conveniently at a shopping centre for them to consider.

I guess my angle really comes from the fact that people who goes to shopping centres are often there to purchase something for themselves or for someone else as a gift, and if we can offer something unique and different as well as handmade locally(!!!), it'll be such a great gift!

Plus, people who goes to the shopping centres are more impulsive when it comes to purchasing items, especially something that catches their eye and something they instantly like!

Why is there a commission for sold products when there's already a fee for leasing a space?

The commission is in place as an incentive for the staff of SIAQ to work hard at promoting and selling your products for you on your behalf.

Will my products be kept securely? What about Insurances?

Your products will be kept locked at all times and only taken out upon a customer's enquiry and confirmation of sale.

SIAQ will be able to insure your products stored/displayed at the kiosk/shop against Loss (fire) or Theft (Burglary).

Can the Qubes be viewed on one side or two? Will Shoppers be able to see my products?

The display units at SIAQ are made up of white adjustable shelving with a glass frontage and glass lockable doors to the back i.e. inside of the kiosk/shop. This means that customers can look at the goods from the outside of the kiosk as well as within when they come through to enquire/confirm a sale.

I walked through Westfield Carousel a while back to get a feel for how shoppers would perceive things and I found that I could spot stuff a fair way away even with it being at the bottom shelves of some kiosks.

With each Qube given it's own proper lighting, Shoppers would be able to spot what products are on display. So you can be assured that your products would most definitely be seen despite where you choose to display them.

Can I request for my preferred Qube? And how will I know which Qube will be available?

Most definitely.

The spaces are slowly filling up now. Have a look at the layout plan under
Shop In A Qube Layout, it shows what spaces have been occupied and which ones are still available.

What about the Qubes you have hatched in the proposed layout plan?

The "hatched" qubes are ones where there might be dificulty in reaching from within the store/kiosk easily.

SIAQ is still considering the design layout of those particular units and have chosen to offer them as "Advertising Only" spaces for now.

Do I have to decorate the walls of my chosen Qube?

Not at all, that is entirely up to you.

The qubes comes in white to four "sides", that is the walls on either side, the top, and the bottom of the qube.

You're welcome to decorate these "sides" and the glass at the back too (but that may obstruct the view by shoppers who may choose to look through the qubes from within the store/kiosk).

However, if you'd rather have it clean and simplistic with the focus on the products, you're welcome to keep the walls white.

What props can I use to display my products?

You're welcome to set up your space however you see fit with whatever props you think is necessary and that would fit within the space to display your products attractively.

SIAQ suggests for larger products that may not fit into the qube, to perhaps display a digital photo frame within showcasing your available products for ordering.

Who sets up the Qube?

We will be helping interstate or non-metro individuals set their space up for them but would encourage local/metro individuals to come in and organise/set-up your space yourself as well as stock.

What about replenishing my Stock? Can I leave stock with SIAQ?

SIAQ will likely ask to keep up to 50% extra stock.

This will allow for us to be able to rotate the stock to keep the display fresh and attractive plus also replenish the stock levels in the event that your products sells out quickly and you can't reach us quickly or frequently enough to update/replenish the stock yourself.

Can I use my own packaging for my products and where do I store them?

SIAQ will provide tissue wrapping and shopping bags for Shoppers to safely carry away purchased products. However, you're welcome to use your own packaging if you prefer.

I would suggest that if you choose to use your own packaging that it is cleverly displayed together with the products within the qube.

What will SIAQ provide the Shoppers when they buy my products?

SIAQ will include any information you want us to include when your product is sold.

This may be your business card and/or flyers (information about yourself and your self-created products).

What if the Shopper don't buy my products but wants to learn more about me?

It is SIAQ's business to promote you to our best ability.

We will hand out your business card or any material you want us to hand out to Shoppers who are interested in you or your products for future consideration.

How can I learn about my stock levels and how well my products are selling?

SIAQ will create an online account for you where you will be able to: -
1. update your profile
2. check your stock levels
3. view/print an itemised list of products sold
4. view/print amounts earned from products sold less commission
5. view/print invoices from SIAQ for monthly lease expenses incurred

With this information, you will be able to keep a record of all the sales you make via SIAQ and to monitor how frequent you will need to replenish your stock.

Who are the Sales Representative of SIAQ and what are their experiences?

What are the Current Specials at SIAQ?

SIAQ has a Grand Opening Special on at the moment.

Register your expression of interest before the 15th of May 2008 and you will be entitled to: -
1. a 15% discount off the lease for the first month.
2. 0% commission for the first 3 months.

A deposit (fully refundable) will be required together with your expression of interest to secure your desired Qube.

How do I express my interest in participating?

Wanting to participate with SIAQ is easy.

Get in touch with us and request for an info pack.

We will send you via email: -
1. all the necessary information you need to learn about how SIAQ works.
2. the proposed layout including available spaces left.
3. the expression of interest form in word format.
4. current specials.

We can also send all these via the post if you prefer.

Return the expression of interest form together with the required (fully refundable) deposit to secure your desired space.

Once SIAQ is confirmed to proceed, we will prepare an agreement with yourself and set you up an account.