Power Tool Sale: 11 Thing You re Forgetting To Do
Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are vital 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 dollar share, Home Depot leads all outlets in sales of power tools. Lowe's is not far behind. But both companies are being pushed by China-made power tools.
Tip 1: Make a commitment to a brand
A lot of manufacturers of industrial products place emphasis on sales over marketing. This is because the long-term sales process involves a lot of back and forth communication and a thorough understanding of the product. This type of communication is not suitable for emotional marketing strategies.
Nevertheless, industrial tools manufacturing companies must rethink their marketing strategy. The digital age has raced past traditional manufacturers who rely on a small group of retailers and distributors to sell their products.
Brand loyalty is a major aspect in the sales of power tools. If a client is committed to a certain brand, they are less sensitive to competitors' communications. In addition, they are more likely to buy power tools the product of the client again and recommend it to others.
You require a well-planned strategy to have an impact on the US market. This includes adapting your tools to meet the local requirements and positioning your brand in a strategic way, and leveraging marketing channels and distribution channels. Collaboration with local authorities, associations and experts is also essential. By doing so 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
In a marketplace where product quality is so important, retailers should know the products they sell. This will help them make informed decisions about what they offer. This knowledge could also be the difference between a successful deal and a bad one.
For instance knowing which tool is suitable for the particular task will help you match your customer with the right tool for their needs. This will help you build trust and loyalty with your customers. It will also give you the assurance that you're offering the complete solution.
Understanding DIY culture trends can help you understand the needs of your customers. As an example, more homeowners are undertaking home renovation projects requiring the use of Power tool Products tool. This can lead to an increase in sales of these 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. However, both online and in-store purchases are on the rise.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
The most common reason a consumer makes a power tool purchase is to replace one that has broken down or to take on a new project. Both of these can be used to increase sales and add-on sales.
According to the Home Improvement Research Institute's (HIRI) 2020 cheap power tools online store tools, Continuing, Tools and Accessories Product Purchase Tracking Study, 35 percent of power tool purchases resulted from 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 new to the hobby, they will have to replace carbon brushes, drive cords, and the power cords on their power tools in time. These essentials will ensure that your customer gets the most out of their investment.
When buying power tools, technicians take into consideration three aspects: the tool's application the power source, and safety. These factors allow technicians to make informed choices when selecting the right tools for their maintenance and repair work. This helps them improve the efficiency of their tools as well as lower the cost of ownership.
Tip 4: Continue to Keep Up with Technology
For example, the latest power tools offer advanced technology that enhances users' experience and differentiates them from competitors that still rely on old 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 2,000-square-foot department for tools, staying up with new technologies is essential. "Manufactures are constantly adjusting the design of their products," he says. "They used to hold their designs for five or 10 years, but now they're changing them every year."
In addition to embracing the latest technologies, B2B wholesalers should also concentrate on improving their existing models. By incorporating lightweight materials and adjustable handles, wholesalers can reduce fatigue caused by long-term use. These features are essential for many professional contractors who use the tools for a lengthy period of time. The industry of power tools is divided into consumer and professional groups, which means that major players are always working on improving their designs and introducing new features that will appeal to more people.
Tip 5: Create a point of Sales
The online marketplace has changed the power tool market. Data collection methods have improved and business professionals can gain a better understanding the market. This allows them to create more effective inventory and marketing strategies.
Point of sale (POS) data can, for example, allow you to track the types of projects DIYers tackle when they purchase power tools and accessories. Knowing the types of projects that your customers are undertaking enables you to offer add-on sales and opportunities to upsell. It also helps you anticipate the requirements of your clients making sure you have the right products in stock.
Additionally, transaction data can help you to identify market trends and adjust production cycles in line with. You could, for instance, use this data to monitor fluctuations of your retail partners' and brand's market share. This will allow you to align your strategy for product to consumer preferences. In the same way, you can utilize POS data to improve levels of inventory and decrease the risk of overstocking. It is also used to determine the effectiveness of promotions.
Tip 6: Be a good neighbor
Power tools is a profitable, complex market that requires substantial sales and marketing efforts to remain competitive. The traditional methods to gain an advantage in this market have been through pricing or product positioning--but these methods are no longer effective in today's multichannel marketplace in which information is dispersed so quickly.
Retailers who focus on service are more likely to keep 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 department. The department was initially home to various brands. However when he talked to contractors, he realized that they were loyal to their favorite brand.
To be successful in their customers' business, 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 the confidence to recommend the best 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 store for the failure of a tool on the job.
Tip 7: Make a point of customer service
Power tool retailers face a fiercely competitive market. Those who have seen the most success in this market tend to have a strong commitment to a particular brand rather than merely carrying a sampling of manufacturers. The size of the space a retailer must dedicate to this category could be a factor in how many brands it can carry.
Customers frequently require assistance when they come in to purchase a power tool. Sales associates can provide expert advice to customers looking to replace a damaged device or completing the renovation of their home.
Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, says his store's sales associates are trained to ask the right questions in order to make the sale. They begin by asking questions about what the buyer is planning to use the tool shop online, he says. "That's the best way to determine what kind of tool you need," he says. Then they ask about the experience of the customer with various types of projects and the project.
Tip 8: Make sure to mention your warranty
Power tool manufacturers vary greatly in their warranty policies. Some are completely comprehensive, while others are stingy or even refuse to cover certain parts of the tools at all. Before purchasing a tool, it's important that retailers know the differences. Customers will only purchase tools from companies that will 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 shop and an on-site repair shop that repairs 50 different lines of tools. He has learned that many of his contractors are loyal to their brands. Therefore, he prefers to carry a select few brands rather than carry samples of different products.
He is also happy that his employees are able to meet with vendors one-on-1 to discuss new products and exchange feedback. This personal contact is important as it helps create trust between the store and the customers. Good relationships with suppliers can even lead to discounts for future purchases.