Selling something is very challenging, especially when you have limited knowledge on sales and marketing. While the basic principle of knowing what to sell, who to sell to, and where to sell your product can be easily learned by attending a crash course and a little marketing research, the art of effective selling is hard to master.
Below are some ways which can help you catch the attention of your target market, and get your inventory moving.
• Setting up a physical shop. Choose a traffic-heavy location where you have greater chances of attracting customer attention. Have ample space for store displays and banners hung at people’s line of sight; you wouldn’t want potential customers not noticing your store and your efforts at advertising your products.
• Creating an online shop. You may opt for a stand-alone virtual shop, or one that will supplement a physical store. Maximize this space by creating a catalogue with high-quality photos and product descriptions, as well as details on prices, payment options, and shipment.
• Direct selling. Resource-extensive, time- and money-wise, but this it is generally effective. You can do this face-to-face, like offering your products to family, friends and acquaintances during arranged meetings, or through channels, such as the mail, telephone, advertisements, or the Internet where you establish contact with geographically (and sometimes, socially) distant people to make the offer.
• Catalogue selling. People love browsing through catalogues to look for interesting products or great deals. Tap into this widely acceptable approach, and make the most of it by highlighting limited edition products or great deals.
• Participating in trade fair and bazaars. Such venues are perfect for demonstrating how your product works, discussingthe merits of your goods, or holding free product trials to entice customers into purchasing. Since these are seasonal, these events usually attract a large audience so you have greater chances of meeting potential customers and making a sale.
• Upselling.Informcurrently purchasingcustomers about alternative products with relatively higher prices but are packed with greater benefits. If you have one customer interested in product ABC, point out a similar product, say DEF, that may cost more but has better features or longer warranty.
• Upgrading.Upgrades usually cost an arm and a leg, so give loyal customers an offer they are less likely to refuse: a great discount for product upgrade within aspecific period, say within three days from your phone call.
• Bundle selling.Selling products in bundles saves you and customers time. Instead of selling just shampoo, for example, combine it with conditioner, hair mask, and hair serum to create a hair care set. Of course, you can always sell these same items by the piece if your customer so desires.
• Social networking.This works both face-to-face and online. Introduce your products, show samples, and take orders via networking. You have the option of having home parties or any gathering with a relaxed atmosphere, or joining online groups for your sales pitch.
• Event organizing.Have regular events to maintain the excitement over your product. Aside from the grand opening, have fashion shows, sample days, group discussions and the like.
