A simple checklist can awaken the impulse buyer in all of us

Impulse buying is when you pick up something that you had no intention of buying, but just happened to like what you saw on the spot.  My supermarket often catches me out with a chocolate fish on the counter by the till – a perfect example.  I got to thinking about that on my last trip to the vet with Basil, my schnauzer.

Most of us have pets and occasionally we have to take them to the vet – probably at least once a year for vaccinations, but generally more than that. And we all spend several minutes in the waiting room while our kitty-cat or bow-wow is waiting for his or her turn.

Now vets do not just sell their services. They have shelves stocked with all sorts of pet medication, toys, treats and the like. So here’s an opportunity for them. It wouldn’t take long to devise a straightforward checklist which is simply headed ”Is your pet in need of . . .” and then listing a few categories of products such as flea treatment, grooming products, special treats - and the list could go on for maybe 12 to 15 product categories. It is then a simple matter for the receptionist to hand me the card and say something like “Mr Hawkes, while you’re waiting, would you mind going through this checklist to ensure you have everything your pet needs”. Not only will this give me something to do but invariably it will lead to a further sale. It is simple, unobtrusive, and it works.

This doesn’t just apply to vets or other waiting rooms, it can apply to any business which requires you to wait while the business owner is doing something else to assist you. So have a think about it and if you need help in compiling a checklist, give me a call on  021 395 122. 

If you can awaken the impulse buyer in only half of your customers, think what it will do to your turnover.