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10 small business tips from CBC's Kim's Convenience

Entrepreneurs, take notes. The Kim family has some tricks up their sleeves.

Entrepreneurs, take notes. The Kim family has some tricks up their sleeves.

CBC Television ·

Kim's Convenience tells the uplifting success story of Mr. and Mrs. Kim's family-run small business. Although the Kims arrived in Canada without English language skills, business connections or educational credentials, they teach lessons you can't learn in school. 

Here are tips for running a small business, Kim's Convenience-style. 

1. Know your demographic (S1 E1)

During Pride Month, Mr. Kim gives special treatment to LGBTQ customers: a 15% "gay discount."  

Life Advice: Gay Takes Time

8 years ago
Duration 0:15
We have a 15% gay discount.

2. How to use customer psychology (S3 E12)

Mr. Kim explains the store's "relax zone" and "destination zone."

3. How to sell anything to anyone (S2 E3)

Appa shows Janet how to best deal with an interrupting customer… and make a sale.

The king of customer service

7 years ago
Duration 1:08
Appa shows Janet how to best deal with an interrupting customer… and make a sale. Kim’s Convenience airs Tuesday at 9:00/9:30NT.

4. How to avoid liability (S1 E9)

Expiry dates are a controversial topic at Kim's Convenience, so Mr. Kim tests the food himself. 

God gave you two ears and one mouth. Stop. Listen.

8 years ago
Duration 1:30
Janet faces off with Appa over expired ravioli, and in return he gives her this chestnut that may sound familiar in this clip from episode 109 of Kim's Convenience.

5. How to create demand (S2 E11)

"The cycle is bad for health, but good for business."

6. You have to spend money to make money (S3 E4)

Watch how Mr. Kim sold six pairs of scissors: 

7. It pays to be nice to customers (S2 E2)

Mrs. Kim won the business award for a reason. 

8. Kids are customers too (S1 E6)

Here's how to deal with their misbehaviour, Mr. Kim-style.

9. The washroom is a basic human right (S1 E5)

Umma argues with Appa after he lets a customer use their washroom and she doesn't want to clean up after them. 

When you have to go, you have to go

8 years ago
Duration 1:02
Umma argues with Appa after he lets a customer use their washroom and she doesn't want to clean up after them.

10. Plan a "Sneak Attack" for a competitive edge (S2 E7)

When Appa discovers Umma's secret side-business, he wants in.

For more of this business-savvy family, watch Kim's Convenience on CBC and CBC Gem. Learn more about the show here.