Maximizing Sales: Utilizing Business Cards for Outlet Store Discounts

[emiscookin]

Since I am new, I don't know a whole lot about the outlet store.

Something my Director does is she makes up business cards about ordering from the outlet store. Then she gives those cards to the host to place in the bags with the guests orders.

Now, I dunno about you, but if I ordered something at a PC party, got my items and saw the card about how to get stuff at a discount from the outlet store...I would just buy stuff from there because I would be getting a discount! That concerns me because that would mean I, as the consultant, could lose sales.

UNLESS, you get commission on orders people place at the outlet store through your website?

 

[lesliec]

I think you do get comissions on the outlet stuff, not 100%, but I know there are flyers and such out there, and I wouldn't think people would promote it if there wasn't some compensation there.

 

[cookingwithdot]

yes, you do get commission on outlet sales through your web site. I have found that most people will order the new stuff AND outlet. I always tell them about outlet after they order or if someone mentions a product that I know is currently on outlet.

 

[smspamperedchef]

think of the online outlet as a bonus to your business. You make commission on all online sales as long as you have your own personal web site. Let customers know that they can go on the outlet to find all the old great classic products that are now discontinued. Let them know it is updated usually monthly and you never know what you'll find!

 

[leftymac]

Trust...we wouldn't be promoting the outlet as much as we do if we didn't get commission off of it. That'd be customer service to the extreme.

 

[kdangel518]

Typically there's never something in the outlet that's in the catalog, at least not the same version. We of course get commission on outlet sales, but the outlet is just a bonus- like the "backroom/basement" discount section. A hodge podge of discontinued/limited edition items that are left in stock that PC is trying to get rid of that you can purchase at a discount. Why WOULDN'T you promote the outlet? It drives people to your website for repeat business, when they normally may not have visited, and they potentially end up purchasing additional full price items as well!

 

[NooraK]

Yes, you get your regular commission on outlet sales. Whatever sales level you reach that month, that's the commission percentage you get on outlet sales, too.

All of the items on the outlet are previously retired, and no longer available in the regular catalog. Sometimes the items have been re-styled and the new version is in the catalog, but for the most part it's stuff that can't be found elsewhere (well, except maybe eBay).

It's definitely beneficial to your business to promote the outlet. It's sales you get without spending much time and effort in obtaining them.

 

[DebbieJ]

Of course you get commission on it!I hand out an outlet card to each guest as they check out at the show and also give extras for the host to hand out with outside orders. I often have show guests order from my outlet several days after the show was held.

 

[chefjeanine]

Of course you get commission on it!

I hand out an outlet card to each guest as they check out at the show and also give extras for the host to hand out with outside orders. I often have show guests order from my outlet several days after the show was held.

Debbie,

Did you print up something official (for instance on Vista) in a business card style or is it a flyer? Would you be willing to share?

I tell everyone about the Outlet when have them complete the customer care card (explain that the only way to the Outlet is through my website) and am asking them for their email address to put them on my newsletter list. However, I don't have a handout which would be especially good for those who don't give me their email address.

 

[DebbieJ]

Debbie,

Did you print up something official (for instance on Vista) in a business card style or is it a flyer? Would you be willing to share?

I tell everyone about the Outlet when have them complete the customer care card (explain that the only way to the Outlet is through my website) and am asking them for their email address to put them on my newsletter list. However, I don't have a handout which would be especially good for those who don't give me their email address.

Yes, I made a postcard on Vista. Baby just woke up so I'll have to come back and share it.

 

[babywings76]

Another thing to look at is who is frequenting the outlet. Those people are great candidates for hosting--they love bargains! Or they are die hard PC junkies!

 

[esavvymom]

It's a great way to keep people interested in your website- and to get your newsletter. It's not competition at all for our products! Nothing on there is available in the catalog- in fact, it's a great way for them to find those lost "treasures" that they missed out on, or need replaced, or give as cheap-gifts!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Yes you get commission, but ONLY if you HAVE a web site! If you don't, then they won't be able to find it! In that case, I would just keep references to it low key, like, "these microfiber towels are great, but if cranberry doesn't match your kitchen, they usually have other colors on the outlet. It's where discontinued products go when they are retired ..."

 

[emiscookin]

Thanks for the info everyone!

 

[cookingwith_tara]

someone correct me if I'm wrong... but I don't think there are guarantees with outlet orders, right?

 

[Bren706]

Debbie,

Did you print up something official (for instance on Vista) in a business card style or is it a flyer? Would you be willing to share?

I tell everyone about the Outlet when have them complete the customer care card (explain that the only way to the Outlet is through my website) and am asking them for their email address to put them on my newsletter list. However, I don't have a handout which would be especially good for those who don't give me their email address.

Jeanine, Here are labels for the back of business cards, as well as something I put in guest folders (or hand out at booths). I found both here on CS a while ago

 

[NooraK]

someone correct me if I'm wrong... but I don't think there are guarantees with outlet orders, right?

Correct. Outlet items are only guaranteed against damage occurred in shipping.

 

[DebbieJ]

Here's mine

 

[chefjeanine]

Brenda & Deb,Thank you for posting these! I'm going to pursue creating something formal to hand them at checkout.