Vases, potted plants, wall art, statuary, glass art and knick knacks of all kinds are home décor items that you probably already sell. So, it is evident that you know all about the home accessories market; where to get the best deals from wholesale home décor suppliers; designing eye catching displays; creating targeted advertisements. However, are you utilizing the multitude of promotional opportunities available right inside your own your store? Successful retailers have come to realize that customer input is a valuable tool which can result in a higher ROI (return on investment).
Customer involvement is becoming a strong 2009 marketing trend. Why? Because customer tend to patronize establishments where they feel their opinions are appreciated. When you truly communicate with your customers, choosing the home accents for your store becomes less of an “I hope they will buy” and more of an “I know they will.”
Promoting Your Home Decor Line With Customer Involvement
Survey Your Customers
To accomplish this work with your wholesalers. See if your wholesalers can furnish product catalogs without pricing. Give your frequent customers the catalogs and ask them what products interest them. Listen to what they say about the products, not just which products they choose but why. This will help direct you to home accents that speak to your customers. When the products come in, drop your customers a thank you card announcing the arrival of customer selected products.
Another way to survey your customers is with a suggestion box. Ask customers what their favorite home décor item is or what one home accent they can’t live without as a way to register for a free prize. Besides collecting valuable direct marketing information (name, email address, etc.), you will gain information as to which product lines need to be increased or decreased. For example, if you noticed that glass vases are popular add a few more trendy styles to your mix. If wall art is mentioned but not offered in your store, seek out good wholesale wall art suppliers who can help you add these home accents to your product mix.
Mingle With Your Customers
Introduce your new products with an invitation only “coming out” or preview party. Do this by targeting frequent customers as a way to show appreciation or target new customers as a way to introduce your store. Either way you will have a chance to showcase your products while mingling with customers in a no pressure sales atmosphere.
Throw an open house or workshop as a way to mingle with your customers. Naturally curious, people want to understand what the “experts” know. A workshop is a great way to inspire customers to decorate their homes. If done correctly, you will build a binding relationship between you and your customer and convert sales as well.
Make Them Feel Special
Many wholesalers have special order programs with customer catalogs. Snce items are not stocked this is a cost effective way to offer certain products. *Hint- Special orders work really well if your pressed for display space* If promoted correctly, customers will feel that they are getting exclusive items as a benefit of being a valued customer.
Because home owners see their homes as reflection of themselves, home decor items will always sell.
The potential for profit through home décor sales relies on understanding your customers. Develop a strong relationship with them and the sales will naturally follow.
You can always turn to FGmarket for marketing ideas, industry trends and wholesale home accents.
Thanks for providing and sharing this knowledge with us.