You only have one chance to make a good first impression. So, when new clients walk into your store, what do they see? Professionals hard at work? Neat displays of hearing device options? Informational literature on how to buy a hearing aid?
Or do they see something starkly different – dusty counter tops, disheveled staff, faded product posters slowly falling from the wall. The look, the feel of your hearing aid retail outlet will make you or break you – no matter how good you are as a hearing technologists.
The Exterior
First impression, once again.
If you’re looking for a location to open an independent dispensary, look for a central location even if the cost per square foot is a bit higher. You’ll make it up every time a motorist drives by your shop and sees the signage.
Yep, your business sign speaks volumes about your business. First, it should fit in with the rest of the commercial neighborhood and not stick out like a sore thumb. If you own a shop in a small, rural town, a glowing neon sign is probably not the way to go.
You can’t go wrong with a professionally, hand-painted sign that’s large enough to see from the road. If you move into a strip mall, your exterior is determined for you by lease agreement. Before you sign a five-year lease on a mall outlet, discuss what is and is not acceptable for signage.
If you’re already established as a business, take a look at the outside of your building. Does it need a coat of paint? How about a power wash to get rid of grimy build up. These aren’t big things but the do make an impression – even at the subliminal level.
From the moment a new client pulls into your store’s parking lot, s/he should feel confident in the decision to choose you as their hearing specialist.
Of course, lawns should be mowed and landscaping landscaped. Police the grounds each morning for debris that might blow in from the street. The point? Spotless on arrival. Your buyers are feeling better before they even walk into the store.
Inside the Hearing Aid Store
Once again, spotless. Everything. And if you don’t have the time to do it, hire a cleaning service so glass cases shine, the rug is spotless and the wastebaskets emptied.
Set your display cases up to draw the visitor deeper into the store. Place them toward the back, though they must be visible from the front door. If the prospect is a walk-in, often they’re out to gather information so make sure you have plenty of product and other marketing literature for take-aways. If you provide the information these window shoppers are looking for, when they finally decide to come in for an evaluation and a fitting, they’ll come to you.
Lighting is also important according to numerous marketing studies. The store should be well lit but not aglow in fluorescence if you can avoid it. Product cases should be well lit to provide the potential buyer with the best looking product – especially with all of the new, brightly-colored products on the market.
Create a private space for evaluations so your clients aren’t distracted by ambient sound. A separate enclosure is best for conducting screens.
Display plaques and awards near the products. Gold Club Member or RETAILER OF THE YEAR instills confidence.
Keep business cards on display counters throughout the store and make sure each prospect has a contact card when they leave the store.
Finally, staff should look professional and act professionally. Suit or lab coat is a must. Hair combed. No colognes or perfumes. Clean, manicured hands. All of these project an image of professionalism.
And professionalism is exactly what your prospects are looking for.
Or do they see something starkly different – dusty counter tops, disheveled staff, faded product posters slowly falling from the wall. The look, the feel of your hearing aid retail outlet will make you or break you – no matter how good you are as a hearing technologists.
The Exterior
First impression, once again.
If you’re looking for a location to open an independent dispensary, look for a central location even if the cost per square foot is a bit higher. You’ll make it up every time a motorist drives by your shop and sees the signage.
Yep, your business sign speaks volumes about your business. First, it should fit in with the rest of the commercial neighborhood and not stick out like a sore thumb. If you own a shop in a small, rural town, a glowing neon sign is probably not the way to go.
You can’t go wrong with a professionally, hand-painted sign that’s large enough to see from the road. If you move into a strip mall, your exterior is determined for you by lease agreement. Before you sign a five-year lease on a mall outlet, discuss what is and is not acceptable for signage.
If you’re already established as a business, take a look at the outside of your building. Does it need a coat of paint? How about a power wash to get rid of grimy build up. These aren’t big things but the do make an impression – even at the subliminal level.
From the moment a new client pulls into your store’s parking lot, s/he should feel confident in the decision to choose you as their hearing specialist.
Of course, lawns should be mowed and landscaping landscaped. Police the grounds each morning for debris that might blow in from the street. The point? Spotless on arrival. Your buyers are feeling better before they even walk into the store.
Inside the Hearing Aid Store
Once again, spotless. Everything. And if you don’t have the time to do it, hire a cleaning service so glass cases shine, the rug is spotless and the wastebaskets emptied.
Set your display cases up to draw the visitor deeper into the store. Place them toward the back, though they must be visible from the front door. If the prospect is a walk-in, often they’re out to gather information so make sure you have plenty of product and other marketing literature for take-aways. If you provide the information these window shoppers are looking for, when they finally decide to come in for an evaluation and a fitting, they’ll come to you.
Lighting is also important according to numerous marketing studies. The store should be well lit but not aglow in fluorescence if you can avoid it. Product cases should be well lit to provide the potential buyer with the best looking product – especially with all of the new, brightly-colored products on the market.
Create a private space for evaluations so your clients aren’t distracted by ambient sound. A separate enclosure is best for conducting screens.
Display plaques and awards near the products. Gold Club Member or RETAILER OF THE YEAR instills confidence.
Keep business cards on display counters throughout the store and make sure each prospect has a contact card when they leave the store.
Finally, staff should look professional and act professionally. Suit or lab coat is a must. Hair combed. No colognes or perfumes. Clean, manicured hands. All of these project an image of professionalism.
And professionalism is exactly what your prospects are looking for.
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