Pro Tips: What promotions do you run to entice sales?

Promotions are a huge part of a mobile tool distributor's business. Whether you're using them to get rid of old stock or just trying to give your customers a great deal, most distributors have at least one promotion running at all times. These deals can vary from your classic buy one, get one free to more unique approaches like playing darts to win store credit. Some distributors have even begun using AI to help them put together the best deals possible. So, if you're stuck on what promo to try next on your truck, check out what these distributors are doing to make more sales. 

Pro Tips is a monthly series from Professional Distributor offering advice from mobile tool distributors to mobile tool distributors on how to best run your business whether you're a veteran or just starting. If you have any 'Pro Tips' you'd like to share or topics you'd like covered please email [email protected].   

1. Buy this, get that

"I'm always running tech specials on the truck, but they have to come out to see those. I do giveaways and stuff like that to help drive business. You know, if they buy this wrench, they'll get a free shirt or items like that."

-Josh Stottlemire, Mac Tools

2. Play games with your customers

"Usually, about once a month, we'll do either giveaways, or I have a wheel that you can spin for the chance to get some percentage off on stuff, [usually] specific items. The ones that seemed to work the best were the 'Try Your Luck' games, where it was either a scratch-off ticket or it was throwing darts at a dartboard."

-Dawson and Jessica Michael, Cornwell Quality Tools

3. Keep it interesting

"I have a promo shelf that I change weekly with different deals. I will also put games on the truck, whether it's darts or raffles for prizes that you can win credits. I even sometimes play simple rock, paper, scissors to make them feel like they're getting something ... and they have fun doing it. I always try to keep it interesting. That way, it keeps them excited to come to the truck every week."

-Paul Gast, Mac Tools

4. Utilize AI

"I use [AI] a lot for promotions. The way I address it would be ... I'd like to promote Milwaukee. It'll look up deals for me and ... put a bundle together for me and say, 'You should promote this.' It will come up with a script for me. I don't like to use the script. They're a little aggressive ... but it comes up with promotions, and with certain things I should do with the tool." 

-Eddie Parraguirre, Independent

5. Sell in bundles

"I take multiple items like a set of screwdrivers, a set of picks, and prybar and I'll shrink wrap them together and I'll make a promo saying 'Hey, this is $450, today it's $325, and you take this all with you' and I think the customers really appreciate that because they're getting a deal on something and it's also helping me move a bulk of product at the same time."

-Jared Hull, Cornwell Quality Tools