Weekend of meeting customers ...

[finchy]

Hi Chaps,

I must say, we have a great forum a good mix or experience (customers & trade) long may the debates and experience/knowledge transfer continue !!

I was in our local DIY store this weekend with our trade stand, a very mixed outcome. It was fascinating to watch people, some people try to avoid eye contact by hiding behind ironing boards or wood (very strange). I'm certainly not a natural salesman but I gave it my all. As I've posted there are a lot of misconception from the general public about solar. Also NIMBYs, who laugh and say I'll be dead before its paid back and when would the government ban them !!

The best one I heard from a chap who gave me his details "Do you do those new ones, the ones that 9 do the job of 16" I replied hmmmm no, I don't understand if its 250w its 250w - then he said the chap who was doing his "Windows" told him about them and is given him a quote. However I explained it he just wouldn't have it. He left it saying you go have a look and let me know if you can do them ....the double glaze chap must have brain washed him ! I said to him, my advice is never to trust a Double glaze window chap selling solar !!

Another chap I felt sorry for he basically had solar installed he didn't seem 100% happy. And needed some advice he told me which installer it was and then told me how much, which was around £3k more than we would have charged. Being a gentleman I didn't say anything about the price he paid, as I didn't want to make him feel bad so gave him some advice and he went on his way.

In all we booked 2 visits handed out quite a few flyers and had two commercial leads. So feel very positive, yeah I would have liked to spend the wkend relaxing but couldn't miss this opportunity.

We have one confirmed install this month from 3 surveys (1 a total time waster the other waiting other quotes). Have 2 surveys tomorrow & 2 next week....The customers are out there, we need to take it too them.

 

[whinmoor]

Interesting thoughts. I'd never considered doing this. Is it a branch of a nationwide chain or a local independent? Do they charge you for the privilege of accessing their customers? Did you actively approach people or wait and hope they would come to you?

 

[finchy]

I tried two approaches -

1 - ask virtually every person what came by if they were interested in Solar.
2- Looked to see interest in our display and stand - get eye contact and engage.

Number 2 worked better as the first approach was very demoralising. Quality not quantity, the last thing you want is to fins all your leaflets scattered around outside !

I do think it was hit and miss, but the customers aren't knocking at my door and I cant sit awaiting...

National chain of DIY, Good stores are hard to come by as the Double glaze gang book them up for a year at a time.

 

[babba]

Well done finchy and I agree with you there is business out there, just a case of getting off our backside and making it work.

 

[dansk]

Nice one Finchy, its the go get attitude that will keep you going! - made me chuckle, we did a exhibition at the NEC the other week (not offering solar) and its amazing looking direct into the eye thing - they dearnt look at you just incase you leap over and talk to em! lol, then its the oppostite way, once you've spoken to them they dont make eye contact on their way out.

For anyone thinking about it, there is a new exhibition here Exhibitor List and i dont see any solar companies exhibiting, nudge nudge wink wink, we are exhibiting but with a different hat on.