Re: Another way to approach the clients of the stores...

>Hi Robert,

I don't have any business experience in your field, but what I do know is customer service. I think that will be the key to your success. Steve has some great ideas.

It also depends on how big your city is. Word of mouth is excellent once you get started.

I personally will not buy a extended warranty, but there are some that will.

I had to purchase a riding lawn mower today. After 2 hours on the phone trying to find a small one, not some huge tractor, I ended up at Sears. When I went to pay, the sales lady asked if I wanted the extended warranty. I relplied a abosolute "No, I never buy them", she proceeded to type in the computer for about a minute or so, then turned the screen to me and said "I just want to go over this with you". I bought one item and there were 2 lines and the prices were not what the mower cost. I asked her what this was, she said "it's the extended warranty in case..." and I stopped her to say no again.

I understand they are trained to sell at large stores, but if I say no the first time, do not waste my time getting the prices for the warranty on what ever product I'm buying.

As I said in the beginning is is about personal service. The follow up on "how is the product working,etc. is a good start. But they are tough sells. I wish you luck. Only do it if you love it, or at least like it.:) Carla

Part of the process of selling should be the follow-up, which doesn't
> happen very often these days. And this is another benefit Robert could
> provide to the stores who are willing to listen to his proposal.

> These days it is more of a numbers game. Forget about the people you sold
> to, and go for the new customers.

> You call these people up on the phone and thank them again for their
> purchase and let them know that you (the store) appreciates their
> business. Ask them, that since they have had the product for awhile, do
> they have any further questions, is the product meeting their
> expectations? Is there anything else you can help them with?

> You know you will get the odd person that says, "I don't know how to
> set this," or "I misplaced the manual, can you send me another
> one?" They will be very appreciative of this call.

> Towards the end of the call you can mention again how much you value their
> business and that you would like them to enjoy the appliance for years to
> come and let them know that you can offer them an extended warranty. Then
> you want to make sure to ask, that if they had recommended the store to
> any of their friends who also bought something, you can make sure you
> follow-up with them too.

> People don't like to be "sold to" but they sure like feeling
> appreciated.

> Personally, I think Robert's idea is a good one. It needs to be approached
> the right way of course. Whether it really is a good idea depends on
> what he finds from doing his market research.

> Let's use my "Used car website" as an example:

> When I went to speak with potential clients about my "idea"
> most of the places I visited told me that they already advertised on other
> websites, newspapers, radio, and printed fliers. Some of them didn't feel
> they needed another advertising venue. And I understood that they didn't
> need it... but they all wanted to sell more cars. So... I helped them
> sell more cars , and got a piece of their advertising budget as thanks.