Archive for the ‘Tips & Tricks’ Category

Creative Add-Ons Are a Big Plus for Your Business

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010
PrintPosted by: Diane Capuano

The power of the add-on! It’s conventional wisdom that retailers need to promote add-on sales in order to be successful. That’s why fast-food restaurants also ask customers if they “want fries with that” or if they can super-size their combo.

In the case of paint and decorating stores, add-ons can consist of a myriad of products. If a customer buys paint, the sales staff can suggest brushes, rollers, painting trays, painter’s tape and a myriad of other products. But several retailers are getting creative with their add-on sales suggestions that extend beyond what you might ordinarily find in a paint and decorating store.

A few examples of less-than-ordinary add-on ideas:

Soybean Candles

James Wolcott, Sioux City Paint & Decorating, Sioux City, Iowa, has done really well with soybean wax candles. Customers are especially receptive to (more…)

Be Diligent With Accounts Receivable

Monday, April 26th, 2010

ducksPosted by: Diane Capuano

In today’s economy, more people are struggling to pay their bills—not just consumers but professionals as well. This means that, as a retailer, you are delinquencies are running higher than they have in the past. In particular, many of your professional painting customers are having a hard time of it, and you may think that expecting them to keep current when they are lacking in business is expecting too much. However, keep in mind that you don’t want to put yourself in a hardship just so your customers can sustain themselves. Your first priority is to you, your employees and the viability of your own business. (more…)

Five New Year’s Resolutions for Independent Retailers

Thursday, December 31st, 2009
2010Posted by: Diane Capuano

With 2010 on our doorstep, now is the time for New Year’s resolutions. You can hope that 2010 will be a better year economically than 2009 was. But you shouldn’t leave your fate entirely to economic circumstances that you cannot control. Take charge of your own business by making resolutions that will improve your business performance. Here are five suggestions.

1. Try something new.

You know the definition of insanity, don’t you? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. (more…)

Retailers Gear Up for 2010

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
cover echoPosted by: Tamela Adamson-McMullen

Paint and decorating retailers had to endure the effects of a tough recession in 2009. What are their expectations for 2010? Paint & Decorating Retailer magazine spoke to several retailers, who said they are staying the course by focusing on customer service, updating products and equipments and crossing their fingers that all of it pays off next year.

Here are some of their strategies, as first reported in the November 2009 issue of the magazine. (more…)

Maximize Retail Sales Now: 5 Proven Strategies

Monday, November 23rd, 2009
Posted: Diane Capuano, PDR magazine executive editor

In today’s economic climate, every customer who enters your store is aDOLLAR precious resource. Your success depends upon how well you serve them and how well you market and merchandise your products to take optimum advantage of their presence in your store. Here are five tips that are geared toward maximizing your results in that endeavor:

  1. Emphasize quality Display your premium products prominently. When arranging good-better-best assortments, make sure the best-quality products are at eye level so that customers see these first and can easily reach for them. Make sure your salespeople start a sales transaction by talking about your highest-quality products. Remember: It’s always possible to move (more…)