Sales Truths : To get milk from a cow, you don’t send her an email.

Published

11 years ago

August 19, 2013

Dave Richardson

Sales Truths : To get milk from a cow, you don’t send her an email.

BY DAVID RICHARDSON

Published in the September 2013 issue.

WHY IT IS TRUE: Because it is very quick and easy, and most of all non-threatening, we are quick to send a reminder email to a customer regarding an upcoming anniversary, birthday, or another important date in his life. And then we wonder why he never comes into the store.

PLAN OF ACTION: Considering the fact that the majority of your customers probably receive well over 100 emails every day, the probability that he will carve out time to read yours could be pretty slim. You have two options: Pick up the telephone and give him a call, or send him a very nice, personalized card. If he is considered to be a “great” customer, then a telephone call might be the best. For hard-to-reach customers, send him a card personalized with photos and text that will capture his imagination. Photos of your store and staff, of you on a hike, a vacation, at the gym, with your feet up on your desk, your eyes closed, whatever. The stronger your relationship with the customer, the more imaginative this card can really be. If he chuckles when he reads it, he will not throw it away, and just maybe, just maybe, he will make a beeline for your store. — DAVE RICHARDSON

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.”