Years ago housewives looked forward to the arrival of the 'traveling salesman' who would bring them the latest news and gadgets. As our nation became more mobile and stores popped up in every town to provide these things fewer and fewer traveling salesmen existed.
Door to door salesmen replaced them in larger communities and these salesmen sold everything from vacuums to cleaning items to brushes and seasonings. Later they too became replaced by malls and online shopping.
That special customer service was no longer available as more and more began shopping in large shopping centers and discount stores. We all lost when that occurred. Not only did those salemen become unemployed but homemakers and others lost not only the ability to view things conveniently in their home and in many cases try them before buying but the no questions asked return policy and guarantees also were replaced by the impersonal 'customer service' department in large retail outlets that often times cause more problems with less results.
It is very sad that the special bond between customer and salesman was destroyed. No longer can the 'lady of the house' expect the salesman to come to her door with the latest products and show them to her, let her try them out and purchase on the spot. In our rush to create bigger and better we have lost that personal contact with customers.
Today with both parents working in many families shopping becomes a hassle and a quick run to the local discount store for groceries, tools and school supplies. How many times have you gone to a discount store and needed help to find a product or learn more about it? Were you able to find a salesman, get their attention and get the information you needed quickly? Or were you not only unable to find a salesman but if you did find one they did not know what you needed or how to find it.
We need the traveling salesmen back! We need that friendly, personal attention more now than ever. We need to open the door to a friend that not only knows your name but can help you get the products you need quickly and easily and offer a money back guarantee too! We need the salesman that remembers:
- Your daughter's birthday is coming up and you need a gift for her -- the salesman can offer just the right thing for you at the price you can afford because he knows your family.
- That you last bought vanilla 3 months ago and probably need a new bottle about now especially with the holiday baking you will be doing.
- Your son has allergies and the new laundry detergent his company now offers is just what you need and he even has a sample for you to try!
- You love the scent of lavender so he makes sure to have the lavender scent available in the cleaners you enjoy and some new ones too.
Can you be that person? Sure you can! No matter what company you represent offer friendly, personal service to your customers, know their needs and their families, know their budgets and their special likes and dislikes. Create a special bond with your customers and build on it each month. Not only will you establish a loyal customer but you will also get many other benefits including repeat sales, word of mouth recommendations (which we all know are the best kind of all) and a new friend -- something we all need today.
Become a traveling salesman! Treat your customers as the special people they are and your business will grow and prosper. Let's not forget the old ways but update them to help today's customers.
No comments:
Post a Comment