Boost sales with product demonstrators and sampling

Today’s SME’s are overwhelmed by so MANY marketing activities.

• Seamless branding and signage
• Eye-catching and spotless stores
• Traditional advertising locally
• Digital marketing all over cyberspace
• Build a following and engage on social media

It never ends. Sometimes we forget about the success of the good old door-to-door salesman; the 50’s product demonstrators. These handsome salesman took their product directly to the target to showcase its features and win over their buyers.

Instead of relentlessly telling people about your company and your products, show them. Let them try it; get your customers involved and make them feel included in your story. Illustrating what you’re all about in real life, to real people, in real time is still very powerful.

Engage and listen to your customers

What better way to get feedback about your products than instantly. Brands spend a lot of time sending out surveys, monitoring brand mentions online, and eavesdropping on customer conversations about their products on social media. Get feedback from your customers straight away, welcome their honesty and listen to what they say. You’re not just showcasing your product and giving out freebies, you’re demonstrating that you care about what your consumers think, and that their satisfaction is number one.

Hire expert product demonstrators to put on a show

The door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesmen were impeccably dressed and presented, well trained, believable and engaging. The 50’s housewife felt like she needed the product she’d observed in action, and she didn’t want to disappoint the nice man that took the time to solve her vacuuming woes. The ultimate face-to-face marketer.

Professional product demonstrators confidently exhibit your brand and products while charming and enchanting your audience. While they’re doing what they do best, you and your staff have the opportunity to observe how your products are being received and collect valuable feedback. With a talented ambassador at the helm of your demonstration, you have the time to strike up conversations with your consumers, up-sell, collect their details, and their orders.

Everyone loves a goody bag

Give your customers something to take away. It is said that 50% of people keep and use a branded promotional item. No joke, i’m looking around my desk and I have a Fender mouse pad (very cool in the shape of a guitar pick), a Cadbury pen (now I feel like chocolate) and a Moogully ruler. I never EVER use a ruler; but I kept it. I’ve had these things for years. Put together some small promotional items and/or a little sample bag to give out to customers that stop to participate in your demonstration. This is particularly useful if your product is a little pricey, or something customers are not likely to purchase on a whim. They will keep and use these items. It will help them remember your brand, your demonstration, and you fondly.

Tempt your buyers with a nearby bargain

You’ve engaged and entertained your customers with your perfect demonstration, you’ve given them a sample, or a goody bag of promo treats – now they have to awkwardly thank you and slink away without purchasing…we all feel a little rude doing that. If there was a beautifully presented table nearby with inexpensive, useful, tasty or attractive products at an irresistible price, they’re very likely to part with a few dollars in appreciation. Whatever your bargain may be, ensure that it’s well branded, or accompanied with a flyer, business card or catalogue.

Make your product demonstration a multi-channel campaign

You have a beautiful talented professional showing off your goods, and there’s a buzz around your shop/stall/booth/corner of the street. Job done right? Wrong. VIDEO IT. Live stream it to social media, encourage customers to check-in or enter a #hashtag comp to win a prize. Post-live edit your video and polish it for your website. Take plenty of photos, and build marketing collateral that can be used well into the future.

Much has changed over the last 80 years; but the principles of marketing are largely the same. People still love to buy from people. If you have a great product, allow your customers to experience it.

Anyway, thanks for reading – i’m off to get some chocolate…and I bet it will be Cadbury. I’ll leave you with this wonderful 1930’s ‘cold pantry’ commercial and this question…what on Earth happened to the evolution of fridges?? This is great!

AMS Promotions is a team of Account Managers, Marketers and Promotions specialists. Operating nationally with a pool of over 6,000 beautiful and talented promotional staff and models, we’re driven by exceeding your promotional goals and celebrating your success. Get in touch.

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