10 Things We Do Not Like About Power Tool Sale
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Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are vital for both consumers and professionals. Despite the fact that 2021 will see a slowdown 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 follows closely. Both are competing with power tools made in China.
Tip 1: Make a commitment to a brand
Many manufacturers of industrial products place more emphasis on sales than marketing. This is because a long-term sales requires a lot of back and forth communication and in-depth knowledge of the product. This type of communication is not conducive to emotional marketing tactics.
However, companies that make industrial tools should rethink their marketing strategy. The digital age has accelerated past traditional manufacturers who rely on a few retailers and distributors to sell their products.
Brand loyalty is a major factor in power tool sales. If a client is committed to a brand they are less prone to messages from competitors. They are also more likely to purchase the products of the brand they are loyal to and to recommend them to others.
It is essential to have a well-planned strategy to be successful in the US market. This includes adapting your tools to local needs and positioning brands in a competitive manner, and leveraging marketing platforms and distribution channels. It is also essential to work with local authorities as well as industry associations and experts. In this way, you can be confident that your power tools will comply with the country's regulations and standards.
Tip 2: Be aware of Your Products
In a market where product quality is so important, retailers should know the products they offer. This will help them make informed choices about what they can offer their customers. This knowledge could make the difference between making a good or a poor sale.
Knowing that a certain tool is ideal for a project will aid in matching the right tool to your customer's needs. You will build trust and loyalty with your customers. This will help you feel confident that you are offering an entire service.
Understanding DIY culture trends can aid in understanding your customers' needs. For instance, a rising number of homeowners are tackling home improvement 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%, while Ryobi and Craftsman brands have seen their share drop year-over-year. However, both online and in-store purchases are on the rise.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
The most frequent reason a consumer makes a power tool purchase is to replace one that has been damaged or broken, or to embark on an entirely new project. Both offer 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 of power tools are the result of planned replacements. These customers typically require additional accessories, or require an upgrade to better performance models.
If your customer is experienced in DIY or is just beginning the hobby, they will have to replace the carbon brushes, drive cords, and power cords of their tools in time. Keeping up with these essentials will help your customer get the most value from their investment.
Technicians consider three key items when buying power tools the application, the way it will be operated and safety. These factors allow technicians to make informed decisions when choosing the right tools for their repair and maintenance work. This allows them to optimize the efficiency of their tools as well as reduce the cost of ownership.
Tip 4: Keep Keeping Up With cheap powertools Technology
For example, the latest battery tools have advanced technology that enhances the user experience and differentiates them from other tools that rely on older battery technology. B2B wholesalers who stock and sell these devices can increase sales by focusing on professional and tech-savvy contractors.
For Karch, whose business has more than three years of experience and a 12,000-square-foot tool department, keeping up with new technologies is essential. "Manufactures are constantly adjusting the design of their products," he says. "They were able to hold their designs for 5 or 10 years but now they are changing them each year."
In addition to embracing modern technologies, B2B wholesalers should also focus on improving existing models. For instance, by incorporating adjustable handles and lightweight materials, they can help reduce the fatigue that comes from prolonged use. These features are crucial for a large number of professionals who have to use the tools for long periods. The power tools industry is divided into consumer and professional groups and this means that the biggest players are constantly enhancing their designs and creating new features to appeal to a wider audience.
Tip 5: Create an Point of Sale
The landscape of e-commerce has transformed the power tool market. Advancements in data collection methods allow business professionals to gain an overall view of market trends, allowing them to shape inventory and marketing strategies more efficiently.
Point of sale (POS) information, for instance, allows you to monitor the kinds of projects that DIYers are working on when purchasing tools and accessories. Knowing what projects your customers are working on enables you to upsell and offer extras. It helps you anticipate the needs of your customers to ensure that you have the appropriate products on your shelves.
You can also use transaction data to determine trends in the market and adjust production cycles accordingly. You could, for instance, use this data to track fluctuations in your retail partners' and brand's' market shares. This will allow you to align your product strategies to 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 determine the effectiveness of promotional campaigns.
Tip 6 Tip 6: Be a good neighbor
Power tools is a lucrative complex market that requires substantial sales and marketing efforts to stay competitive. In the past, gaining a competitive advantage in this market was achieved by pricing or positioning products. But these methods are not as effective in the current omnichannel environment where information is easily available to be shared.
Retailers who provide a high level of service are better able 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 department. Initially, his department featured several brands, but when he began listening to contractor customers and found that the majority were brand loyal.
Karch and his staff members ask their customers what they intend to do with the tool prior to showing them the possibilities. This gives them confidence to recommend the best tool for the job, and builds trust with the customer. Customers who are familiar with their product are less likely than others to blame the retailer for the failure of a device on the job.
Tip 7: Make a Point of Customer Service
Power tool retailers are facing a fiercely competitive market. People who succeed in this category tends to be more loyal to a single brand than to carry a variety of brands. The amount of space that retailers can dedicate to a particular category can influence how many brands they carry.
When customers come in to purchase a power tool they may need assistance selecting the right product. Sales associates can provide the best advice to customers who are looking to replace a damaged tool or undertaking a renovation project.
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 an offer. He says they start by asking the customer what they intend to use the product. "That's how you decide what kind of tool they need," he says. Then, they inquire about the project and what kind of experience the customer has with different types of projects.
Tip 8: Be sure to mention your warranty
The makers of power tools vary widely in their warranty policies. Some are completely comprehensive, while others aren't as generous or refuse to cover certain parts of the equipment. It's crucial for retailers to know these differences before 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 an on-site repair shop that repairs 50 different types of tools. He has discovered through the years that a majority of his customers who are contractors are loyal to a particular brand, so he prefers to focus on only a few brands rather than offer a wide range of products.
He is also pleased that his employees are able to meet with vendors one-on-1 to discuss new products and exchange feedback. This personal contact is important because it helps build trust between the store and its customers. Having good relationships with suppliers can even result in discounts on future purchases.