Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Power Tool Sale
Wiki Article
Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are crucial for both consumers and professionals. Despite a slowdown in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand remains near or at levels prior to the pandemic.
In terms of outlet dollar share, Home Depot leads all outlets in power tool sales. Lowe's is second in line. Both are competing with power tools made in China.
Tip 1: Be committed to a brand
Many industrial product manufacturers place an emphasis on sales than marketing. This is due to the fact that the long-term sales process requires a lot of back-and-forth communication and detailed knowledge of the product. This kind of communication doesn't allow for emotional consumer marketing strategies.
However, companies that make industrial equipment should reconsider their marketing strategy. The digital world has raced past traditional companies that rely on a small group of retailers and distributors to sell their products.
The key to power tool sales is brand loyalty. If a client is loyal to a brand they are less sensitive to communications from competitors. They are also more likely to purchase the client's products again and to recommend them to others.
You need a well-planned plan to be successful in the US market. This means adapting your tools to meet local requirements and positioning your brand in a competitive way, and making use of distribution channels and marketing platforms. Collaboration with local authorities, associations and experts is also essential. When you do this, you can be confident that your power tools will conform to the laws of the country and standards.
Tip 2: Be aware of Your Products
In a world where product quality is important, retailers must be aware of the products they sell. This will allow them to make informed choices about the products they are selling. This information can make the difference between a good sale and a poor one.
Knowing which tool is suitable for a project will assist you in matching the perfect tool to the needs of your customer. This will help you build trust and loyalty with your customers. This will give you confidence that you are offering the complete service.
Understanding DIY cultural trends can aid in understanding your customers' needs. For instance increasing numbers of homeowners are completing home improvement projects that require the use of power tools. This can result in a surge in the sales of power tools.
According to Durable IQ, DeWalt leads in power tool unit share at 16%, however 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
The most frequent reason why a consumer makes a power tool purchase is to replace one that is been damaged or broken, or to embark on the task of a new one. Both offer the possibility of upselling or adding 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 an anticipated replacement. These customers often require additional accessories or require upgrading to better performing models.
Whether your customer is a seasoned DIYer or just starting out in the hobby, they'll need to replace their power tools' carbon brushes drive belts, drive belts, and power cords as time goes by. Being on top of these important items will allow your customer to make the most of their investment.
When buying power tools, technicians consider three aspects: the tool's application the power source, and safety. These aspects help technicians make informed choices when it comes to selecting the right tools for repair and maintenance work. This allows them to maximize the efficiency of their tools and reduce the expense of owning it.
Tip 4: Stay up to date with technology
The most recent battery tools, for instance are equipped with smart technology that enhances user experience and sets them apart from rivals who rely upon old battery technology. Wholesalers of B2B who stock and sell these tools could increase sales by targeting tech savvy contractors and professionals.
Karch's business, which has over 30 years of experience and a 12,000 square feet department for tools is a testimony to the importance of staying up-to-date with new technologies. He says that manufacturers are constantly changing their designs for their products. "They used to keep their designs for five or 10 years, but they're now changing them each year."
B2B wholesalers need to not only take advantage of the latest technologies, but also enhance their existing models. For instance, by adding adjustable handles and lightweight materials, they can reduce the fatigue that comes from prolonged use. These features are essential for professionals who employ the tools for a long period of time. The market for power tools is divided between professional and consumer groups. This means that major players are always working to improve their designs and develop new features to reach a larger public.
Tip 5: Make a Point of Sales
The e-commerce market has changed the market for power tools. Modern methods for data collection have enabled professionals in the field to get a holistic perspective of market trends which allows them to design inventory and marketing strategies more effectively.
Point of sale (POS) information for instance, allows you to track the types of projects DIYers tackle when purchasing power tools and other accessories. Knowing the types of projects your customers are undertaking enables you to offer add-on sales and opportunities for upselling. It also helps you to anticipate the requirements of your customers making sure you have the right products in stock.
You can also utilize transaction data to spot trends in the market and adjust production cycles in line with these trends. For instance, you can utilize this information to track fluctuations in your brand's or the market share of your retail partners which allows you to align your product strategies with consumer preferences. Similarly, you can use POS data to optimize inventory levels and reduce the risk of overstocking. It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of promotional campaigns.
Tip 6 Tip 6: Be a good neighbor
Power tools are a complicated market with high profits that requires a significant amount of sales and marketing effort to stay in the game. In the past a competitive advantage in this market was achieved by pricing or positioning products. But these methods are not as effective in the current world of omnichannels where information is readily shared.
Retailers who provide a high level of service are better able to retain customers and develop brand loyalty. Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin has a 12,000 square-foot power tool department. His initial department featured a variety of brands. However when he talked to contractors, he noticed that they were loyal to their favorite brand.
To win their customers' business, Karch and his team first ask their customers what they want to do using the tool, before showing them what they have available. This gives them the confidence to recommend the best tool for the job, and builds trust with customers. Customers who know their product well are less likely to blame their vendor for a tool malfunction on the job.
Tip 7: Become a master of customer service
The power tool market has become a highly competitive market for hardware retailers. Those who are successful in this market tend to be more devoted to a single brand than to carry a variety of manufacturers. The size of the space that a retailer needs to dedicate to this category could also affect the number of brands it can carry.
Customers frequently require assistance when they read more come in to purchase a power device. If they're replacing an old one damaged or undertaking the task of renovating clients require expert advice from sales associates.
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 the sale. He says they start by asking the buyer what they intend to use the product. "That's the best way to decide what kind of tool they require," he says. Then they ask about the customer's experience with different types of projects as well as the project.
Tip 8: Make sure to mention your warranty
Power tool manufacturers vary greatly in their warranty policies. Some are fully comprehensive, while some are stingy or even refuse to cover certain parts of the tool at all. It's crucial for retailers to understand the differences prior to buying, since customers will buy tools from firms that provide them with a warranty.
Mike Karch is the president of Nue's Hardware and Tools, located in Menomonee, Wisconsin. He has an 12,000 square foot power tool shop and a repair shop on site that repairs 50 different lines of tools. He has discovered over the years that many of his contractors are loyal to a particular brand, so he focuses on the most popular brands rather than attempting to carry a sampling of different products.
He also likes that his employees can meet with vendors one-on-one to discuss new products and give feedback. This type of personal interaction is essential since it builds trust between the customers and employees. Having good relationships with suppliers may lead to discounts on future purchases.