Now what do I do?

[Patrick62]

I started a new job less than a week ago. Local hardware store. Today I had to do put some stock away. Yes, they are selling chainsaws. Poulan.

3 days into the job and already I am figuring I am going to have to discuss this with the boss. Is it possible to atleast sell something is a little more serious? Since the "homeowner" walks into the place I can't expect them to plunk down big $$$ for a pro saw.

Around here you can get Husqvarna west of town, and Stihl 25 miles south.

How much can you get for your 99 to 129 anyway??

-Pat

 

[rmihalek]

Heck, if you can instruct the homeowner to keep the chain sharp, don't run the chain into the dirt and to be sure to use pre-mix, you'll be miles ahead of the usual hardware store dudes!

 

[Timberhauler]

Heck, if you can instruct the homeowner to keep the chain sharp, don't run the chain into the dirt and to be sure to use pre-mix, you'll be miles ahead of the usual hardware store dudes!

I'll second that...If you can pass along some knowledge that would be good.

 

[clearance]

Start pushing the p.p.e. on people that use saws, helping them out, helping out you and your boss.

 

[chowdozer]

Heck, if you can instruct the homeowner to keep the chain sharp, don't run the chain into the dirt and to be sure to use pre-mix, you'll be miles ahead of the usual hardware store dudes!

Yep! +1
Maybe you could convince the owner to let you give a few weekend classes? Safety, chain filing, using wedges when bucking logs. You know, all the good stuff they need to know. If you make the classes free you may even increase business. They'll certainly come to you to ask questions. It's a good way to earn customer respect.

edit: I think there are alot of people that have chainsaws, or buy saws that don't ask questions because they don't want to look stupid. If you teach them the basics, they don't have to ask and they feel better because they know the correct way.

 

[Sprig]

Start pushing the p.p.e. on people that use saws, helping them out, helping out you and your boss.

Absolutely on da money!
Instruction & some honesty about the product (short of slaggin' it) will get you further imho. If people understand 'well it ain't a faller's saw but.......it'll cut wood for a while if treated right' , I'm sure you get the picture. Sometimes you have to make the best of a weird situation, but, you're there to make money, the bossman money, and your customers satisfied and happy........ (I would have a suggestion or three for da man though, but, only if you're gonna stay and see it through, there could be a very good reason why its a limited selection, like noone knows fa or the co. don't wish to be 'involved'). Some big variables involved man, follow yer heart and keep it (and you) happy too imho.



Serge

 

[IchWarriorMkII]

Where are you at in CO?

You might be able to push some 455's and 350's out the door, for the more serious homeowners...

I'd definately push the sharp chains and basic maintenence.

 

[stihl 440]

sharp chains

Where are you at in CO?

You might be able to push some 455's and 350's out the door, for the more serious homeowners...

I'd definately push the sharp chains and basic maintenence.

Yup, I would definetly push sharp chains and PPE. :biggrinbounce2:

 

[Patrick62]

excellent suggestions!

I really like the one about "weekend classes" and I would look good stomping around in my saw pants!!

If (when) I end up talking to some prospective buyer I am going to have to chomp my tongue to keep the positive attitude. Yea, it will cut for awhile. The problem is when it is hauled back to the store cause it fell apart.

Yes, It is all about selling the saw... If the customer asks what I use for a saw I can not tell a lie! I will have to explain that I got a little more serious about cutting.

Sharpening, PPE, etc. all good ideas. I think when we set up in the new building I am going to suggest that we do a little chain sharpening. Why not?

Excellent ideas from you guys.. Thanks!

-Pat (I would prefer Jred's...)

 

[dtnodya]

Buy a Poulan and cut with it ... tell customers you use a Poulan sometimes ... :monkey:

Most hardware stores like lowes, sell Poulan and Husky (most of the Huskys are Poulans) ... But HD sells Echo saws. I'd buy a NEW Echo before a wildthing or something, so maybe inquire about an addition of a different brand.

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

If the boss doesn't think classes are a good idea, the boss is an idiot. BUT DON'T TELL HIM THAT! That's a GREAT way to get traffic into the store! It also does something VERY important - it sets your store apart from the competition. Marketing people call it "differentiation". If you DON'T offer something to set you apart, you have to compete on price only. That's not a recipe for big profits unless you have Wal-Mart's volume.


Don't sweat the better saws. If your classes go over well, that will come in time as the store's reputation gets around and you start getting people ASKING for better saws. That's your boss's que to start carrying better saws, and who better to advise him than you? Chances are, your boss knows little about saws.

Also, don't worry about The Question. Just tell them honestly, "Well, I do a lot of cutting, so I use a professional grade saw. These Poulans are okay for the occasional user, but they aren't made for heavy use." DON'T say, "I use a REAL saw. These Poulans are good enough for people who don't know any better, but they aren't made for SERIOUS use." See the difference? Don't be superior, and don't beat on the Poulans. Your boss will be happy, and you'll have planted a seed. The truth is, not everybody WANTS a good tool. Don't assume that they do! Most just want the cheapest thing that will get them by.

 

[Husky137]

Start pushing the p.p.e. on people that use saws, helping them out, helping out you and your boss.

And lots of rope.:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[dtnodya]

Also, don't worry about The Question. Just tell them honestly, "Well, I do a lot of cutting, so I use a professional grade saw. These Poulans are okay for the occasional user, but they aren't made for heavy use." DON'T say, "I use a REAL saw. These Poulans are good enough for people who don't know any better, but they aren't made for SERIOUS use." See the difference? Don't be superior, and don't beat on the Poulans. Your boss will be happy, and you'll have planted a seed. The truth is, not everybody WANTS a good tool. Don't assume that they do! Most just want the cheapest thing that will get them by.

Good point.

 

[SawTroll]

Buy a Poulan and cut with it ... tell customers you use a Poulan sometimes ... :monkey:

Most hardware stores like lowes, sell Poulan and Husky (most of the Huskys are Poulans) ... But HD sells Echo saws. I'd buy a NEW Echo before a wildthing or something, so maybe inquire about an addition of a different brand.

No Huskys "are Poulans", even though a couple of models are assambled by Poulan.
They are not, repeat not, rebadged Poulans.

The engine, crank, etc is made in Sweden.