Wondering how to sell a product online? In this post I share how to sell a product online, including seven integrity tips for mompreneurs in 2020.
What is integrity selling?
Many people avoid salespeople when making purchases. Some people hold the idea that there's something really wrong about the idea of selling people something they don't really want. Which we agree with.
If you feel this way, check out the book “Integrity Selling for the 21st Century” by Ron Willingham. I found his sales strategy refreshing and current for today's sales world. He calls his method “Integrity Selling”. I appreciate integrity greatly.
The demand for integrity is one of the most important factors in creating a profiting company in 2019. A good salesperson can be a very helpful tool in making an important investment. The right salesperson can actually mean the difference between purchasing something of great value to your business and something that is a waste of money.
Below are some of “integrity selling” ideas:
How to sell a product: Integrity selling tips for mompreneurs
1. Selling is a mutual exchange of value
People work hard for their money and when they decide to spend it, they want to believe what they are getting in return is of equal value to their hard earned money. Make sure the product your service you are selling, and the price you are selling it for are of equal value to both people. Also, make sure not to underprice yourself, this can lead to resenting your customers which is the exact opposite effect you want to have.
2. Selling isn't something you do to people, it's something you do for and with them
A truly effective salesperson will see a customer's need and work to meet it. If a customer needs a new outfit for a special occasion, a salesperson can easily understand her customer is in need of a certain type of purchase.
3. Developing trust and relationship with your customers is #1
If you want to sell your products, you're going to need to build trust in your brand and a friendly relationship with your customers in order for them to spend their hard earned dollars with your company. If you run out on the street and just start yelling for people to buy your products, they probably are going to run in the other direction.
But if you make friends with your customers, show them your value and then present some items they might be in need of, you're going to develop a trusting and mutually beneficial relationship and in turn make more sales.
4. Truth, respect and honesty create long-term relationships with customers
This is the biggest principal in sales for 2018. If you are truthful with your customers, even with some of the negatives of your business or products, you are more likely to win them over on a personal level then on just a business level. When you make a mistake, admit it immediately and do whatever you can to remedy the situation.
Customers are much more likely to forgive mistakes which are fixed, then mistakes which are left alone. Additionally, make sure you clearly state what you are selling so customers feel confident with their purchase. You don't want to create a negative situation when you sell someone something that they didn't realize they were getting.
5. Do not pressure your customers into buying
Pressuring someone into buying something is such an aggressive sales strategy. Customers innately will pressure themselves into buying something if they believe they really need, want or could use the product. There's no need to take it a step further and add an additional source of external pressure. Offer the product or service, then let the customers decide if it's right for them. If it is, then you've made the sale. If it's not, at least you've created a good connection with your customer, and if and when they decide to return, you've already made your pitch. Additionally, they're much more likely to talk about the great service they received with their friends the next time your business is mentioned.
6. Avoid being a swindler
Make sure your customers aren't feeling like there is a possibility of them being swindled. Back in the day it was a popular thing to sell people things they didn't need. Slimy salespeople would get excited thinking they got one over on their customers (i.e. the stereotypical 1970's used car dealers). These days, because everything is so transparent, and sites like Yelp help customers avoid swindling salespeople, the rules have changed. This is why it's so important that both parties feel like there is a mutual exchange happening in order for the sale to even get started.
7. Negotiation is never manipulation
Just because you are selling something to someone, it doesn't mean you need to manipulate them into buying it. A good sales pitch, which includes honesty, transparency and usefulness of the product. If you are lying and manipulating through the sale people will sniff out this type of behavior pretty easily and if you're caught doing it there goes all your trust with them, along with the sale.
