The Problem Solver: Simple Sales

Suggesting add-on merchandise with every order is the easiest and quickest way to increases sales and profits.

Everything is about money these days-- increasing sales, "up selling," increasing profits, "gorilla making," -- the whole lot. But the easiest way to increase sales in our stores is to suggest add-on merchandise with every order. Its getting the most we possibly can out of the customers we already have.

Marketing and advertising can be costly, and results can take a lot of time. But by simply concentrating on selling additional items or "up-selling" with every sale every day, we can increase sales and dramatically influence our bottom lines immediately!

Balloons are so easy to "bundle" with add-on sales merchandise. Candy, gourmet treats, greeting cards, mugs, plush, the list of possibilities goes on and on; look around your shop, and use your imagination!

For example, a cute little plush bear that you cover with Band-Aids accompanied by a cheery bunch of Get Well balloons ( put a Band-Aid on a couple of the balloons too!) elicits a "Wow" response from the recipient and creates instant recognition for the sender. And we all know what happens when anything chocolate is added to a balloon arrangement!

As professional balloonists, we can truly help our customers achieve the right amount of sentiment for any occasion, and when it comes to personal recognition, who doesn't want to go over the top? The very worst that can happen when suggesting an add-on item is that the customer will say "no." But 9 times out of 10, customers will appreciate the suggestion. Imagine that our attempts to increase add-on sales will be construed by our customers as a service and will be appreciated!

Opportunities for add-on sales present themselves every day. We just need to take the time to talk them up, add them on, and reap the benefits!

Linda Bruce CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company