Sales Tip: You can't sell it if you don't stock it

April 25, 2025
Some customers are focused on the right now, and if you don't have what they need already, you'll lose that sale.

Aside from keeping two tool trucks, independent distributor Mike Yarter does a few other things to set himself up for success -- starting with keeping a lot of inventory on board. So much so that he’s even had customers comment that he has the most out of the other trucks in the area.

“I've learned over the years that these individuals are very what's-on-their-mind-right-now … so when they come on [my] truck and they see it, ‘Oh, man, that's what I need, right there.’ It helps my sales,” Yarter says.

It’s not just a surplus of inventory that helps Yarter make the sale, it’s the customer service he offers. If a customer calls him saying they need a tool right away, Yarter doesn’t hesitate to use his personal vehicle to drive it to their location. He also handles all the warranties for his customers. If a tool is broken and needs to be repaired or replaced, Yarter will reach out to the company and get it handled for the technician. On top of that, he will help finance larger purchases for some customers who may not have the credit to finance the purchase themselves.

About the Author

Emily Markham | Editor | PTEN and Professional Distributor

Emily Markham is the editor of  Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) and Professional Distributor magazines. She has been writing about the automotive aftermarket since 2019, after graduating from UW-La Crosse with a bachelor's degree in English. During her first three years with Endeavor Business Media's Vehicle Repair Group, Markham also wrote for Fleet Maintenance magazine. 

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