Power Tool Sale: What's The Only Thing Nobody Is Talking About
Wiki Article
Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are a staple for both professional and consumer use. Despite the fact that 2021 will see a slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand remains close to or at 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 second in line. Both are however confronting stiff competition from Chinese-made power tools.
Tip 1: Make a Brand Commitment
Many manufacturers of industrial products place an emphasis on sales and marketing. This is because a long-term sale requires a lot of back and forth communication and a thorough understanding of the product. This type of communication is not ideal for marketing that is based on emotion.
But, companies that produce industrial tools need to rethink their marketing strategy. The digital age has outpaced traditional manufacturing companies that rely on a few retailers and distributors for sales.
Brand loyalty is a major factor in power tool sales. If a client is loyal to a brand and is loyal to a brand, they are less prone to messages from competitors. Moreover they are more likely to buy the product of the client repeatedly and recommend it to others.
You require a well-planned strategy to make an impact on the American market. This means adjusting your tools to meet local needs and positioning your brand in a strategic manner, and leveraging distribution channels and marketing platforms. It is also crucial to collaborate with local authorities, industry associations, and experts. When you do this you can be sure that your power tools comply with the country's regulations and standards.
Tip 2: Know Your Products
Retailers need to be knowledgeable about the products they are selling especially in a marketplace which places a great value on product quality. This will allow them to make informed choices about the products they sell. This knowledge could also be the difference between a successful deal and a bad one.
For example, knowing that a tool is ideal for the particular task will help you connect your client with the appropriate tool for their requirements. You'll earn trust and loyalty among your customers. This will help you feel confident that you are offering an entire service.
Also, knowing the latest trends in DIY culture can help you better know what your customers are looking for. For instance, a growing number of homeowners are undertaking home renovation projects that require power tools. This can lead to an increase in the sales of these tools.
According to Durable IQ, DeWalt leads in power tool unit share, which is 16%, however Ryobi and Craftsman brands have seen their share drop year-over-year. However the fact that sales on both stores and online are on the increase.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
The most frequent reason that a buyer makes a purchase is to replace one that is broken down or to take on an entirely new project. Both provide opportunities for upsells or additional 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. Customers may require additional accessories or upgrade to a better-performing model.
If your customer is experienced in DIY or is just beginning the hobby, they will need to replace their carbon brushes, drive cords, and the power cords on their power tools as time passes. Making sure they are up to date with these essentials will allow your customer to make the most of their investment.
Technicians must consider three important aspects when making power tool purchases applications, how it will be operated and safety. These aspects allow technicians to make informed choices when it comes to selecting the right tools for maintenance and repair tasks. This allows them to optimize the performance of their tools and lower the cost of ownership.
Tip 4: Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.
The most recent power tools, for example, offer smart technology which enhances the user experience and sets them apart from those who rely on old-fashioned battery technology. Wholesalers of B2B who stock and sell these devices can boost sales by targeting tech savvy contractors and professionals.
For Karch who's business has more than three years of experience and a 12,000-square-foot department for tools, staying up with the latest technologies is crucial. "Manufactures are constantly adjusting the design of their products," he says. "They used to keep their designs for five or 10 years, but now they're changing them each year."
B2B wholesalers should not just take advantage of the latest technologies, but also improve existing models. By incorporating lightweight materials and adjustable handles, wholesalers can reduce fatigue from prolonged use. These features are important for many professionals who must utilize the tools for lengthy durations. The industry of power tools is divided into professional and consumer groups which means that the website major players are constantly improving their designs and introducing new features to appeal to an even larger audience.
Tip 5: Create a Point of Sales
The e-commerce landscape has transformed the market for power tools. Advancements in data collection methods allow business professionals to gain an entire view of market trends and help them develop strategies for inventory and marketing more efficiently.
Point of sale (POS) data for instance, allows you to monitor the kinds of projects DIYers undertake when they purchase power tools and accessories. Knowing the kinds of projects that your customers are undertaking enables you to offer add-on sales and opportunities for upselling. It also helps you anticipate the needs of your customers and ensure that you have the correct products in stock.
Furthermore, transaction data allows you to identify market trends and adjust production cycles accordingly. For example, you can utilize this information to track fluctuations in your brand and retail partner market shares which allows you to match your product strategies to consumer preferences. POS data can also be used to improve inventory levels, reducing the risk of overstocking. It is also used to determine the effectiveness of promotions.
Tip 6: Make a Point of Service
Power tools is a profitable, complex market that requires substantial marketing and sales efforts in order to remain competitive. The most common methods of gaining a strategic advantage in this industry have been by establishing pricing or positioning of products, but these tactics no longer work in today's omnichannel marketplace where information is distributed rapidly.
Retailers that focus on customer service are more likely to retain customers and build brand loyalty. Mike Karch, the president of Nue's Hardware and Tools, located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, runs a 12,000 square foot power tool section. His department initially featured various brands. However, as he listened to contractors, he noticed that they were loyal to their preferred brand.
To make a mark in their customers, Karch and his team first ask customers what they'd like to achieve with the tool, then show them what they have available. This gives them confidence to recommend the right tool for the job and also builds trust with the customer. Customers who know their product well are less likely to blame their retailer for a tool failure on the job.
Tip 7: Make a point of customer service
The market for power tools has become a highly competitive category for retailers of hardware. People who have had success in this category tend to have a strong commitment to a particular brand instead of simply carrying a few manufacturers. The amount of space retailers can dedicate to a category may also determine the number of brands they are able to carry.
Customers frequently require assistance when they come in to purchase a power tool. Sales associates can offer expert advice to customers looking to replace a broken device or completing an upgrade project.
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 could lead to a sale. They begin by asking questions about what the customer is planning to do with the tool, he adds. "That's the key to determining the kind of tool to market them," he adds. Then they ask about the customer's experience with different types projects and the project.
Tip 8: Make sure to make mention of your warranty
The warranties of power tool manufacturers are quite different. Some are fully comprehensive, while others aren't as generous or do not cover certain components of the tools at all. Before buying a product, it is crucial that the retailer understands the differences. Customers will only buy tools from companies that provide a warranty.
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 observed that many of his clients are loyal to a particular brand. Therefore, he prefers to carry a select few brands instead of trying to carry a variety of products.
He also appreciates that his employees are able to meet with vendors one-on-one to discuss new products and exchange feedback. This type of personal interaction is crucial because it helps to build trust between the store and its customers. Good relationships with suppliers can even lead to discounts for future purchases.