Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers

Power tools are vital for both professionals and consumers. Despite an expected slowdown in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic demand remains close to or at pre-pandemic levels.

In terms of outlet dollar share, Home Depot leads all outlets when it comes to sales of power tools. Lowe's is not far behind. Both are competing against power tools made in China.

Tip 1: Be committed to a brand

Many industrial products manufacturers prioritize sales over marketing. This is due to the fact that the long-term sales process requires a lot back-and-forth communication and a thorough understanding of the product. This kind of communication does not permit emotional marketing techniques.

However, industrial tool manufacturing companies must rethink their marketing strategy. The digital age has raced over traditional manufacturers who depend on a small circle of retailers and distributors for sales.

The key to power tool sales is brand commitment. When a customer is committed to a specific brand and brand, they are less responsive to the messages of competitors. They are also more likely to buy the products of the brand they are loyal to and to recommend them to friends and family.

You require a well-planned strategy to have an impact on the American market. This means adapting your tools to meet local needs, positioning your brand in a competitive manner, and leveraging distribution channels and marketing platforms. It is also important to collaborate with local authorities and industry associations as well as experts. By doing so you can be sure that your power tools will conform to the laws of the country and standards.

Tip 2: Know Your Products

Retailers should be familiar with the products they offer especially in a marketplace which places a great importance on the quality of products. This will allow them to make informed decisions about what they offer. This information can be the difference between making a successful or a poor sale.

For instance knowing that a particular tool is ideal for a particular project will allow you to match your customer with the right tool to meet their needs. You'll earn trust and loyalty among your customers. It will also give you confidence that you're providing an entire solution.

Understanding DIY cultural trends can aid in understanding your customers' requirements. For instance, more homeowners are undertaking home improvement projects that require the use of power tools. This can result in an increase in sales of these tools.

According to DurableIQ, DeWalt is the leader in power tool sales with 16 percent. However, Ryobi and Craftsman have decreased their share year-over-year. However sales in stores and online are on the increase.

Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair

The most frequent reason a consumer makes a best power tool purchase is to either replace one that is failed or to embark on an entirely new project. Both present opportunities for upsells and additional sales.

According to the Home Improvement Research Institute's (HIRI) 2020 Power Tools and Accessories Product Purchase Tracking Study 35 percent of purchases for power tools were the result of a planned replacement. These customers typically require additional accessories, or need to upgrade to higher quality models.

If your customer is experienced in DIY or is just beginning the hobby, they will have to replace carbon brushes, drive cords and power cords of their tools in time. These basic items will ensure that your customer gets the most out of their investment.

Technicians consider three key items when purchasing power tools applications, how it will be powered and safety. These factors allow technicians to make informed decisions when choosing the right tools online for maintenance and repair work. This allows them to maximize the efficiency of their tools and lower the cost of owning it.

Tip 4: Stay current with the latest technology

The latest power tools, for example, offer smart technology which enhances the user experience and differentiates them from rivals who rely upon old battery technology. B2B wholesalers that offer and sell these tools can increase sales by targeting professional and tech-savvy contractors.

For Karch who's business has more than three decades of experience and a 2,000-square-foot department for tools, staying up with the latest technology is vital. He says that manufacturers are constantly changing their product designs. "They used hold their designs for five or ten years, but now they change them every year."

In addition to embracing most recent technologies, B2B wholesalers should also focus on improving existing models. By incorporating lightweight materials and adjustable handles, wholesalers can lessen fatigue from prolonged use. These features are essential for many professional contractors who need to utilize the tools for lengthy periods. The power tool industry is split into consumer and professional groups. This means that major players are constantly striving to improve their designs and come up with new features to appeal to a wider market.

Tip 5: powertools Make a Point of Sale

The ecommerce landscape has changed the power tool market. Data collection techniques have improved allowing business professionals to gain a better understanding of the market. This helps them develop more efficient inventory and marketing strategies.

Point of sale (POS) data for instance, allows you to monitor the kinds of projects DIYers tackle when they purchase power tools and accessories. Knowing the kinds of projects that your customers are working on enables you to provide additional sales and opportunities for upselling. It also helps you to anticipate the requirements of your clients and ensure that you have the right products in stock.

Moreover, transaction data enables you to identify market trends and adjust production cycles accordingly. For instance, you can, use this data to track fluctuations in your retail partners' and brand's market share. This will allow you to align your strategy for product with consumer preferences. POS data can also be used to improve inventory levels, which reduces the risk of overstocking. It also helps to evaluate the effectiveness of promotions.

Tip 6: Establish an Point of Service

Power tools are a complex, high-profit market that requires a substantial amount marketing and sales effort to remain competitive. The traditional methods to gain a strategic advantage in this field have been through pricing or product positioning--but these methods are no longer effective in today's omnichannel marketplace in which information is dispersed rapidly.

Retailers who concentrate on service are more likely to retain customers and build brand loyalty. Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls in Wisconsin is the owner of a 12,000-square-foot department for power tools. His department initially featured several brands. However, as he listened to contractors, he discovered that they were loyal to their preferred brand.

To make a mark in their business, Karch and his team first ask customers what they'd like to achieve using the tool, before showing them the tools they have available. This gives them the confidence to recommend the appropriate tool for the job, and builds trust with customers. Customers who are familiar with their product are less likely to blame their retailer for a tool malfunction on the job.

Tip 7: Make a point of customer service

Power tool retailers are facing an extremely competitive market. People who succeed in this category tends to be more loyal to a specific brand rather than to carry a variety of manufacturers. The amount of space that a retailer needs to dedicate to this category could also play a role in the amount of brands it is able to carry.

When customers come in to purchase an electric tool, they often need help choosing a product. Sales associates can provide expert advice to customers looking to replace a broken tool or are planning the renovation of their home.

Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, says his sales associates at the store are trained to ask the right questions to make an offer. They begin by asking the buyer what they plan to use the product. "That's the key to determining what kind of tool to offer them," he adds. Then they ask about the customer's experience with different types of projects as well as the project.

Tip 8: Be sure to make mention of your warranty

The warranty policies of the manufacturers of power tools are very different. Some are fully complete, while others are stingy, or refuse to cover certain parts of the tools at all. It's crucial for retailers to understand the distinctions before buying, since customers will buy tools from companies that offer warranties.

Mike Karch is the president of Nue's Hardware and Tools, located in Menomonee, Wisconsin. He has a 12,000 square foot power tool department and repair shop with tools (Read the Full Report) on site that repairs 50 different brands of tools. He has observed that many of his contractor clients are brand loyal. Therefore, he prefers to carry a select few brands rather than offer samples of various products.

He is also pleased that his employees are able to meet with vendors in person to discuss new products and give feedback. This type of personal interaction is crucial because it helps to create trust between the retailer and customers. Good relationships with suppliers could even result in discounts on future purchases.