IT'S TAKING TOO MUCH TIME
This is going to be another short post - I must be learning something from all that tweeting :)
I think I've just about said it all in that first statement, though. The furniture shopping process is taking the consumer too much time. They're getting frustrated and, in some cases, giving up altogether or just buying the cheapest option available to them because they don't have the time to do the research they need to do to justify investing more than the bare minimum amount.
How can you rethink your business's operations over the next month as your customers are gearing up for the fall shopping season and make your processes less time consuming?
Here's three quick ideas for you:
1. Get content up on your website that educates your customers. Consumers researching online are smart and they need and want unbiased and detailed information-fast. We all do. Be the ones to give it to them.
2. Hire a user interface expert (by the way, that's an industry term for someone that figures out the easiest way for consumers to navigate your website). Have that expert to make the changes to your website that will allow your customers to get to where they need to be on your website....faster. Make it as intuitive as possible for the visitors to your site to make the jump to a conversion decision - no matter where they are in the buying process. Your customers will appreciate it and so will you when you see the uptick in sales and/or sales inquiries.
3. Brainstorm with your warehouse staff- today.Ask them to tell you (not write down as some don't feel comfortable writing) their 10 best ideas for speeding up the delivery of service to your customers (while still maintaining quality). Give the 3 people 100 each, send them a handwritten note and put their names up EVERYWHERE - in your lunchroom, in the company newsletter, in an internal e-blast, etc. Recognition at that level to employees who may not be used to it goes a long way in surfacing great ideas that may be hidden from senior management's view.
What are your ideas for speeding up the buying process for your customers so they can spend more time slowing down and enjoying their friends and families at home? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Buddy commented:
Great stuff, you hpeeld me out so much!
Laicee commented:
Times are changing for the bteetr if I can get this online!
Susan E commented:
Leslie,
There's a new web based catalog system that's built for retail sales people (not consumers). It saves a phone call to the rep and gets the consumer answers while their still in the store. I think it's only for upholstery though....check out www.interactivecatlog.net
FurnitureDesignConcept commented:
Please visit my website if my 3D rendering designs are keeping up with the market today.
Thanks,
furnituredesignconcept.webs.com/apps/photos/
Donna Barlett commented:
Short and sweet - but to the point. Excellent post Leslie! When companies start to listen to their Jr. employees (who are often more in tune with today's tech savvy consumer) we'll begin to see positive change in our industry. Existing business models are stale and need to be revisted to thrive in the future. They need to realize the importance of the internet and re-allocate marketing funds from traditional (underperforming) methods to trackable digital marketing.
Looking forward to seeing you in Vegas:)
Donna Barlett
ViewIT Technologies.
Donna Barlett commented:
Short and sweet - but to the point. Excellent post Leslie! When companies start to listen to their Jr. employees (who are often more in tune with today's tech savvy consumer) we'll begin to see positive change in our industry. Existing business models are stale and need to be revisted to thrive in the future. They need to realize the importance of the internet and re-allocate marketing funds from traditional (underperforming) methods to trackable digital marketing.
Looking forward to seeing you in Vegas:)
Donna Barlett
ViewIT Technologies.
whitewash & co - Jo Alcorn commented:
Great ideas! Working with a designer is a huge time saver for all parties!! Consumers are behind on the benefits of working with a designer, it saves time and money in the end, if they can only get over the upfront designer fees, it is worth it in the end! w&c is always trying to approve turn around rate in a world where we want everything now. We do updates and follow-ups to keep the client in the loop in regards to their orders and give as much information as possible upfront so that everyone is aware of the process and procedure. With the ever so changing market we can only be open to change.
Alie James commented:
Leslie
Your ideas are great. As a sales professional, it's very hard to satisfy a customer who is just looking. I've learned over the years that it's just their way of DIY - they just want to fiqure it out themselves. Consistently great info on the Internet (and your pioneering of Social Media) is the best way to create a Win-Win situation.
leslie carothers commented:
Thanks, Faith, for sharing this info! I agree that Hickory Chair is an exemplary manufacturer. Working with an interior designers can definitely save the consumer time. They may not realize that benefit at first but, if they are creating a home with many choices to make, an expert, at the end of the day, will save so much time for them. Thanks for sharing!
Faith Sheridan commented:
Leslie, I identify companies, such as Hickory Chair, with quick lead times, quality products and then I share that information with my clients. Days after receiving my order, I have an acknowledgement and anticipated ship date. This gives satisfaction to my clients.
