Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are essential for both consumers and professionals. Despite an expected slowdown in 2021 due to the COVID-19 virus, 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. However, both are being pushed by China-made power tools.
Tip 1: Commit to a brand
Many industrial product manufacturers place an emphasis on sales and 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 lend itself to emotional consumer marketing techniques.
However, companies that manufacture industrial tools need to rethink their marketing strategy. The digital world has surpassed traditional companies that rely on a few distributors and retail outlets for sales.
One of the most important factors in power tool sales is brand commitment. If a client is committed to a specific brand they are less receptive to the messages of competitors. In addition they are more likely to purchase the product of the client repeatedly and recommend it to others.
To make a successful impact to be successful in the United States market, you must have an organized strategy. This includes adapting tools to local requirements and positioning your brand in a competitive manner, and leveraging marketing platforms and distribution channels. Collaboration with local authorities, associations and experts is also crucial. By doing so you can be sure that your power tools will be in compliance with the regulations of the country and standards.
Tip 2: Be aware of Your Products
In a world where product
best quality tools is so crucial, retailers should be aware of the products they offer. This will help them make informed choices about the products they can offer their customers. This knowledge can also make the difference between a successful deal and a bad one.
For instance, knowing that a tool is suitable for specific projects can help you match your client with the appropriate tool to meet their needs. You'll build trust and loyalty among your customers. It will also give you the confidence that you're providing a complete solution.
Additionally, understanding the trends in DIY culture can help you better know what your customers are looking for. For example, a growing number of homeowners are taking on home improvement projects which require power tools. This could lead to an increase in the sales of these tools.
According to DurableIQ, DeWalt is the leader in power tool units at 16%. However, Ryobi and Craftsman have seen their shares decrease year-overyear. However the fact that both in-store and
Online shop tools 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 can be used to increase sales and 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. These customers often require additional accessories, or require upgrading to better performance models.
If your customer is a seasoned DIYer or new to the hobby, they'll likely require replacement of their power tools' carbon brushes, drive belts and power cords as time goes by. These basic items will ensure that your client gets the most from their investment.
When purchasing power tools, technicians consider three aspects: the tool's application the power source, and security. These aspects allow technicians to make informed choices when selecting the right tools for maintenance and repair tasks. This allows them to maximize the performance of their tool and lower the cost of owning it.
Tip 4: Stay up to date with technology
For instance, the latest battery tools have smart technology that improves the user experience and differentiates them from other tools that depend on old-fashioned battery technology. B2B wholesalers that offer and sell these tools can boost sales by targeting professionals and contractors who are technologically advanced.
For Karch who's business has more than three decades of experience and a 12,000-square-foot department for tools, staying up with new technologies is essential. He says that manufacturers are constantly changing their product designs. "They used to keep their designs for five or 10 years, but they're now changing them every year."
B2B wholesalers need to not only take advantage of the latest technologies, but also enhance their existing models. For instance, by incorporating adjustable handles and lightweight materials, they can lessen the fatigue caused by prolonged use. These features are essential for many professional contractors who use the tools over a long period of time. The market for power tools is divided into professional and consumer groups, which means that major players are always working on improving their designs and introducing new features to reach an even larger audience.
Tip 5: Create an Point of Sale
The landscape of e-commerce has transformed the power tool market. Data collection methods have improved, allowing business professionals to gain a better understanding of the market. This allows them to create more effective inventory and marketing strategies.
Point of sale (POS) information, for instance, allows you to keep track of the types of projects DIYers tackle when they purchase tools and accessories. Knowing the kinds of projects your customers are working on enables you to offer additional sales and upsell opportunities. It also helps you to anticipate the needs of your customers making sure you have the appropriate products in stock.
You can also utilize transaction data to determine trends in the market and adapt production cycles accordingly. You could, for instance make use of this information to monitor fluctuations of your brand's and retail partners market shares. This will allow you to align product strategies to the preferences of consumers. POS data can also be utilized to optimize inventory levels, reducing the risk of overstocking. It can also be used to determine the effectiveness of promotions.
Tip 6 Tip 6: Be a good neighbor
Power tools is a high-profit, complex market that requires substantial sales and marketing efforts to stay competitive. The classic ways to gain an advantage in this field have been by positioning or pricing products. However, these strategies are no longer effective in today's omnichannel marketplace where information is distributed in such a rapid manner.
Retailers who concentrate on service are more likely to retain 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. The department was initially home to several brands. However, as he listened to contractors, he realized that they were loyal to their favorite brand.
To make a mark in their customers, Karch and his team first ask customers what they'd like to achieve with the tool, then show them the options available. This gives them the confidence to recommend the right tool for a job, and builds trust with customers. Customers who know their product well are less likely to blame their supplier for a tool failure during the course of work.
Tip 7: Make a point of customer service
The market for power
cheap tools online has become a very competitive area for hardware retailers. Those who are successful in this market tend to be more loyal to a single brand rather than to carry a variety of brands. The amount of space a retailer must devote to this category can also affect the number of brands it can carry.
Customers frequently require assistance when they go in to buy a power tool. Whether they are replacing an old tool that's broken or taking on the task of renovating Customers need advice from sales representatives.
Mike Karch, the president of Nue's Hardware and Tools, in Menomonee falls, Wisconsin, said that his store's staff is educated to ask questions that will lead to a sale. They begin by asking questions about what the customer plans to do with the tool according to him. "That's how you decide what kind of tool they require," he says. The next step is to inquire about the project and what kind of experience the customer has with different kinds of projects.
Tip 8: Be sure to be sure to mention your warranty
The manufacturers of power tools differ greatly in their warranty policies. Some companies offer a complete warranty, while others offer more limited warranties or do not cover certain tools. It's important for retailers to understand 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 repair shop in-house that handles 50 kinds of tools. He has discovered through the years that a majority of his contractor customers are brand loyal, so he prefers to focus on only a few brands rather than offer a wide range of products.
He is also pleased that his employees have the ability to meet with vendors one-on-1 to discuss new products and share feedback. This personal contact is crucial because it builds trust between the store's customers and employees. Good relationships with suppliers can even lead to discounts on future purchases.