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November 15, 2011
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Merchandising Matters
 Sometimes, budget-conscious retailers skimp on certain elements that can actually make or break their merchandising efforts. For example, insufficient staffing may appear to be unrelated to merchandising, but this isn't really the case at all...when there aren't enough staff to take care of clients properly, every cent that is spent on displays and in-store signage is wasted. Everything works together, so don't shortchange your efforts by short-staffing your store. As well, don't settle for second-hand fixtures, lighting, and racks - none of these will have the impact and impressive look of new and modern supplies. The way your store looks and the way it is staffed are inextricably linked - both elements should work in tandem at all times. The issue of buying used lighting and display racks can rear its head if you choose these items when they weren't designed for the power products business. Often, using lighting and fixtures designed for other lines of business leads to an awkward and tacky look that may negatively impact your store's image. If you're considering upgrading the look of your store with new merchandising supplies, have a look at the best in the business. The most successful power products retailers will always have a handle on their lighting and displays - every piece will flow seamlessly with the overall look of the store. Since customers interact visually with a store environment before they even speak to a salesperson, it's crucial to send the right message. Make your store inviting with lighting and displays that highlight a modern image of success, high-technology, and sophistication. Often, cutting corners on merchandising will not help you to make more money in other areas. Plan your approach carefully, and choose every piece of lighting, display, and signage very carefully. If you need to, hire a consultant to add a sense of cohesive design to your retail outlet. Sticking to a color scheme that blends with your logo, packaging, and corporate message is the key to success. Under-stocking is also a pitfall that may stem from budget woes and the like - however, under-stocking displays can have a negative effect. If you're used to stocking accessories in a haphazard manner, try to get organized and keep your display racks full at all time - it makes a much better impression on new and returning clients. Retaining an image of abundance and success, while offering clients lots of choices, is really what it's all about. Customizing counters and other service areas can be an excellent way to pump up style and visual impact at your power products retail outlet. For example, choosing a cheaper counter unit and embellishing it with borders, paint, and decals can make the unit much more stylish and help it to blend with your overall décor. Proper lighting is also a must, and this doesn't mean choosing fixtures alone- you must also ensure that sufficient brightness is everywhere on your retail floor. It's been proven that customers avoid darker areas where fluorescent lighting (which grows darker gradually over the weeks) is dimmer. Keep your clients interested by changing bulbs frequently and considering supplemental lighting that adds more vibrancy to your merchandising displays.
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Online Merchandising Tips
Attracting more traffic to your online retail outlet or business website is important, but it's not everything...you will also need to consider the way you offer merchandise online. If you're not currently selling anything on your website, you should be - after all, you're paying for hosting, web design, and possibly advertising...therefore, you should make your Web portal a viable income stream that helps to put money in your coffers.
While there are some obvious pitfalls to doing business over the Internet (with data security topping the list), these issues can be addressed with the right software or cloud computing data security support services. Once you're selling products, you'll need to consider your online merchandising strategy. For example, how are you setting yourself apart from your competitors?
Here are some things to think about as your plan our your online merchandising setup:
Free Shipping Sells Products - If you're looking forward to moving some power products or power products accessories via your website, you'll need to consider the impact of offering free shipping to clients. After all, shipping costs are a real deterrent for many customers - in many cases, a customer may be very close to ordering online, only to balk at the cost of shipping at the last moment. If you can afford to "eat' the cost of shipping, you will find that it can be one of the most effective special offers online.
If you can't afford to cover shipping costs all of the time, offer seasonal free shipping around the holidays, or at times when people are more likely to buy (Father's Day, etc.)
Daily Specials - Restaurants often offer daily specials that make dining out more interesting. Online, change is equally valuable, and fresh content adds a great deal of interest to a website. Therefore, offering a "special product of the day" can be a great way to showcase your inventory while keeping things current. Of course, this sort of initiative will require web support on a daily basis. In some cases, it's really best to learn how to update your website on your own.
If this is too daunting, and you don't want to pay for daily updates from a programmer or webmaster, consider installing a Wordpress blog on your website and adding images, links, and information about the product each day. Generally, a quick Wordpress blog post will only take five minutes or so to complete and publish, and it's such an easy program to master. Wordpress is intuitive and 20 or 30 minutes of fumbling through the features will give you the skills you need to move forward.
Discounts On Big Orders - Reward your loyal clients by giving them ten percent off an order over a certain dollar amount; you might prefer to give them access to a web coupon for a discount on their next order. Whatever you decide, these sorts of incentives are a great way to show your online clientele how much you value their business.
The presentation of online merchandise will still follow basic visual merchandising principles - for example, don't put too many products on one page, and keep the layout bright, modern and clean. With a little effort, your online store/website can be an important part of your business.
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How To Improve Your Business Credibility
 Selling to clients is all about establishing trust and credibility; after all, the products you sell may be expensive and represent big investments for your customers. In order to give you large amounts of money and make that investment in your products, clients must feel confident that your business is aboveboard, trustworthy, and reputable. Therefore, improving your business credibility can go a long way towards reassuring clients and closing more deals. The most reputable businesses tout their own credentials in a way that is classy, low-key, and quietly impressive. If you want to improve your business reputation, here are some tips and tricks that will get results: Join Associations - Trade associations and community associations offer excellent avenues for building credibility. By joining with the BBB or other accredited business watchdogs, you can prove to customers that you have the trustworthiness that they seek. Then, you can add BBB information to your pamphlets, ads, and signage. However, the BBB (Better Business Bureau) isn't your only option; there are trade associations right in your community that offer opportunities to promote your business by becoming a member. Conferences, trade shows, community activities, and higher visibility in the local area will all be possible when you join with trade associations and make your presence known. Testimonials - Using testimonials can be tricky; however, when you do it right, making the most of these reviews of your products and services can be a marketing gold mine. To use testimonials properly, always make sure they are authentic; don't edit out any awkward turns of phrase. It's really best to leave reviews as they are, as long as they are generally positive. Take the time to thank your customers for giving you the testimonials you need - a thank you card or discount card can be a nice touch. Seek out feedback from clients you trust, and then use it on pamphlets, web pages, and ads in the Yellow Pages or local newspapers. Video testimonials on YouTube can also be powerful lures. Better Service - Credibility dies when service doesn't live up to the hype. All the credentials in the world won't help you when word gets around that your team is unhelpful, rude, or lethargic. Your best defense is always stellar customer service on every single sale - this includes follow-up and the solicitation of feedback about the sale. If your staff members aren't up to the challenge, it's vital to change the way things are done at your business. Customers should never be neglected as they browse the sales floor, and customer disputes should be handled immediately (with a mind to soothing the client whenever possible). You word-of-mouth reputation is the most important aspect of your credibility - guard it each day and build on any positives. Credibility comes from pride and decency - old school values, such as immaculate cleanliness at your outlet, proper grooming and uniforms for staff, and perfect manners will help your business to stand out from the competition and build a glowing reputation that helps your business to remain profitable. |
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Point-of-sale Financing Adds Value To Your Company
 The value that point-of-sale financing will add to your power products business is tangible. By adding information about point-of-sale financing to your marketing materials, you'll attract far more customers to your business. Once these clients visit your retail outlet and begin to show interest in your products, the ease of instant online pre-approval will allow them to know whether or not they qualify for low monthly payment plans at affordable interest rates. Anyone who knows the business realizes that in-house financing is the way to go; it adds cachet to a business reputation, and it opens up affordability for a whole new range of clients from all walks of life. When you partner with Crelogix, you'll open the door to greater success, and our services are also very efficient, cost-effective, and easy to use. We offer a streamlined Web-based interface known as MyCrelogix.com - this service is available twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. The simplicity of our system is the result of years of specialized programming that was designed to eliminate the hassles and pitfalls of the past. For example, you and your employees will never be burdened with tiresome phone calls, faxes, and unnecessary paperwork. Without in-house financing, your business just won't have the ideal sales cycle. From start to finish, Crelogix term financing services offer a convenient and practical way to entice new clients and to close more deals. At every point in the sales pitch, point-of-sale financing is there to make decision-making easier for customers. This service provides welcome backup, so it's really the ideal add-on to your current business infrastructure. Today, clients balk at spending a lot of disposable income at one time, and the recessionary climate has made many people wary of taking on more credit card debt. By offering alternatives, you will cut through consumer caution and buyer hesitation...and you'll have a much better chance of closing the deal and putting more profits in the bank. Avoid the frustration associated with an atmosphere of consumer caution - make your services affordable with the power of Crelogix. Our team of specialists has over 30 years of experience helping companies just like yours to thrive in all sorts of economic "weather" - we can give you the toolkit you need to survive and prosper. If you're considering some changes to your business, but you aren't quite sure where you should put your money, let us assure you that point-of-sale financing will help you right across the board. From advertising to sales pitches to closing the deal, to attracting new and returning customers...term financing services right at your place of business are the key to building your company. Call us today to find out more about the power of Crelogix... |
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Crelogix is Expanding In an effort to better serve our valued partner relationships, we are asking you, our readers to recommend an exceptional achiever to be part of our team at Crelogix Acceptance. We seek to recruit and select the most competent, industry knowledgeable and expert professionals in the Power Product sales industry. Do you know a independent sales agent, a regular provider of services or supplies to your shop, someone that you feel confident in recommending to us? We would like to hear from that candidate.
More details are available on our website or click on the link below. http://www.crelogix.com/positions.aspx |
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Pierre Genest
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Kit Villalon
Supervisor, Vendor Support
The Crelogix Support Team is available to provide assistance regarding pending transactions, payment, payout values as well as all other credit
or funding related issues.
Toll Free: 1-800-667-6640
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Also, please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns.
T: 800-667-6640 Ex. 2214
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