Q: THis is the second time I am asking this. I really need all the help making sales that I can get. I have used alot of your ideas. Do you have any more? I am selling fireworks this year. I have a sweepstakes with a nice prize. I have fun red white blue hats and beads for the workers. I am showing a dvd of fireworks I am selling. I am playing patriotic music. I made decorations and signage. I have a balloon pop for free fireworks. Am I forgetting anything? Is there anything you can think of that I can do to make the buying experience more fun? so people will leave and go talk it up to their friends?
A: I sell fireworks myself. Don't overdo it. You want the customers to see fireworks and not everything else. Yes, a good gimic for them to remember you by and to pull them in but once they are there, you want them to forget everything but your items. I advertise in the paper with a nice sized ad, I put up flyers all over the city, I have a drawing for $150 worth of fireworks (you get one entry per every $10 they buy), I have a bubble machine during the day and a police beacon light up at night. Other than that, no more. Customers do not want to be overwhelmed. It is still early. We are doing great and it is only day 6. Business will only get better. How is your selection of fireworks? Do you have a nice selection and have it arranged in a specific order? I have at least 10 kinds of roman candles, over 25 novelty items, 8 sizes of family packs/bags, over 15 kinds of artillery, etc. I have all of the fountains grouped together, the novelty together, etc. It makes it easier for people to find what they need. Do you have good hours? I open from noon-9 p.m. on Sundays, Monday-Thursday I am open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday I am open from 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Are your prices reasonable and competitive? Have you visited some stands in the area and checked to see if you are too high? If so, consumers will go elsewhere for the best price. Go for quantity on the sales. Price your items to sell and still make a profit. I hope this helps. m