15 Facts Your Boss Wished You d Known About Power Tool Sale
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 the demand is still at or near pre-pandemic levels.
In terms of outlet dollar share, Home Depot leads all outlets in power tool sales. Lowe's follows closely. Both are however confronting stiff competition from Chinese-made power tools.
Tip 1: Commit to a brand
Many manufacturers of industrial products place more emphasis on sales and marketing. This is because a long-term purchase requires a lot of back-and-forth communication and detailed product knowledge. This kind of communication does not allow for emotional consumer marketing tactics.
But, companies that produce industrial tools shop online need to rethink their marketing strategy. The digital world has surpassed traditional companies that rely on a select group of retailers and distributors to sell their products.
A key to power tool sales is brand commitment. If a client is adamant about a particular brand, they are less sensitive to the messages of competitors. They are also more likely to buy the client's products again and to recommend them to others.
You need a well-planned plan to make an impact on the US market. This involves adapting your tools to local needs, positioning brands in a way that is competitive, and using marketing platforms and distribution channels. Collaboration with local authorities as well as associations and experts is also essential. By doing so, you can be confident that the power tools you purchase be in compliance with the regulations of the country and standards.
Tip 2: Be aware of Your Products
In a market where product quality is important, retailers must be aware of the products they sell. This will allow them to make informed choices about the products they sell. This information can make the difference between a good deal and a bad one.
Knowing which tool is perfect for a specific project will aid in matching the right tool to the needs of your customer. You'll build trust and a sense of loyalty among your customers. It will also give you the confidence that you're offering the complete solution.
Understanding DIY cultural trends can help you better understand the needs of your customers. As an example the increasing number of homeowners are taking on home improvement projects that require the use of power tool. This can result in a spike in the Sale On Power Tools of these tools.
According to DurableIQ, DeWalt is the leader in power tool units at 16 percent. However, Ryobi and Craftsman have seen their share decrease year-over-year. However, both online and in-store purchases are increasing.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
The most frequent reason why a consumer makes a power purchase is to replace one that has been damaged or broken, or to embark on a new project. Both offer opportunities for upsells or add-on sales.
According to the Home Improvement Research Institute's (HIRI) 2020 Power Tools and Accessories Product Purchase Tracking Study, 35 percent of power tool purchases resulted from an anticipated replacement. Customers often require additional accessories or may require upgrading to better quality models.
If your customer is a seasoned DIYer or is new to the hobby, they'll require replacement of their carbon brushes for power tools as well as drive belts and power cords as time goes by. Making sure they are up to date with these essentials will allow your customer to make the most of their investment.
When buying power tools, technicians take into consideration three factors: the application the power source, and safety. These aspects help technicians make educated decisions about the most suitable tools to use for their repairs and maintenance tasks. This helps them maximize the performance of their tool and reduce the expense of owning it.
Tip 4: Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.
For instance, the most recent battery tools have intelligent technology that enhances the user experience and differentiates them from other tools that depend on old-fashioned battery technology. B2B wholesalers who stock and sell these tools could increase sales by focusing on professional and tech-savvy contractors.
For Karch, whose business has more than three decades of experience and a 2,000-square-foot tool department, staying current with the latest technologies is crucial. He states that manufacturers are constantly changing their designs for their products. "They used to hold their designs for five or ten years, but they're now changing them every year."
In addition to embracing the 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 fatigue that comes from prolonged use. These features are essential for many professional contractors who use the tools for a long period of time. The market for power tools is split into consumer and professional groups. This means that major players are constantly working to improve their designs and come up with new features in order to appeal to a wider audience.
Tip 5: Make a Point of Sales
The e-commerce market has changed the market for power tools. Data collection techniques have improved and business professionals can get a better understanding of the market. This allows them to create more efficient inventory and marketing strategies.
Point of sale (POS) information for instance, allows you to monitor the kinds of projects DIYers undertake when purchasing power tools and accessories. Knowing what projects your customers are working on permits you to offer upsells and add-ons. It allows you to anticipate your customers' needs, so that you always have the right products deals on power tools your shelves.
You can also use transaction data to spot market trends, and adjust production cycles in line with these trends. You could, for instance utilize this data to monitor changes in your brand's and retail partners market share. This will allow you to align product strategies with consumer preferences. In the same way, you can utilize POS data to improve levels of inventory and decrease the risk of stocking up. It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of promotional campaigns.
Tip 6: Make an Point of Service
Power tools are a complicated market that is high-profit and requires a substantial amount of marketing and sales effort to remain competitive. In the past, gaining an advantage in this market was achieved through pricing or positioning products. However, these tactics are not effective in today's world of omnichannels where information is readily communicated.
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 section. In the beginning, his store featured a sampling of brands, but as he listened to customers who were contractors and found that the majority were loyal to a particular brand.
Karch and his staff members ask their customers what they would like to do with a tool before presenting them with the possibilities. This gives them the confidence to recommend the appropriate tool for a job, and also increases trust with their customers. Customers who are familiar with their product are less likely to blame their supplier for a malfunctioning tool on the job.
Tip 7: Become a guru in customer service
The power tool market has become a very competitive area for retailers of hardware. People who succeed in this market tend to be more committed to a specific brand rather than to carry a variety 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.
When customers go in to purchase an electric tool, they often need help choosing a product. Sales associates can provide expert guidance to customers looking to replace a broken tool or undertaking an upgrade 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 the sale. They start by asking what the customer plans to do with the tool according to him. "That's the most important factor to consider when deciding the kind of tool to sell them," he adds. Then, they inquire about the project and the level of experience they have with various types of projects.
Tip 8: Be sure to be sure to mention your warranty
Power tool manufacturers vary greatly in their warranty policies. Some companies offer a complete warranty, while others are more limited or refuse to cover certain cheap tools online. It's crucial for retailers to understand the differences prior to making a purchase, because buyers will purchase tools from companies that back them up.
Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, has a 12,000-square-foot power tool department and an in-house repair shop that handles 50 lines of tools. He has realized through the years that a majority of his customers who are contractors are loyal to their brands, which is why the company prefers to stick to only a few brands rather than carry a sampling of different products.
He is also pleased that his employees are able to meet with vendors in person to discuss new products and share feedback. This type of personal interaction is essential because it builds trust between the customers and employees. Good relationships with suppliers could even result in discounts on future purchases.