Independent distributor Nathen Arnold says that a successful tool business nowadays must compete with the online stores as well. He does this himself by having multiple digital avenues that allow customers to reach him when he’s not at their shop, including an e-commerce website, a downloadable smartphone app and a Facebook page for his business.
“It’s critical in this day and age to communicate. Guys can get ahold of me any way they need to,” he says.
Arnold’s website provides customers’ access to purchase products. The app covers product details such as pricing, demonstration videos and additional contact information regarding products. Using the social media site Facebook allows Arnold to communicate with his customers by running contests. He also encourages participation by posing questions or having customers post videos of themselves using tools.
While the website and app serve to help Arnold stay in contact with customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they also help his business stay competitive with online retail giants like Amazon and eBay. He says he usually wakes up before starting his route for the day and will have orders to fill from the website.
“I don’t know where it’s going to go in the future, with the Internet growing as much as it is; I don’t know if everyone is going to make it,” Arnold says, of the mobile tool business. “So, you have to adjust your thinking and embrace it.”
