How do I Sell Solar Lights?
One might say solar lights are the type of product that "sells itself." All the benefits are built-in. They don't raise your energy bill, most operate without wires, and using them reduces our impact on the planet. But though the perks are obvious, habit often wins in the marketplace. Many consumers buy the products they have always purchased until an outside influence pushes them to change their habits, such as financial difficulties or great advertising. Break their fossil fuel-burning habits and convince consumers to buy solar lights.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Buy solar lights directly from a green manufacturer or wholesale company affiliated with a solar light manufacturer. Buy enough inventory to meet your sales goal for the next three months, along with a few extras to display to customers.
-
2
Make a list of all the publications your potential customers read when they want to learn about renewable energy sources. In your calendar, mark all events coming to your area that are focused on green living and renewable energy. Make a list of gardening and landscaping magazines as well, as many solar light fixtures are sold for landscaping elements.
-
-
3
Create a marketing message that highlights the benefits of using solar lights, and go beyond the clichés of reducing impact on the planet. Create a message that is funny, dramatic, catchy, or gravely serious. Most importantly, design your message to be memorable.
-
4
Hire a professional writer to create an advertorial about the type solar lights you sell. Advertorials often are two-page ad spreads that look just like the other articles in a publication, but are geared towards selling products. Use your ad to educate readers on the benefits of solar lights and how they are manufactured. Take the time to debunk myths about the expense of "going green." List contact information for readers who want to place orders or request details.
-
5
Print business cards. Use the writer you hired to create a brochure about your solar lighting products. Attend events focused on sustainable living in your area. If possible, rent a booth at fairs and festivals. Hand out brochures to fair visitors and display your solar products. Print plenty of order forms.
-
6
Cold call businesses in your area and ask to speak with the manager, owner or the person in charge or ordering supplies. Introduce yourself. Greet them politely, then quickly transition into sales mode by telling them how you could help their business. For example, explain that you could save them thousands on their electric bill or eliminate their need to buy light bulbs.
Present the benefits of using solar lights. Ask permission to visit the business and show them how well the lights work in person. Before ending the conversation, ask for the sale if it feels appropriate. Remind the customer of a benefit that seemed to pique his interest earlier in the conversation. End with a strong and specific pitch, such as "How many solar lamps will you order today for your walkway?"
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Solar energy image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com
