Power Tool Sales and Marketing Strategies for B2B Retailers
Power tools are a staple for both consumer and professional use. Despite the fact that 2021 will see a slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand remains near or at levels prior to the pandemic.
Home Depot is the leader in power tool sales in terms of dollar share. Lowe's follows closely behind. Both are competing with power tools made in China.
Tip 1: Create an Engagement to Brands
Many industrial products manufacturers prioritize sales over marketing. This is because a long-term sales requires a lot of back and forth communication and in-depth knowledge of the product. This kind of communication doesn't lend itself to emotional consumer marketing strategies.
However, industrial tools manufacturing companies must rethink their approach to marketing. The digital age has accelerated past traditional manufacturers who rely on a small circle of retailers and distributors for sales.
Brand commitment is an important factor in power tool sales. If a customer is loyal to a brand, they will be less prone to messages from competitors. In addition they are more likely to buy the product of the client time and time again and recommend it others.
You require a well-planned strategy to have an impact on the US market. This means adapting your tools to meet the local requirements and positioning your brand in a competitive way, and making use of marketing channels and distribution channels. Collaboration with local authorities as well as associations and experts is also essential. 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: Know Your Products
Retailers need to be knowledgeable about the products they are selling especially in a marketplace that places such a high importance on the quality of products. This will help them make informed choices about what they can offer their customers. This information can be the difference between a successful or a bad purchase.
Knowing that a certain tool is ideal for a particular project will assist you in matching the perfect tool to the needs of your customer. You'll build trust and a sense of loyalty among your customers. It will also give you confidence that you're providing the complete solution.
Additionally, understanding the trends in DIY culture can help you better comprehend what your customers want. For instance, more homeowners are undertaking home improvement projects that require the use of power tools. This can result in a surge in the sale of power tools.
According to Durable IQ, DeWalt leads in power tool unit share at 16%, although Ryobi and Craftsman brands have seen their share decline year-over-year. Despite this the fact that sales on both stores and online are growing.
Tip 3: Offer Full-Service Repair
Most consumers purchase power tools to repair a broken one or to tackle the new project. Both offer the possibility of upselling or adding on sales.
According to the Home Improvement Research Institute's (HIRI) 2020 Power Tools and Accessories Product Purchase Tracking Study, 35 percent of power tool purchases were the result of an anticipated replacement. These customers often require additional accessories or require an upgrade to better performance models.
Whether your customer has experience in DIY or is new to the hobby they will need to replace the carbon brushes, drive cords, and power cords of their tools in time. Being on top of these important items will help your customer get the most value from their investment.
When buying power tools, technicians take into consideration three factors: the application the power source, and safety. These aspects help technicians make educated decisions about the most suitable tools to use in their repairs and maintenance tasks. This enables them to maximize the performance of their tool and reduce the cost of owning it.
Tip 4: Continue to Keep Up With Technology
The most recent power tools, like they feature smart technology that enhances user experience and sets them apart from those who rely upon old battery technology. Wholesalers of B2B who stock and sell these tools shops near me could increase sales by focusing on tech savvy contractors and professionals.
Karch's company, which has over 30 years of experience, and a 12,000 square feet tool department is a testimony to the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technology. "Manufactures are constantly adjusting the design of their products," Karch says. "They used to hold their designs for five or ten years, but they're now changing them each year."
In addition to embracing latest technologies, B2B wholesalers should also be looking to improve existing models. For instance, by incorporating adjustable handles and lightweight materials, they can reduce the fatigue caused by prolonged use. These features are important for many professionals who must use the tools for long periods of time. The industry of power tools is divided into consumer and professional groups, which means that major players are always working on enhancing their designs and creating new features that will appeal to more people.
Tip 5: Create an Point of Sale
The ecommerce landscape has changed the power tool market. Data collection techniques have been improved and business professionals can get a better understanding of the market. This allows them to create more efficient inventory and marketing strategies.
Point of sale (POS) data for instance, allows you to monitor the kinds of projects that DIYers are working on when they purchase power tools and other accessories. Knowing what projects your customers are working on permits you to upsell and offer add-ons. It helps you anticipate your customers' needs, so that you always have the right products on the market.
Furthermore, transaction data allows you to detect trends in the market and adjust production cycles accordingly. For instance, you can utilize this information to track fluctuations in your brand and market share of retail partners which allows you to adapt your product strategies to consumer preferences. Similarly, you can use POS data to improve inventory levels and reduce the chance of overstocking. It can also assist you to evaluate the effectiveness of promotional campaigns.
Tip 6: Be a good neighbor
Power tools are a complicated, high-profit market that requires a substantial amount marketing and sales efforts to stay in the game. The most common methods of gaining an advantage in this field were by establishing pricing or positioning of products, but these tactics no longer work in the omnichannel world of today where information is distributed in such a rapid manner.
Retailers that focus on customer service are more likely to retain customers and build brand loyalty. Mike Karch, president of Nue's Hardware and Tools in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin is the owner of a 12,000-square-foot power tool department. The department was initially home to various brands. However, as he listened to contractors, he realized that they were loyal to their preferred brand.
Karch and his staff ask their customers what they plan to do with a tool before showing them the options. This gives them the confidence to recommend the best tool for the job, and it increases trust with their customers. Customers who are familiar with their product are less likely than others to blame the store for a malfunction of a tool for the job.
Tip 7: Create a point of customer service
The cheap power tools tool market has become a highly competitive market for retailers of hardware. Those who are successful in this area tend to be more committed to a specific brand rather than to carry a variety of brands. The amount of space retailers can dedicate to a particular category can influence how many brands they are able to carry.
When customers visit a store to purchase power tools and require assistance, they usually need help selecting the right product. Sales associates can offer professional advice to customers seeking to replace a damaged tool or are planning a renovation project.
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 could lead to the sale. They begin by asking questions about what the buyer is planning to do with the tool, he adds. "That's the most important factor to consider when deciding what kind of tool to sell them," he adds. The next step is to inquire about the project and what kind of experience they have with different types of projects.
Tip 8: Create a Point of Warranty
The manufacturers of power tools differ greatly in their warranty policies. Some are fully complete, while others are stingy or even do not cover certain components of the tools at all. Before purchasing a tool, it is essential that retailers understand the distinctions. Customers will only purchase tools from companies that back them up.
Mike Karch is the president of Nue's Hardware and cheapest tools online, located in Menomonee, Wisconsin. He has an 12,000 square foot power tool department as well as repair shop on site that repairs 50 different types of tools. He has learned that many of his clients are brand loyal. So, he chooses to carry a limited number of brands rather than carry samples of different products.
He also appreciates that his employees have the ability to meet with vendors in person to discuss new products and share feedback. This type of personal interaction is essential because it builds trust between the store's clients and employees. Building strong relationships with suppliers can even lead to discounts deals on power tools future purchases.