CLOSING: Denise and Doug Doble from Bettabuy Computers are ceasing the retail side of their business in September. Photo: Barry Smith 300812BSC02
WHEN Denise and Doug Doble opened their Tamworth computer business in mid-2000, desktop computers were all the rage.
These days, with the popularity of notepads and personal computer devices, the couple are stepping back from the retail side of business and downsizing to counteract consumer trends.
The Dobles will close their Dowe St doors of Bettabuy Computers later this month but still plan to offer their “service-oriented” repair business from a new venue.
“It’s been a difficult market for the last few years. Computer trends have changed dramatically,” Mr Doble said.
“Computers on the whole have gotten a lot cheaper and internet purchasing has increased.”
Mr Doble says he can’t blame people for wanting to shop around, but it has sounded the death knell for his retail business.
The pair say they were told at the start their little business would never survive, but they were convinced that “Tamworth needed a good little computer shop”.
In their heyday in the mid-2000s they employed an additional three staff, but say have gradually been downsizing as the market tightened.
Now just down to husband and wife, they say they have always had a great partnership together and “always have a good laugh at the end of the day.”
The Dobles said they never considered bigger stores as their competition as they always considered their business as putting customers first.
“We always offered customer service beyond what they could offer, it’s why we survived,” Mr Doble said.
“When we opened, it was all about the desktop computer. Now it’s all about more personal computer devices.
“The world has changed and the face of retail has changed. Consumers have a lot more options now.”
Mr Doble said the pair still planned tolook after customers who needed repairs from their new location, and would offer a free pickup and drop-off service.
“We want to look after all our current customers.”