Developing good sales skills is key to having a successful business. Whether you’re selling online, have a brick-and-mortar store, or sell at shows, your interaction with your customers can make or break your business.
Attitude is everything especially in sales. Next time you are out running errands and visiting retail shops, take note of what you like and what you don’t like. Use these lessons to be a better salesperson for your own goods. Most artists and crafters would not call themselves salesmen or women, but its all part of the job. You need to not only sell your work, but you need to sell yourself as well!
Most of us appreciate being greeted when we enter a retail establishment. Make sure you welcome your potential customers at arts and crafts shows and also on your web shop. Let the customer know you appreciate them, and you’ll be surprised at the loyalty you develop over time. I often order my craft supplies online rather than from my local craft retailer because the online customer service is so much better. That doesn’t seem right, but I can’t find help at my local store. I always get personal help online. I’m a loyal customer, and that’s what you need for your own goods or services!
You don’t need to hover or coddle the customer, but try some of these tips to develop a good rapport with your customers.
- A smile shows you are engaging
- A piece of wrapped candy in the package of goods you ship off says you were thinking of the customer above and beyond just mailing the package
- Try small personal appeals to all your customers
Every customer you have has the potential to tell their family and friends about your crafts, your art, or your creative service. Grassroots promotion and word of mouth is the strongest endorsement you can have. You like it when you, as the customer, are treated like the king, so treat all your customers like royalty too.
By: Maria Nerius, FaveCrafts.com Resident Craft Expert
How do you establish a relationship with your readers in terms of customer service? Do you send a snazzy card with each item, or do you send friendly e-mails?
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