Two easy ways to increase sales
Sure it’s easy! Just spend a small
fortune on advertising, or devise a discount plan. But first,
check your bottom line before you continue and ask: “Can
I really afford it?”
Fortunately, there are other things to
try before making these costly moves. Here are just two very
practical new methods that I personally know were effective and
turned things around into sound profit and with long lasting
benefits.
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Open half-day Sunday. You’ll love
the convenience!
We’re not talking about being open
for production and all its labor and operating costs. But
several other vital activities will be going on. There will be
one person taking care of the counter and with clean-up duty,
arranging the front signs, etc. One maintenance person will
maintain the drycleaning unit, lubricate equipment, clean lint
traps, change filters and press padding, and fix other items
that can't be done during the work day, such as small painting
touch ups.
It’s also a good time for
bookkeeping since it's quiet and there are no interruptions
from phones or sales people and there’s a chance to
review correctly those expenses that need your full undivided
attention.
Incoming orders and pick-ups are
increased by 20 percent. Every plant that tried it, even for
brief periods, reported that amount. Hidden bonuses came in the
form of a lighter and more controlled Saturday and a sparkling
clean, trouble-free, smooth-running plant on Monday morning
with no more surprise break downs.
Here are some things to consider in
making this change. How is your location?
1. Are you adjacent to a mall or small
shopping center?
2. Have you an overcrowded parking
facility at present?
3. Are you catering to a business couple
clientele, or would your new hours attract more of these
potentially better customers?
4. Is your present competition
unable to utilize this advantage?
5. Are other businesses near you open on
Sundays, or would they contemplate such a change if more
participated?
The second idea: Have you given serious
thought to having your customers pay in advance? I have been
amazed at the success of this practice. When you’re sure
your prices are correct and in line and your markup is right
where it belongs, it’s time to start asking customers,
“Would you like to take our offer of 10 percent off by
pre-paying?
It’s a one-time procedure. You
explain to the customer that you will simply scan any standard
credit card and, thereafter, when they receive their monthly
credit card statement it will show your cleaning charges and
the discount they received.
Customers can then pick-up their clothes
at their convenience and the payment will be automatic.
Customers will love the convenience since it seems
they’re getting less use for carrying cash every day.
Plus, you are offering a discount.
Drycleaners will be amazed how few
finished clothes remain on their racks. It seems that when
clothes are paid for they are called for. Also, it’s a
pleasure to see your finished products not being crushed on the
conveyor, and now you don’t have to be mother and father
to those clothes for month after month. And there’s the
elimination of liability and also the problem of disposal or
unclaimed garments.
It’s one job less with everyone
happy. An appreciative customer with a discount, your cash flow
improved, and all with manageable rack space.
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