Small business owner understands the key to sales success
Small business owner understands the key to sales success
There are an increasing number of shops and stalls selling domestic and imported goods in Vientiane, but it takes something special to make sure these leave the shelves for the customers' hands.
Ms Khone, a knowledgeable businesswoman, has figured out exactly what it takes to be successful at selling these products.
Working at Khuadin market, she says “I'm lucky to have a shop at the roadside very near the entrance to the market. That means when the customers enter or leave, they'll see my shop and buy here.”
She also believes that having a wide variety of goods that many people are looking for is a critical element to success. To top that off, she's blessed with an insight into current consumer spending and likes to stock up on the latest trendy items before consumer buying peaks.
“I started my business with a small shop and it was limited in terms of goods. Some customers couldn't find what they wanted and they didn't bother to come back. I learned my lessons quickly,” she said.
Ms Khone said one's ability to talk to customers is another important factor in making a sale and she openly admits to chatting constantly with them in the hope they'll purchase something.
“Of course, the price of the goods is a factor as well. You have to be friendly to the customers and try to talk to them even if they don't want to buy anything. You've got to get them to remember your space in the market so next time they return they'll actively think about buying from me instead of the others.”
She said the prices vary between shops, of which some are cheaper and others are a bit more expensive.
“Many customers come back to our shop because they know that they'll find what they need here and they appreciate our service,” she added.
In the past she used to sell drinks at Khuadin market but later stopped this practice and instead decided to sell food and ingredients, such as seasoning, sugar, fish sauce, milk, cakes and other consumer goods, as she noticed that they are in demand and can be sold every day.
“First of all, during the various festival seasons like Lao New Year and the beginning of Buddhist Lent among others, sales are high and it is very different from the little beverage stand, which only went well when the weather was very hot,” she said.
“Anyway, I don't think I'll enlarge my shop in the future because there are too many businesses like mine to meet the needs of the customers. But it's my aim to keep all my customers as long as possible to guarantee daily sales and prevent closing like others have done.”
vientiane times
