What Will They Think of Next

Maybe some of you do not realize what takes up alot of my day.... I hunt for new customers and check on existing ones too. There are a number of directories I use and try to find the store's website or facebook page, so I can qualify them before calling. I am not to call the more racey and adult stores, but that is ok by me, besides their customers are not interested in buying a $15 bottle of fabric wash, when the lingerie is not much more.
So now you know how I come up with what I share on this blog.
I am in my early 60's and have been around the block a time or two, so not alot shocks or surprises me, but recently I have had a few jaw dropping moments, which I want to share.

This is one of the stranger novelties I have come across. A Brazilian company offers a "Find me if you can" lingerie line, Lucia Lorio says the set includes a lacy bodice, faux pearl collar, and a bikini bottom. Now that is not really so unusual, but read on. I do hope they also make a nice set for our male counterparts.

Another one that really gave me a giggle has been out a few years now, but I have not noticed anyone selling it. The comments about these bra gadgets were pretty good too.

What do you think of this ladies??? Have you been selling them in your shops?

Retirement after 73 years?

This is a great article on loyalty and dedication of Cleo Cummings , a 73 year veteran of Macy's.

Do you suppose they gave this gal a gold watch? It always amazes me how long some people stay with one company. Personally I would love to meet this gal. I give her a standing ovation!

What do you all think?

How does your fitting room rate?

Having a pleasant fitting room is essential, but I had not thought about it in regards to increasing your sales. This is an interesting article from the WSJ. How would you rate your fitting room? Would you agree with this article? Love to hear your feedback.

Samples Ideas and Info

I think I have previously discussed how important samples can be to promote a product and add value to a sale. It is simple if you and your staff gets into the habit of consistently making it part of closing the sale. (Don’t forget we offer Sales Incentive Rewards to your sales staff with no cost or work for you. The more they sell, the more they can earn.)

My opinion is the biggest return is when it is offered with a few words at time of sale, rather than in a gift bag at an event, etc. because the customer is in a buying mood already. It is just good ol’ power of suggestion!

The samples should be kept by the register, as the best time to offer is when you are going to ring up a sale.

• A good sales person will close a sale with affirmation the customer has made a good choice and will enjoy the garment.
• They can ask the customer if they have ever tried Forever New and suggest a bottle. If the customer declines, then offer them a sample.
• In a few simple sentences as, “Here is a little gift for you which will prolong the life of your ______. We highly recommend Forever New and we all use it.” This will plant the idea and importance of the “gift”. (We also have small stickers (3/4” W x 1”H) that you can put on a hang tag that says: “For the care of this fine garment, we recommend Forever New.)
• This is also a great time to mention how to wash the item and the importance of using a premium quality wash to prolong the life of the garment. (In a later post I will talk about “soap”.) Sales associates can show the customer they care and have product knowledge by educating them on how to wash the garment.  If price is an issue remember a bottle of our product is highly concentrated and will go a long way!

It is up to you how you want to give out samples:

• Set a minimum amount of purchase
• Give with every sale
• Offer them for a small cost

Because samples are not used until later, the connection to your store will be forgotten if you do not have your name on it.

These are some ideas I have heard from customers:

• Staple your business card to the top of the sample or add a sticker, like a return address label.
• Punch a hole in the top of the sample, add our Wash it Right card/your business card, then tie together with a small ribbon or you could use a tag gun.  (This is a good activity between customers or something that can be done while standing and visiting.)
• Tie a few packages with a ribbon or insert into a small organza bag to give importance to the gift. (Rolls of ribbon can be purchased at a dollar store for a very little cost.) I have bridal shops that put a few samples in an organza bag to give to the bride to take on the honeymoon.
• Hand out during town or store events. One customer told me she uses them for Halloween treats for her customers and of course there’s always event gift bags.
• If your staff writes personal “Thank You!” notes, or if you encourage your staff to write down customer info as birthdays or anniversaries, send a sample with a card.
• If you have someone who is going on a trip the sample packets are great for travel.
• Use as a gift in an ad or promo as a little plus; as a gift for the 1^st 50 people who purchase, etc.
• It is not difficult to print out coupons with a small amount off on the first purchase of a full size bottle. One store owner prints her own small wash cards with a coupon form.

++++ Some very upscale stores give the 4 oz. bottles with purchase.