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In the age of online shopping, it might surprise you to know that many people still prefer brick-and-mortar stores. According to a 2017 study by Statista, there are many industries in which 60% or more of the population prefer to purchase items in-store. Why? It’s all about assurance in the product they’re purchasing and the ability to experience the product before taking it home. Let’s look at four reasons why a physical store location is still a great idea.
People Want to Touch the Product
There’s something about getting your hands on a product that inspires confidence in its future performance. This is especially true in the automotive, appliance, hardware, jewelry, footwear, and even office supply industries. People want to be able to test, try on, feel, and examine your products, and they can’t do that if they’re looking at your products on a screen.
The Creation of Raving Fans
Raving fans are people who were so impressed by your services that they tell everyone they know to visit your location. When I walk into my local pet supply store, for instance, the staff greets me with a smile and a hello. I can ask any question and know if they aren’t certain about an answer, they’ll find it for me. As a result, I refer every pet owner I know to them.
It’s your job as a small business owner to make sure your staff is top-notch when it comes to customer care. An unfriendly salesperson will ruin your reputation, whereas a helpful, cheerful, and detail-oriented staff member will gain lifelong customers.
A Physical Salesperson
Speaking of staff, a physical salesperson can not only make your customers feel at home but also convince them to spend more money. A charming salesperson can help a customer fall in love with the latest model and help them purchase it right there in the store, even if the customer intended to buy online after asking a few questions. They can also encourage the purchase of things like warranties or accessories. This is why training your staff diligently will pay off in the long run.
Inspiring Customer Confidence
Charming salespeople aren’t the only things that can help customers feel more comfortable in your store. A concrete transaction right in front of them is much safer and more reliable than submitting their credit card information over the internet. Many people are refusing to buy online with the threat of identity theft looming. There are a variety of POS systems available that make in-store transactions simple to do and easy to track. Customers can also feel more confident returning items and replacing them without having to pay shipping fees or waiting weeks for the new item to arrive.
Pairing your local store with an easy-to-use website will keep customers coming through your doors. People want to be able to see what you carry, what the prices are, and where the store is located before coming in to buy.
