How Brick And Mortar Furniture Retailers Can Compete With Online Sellers

Submitted by: Doug Sanicola

Brick and mortar furniture stores are at war with online retailers.

That s because some customers are avoiding brick and mortar stores in favor of online sellers. If you want to beat online furniture sellers, you need to follow the tips outlined below.

Tip #1: Salespeople Can Assist with the Decision Process

Buying something online can be overwhelming. There are so many choices. Brick and mortar furniture retailers can help customers narrow down the choices. Instead of carrying tons of options, only carry the best options. This will make it easier on the customer and help you close more sales at your furniture store.

Tip #2: Modify SKU Codes

Don t make it easy for customers to compare prices in your store. Modify SKU codes so customers can t scan the items with their smartphones. Also consider finding furniture that can t be found online. This will make your store unique and differentiate you from the online sellers.

Tip #3: Enhance Delivery

Your delivery options should be better than the online sellers. Make sure that your delivery is faster. Also provide extras such as installation assistance. This could make a big difference in a customer choosing your business over an online retailer.

Tip #4: Customer Service

Here s an obvious way you can compete against the .com sellers. Train your sales staff to provide the best shopping experience possible. Your sales staff should have the necessary sales skills. These should include:

Extensive product knowledge

Ability to field all types of questions

Treating customers with respect

By properly training your sales staff in the art of customer service, you can get the upper hand against online retailers.

Tip #5: Improve Shopping Experience

Some customers are avoiding furniture stores because of the terrible shopping experience. Showroom floors are dated. Sales staff is hovering or absent all together. To compete against the online retailers, you need to develop a memorable shopping experience that customers will tell their friends about. It all starts with properly training your sales staff and improving your showroom floor.

Tip #6: Let Them Try Out the Furniture

The one big advantage that you have over the online sellers is that you have the furniture sitting right there in the store. Let customers try out the furniture. As they re using the furniture, appeal to their emotions. Don t get too caught up on listing all of the product details. Tell them how the furniture enhances their lifestyle.

Tip #7: Create an Online Presence

Who says that you can t be online? Your website should draw people into your stores. Have a vibrant website that will make it easy for customers to explore inventory. You might even want to use social media as a way for customers to interact with your store. Websites and social media are a great way to level the playing field against online retailers.

It doesn t matter whether you sell outdoor kitchens and grills or even garden furniture, following these tips will help you compete against online sellers. Remember that having a great customer experience is key to improving the shopping experience.

About the Author: Doug Sanicola is the owner of Outdoor Elegance, a Southern California furniture retailer that specializes in

garden furniture

as well as

outdoor kitchens and grills

. Connect with Doug via his website at http://www.OutdoorElegance.com.

Source:

isnare.com

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