Blog entry by Larhonda Luttrell
Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are vital for both professionals and users. Despite an expected slowdown in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand remains toolshop near me or at pre-pandemic levels.
Home Depot is the leader in power tool sales in terms of dollar share. Lowe's is second in line. Both are competing against power tools manufactured in China.
Tip 1: Commit to a brand
Many industrial product manufacturers place more emphasis on sales and marketing. This is because the long-term selling 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, companies that manufacture industrial tools should rethink their marketing strategy. The digital age has raced over traditional manufacturers who depend on a small circle of retailers and distributors for sales.
Brand commitment is a key aspect in the sales of power tools. If a client is committed to a certain brand and brand, they are less responsive to competitor's messages. In addition they are more likely to buy the item of the customer repeatedly and recommend it to others.
To make a successful impact in the United States market, you must develop a well-planned strategy. This includes adapting your tools to local needs and positioning your brand in a way that is competitive, and leveraging marketing platforms and distribution channels. Collaboration with local authorities and associations, as well as experts is also essential. In this way you can be sure that your power tools comply with the country's regulations and standards.
Tip 2: Know Your Products
Retailers need to be knowledgeable about the products they sell particularly in a market that places such a high value on product quality. This will enable them to make informed decisions about what they sell. This knowledge could also be the difference between a good sale and a bad one.
For instance knowing that a particular tool is best suited to a particular project will allow you to connect your client with the appropriate tool for their needs. This will help you build trust and loyalty with your customers. This will help you feel confident that you're providing an entire service.
Understanding DIY culture trends can help you understand your customers' needs. For example, a growing number of homeowners are taking on home renovation projects which require power Cheap tools online. This can lead a spike in the sale of power tools.
According to DurableIQ, DeWalt is the leader in power tool sales with 16%. However, Ryobi and Craftsman have seen their shares decrease year-overyear. However the fact that both in-store and online purchases are increasing.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
Most consumers purchase power tools to repair the broken one or tackle an upcoming project. Both present opportunities for upsells and add-on sales.
According to the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) 2020 Tracking Study of Power Tools and Accessories, 35 percent of all power tool purchases are the result of planned replacements. Customers may require additional accessories or upgrade to a higher-performing model.
Whether your customer is a seasoned DIYer or is new to the hobby, they'll likely require replacing their power tools' carbon brushes, drive belts and power cords with time. These basic items will ensure that your client gets the most from their investment.
When purchasing power tools, technicians consider three factors: the application, the power source and safety. These aspects help technicians make informed choices when selecting the right tools for maintenance and repair tasks. This helps them maximize the efficiency of their tools and lower the cost of owning it.
Tip 4: Keep Keeping Up With Technology
For instance, the latest power tools feature advanced technology that enhances users' experience and differentiates them from other brands that still rely on old battery technology. Wholesalers in B2B who carry and sell these devices can increase sales by focusing on tech savvy contractors and professionals.
For Karch, whose business has more than three decades of experience and a 12,000-square-foot tool department, staying current with new technologies is essential. "Manufactures are constantly changing 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."
B2B wholesalers need to not only embrace the latest technologies but also enhance their existing models. By incorporating lightweight materials as well as adjustable handles, wholesalers can lessen fatigue from long-term use. These features are crucial for a large number of professional contractors who need to utilize the tools for lengthy periods of time. The market for power tools is divided into consumer and professional groups. This means that the major players are constantly striving to improve their designs and come up with new features to appeal to a wider public.
Tip 5: Create an Point of Sale
The online tool shops marketplace has changed the market for power tools. Advancements in data collection methods allow business professionals to get an overall perspective of market trends and help them develop inventory and marketing strategies more effectively.
By utilizing data from the point of sale (POS), you can track DIY projects your customers undertake when buying power tools and accessories. Knowing what projects your customers are working on enables you to upsell and offer extras. It also helps you anticipate the requirements of your clients and ensure that you have the appropriate products in stock.
Additionally, transaction data can help you to identify market trends and adjust production cycles accordingly. You could, for instance make use of this information to track fluctuations in your brand's and retail partners market share. This allows you to align your strategy for product with consumer preferences. POS data can also be used to improve levels of inventory, reducing the risk of stocking up. It also helps to evaluate the effectiveness of promotional campaigns.
Tip 6: Establish a Point of Service
Power tools are a tangled, high-profit market that requires a substantial amount of marketing and sales efforts to remain in the game. In the past an advantage in this market was achieved through pricing or positioning products. However, these tactics are no longer effective in today's world of omnichannels where information is easily communicated.
Retailers who provide a high level of service are better able to keep customers coming back and build brand loyalty. Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls in Wisconsin is the owner of a 12,000-square-foot department for power tool deals tools. His department initially featured a variety of brands. However, as he listened to contractors, he discovered that they were loyal to their preferred brand.
To win their customers, Karch and his team first ask customers what they want to do with the tool, then show them the tools they have available. This gives them the confidence to recommend the best prices on tools tool for the job and builds trust with the customer. Customers who know their product are less likely to blame their retailer for a tool failure during the course of work.
Tip 7: Become a master of customer service
Power tool retailers face a fiercely competitive market. The retailers that have had success in this area tend to have a strong commitment to a particular brand rather than simply carrying a sampling of manufacturers. The amount of space that a retailer is able to devote to a particular category can determine the number of brands they can carry.
When customers come in to purchase a power tool, they often need help selecting the right product. Sales associates can offer professional advice to customers who are seeking to replace a damaged tool or are planning an upgrade project.
Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, says his sales staff is educated to ask the right questions in order to make the sale. He says they start by asking the buyer what he or she plans to do with the item. "That's the primary factor in deciding the kind of tool to market them," he adds. Next, they ask about the project and the level of experience the client has with various types of projects.
Tip 8: Create an End of Warranty
The warranty policies of the manufacturers of power tools are very different. Some are completely comprehensive, while others are stingy, or refuse to cover certain aspects of the tool at all. It is crucial for retailers to know the distinctions before buying, since customers will purchase tools from firms that provide them with a warranty.
Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, has a 12,000 square-foot power tool department as well as an in-house repair shop that handles 50 models of tools. He has learned over the years that many of his contractor customers are brand loyal, so the company prefers to stick to the most popular brands rather than trying to offer a wide range of products.
He also appreciates that his employees have the ability to meet with vendors in person to discuss new products and exchange feedback. This kind of interaction is vital since it builds trust between the store's customers and employees. Building strong relationships with suppliers could lead to discounts on future purchases.