5 Common Myths About Power Tool Sale You Should Avoid
Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are essential for both consumers and professionals. The demand for power tools is at or close to pre-pandemic levels despite a slowdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2021.
In terms of dollar share, Home Depot leads all outlets in power tool sales. Lowe's follows closely behind. Both are competing with power tools made in China.
Tip 1: Commit to a brand
A lot of manufacturers of industrial products place emphasis on sales over marketing. This is due to the fact that the long-term sales process requires a lot back-and-forth communication as well as a detailed understanding of the product. This kind of communication does not permit emotional marketing techniques.
However, industrial tool manufacturing companies should think about rethinking their marketing strategy. The digital age has raced over traditional manufacturers who depend on a few retailers and distributors for sales.
Brand commitment is a key aspect in the sales of power tools. If a customer is loyal to a brand, they will be less prone to messages from competitors. Additionally they are more likely to purchase the product of the client again and recommend it to others.
It is essential to have a well-planned strategy to be successful in the American market. This means adapting your tools to meet the local requirements and positioning your brand in a strategic way, and leveraging distribution channels and marketing platforms. It is also important to collaborate with local authorities as well as industry associations and experts. In this way you can ensure that your power tools conform to the laws of the country and standards.
Tip 2: Be aware of Your Products
In a marketplace where quality of the product is so crucial, retailers should be aware of the products they offer. This will enable them to make informed choices about the products they can offer their customers. This knowledge can make the difference between a successful or a bad purchase.
For instance knowing that a particular tool is best power tool deals suited to a particular project can help you match your customer with the best tool for their needs. You'll build trust and a sense of loyalty among your customers. It will also give you the confidence that you're offering an entire solution.
Understanding DIY cultural trends can help you understand the needs of your customers. For instance, a rising number of homeowners are tackling home renovation projects which require power tools. This can result in a spike in the sale of these tools.
According to Durable IQ, DeWalt leads in power tool unit share at 16%, however Ryobi and Craftsman brands have seen their share decline year-over-year. However, both online Tool Shop and in-store purchases are on the rise.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
The majority of consumers purchase power tools to repair a broken one or to tackle the new project. Both of these tools online offer opportunities for upsells or add-on sales.
According to the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) 2020 Tracking Study of Power Tools and Accessories 35 percent of all purchases for power tools are the result of planned replacements. Customers often require additional accessories, or require an upgrade to better performing models.
Whether your customer has experience in DIY or is new to the hobby, they will need to replace the carbon brushes, drive cords and power cords of their power tools as time passes. Making sure they are up to date with these essentials will help your customer get the most out of their investment.
When purchasing power tools, technicians look at three factors: the application the power source, and security. These factors aid technicians in making informed choices about the best tools to use for their repairs and maintenance work. This enables them to maximize the efficiency of their tools and lower the cost of owning it.
Tip 4: Keep Keeping Up With Technology
The latest power tools, for example are equipped with smart technology that enhances user experience and differentiates them from competitors who still depend on older battery technology. B2B wholesalers that stock and sell these devices can increase sales by targeting tech-forward contractors and professionals.
Karch's business, which has over 30 years of experience, and a 12,000 square feet tooling department is a testament to the importance of staying current with the latest technologies. He says that manufacturers are constantly changing their product designs. "They were able to hold their designs for five or 10 years, but now they alter them each year."
In addition to taking advantage of the modern technologies, B2B wholesalers should also be looking to improve existing models. By adding lightweight materials and adjustable handles, wholesalers can lessen fatigue from prolonged use. These features are essential for many professional contractors who use the tools over a long period of time. The power tool industry is divided into the consumer and professional segments. This means that the major players are constantly working to improve their designs and create new features to appeal to a wider public.
Tip 5: Create a point of Sale
The e-commerce landscape has transformed the market for power tools. Data collection techniques have been improved and business professionals can gain a better understanding of the market. This allows them to create more efficient inventory and marketing strategies.
Point of sale (POS) data, for instance, allows you to monitor the kinds of projects that DIYers are working on when they purchase tools and accessories. Knowing what projects your customers are working on allows you to increase sales and provide additional products. It also helps you anticipate the requirements of your clients making sure you have the correct products in stock.
Moreover, transaction data enables you to detect trends in the market and adjust production cycles accordingly. For instance, you could use this data to monitor changes in your brand's and retail partner market shares which allows you to match your product strategies to consumer preferences. In the same way, you can utilize POS data to improve inventory levels and reduce the chance of overstocking. It also helps to evaluate the effectiveness of promotions.
Tip 6: Be a good neighbor
Power tools are a tangled market with high profits that requires a significant amount of marketing and sales efforts to remain competitive. In the past a competitive advantage in this market was accomplished through pricing or positioning products. But these methods are no longer effective in today's multichannel environment, where information is easily communicated.
Retailers who are committed to providing a high level of providing excellent service are more likely to retain customers and develop brand loyalty. Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls in Wisconsin, operates a 12,000-square-foot power tool department. At first, the department offered several brands, but as he listened to the customers of contractors and found that the majority were loyal to a particular brand.
Karch and his staff ask their customers what they intend to do with a tool prior to showing them the alternatives. This gives them the confidence to recommend the most effective tool for the job, and builds trust with the customer. Customers who are familiar with their product are less likely to blame their retailer for a tool malfunction on the job.
Tip 7: Make an effort to be a Point of Customer Service
Power tool retailers face a fiercely competitive market. The retailers that have had success in this area tend to make a firm commitment to a particular brand instead of simply carrying a selection of manufacturers. The size of the space a retailer has to devote to the category may be a factor in how many brands it can carry.
Customers often need assistance when they come in to purchase a power tool. Whether they are replacing an old model that's broken or taking on an upgrade project clients require expert guidance from sales associates.
Mike Karch, the president of Nue's Hardware and Tools, located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, said that the staff at his store is educated to ask questions that will result in the sale. They begin by asking questions about what the customer is planning to do with the tool, he says. "That's the primary factor in deciding the kind of tool to market them," he adds. Then they ask about the experience of the customer with different types of projects as well as the project.
Tip 8: Create an End of Warranty
Power tool manufacturers vary greatly in their warranty policies. Some are completely comprehensive, while others are stingy, or refuse to cover certain parts of the equipment. Before buying a product, it's important that retailers know the differences. Customers will only purchase tools from companies that will guarantee their products.
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 tools online and repair shop with tools on site that repairs 50 different types of tools. He has discovered through the years that a majority of his contractors are brand loyal, so he focuses on the most popular brands rather than offer a variety of products.
He is also happy that his employees are able to meet with vendors in person to discuss new products and give feedback. This type of personal interaction is crucial as it helps create trust between the store and its customers. Good relationships with suppliers may even result in discounts on future purchases.