How to Sell American Flags

Set your sales goals as high as the American flag flies.

When the owners of Good's Store in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania refused to sell American flags, the local television station ran the story. Reactions from viewers were extreme. Most didn't understand why the shopkeepers were simply honoring their Anabaptist faith by not stocking American flags. As a sales professional, you could run into similar situations, particularly as our society becomes more diverse. Your job will be to come up with so many reasons to buy American flags, even the folks in Pennsylvania will think twice before saying no.

Instructions

1. Prepare for your career selling flags in a variety of ways -- get early experience in retail sales, take classes in sales techniques at a local community college and read books on selling so you're prepared to meet all types of customers once you're in the field. While you're honing your sales skills, become a mini-expert on flag manufacture and trends in patriotic product sales, and learn as much about Betsy Ross and the evolution of American flag designs over time to win over customers.

2. Contact flag manufacturers in your geographic area. Ask about job openings in sales. Hand over your resume, even if there are no current openings. Overcome the objections of business owners who say they don't need a salesperson because their American flag sales are already strong or they don't want to pay a commission to a sales representative. Talk about the clever marketing strategies you're prepared to use to grow their businesses at a faster rate -- you may even want to negotiate a "trial run" to prove your point.

3. Take the road less traveled when you start your American flag sales business. Patriotism is a hot button for people of all ages, so when you make up a list of potential cold calls to prospects, don't limit the types of stores you approach. Florists, gas stations, auto dealerships -- even school supply stores may turn out to be great places to sell flags if you can convince buyers that patriotic parents won't need much encouragement to pick up a small flag for their kids' bikes when they purchase supplies.

4. Stock a variety of sizes in your sales case so when you make calls you're prepared to have potential customers examine the workmanship of your samples. Talk up the quality of construction and integrity of the dyes, embroidery and fabric. Offer a guarantee and a "certificate of authenticity" if the manufacturer you represent stands behind its American flags with these assurances.

5. Take advantage of all types of opportunities. Set up a tent at fairgrounds, flea markets, ball games and other family-friendly events. Sell retailers over-sized American flags for their storefronts and windows. Develop new flag-related products (e.g., flag pins, car flags) to diversify the line. Design special promotions around Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, September 11 and holidays. According to the National Flag Foundation, around 20 million flags are sold every year. Make sure your sales efforts are an outstanding part of next year's totals.

References

• WGAL: Local Store Decides Not to Sell US Flags
• American Flags.org: National Flag Foundation
• American Flags.com
• American Flags: Flags Boost Business
• Entrepreneur: 3rd Annual Million Dollar Ideas
• Flea Market Zone: Tea Party Products Sell Well at Flea Markets