How to Turn $14.00 into $234.99….effortlessly!

One of my sister's kids was about to have a birthday and a swag of hungry kids was about to descend on her house. I'd offered to help so I made out my shopping list with all the usual birthday goodies and headed off to the supermarket. On the way, I decided to stop at the Party Supplies shop to get a couple of those helium balloons that have Happy Birthday written all over them.  

It was a huge store and I was on a mission so I asked one of the staff to point me in the direction of the balloons.  I dashed over to the balloon aisle, chose a couple and headed for the cash register. The sales assistant kindly asked me if I wanted them filled with helium, which I did, and then she proceeded to ring up the $14 sale.  She handed me the filled balloons and I was just turning to go when another sales assistant approached and commented, “Nice balloons, good choice.” I smiled, agreed with her and nearly got away, but then she said, “So are you having a party?”

"If you can call a houseful of screaming kids running riot a party, then yes, I am.”

“I know what you mean. My sister just threw a “Sweet 16” party for her daughter. Who knew 8 teenage girls could make such a mess?! So you’re having it at your place? Are you having caterers in or are you going to do it all yourself?”

“Yes, I’m doing it all and I’d better get …….”

“It’s a big job. I hate to think of the mess. Are you going to use paper plates and cups?”

“Actually, I was just headed to the supermarket and they were on my list.”

“Good idea. That will make it a lot easier to clean up. Did you know we have paper plates here? They’re on the back wall along with all the other disposable catering supplies. What about decorations? Have you organised the rest of the decorations for the party?”  

“Well, no, I was going to get those from the supermarket too.”

Half an hour later, I left the Party Supply Store laden with party supplies, paper plates and cups and plastic cutlery. My wallet was $234.99 lighter, but I’d saved myself time, got some terrific stuff and still had time to pick up the party pies and sausage rolls from the supermarket. I took a quick run through the party supplies aisle at the supermarket. Not only did I get a better deal at the Party Supply Store, but the selection was much better too.  

That sales assistant could have let me just walk out of the Party Supply Store with my two helium balloons, but I’m sure glad she didn’t.  All it took was a few simple questions tucked neatly into a general conversation.

Every conversation with a customer is a selling opportunity. It just doesn’t have to seem like it to the customer. You don’t need to put the pressure on them;  all it takes is a casual conversation and genuine interest in their answers. Add in a healthy dose of curiosity and you have the perfect salesperson. 

Selling Add-ons can make all the difference to your business and to the customer.  They feel you really care and it can save them time and money and make their life easier.