Sales Truths: Know Your Customer To Grow Your Business

Published

16 years ago

September 8, 2008

Dave Richardson

WHY IT’S TRUE
Selling used to be about transactions; now it’s about relationships. People come to your store for jewelry, but they come back only if you care. The information that you have in your database about their occupation, family, and hobbies, and their jewelry wish list, will take you a long way in developing and maintaining a strong relationship.

PLAN OF ACTION
How many customers do you have in your database, and what do you really know about them? Conduct this exercise with your sales staff. On a sheet of paper, ask people to write the names of your top 50 customers. Then ask them to write something they know about that customer — spouse, hobbies, etc. You will be amazed at how little your people, and perhaps you, really know about the customers who come into your store. Customers don’t care what you know until they know that you care.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”