NickBee’s: Smaller space, larger options

MILLERTON — NickBee’s Eco Store has moved into a new location within the village.The business, owned by Nicki Russell, was formerly located on South Center Street, but has recently downsized into a space on John Street in an attempt to maximize productivity.“We decided to stop selling gifts. They weren’t paying for themselves. Once we made that decision it became obvious that we didn’t need as much space. So this move was a way for us to really cut down our overhead; 75 percent of our customers never set foot in the store. We deliver to our businesses and schools. So this is just enough space for us,” Russell said.NickBee’s specializes in ink jet and toner refills and has recently added some new features along with the new space.“The drop box is brand new. It allows our customers to leave items after hours and we can even schedule pickups through the drop box. We will be checking it every afternoon and most times we’re able to get to the item that afternoon. If not, we’d get to it the next day,” she said.Russell has decided to keep the shop open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., dedicating the afternoon to her deliveries and business calls.“It’s a little different for our customers not to have us here all day. But we can accommodate after-hours appointments,” she said.Russell has added a computer repair technician to the new location.“Our computer guy, Mike Delaney, has taken up a spot here and can fix anything,” she said. “He’s quite inexpensive and he’s really great. “People don’t realize how easy it is to disconnect and bring in a computer. We have all the cords here so all you have to worry about is bringing the computer or laptop,” Russell added.Also new to the shop is certified printer technician Toby Bryce.“She’s officially certified now and is really great at what she does. We do a lot of printer repair on site for businesses because the printers are just so huge. Yet we can completely accommodate household printers,” she said.Russell and her staff stay up on the latest technologies.“Laser printers were meant to be fixed. You can get the parts and replace certain things to repair them. Ink jets are harder to fix but we will absolutely look at them and give you our honest opinion. If you could save money by buying a new one then we will tell you that instead of fixing it,” said Russell.“We try to be of as much help as we can. Our customers always come first and hopefully I can save that customer a real headache and some money,” she said.Russell remains passionate about the eco-friendly approach of her business.“We feel absolutely great about the recycling portion of our business. I wish people in general focused more on recycling not just in regard to printer cartridges but with everything. It’s so easy to recycle and make that impact on the environment,” she said.Russell also understands the hesitation some people feel toward refurbished items.“A lot of people have it in their heads that the cartridges don’t work as well as a brand new one. Cartridges have many parts and can be fickle, whether they’re old or new. For everyday printing the refurbished cartridges are just as good,” she said.Returning customers will be happy to know that the shop supervisor, Zorro, Russell’s dog, is still a part of NickBee’s.“I think he’s adjusting just fine to the new location. He’s a hard-working dog ... but he’s always happy to make someone else happy,” said Russell.NickBee’s is now located at 1 John Street in the village of Millerton and can be reached by calling 518-592-1177, faxing 518-592-1178 or visiting www.nickbees.com.