Power Tool Sale: 11 Thing You ve Forgotten To Do
Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are a staple for both consumer and professional use. Despite the fact that 2021 will see a slowdown due to the COVID-19 virus, the demand is still at or near pre-pandemic levels.
In terms of dollar share, Home Depot leads all outlets when it comes to sales of power tools. Lowe's isn't far behind. Both are competing against power tools manufactured in China.
Tip 1: Make a Brand Commitment
Many manufacturers of industrial products prioritize sales over marketing. This is because the long-term sales process requires a lot of back-and-forth communication and a thorough understanding of the product. This type of communication does not allow for emotional consumer marketing strategies.
However, companies that make industrial tools need to rethink their marketing strategy. The digital age has raced over traditional manufacturers who depend on a small circle of retailers and distributors to sell their products.
Brand commitment is a key factor in power tool sales. When a customer is adamant about a particular brand they are less receptive to the messages of competitors. In addition they are more likely to buy the client's product time and time again and recommend it others.
You require a well-planned strategy to be successful in the US market. This involves adapting your tools to local needs, positioning brands in a competitive manner, and leveraging marketing platforms and distribution channels. It is also important to work with local authorities as well as industry associations and experts. In this way you can ensure that the power tools you purchase be in compliance with the regulations of the country and standards.
Tip 2: Know Your Products
Retailers should be familiar with the products they are selling, especially in a market that places such a high value on product quality. This will allow them to make informed choices about the products they can offer their customers. This information can make the difference between a successful sale and a bad one.
For example knowing that a particular tool is best suited to specific projects will help you connect your customer with the best tool for their needs. You'll earn trust and loyalty among your customers. It will also give you the confidence that you're providing a complete solution.
Also, knowing the latest trends in DIY culture can help you better comprehend what your customers want. For instance, a growing number of homeowners are tackling home improvement projects that require the use of power tools. This could lead to a rise in sales of power tools.
According to DurableIQ, DeWalt is the leader in power tool sales with 16%. However, Ryobi and Craftsman have seen their share decrease year-over-year. Despite this sales in stores and online tools store are on the increase.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
Most consumers purchase power tools to repair a broken one or to tackle an upcoming project. Both provide opportunities for upsells or add-on sales.
According to the Home Improvement Research Institute's (HIRI) 2020 Power Tools and Accessories Product Purchase Tracking Study 35 percent of purchases for power tools were the result of a planned replacement. These customers may require additional accessories, or upgrade to a higher-performing model.
Whether your customer has experience in DIY or is just beginning the hobby, they will need to replace carbon brushes, drive cords, and power cords of their tools in time. Keeping up with these essentials will help your customer get the most out of their investment.
When buying power tools, technicians consider three factors: the application, the power source and security. These aspects help technicians make informed choices about the best tools to use in their maintenance and repairs. This will help them improve the effectiveness of their tools and reduce the cost of ownership.
Tip 4: Keep Keeping Up with Technology
For instance, the most recent power tools feature smart technology that improves the user experience and sets them apart from other tools that rely on old battery technology. Wholesalers in B2B who carry and sell these devices can increase sales by targeting professional and tech-savvy contractors.
For Karch the company, which has more than three years of experience and a 12,000 square-foot tool department, keeping up with the latest technologies is crucial. He says that manufacturers are constantly changing their product designs. "They used to keep their designs for five or ten years, but they're now changing them every year."
In addition to taking advantage of the modern technologies, B2B wholesalers should also focus on improving existing models. By adding lightweight materials and adjustable handles, wholesalers can decrease fatigue due to long-term use. These features are crucial for a large number of professionals who have to utilize the tools for lengthy periods of time. The industry of power tools is divided into professional and consumer groups which means that the major players are constantly improving their designs and developing new features to appeal to an even larger audience.
Tip 5: Create a point of Sale
The e-commerce landscape has transformed the market for power tools. Modern methods for data collection allow business professionals to gain a holistic perspective of market trends, allowing them to shape strategies for inventory and marketing more efficiently.
Point of sale (POS) information for instance, allows you to keep track of the types of projects DIYers tackle when purchasing power tools and other accessories. Knowing the type of projects your customers are undertaking enables you to offer additional sales and upsell opportunities. It allows you to anticipate the needs of your customers, so that you always have the appropriate products on your shelves.
You can also use transaction data to determine trends in the market, and then adjust production cycles in line with these trends. For instance, you could use this data to monitor fluctuations in your brand and market share of retail partners which allows you to adapt 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 assist you to assess the effectiveness of promotional campaigns.
Tip 6: Be a good neighbor
Power tools are a complicated, high-profit market that requires a significant amount of marketing and sales effort to stay competitive. The traditional methods to gain an advantage in this field were by positioning or pricing products. However, these methods are no longer effective in the omnichannel world of today where information is distributed rapidly.
Retailers who focus on service are more likely to retain customers and build brand loyalty. Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and tools uk online in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, operates a 12,000-square-foot department for power tools. At first, the department offered a sampling of brands, but when he listened to customers who were contractors, he learned that most were loyal to a particular brand.
Karch and his team ask their customers what they would like to do with the tool before presenting them with the options. This gives them the confidence to recommend the best tool for the job and it creates trust with customers. Customers who are familiar with their product are less likely to blame the store for a malfunction of a device on the job.
Tip 7: Become a guru in customer service
The power tools cheap tool market has become a highly competitive market for retailers of hardware. Those who are successful in this area tend to be more loyal to a specific brand rather than to carry a variety of brands. The amount of space a retailer must devote to this category can also affect the number of brands it can carry.
Customers usually require assistance when they come in to buy a power tool. Whether they are replacing an old one that is broken or tackling the task of renovating clients require expert advice from sales representatives.
Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, says his sales staff is trained to ask the right questions to make an offer. They begin by asking the customer about what he or she plans to do with the product. "That's the key to determining the type of tool to offer them," he adds. Then, they inquire about the customer's experience with various types of projects and the project.
Tip 8: Make sure to make mention of your warranty
The warranty policies of the power tool makers are very different. Some companies offer a complete warranty, while others are more limited or refuse to cover certain tools. Before buying a product, it is essential that retailers understand the distinctions. Customers will only purchase tools from companies that guarantee their products.
Mike Karch is the president of Nue's Hardware and Tools, located in Menomonee, Wisconsin. He has a 12,000 square foot power tool department as well as an on-site Power tools repair shop that repairs 50 different brands of tools. He has discovered over the years that many of his contractors are brand loyal, so he prefers to focus on the most popular brands rather than attempting to offer a variety of products.
He also appreciates that his employees are able to meet with vendors one-on-one to discuss new products and share feedback. This personal contact is important because it helps to establish trust between the store and the customers. Building strong relationships with suppliers can even result in discounts on future purchases.