15 Tips Your Boss Wishes You Knew About Power Tool Sale
Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are essential for both professionals and users. Despite an expected slowdown in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand is still at or near levels prior to the pandemic.
In terms of dollar share, Home Depot leads all outlets when it comes to sales of power tools. Lowe's is close behind. Both are competing against power tools manufactured in China.
Tip 1: Commit to a brand
Many industrial product manufacturers place a higher priority on sales over marketing. This is because a long-term purchase requires a lot of back-and-forth communication and a thorough understanding of the product. This kind of communication does not allow for emotional consumer marketing strategies.
However, companies that manufacture industrial equipment should reconsider their marketing strategy. The digital world has surpassed traditional manufacturing companies that rely on a small group of distributors and retail outlets to sell their products.
A key to power tool sales is brand commitment. When a customer is committed to a brand, they will be less prone to the messages of competitors. They are also more likely to buy the products of the brand they are loyal to and to recommend them to friends and family.
To make a successful impact on the United States market, you must develop a well-planned strategy. This includes adapting tools to local requirements, positioning brands in a way that is competitive, and using marketing platforms and distribution channels. It is also essential to cooperate with local authorities as well as industry associations and experts. You can be certain that your power tool will meet the requirements and standards of the country if you follow these guidelines.
Tip 2: Be aware of Your Products
Retailers need to be knowledgeable about the products they offer, especially in a market which places a great value on product quality. This will allow them to make informed choices about the products they offer their customers. This information can be the difference between making a successful or Tool Shop Online bad sale.
Knowing that a certain tool is perfect for a specific project will assist you in matching the perfect tool to the needs of your customer. You will build trust and loyalty with your customers. This will ensure that you provide a complete service.
Understanding DIY culture trends can aid in understanding the needs of your customers. For instance, a growing number of homeowners are undertaking home renovation projects which require power tools. This could lead to a rise in the sales of power tools.
According to Durable IQ, DeWalt leads in power tool unit share at 16%, although Ryobi and Craftsman brands have seen their share drop year-over-year. Despite this, both online and in-store purchases are on the rise.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
Most consumers purchase power tools to repair an old one or tackle a new project. Both offer opportunities for upsells or add-on sales.
According to the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) 2020 Tracking Study of Power Tools and Accessories, 35 percent of all purchases for power tools are the result of planned replacements. These customers may require additional accessories or upgrade to a higher-performing model.
If your customer is a seasoned DIYer or is new to the hobby, they will likely require replacing their power tools online uk tools' carbon brushes, drive belts and power cords with time. These basic items will ensure that your customer reaps the maximum benefit out of their investment.
Technicians take into consideration three main aspects when buying power tools: application, how it will be operated and safety. These aspects help technicians make educated decisions about the most suitable tools to use for their repairs and maintenance work. This allows them to maximize the effectiveness of their tool and lower the cost of owning it.
Tip 4: Keep Keeping Up With Technology
For instance, the most recent battery tools have advanced technology that enhances users' experience and sets them apart from other brands that still rely on older battery technology. Wholesalers of B2B who stock and sell these tools can increase sales by focusing on professional and tech-savvy contractors.
For Karch who's business has more than three decades of experience and a 12,000 square-foot department for tools, staying up with the latest technology is vital. "Manufactures are constantly changing the design of their products" Karch says. "They used hold their designs for five or 10 years, but now they change them every year."
In addition to taking advantage of the latest technologies, B2B wholesalers should also be looking to improve existing models. For instance, by incorporating adjustable handles and lightweight materials, they can lessen the fatigue caused by prolonged use. These features are essential for many professional contractors who need to use the tools for long periods. The industry of power tools is divided into consumer and professional groups and this means that the biggest players are constantly enhancing their designs and creating new features that will appeal to an even larger audience.
Tip 5: Create a Point of Sale
The ecommerce landscape has changed the power tool market. Modern methods for data collection have enabled business professionals to gain an overall view of market trends which allows them to design marketing and inventory strategies more efficiently.
Point of sale (POS) information for instance, allows you to keep track of the types of projects that DIYers are working on when purchasing power tools and accessories. Knowing the type of projects your customers are undertaking enables you to provide additional sales and opportunities to upsell. It helps you anticipate the needs of your customers, so that you always have the right products on your shelves.
Moreover, transaction data enables you to spot trends in the market and adjust your production cycles accordingly. You could, for instance utilize this data to monitor changes in your retail partners' and brand's market share. This will allow you to align your product strategies to consumer preferences. POS data can also be utilized to optimize levels of inventory, reducing the risk of overstocking. It can also be used to determine the effectiveness of promotions.
Tip 6 Tip 6: Be a good neighbor
Power tools is a profitable complex market that requires significant marketing and sales efforts in order to remain competitive. In the past, gaining a competitive advantage in this market was achieved through pricing or positioning products. However, these strategies are not as effective in the current multichannel environment, where information is readily available to be shared.
Retailers who are committed to providing a high level of providing a high-Best Quality Power Tools service are more likely to keep customers coming back and build brand loyalty. Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls in Wisconsin, operates a 12,000-square-foot power tool department. The department was initially home to various brands. However, as he listened to contractors, he discovered that they were loyal to their preferred brand.
Karch and his staff members ask their customers what they would like to do with a tool before showing them the options. This gives them the confidence to recommend the appropriate tool for a job, and creates trust with customers. Customers who know their product well are less likely to blame their retailer for a tool malfunction on the job.
Tip 7: Create a Point of Customer Service
Power tool retailers are facing an extremely competitive market. Those who have seen the most success in this market tend to have a strong commitment to a particular brand rather than simply carrying a few manufacturers. The size of the space that a retailer needs to dedicate to this category could also affect how many brands it can carry.
Customers usually require assistance when they go in to purchase a power tool. Sales associates can provide professional advice to customers who are looking to replace a damaged device or completing the renovation of their home.
Mike Karch, the president of Nue's Hardware and Tools, in Menomonee falls, Wisconsin, said that his store's staff is educated to ask questions that will lead to a sale. He says they begin by asking the buyer what he or she plans to use the product. "That's the key to determining the type of tool to offer them," he adds. Then, they inquire about the experience of the customer with different types projects and the project.
Tip 8: Create an End of Warranty
The manufacturers of power tools sale tools differ greatly in their warranty policies. Some are completely comprehensive, while others are stingy, or refuse to cover certain aspects of the tools at all. It's important for retailers to understand the distinctions before purchasing, as customers will purchase tools from companies that offer warranties.
Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, has a 12,000 square-foot power tools department as well as an in-house repair shop that handles 50 kinds of tools. He has discovered that a lot of his contractors are brand loyal. So, he chooses to carry a select few brands rather than carry a variety of products.
He also appreciates that his employees have the ability to meet with vendors in person to discuss new products and share feedback. This personal contact is crucial because it builds trust between the customers and employees. Good relationships with suppliers could even lead to discounts for future purchases.