Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Layway in Direct Sales

Have you ever had a potential customer say “oh I’d love to buy that but I can’t afford it?” Most of us are taught to overcome that objection, to prove the worth or value of the product. However if the buyer truly can not afford the product, then no matter how convincing we are, a sale is not going to be made.

Have you considered offering a layaway option to those customers who can not afford the item right now? Many years ago, most major retail chains offered a layaway plan. Due to the cost of maintaining these programs, most stores did away with the layaway option. This is your chance to offer what the retailers don’t.

Write up the receipt for the product (s) that your customer wants and then set out the terms. Perhaps their order is $100 and they want to pay $20 per month, over 5 months. Why not accept this? In the end, you’ll have your $100 sale, they’ll have their products, and you’ll have a customer.

Remember, you are not a bank. If the customer comes to you wanting their money back, you are not a bank. When you write up your receipt be very clear there will be a $20 fee for any cancelled transaction.

Depending on the product (s) you sell, you may be able to order the product (s) 5 months down the road, once they are paid for. If you do have to order the product (s) up front, then again, on your receipt be very clear that if a payment is missed, the items will be sold and no money will be returned.

Usually customers are grateful for this service and you’ll get the $20 each month as promised.
Offering layaway to customers is a wonderful way to make yourself stand out as being different and unique.

Try advertising this service and watch your customer base grow.

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka

9 comments:

Connie said...

I miss that the stores don't offer layaway anymore. It used to be a great way to handle Christmas and birthday shopping!

KDC Events said...

WOW! Great idea! I also sell Gold Canyon Candles and I never thought of this approach before! I am going to try it out.
Thanks!
Denice
denicescandles.com

Pam said...

I just wanted to thank you for stopping by y blog. I do host the random recipe/recipe exchange. I usually keep the info for that on my sidebar...the next one is on Feb. 22 - I hope you'll join in!

Constance Chan said...

thanks for dropping by my blog today. :P i'm a tupperware fan, by the way.. been buying them for years! the airtight ones for cereals are just great!

j said...

Hi Audrey! My buddy Jerri (jerri's junque) does that for me at her antique store. Did you know Walmart has STOPPED allowing layaways? The evil empire, you know. Thanks for stopping by - Jennifer

Kelly said...

Im a Mary Kay lady and havent ever thought of that! But I am not implementing it at my next party.Thanks lady!

david mcmahon said...

We call it layby here in Australia. I came here from Daryle's blog.

mindi said...

That's a great idea for people offering something that layaway can be used for. Should boost sales!

Nadine said...

That is a good idea. I remember when some stores did this during Christmas.

Thank you for visiting today. It's nice to meet you.