Blog entry by Veronique Calloway
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 virus, demand remains toolshop near me (simply click the following page) or at levels prior to the pandemic.
Home Depot is the leader in the sales of power tools by dollar share. Lowe's is not far behind. But both companies are being pushed by China-made power tools.
Tip 1: Make a Brand Commitment
Many industrial products manufacturers prioritize sales over marketing. This is due to the fact that the long-term sales process involves a lot of back and forth communication and a thorough understanding of the product. This type of communication does not permit emotional marketing tactics.
However, companies that manufacture industrial equipment should reconsider their marketing strategy. The digital world has raced past traditional manufacturers who rely on a few retailers and distributors for sales.
Brand commitment is a key factor in power tool sales. If a client is committed to a certain brand and brand, they are less responsive to competitor's messages. They are also more likely to purchase the products of the brand they are loyal to and to recommend them to friends and family.
To be successful on the United States market, you must have an organized strategy. This includes adapting your tools to local needs and positioning brands in a competitive manner, and using marketing platforms and distribution channels. It is also important to work with local authorities and industry associations as well as experts. In this way you can be sure that your power tools be in compliance with the regulations of the country and standards.
Tip 2: Know Your Products
Retailers should be familiar with the products they offer especially in a marketplace that places such a high importance on the quality of products. This will enable them to make informed choices about the products they sell. This knowledge can also make the difference between a successful sale and a poor one.
For instance knowing that a particular tool is suitable for a particular project will allow you to match your customer with the best tool for their needs. This will allow you to build trust and loyalty with your customers. This will ensure that you are offering a complete service.
In addition, understanding the trends in DIY culture can help you better understand what your customers want. For instance, more homeowners are undertaking home renovation projects requiring the use of power tools. This could 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 decreased their share year-over-year. Despite this the fact that both in-store and online tools store purchases are increasing.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
The majority of people purchase power tools to repair an old one or tackle the new project. Both provide 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 of power tools were the result of an anticipated replacement. Customers may require additional accessories or upgrade to a more powerful model.
Your customer may have experience in DIY or is just beginning the hobby, they will have to replace their carbon brushes, drive cords and the power cords on their power electrical tools online as time passes. These essentials will ensure that your customer reaps the maximum benefit from their investment.
When purchasing power tools, technicians consider three factors: the application the power source, and safety. These aspects help technicians make informed decisions about the best tools to use in their repairs and maintenance work. This enables them to maximize the effectiveness of their tool and reduce the expense of owning it.
Tip 4: Stay up to date with technology
The latest battery tools, for instance, offer smart technology which improves the user's experience and differentiates them from those who depend on older battery technology. B2B wholesalers who stock and sell these tools can boost sales by targeting tech savvy contractors and professionals.
For Karch who's business has more than three decades of experience and a 2,000-square-foot tool department, keeping up with the latest technology is vital. He states that manufacturers are constantly changing their product designs. "They used to hold their designs for five or 10 years, but now they alter them every year."
In addition to embracing most recent technologies, B2B wholesalers should also focus on improving existing models. For instance, by incorporating adjustable handles and lightweight materials, they can help reduce the strain caused by long use. These features are essential for professionals who employ 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 constantly working to improve their designs and create new features in order to appeal to a wider audience.
Tip 5: Create an Point of Sale
The e-commerce market has changed the market for power tools. The advancements in data collection techniques have enabled professionals in the field to get a holistic perspective of market trends, allowing them to shape inventory and marketing strategies more efficiently.
Using data from the point of sale (POS), you can track DIY projects your customers are completing when purchasing power tools and other accessories. Knowing what projects your customers are working on allows you to offer upsells and add-ons. It allows you to anticipate the needs of your customers to ensure that you have the right products on the market.
Furthermore, transaction data allows you to detect trends in the market and adjust your production cycles accordingly. For instance, you can utilize this information to track changes in your brand's and retail partner market shares which allows you to match your product strategies to consumer preferences. POS data can also be used to optimize inventory levels, which reduces the risk of stocking up. It can also be used to assess the effectiveness of promotions.
Tip 6: Create a Point of Service
Power tools is a lucrative complex market that requires significant sales and marketing efforts to remain competitive. The most common methods of gaining an advantage in this industry have been through pricing or product positioning--but these strategies are no longer effective in today's multichannel marketplace where information is shared in such a rapid manner.
Retailers who focus on service are more likely to keep customers and build brand loyalty. Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls in Wisconsin has a 12,000 square-foot power tool department. At first, the department offered several brands, but when he began to listen to the customers of contractors, he learned that most were brand loyal.
Karch and his team ask their customers what they would like to do with a tool before presenting them with the options. This gives them the confidence to recommend the right tool for a job, and it builds trust with customers. Customers who are familiar with their product are less likely than others to blame the retailer for a failure of a tool on the job.
Tip 7: Make an effort to be a Point of Customer Service
The power tool market has become a very competitive area for retailers of hardware. Those who have seen success in this area 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 devote to this category can also play a role in the amount of brands it is able to carry.
When customers go in to purchase an electric tool they may need assistance selecting a product. Sales associates can offer expert guidance to customers looking to replace a broken tool or undertaking an upgrade project.
Mike Karch, the president of Nue's Hardware and Tools, in Menomonee falls, Wisconsin, said that his store's staff is trained to ask questions that can result in an offer. They begin by asking the customer what he or tools uk online she plans to use the product. "That's the best way to determine the type of tool they need," he says. Then, they inquire about the customer's experience with various types of projects and the project.
Tip 8: Make sure to be sure to mention your warranty
The warranties of the manufacturers of power tools differ greatly. Some are completely complete, while others are stingy, or refuse to cover certain parts of the tool at all. Before purchasing a tool, it is essential that retailers understand the distinctions. Customers will only purchase tools from companies who 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 power tools on site power tools that repairs 50 different lines of tools. He has learned that many of his contractors are loyal to a particular brand. So, he chooses to carry only a few brands instead of trying to carry samples of different products.
He is also happy that his employees are able to meet with vendors one-on-one to discuss new products and share feedback. This personal contact is important because it helps build trust between the store and the customers. Building strong relationships with suppliers may lead to discounts on future purchases.