Wednesday, July 11, 2012
9:32 PM
If you are experiencing a lag in sales, the first thing to do is use your direct sales method to your advantage. Because your business model relies on person-to-person interaction, emphasize your genuine concern for customer satisfaction and the relationships you have built to generate sales. No matter what product or service you offer, below are some tips to increase your sales in everything from health food to handbags.Refocus on what people are buying. Consumers’ needs are always changing. Consider the explosion of smart phones purchased in the last five years. Once the major manufacturers created a product so convenient and affordable, it became nearly impossible to live without. It’s important to always pay attention to the trends in consumer interest.
Sell the benefits of your product instead of the product itself. Once you’ve identified what customers are buying, center your attention on marketing the benefits. This will help them understand why it is they want the product. For example, instead of just focusing on the aesthetics of a long necklace, demonstrate that its various colors make it a versatile complement to any wardrobe; display all the different ways in which it can be worn for any occasion. When a customer understands the benefits of a product, they will place greater value in it, and therefore want to have it.
Offer something free. This is your opportunity to get creative. Offering something free with a purchase can come in many forms: a free gift on the spot, a free sample of a brand-new product, a voucher for a gift with a future purchase, etc. Again, the focus should be on what the customer wants. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different offers and promotions until you find the one that works best for your product and customers’ needs.
Minimize risk. Everyone can be hesitant before making a purchase, no matter how big or small. Alleviate that fear by minimizing the buying risk. Your company most likely has some sort of guarantee in place, but in certain cases, you can go above and beyond that if possible.
The direct sales industry is all about meeting your customers’ needs. Once you can get in touch with what those are, use your strengths in customer service and your creativity in marketing to increase your sales. Happy customers will gladly share their positive shopping experiences with their friends and family, so satisfaction certainly goes a long way.
Source: DSEF
Labels: