Article Number : 2735 |
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| Date | 12/4/2007 9:13:15 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2735 |
| Abstract | (Editor’s note: The following question was sent to Retail Education columnist Kelly Kramer.) I have long been a reader and was wondering something recently. Our area was hit by Hurricane Katrina two years ago, and now the flooring market seems to be deeply de-pressed... |
| Article | (Editor’s note: The following question was sent to Retail Education columnist Kelly Kramer.) I have long been a reader and was wondering something recently. Our area was hit by Hurricane Katrina two years ago, and now the flooring market seems to be deeply de-pressed. What advice can you give me to help increase our closing average? Donald Albo Dear Don, You should know that almost every area in the country is very slow right now, and many stores are going out of business. That being said, you might want to treat your business like you’re just starting. Get involved with the local Chamber of Commerce leads groups, stop in on any home being built or remodeled to introduce yourself—you’ll be amazed how many have not made a flooring purchase yet—hit apartment complexes, hit mobile home management companies, and, if you sell commercial, hit the headquarters. In short, do some door knocking because when the business does not come to you, you have to go out and get it. Don’t worry about the show floor; it’s dead. I can tell you I personally hate to cold call, but I’ve done it in many new jobs I’ve started, and it’s paid off for many years. The truth is when business is booming I’m lazy and take what’s coming through the door. But when business is slow I do what I have to do. Good Luck, Kelly Kramer |