Sales Truths: Make Quality Claims at the Right Time

Published

16 years ago

July 2, 2008

Dave Richardson

QUALITY CLAIMS, MADE TOO EARLY, NEVER IMPRESS.

WHY IT’S TRUE: Customers expect your store and merchandise to be of quality or they wouldn’t be there in the first place. If you open by bragging about your store’s quality or making unsupported statements about your knowledge and expertise, you’ll bore the customer.

PLAN OF ACTION: Greet the customer in an open friendly manner; find out what their needs, wants and passions are; and focus your presentation around them. Demonstrate your expertise by asking open-ended questions. Listen carefully to the customer’s answer and when appropriate, validate your answer with a quality claim. Customers come into your store because they need help. Enhance their perception of this buying experience and most of the quality questions will answer themselves.

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.”