Holiday Wish List for Marketers, Part 3

I want my business tools Electronics’ retailers don’t seem to believe that there’s lots of money to make from small and solo business owners. Perhaps that’s why products, outside of laptop computers, have been banished from stores in favor of games and music for the younger market.

There’s no doubt that young people who don’t have mortgages and car payments have more money to spend. That’s a hands-down fact. Now that we have that out of the way, today’s wish list is simple. I wish that electronics’ retailers acknowledge solo business owners by placing items that support our businesses in a small section of the store.

I remember when business products were prominent at these retailers. It was a pleasure walking in, finding what I wanted, and driving back to the office. Then the fun-and-games takeover began, forcing productivity tools off the shelves. It was such a drag.

This past summer, the Best Buy store in my area invited business owners to visit the store early one morning to see new and needy business gadgets. I’m glad I attended. Sales associates catered exclusively to what we wanted to see, touch, and try. Breakfast foods and drinks were provided. I even won a cellular phone, which I gave to my brother-in-law.

I want more business tools Staples is another store that occasionally satisfies us. Hewlett-Packard teams up with them in the summer, at least in my area, to introduce printers and other office equipment. Specialists are on site to explain how to network systems so they work together.

Seeing a product in action, before I buy, works best for me. It gives me more assurance that the item will streamline whatever task is on my list. Is that the way things work for you, too?

I have no problem buying from online sources. In fact, I purchase online quite often because local retailers no longer offer what I want, and if they do, online sources often sell the products at deep discounts. The word “discount,” cousin of the word “free,” as mentioned in Part 1, is another favorite of solo business owners. Online orders arrive at my doorstep, another plus.

I challenge electronics’ retailers to once again stock products that cater to us. Their profits are decreasing, according to published reports. Perhaps we can help each other.

If these retailers begin selling products that increase your productivity, will you consider buying, or are online sources part of your dream team?

Technorati Tags: small business marketing, solo business marketing, Best Buy, Staples, Hewlett-Packard, electronics retailers, retailers

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December 20, 2006 | Filed Under Offline Ideas, Problems & Solutions, Recent Entries

Comments

2 Responses to “Holiday Wish List for Marketers, Part 3”

Mitch on December 25th, 2006 12:45 am

That’s why I offer different types of major name brand products on my sales page, some geared towards the types of things business people might like, all offering special holiday savings. You’re right, because I went into Staples last week and only software seemed to be at holiday discount prices; too bad.
Shirley George Frazier on December 26th, 2006 12:07 pm

Hi Mitch,

Your words point to reasons why so many of us purchase online and we possibly do so more often in the future.

As a quick example, this morning I ordered several items online. I haven’t stepped out of my office; convenience in the midst of my workday is primary.

If brick and mortar stores don’t attempt to bring us in, they’ll lose us altogether.