10 Misconceptions That Your Boss May Have About Power Tool Sale
Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are essential for both professionals and consumers. Despite an expected slowdown in 2021 due to the COVID-19 virus, demand remains close to or at levels prior to the pandemic.
In terms of dollar share, Home Depot leads all outlets in sales of power tools. Lowe's is close behind. But both companies are facing stiff competition from China-manufactured power tools.
Tip 1: Be committed to a brand
Many manufacturers of industrial products place an emphasis on sales and marketing. This is because the long-term sales process requires a lot back-and-forth communication and detailed knowledge of the product. This type of communication does not permit emotional marketing techniques.
However, industrial tool manufacturing companies should think about rethinking their marketing strategy. The digital age has accelerated past traditional manufacturers who rely on a small circle of retailers and distributors to sell their products.
Brand commitment is an important aspect in the sales of power tools. If a client is committed to a brand and is loyal to a brand, they are less prone to the messages of competitors. Additionally, they are more likely to buy the product of the client again and recommend it to others.
You require a well-planned strategy to have an impact on the American market. This means adapting your tools to local needs and positioning your brand in a competitive manner, and leveraging marketing platforms and distribution channels. Collaboration with local authorities as well as associations and experts is also essential. When you do this you can be sure that the power tools shop online you purchase be in compliance with the regulations of the country and standards.
Tip 2: Know Your Products
Retailers must be aware of the products they offer, especially in a market which places a great importance on the quality of products. This will enable them to make informed choices about what they can offer their customers. This information can be the difference between making a successful or a poor sale.
Knowing that a certain tool is suitable for a particular project will help you match the right tool to your customer's needs. You'll earn trust and loyalty among your customers. It will also give you the assurance that you're offering a complete solution.
Understanding DIY cultural trends can aid in understanding your customers' requirements. As an example, more homeowners are undertaking home renovation projects requiring the use of power tool. This could lead to an increase in the sales of these tools.
According to DurableIQ, DeWalt is the leader in power tool units with 16 percent. However, Ryobi and Craftsman have seen their shares decrease year-overyear. Despite this the fact that both in-store and online tools store purchases are on the rise.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
Most consumers purchase power tools to replace a broken one or to tackle the new project. Both offer opportunities for upsells or additional sales.
According to the Home Improvement Research Institute's (HIRI) 2020 Power tools close to me and Accessories Product Purchase Tracking Study 35 percent of purchases of power tools were the result of a planned replacement. The customers might require additional accessories or upgrade to a higher-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 in time. Keeping up with these essentials will allow your customer to get the most out of their investment.
When purchasing power tools, technicians look at three factors: the application, the power source and security. These factors aid technicians in making informed decisions about the best tools to use for their repairs and maintenance work. This will help them maximize the effectiveness of their tools and lower the cost of ownership.
Tip 4: Keep up-to-date with the latest technologies.
For example, the latest power tools offer intelligent technology that enhances the user experience and differentiates them from competitors that still rely on older battery technology. Wholesalers of B2B that carry and sell these devices can boost sales by targeting tech-forward contractors and professionals.
For Karch the company, which has more than three years of experience and a 12,000 square-foot department for tools, staying 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 10 years, but now they're changing them every year."
In addition to taking advantage of the most recent technologies, B2B wholesalers should also be looking to improve existing models. By adding lightweight materials and adjustable handles, wholesalers can reduce fatigue from prolonged use. These features are essential to many professional contractors who use the tools over a long period of time. The market for power tools is divided between consumer and professional groups. This means that the biggest players are always working to improve their designs and create new features in order to reach a wider audience.
Tip 5: Create an Point of Sale
The e-commerce market has changed the market for power tools. Data collection methods have improved and business professionals can get a better understanding of the market. This helps them develop more effective inventory and marketing strategies.
Point of sale (POS) information can, for example, allow you to keep track of the types of projects DIYers tackle when they purchase power tools and accessories. Knowing what projects your customers are working on allows you to upsell and offer add-ons. It also helps you anticipate the requirements of your clients and ensure that you have the correct products available.
You can also use transaction data to determine trends in the market, and then adjust production cycles accordingly. For instance, you could use this data to monitor fluctuations in your brand and market share of retail partners, enabling you to align your product strategies with consumer preferences. Similarly, you can use POS data to optimize levels of inventory and decrease the risk of stocking up. It can also be used to assess 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 to remain competitive. The classic ways to gain an advantage in this industry have been through pricing or product positioning--but these strategies are no longer effective in today's omnichannel marketplace where information is shared in such a rapid manner.
Retailers who provide a high level of providing excellent service are more likely to keep customers coming back 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 initial department featured several brands. However, as he listened to contractors, he realized that they were loyal to their favorite brand.
Karch and his team ask their customers what they would like to accomplish using a tool before presenting them with the alternatives. This gives them the confidence to recommend the best quality tools tool for the job, and also builds trust with customers. Customers who are familiar with their product are less likely than others to blame the retailer for the failure of a tool on the job.
Tip 7: Be a master of customer service
The power tool market has become a highly competitive category for hardware retailers. Those who have seen success in this category tend to have a strong commitment to a particular brand rather than simply carrying a selection of manufacturers. The size of the space a retailer has to dedicate to this category could also affect how many brands it can carry.
When customers visit a store to purchase power tools, they often need help selecting the right product. If they're replacing an old one damaged or undertaking the task of renovating Customers need advice from sales representatives.
Mike Karch, the president of Nue's Hardware and Tools, located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, said that the staff at his store is educated to ask questions that can lead to an offer. He says they begin by asking the customer what they plan to use the product. "That's the primary factor in deciding what kind of tool to offer them," he adds. The next step is to inquire about the project and the level of experience the customer has with various types of projects.
Tip 8: Be sure to mention your warranty
The warranties of the power tool makers are very different. Some companies offer a complete warranty, while others offer a limited warranty or do not cover certain tools. It's crucial for retailers to know these differences before purchasing, as customers will buy tools from companies that back them up.
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 repair shop Tools online on site that repairs 50 different lines of tools. He has learned over time that a lot of his customers who are contractors are loyal to their brands, which is why he prefers to focus on only a few brands rather than attempting to carry a sampling of different products.
He also appreciates that his employees are able to meet with vendors in person to discuss new products and give feedback. This personal contact is important because it helps to build trust between the retailer and customers. Good relationships with suppliers may even lead to discounts for future purchases.