Consumer Sales Promotion – Doing it the Right Way

Sales promotion plays a vital role in promoting the products and its sales. As sales promotion is an activity directed towards the channel members as well as the end consumers. Each type of sales promotion has different types of activities involved like sales promotional tools that work good for wholesalers and distributors may not be appropriate for consumers. Similarly, sales promotion tools deployed for end consumers may be ineffective when employed against the wholesalers and retailers. Some of the most widely used ways to entice customers are discussed here:

1.Lucky draws
2.Free samples
3.Loyalty rewarding
4.Free product extras
5.Events invites
6.Discount coupons
7.Special price offers for limited periods
8.Trading opportunities
9.Consumer involvement in product design (lays chips)

1.Lucky draws
In this type of sales promotion the company usually asks the customers to send the empty packets or coupons of the product. The company then announces special prizes for the lucky ones out of draw. This scheme in the past has significant impact on the sales increase. This is one of the most costly methods of sales promotion but can have instant impact, provided the whole campaign has been handled well.

2.Free samples
This kind of technique is employed for either a new company and its new product or an existing company with a new product. At times the product’s packaging is changed. This also needs to be communicated to the customer. In this case small number of free samples is also given to the customers. Usually this method is used for two purposes. First is that customers should be able to identify the product. Second, the customer should use it without cost to know the utility he can derive from the use of that product. A company that persuades costumers through its products quality but due to lack of customer’s attention towards the specific product usually tries it to take advantage from this kind of promotion.

3.Loyalty rewarding
Under this method a company rewards customers for his regular purchase of the product or service offered. This technique not only helps to retain customers, but also making this realization to customer that company values his decision to purchase its products.


4.Free product extras
When the competition amongst companies on certain products gets intense, they often struggle hard to get the attention of their customers. When the products of different companies usually provide the same utility, then customers start comparing their prices and quantities. Usually a company charging more money for smaller quantities has to readjust its quantities or give some extra quantity in same price.

5.Events invites
At times the companies want to see the direct reactions of the customers to their products. In this search, companies often try to organize events that involve competitions while consuming their products. Like a detergent maker might hold a competition amongst house wives for washing clothes or other fun relating activities like a paint competition among kids. It is not necessary that the company’s events directly relate to its product. The company however tries its best to establish a connection, so it can promote the use of its products.

6.Discount coupons
Discount coupons are also one of the most widely used methods by a company to promote its products. In this method the company sends discount coupons hidden in its boxes. The customer who gets the discount coupons is sure to get the benefit. So he will usually make the purchases at discounted rates. Companies at times give time limits attached to the coupon. By including this intended pun, the companies cleverly make the customers go for purchases within a specified time. This helps company boost its sales for a specified period of time.

7.Special price offers for limited periods
In this case the company’s target is to increase sales only for a specific period. The company offers products at discounted rates for limited time.

8.Trading opportunities
Some of the companies also offer a trade in for older products. There are hundred of examples on it. For example television makers have long used this technique. By this way the consumers are given some reimbursement on the new purchase made.

9.Consumer involvement in product design
There is another sales promotion method which is very unique and advance. This type of method has been in vogue for quite some time now. One of the major benefits of this method is that when the consumer is involved in making of a product, he then not only appreciates the product but also uses it. He considers it as a product of his own creativity.

Source:
UK Wholesalers

International Export Packaging – A checklist

In international export, it may take several days, even weeks before the products reach to the customer, after being dispatched by exporters. Being an exporter, it's your responsibility to package all exporting items in a way that your customers will acquire them in excellent condition. Apart from protection; packaging is also used for marketing (labels & logos) or information (guidelines for consumers) purposes. Exporting products are vulnerable against physical shocks, crushing, climate change, mishandling, etc and the packaging should be able to safeguard them against all these hazards. Though the packaging standards differ with the countries and products, there are some minimum requirements that you need to take care of.

Packaging Box and Tapes:

Usually cardboard boxes are used when packaging for shipment. Always use firm boxes with proper flaps; extra padding (or cushioning) is compulsory for breakable items. Size of the box should be according to the product size, not too small (that you have to forcefully stuff all items inside) and not too large (that the goods can move around and clash with each other). Use separate wrapping for each item. If the products are of fragile nature, you can use wooden box for extra protection. Use standard tapes instead of normal household tapes, special tapes for packaging purpose are easily available. Extra safety measures are needed when you are exporting "food" items.

Addressing & Labeling:

Recipient address should be clearly mentioned, also the sender address where the products will return in case they don't reach the addressee. Also, mention the recipient contact number to ensure the delivery. Your business or brand logos on the package can be used for marketing and promotional objectives. Sometimes attractive packaging is used as a competitor advantage. You can also use the packaging to communicate with the customers about the other products or services you are offering. If the products are fragile or breakable, you can state these characteristics outside the box and give instructions for careful handling.

When exporting to developed countries, be sure to obtain knowledge about the acceptable packaging standards in that country. You can also refer to ISO standards in these cases. It's better to have a clear idea of all the possible hazards that the products can face before they will reach their destination. Remember the main motives of packaging that includes physical protection, quality preservation, storage convenience, marketing and product information. Adopting world-class standards is vital when doing international export, not only your product but your packaging should be of export quality in order to stand out.

Source:
UK Wholesalers