How do you research new products and features before selling them to customers?

1 Know your sources

Identifying reliable and relevant sources of information is the first step to researching new products and features. These could include manufacturer websites, trade magazines, customer reviews, online forums, and your own store's inventory. It's important to check these sources regularly and bookmark or subscribe to the ones that are most useful for your research. This way, you can stay up-to-date on industry trends, innovations, best practices, customer preferences, and more.

2 Filter and prioritize

The second step to research new products and features is to filter and prioritize the information that you find. Instead of consuming all available content, focus on the information that is relevant to your products, features, and customers. Ensure that the data is up-to-date and accurate, and that it provides actionable and practical advice. Utilize tools such as bookmarks, folders, notes, or highlights to organize and categorize the information you find in order to prioritize what is most important, urgent, or interesting for your research.

3 Apply and practice

The third step to research new products and features is to apply and practice what you learn. Rather than simply memorizing the information, use it to improve your sales skills and performance. You can do this by creating a sales pitch or script that emphasizes the key features and benefits of the new products, how they solve customers' problems or needs, and how they add value to their lives. Practice your sales pitch or script with a colleague, a friend, or a mirror, refining it until you feel confident and comfortable. Demonstrate the new products and features to your customers using real or simulated scenarios, asking questions, listening to their feedback, and addressing their objections or concerns. After the sale, follow up with them and ask for referrals or reviews. By applying and practicing what you learn, you will be able to sell the new products and features more effectively and persuasively to your customers.

4 Learn and improve

The fourth step to research new products and features is to learn and improve from your experience. You should not stop researching after you make a sale, but rather continue to update and expand your knowledge. To do this, evaluate your sales results and performance, such as tracking and measuring your sales goals, conversions, and feedback. Additionally, seek new information and insights, like market changes, customer preferences, and competitor actions. Experiment with new approaches and techniques, like different ways to present the products or different offers or incentives. Lastly, learn from your mistakes and successes by analyzing what worked and what didn't work in the sales process. By learning and improving from your experience, you will be able to adapt and grow as a retail salesperson.

5 Share and collaborate

The fifth step to research new products and features is to share and collaborate with others. You should not keep your research to yourself, but communicate your findings and recommendations to your team, store, or company. Additionally, you should seek feedback and advice from peers, supervisors, or experts. Furthermore, you should offer help and resources to fellow salespeople who are researching new products and features. By doing this, you will be able to build your network, reputation, and skills as a retail salesperson. Sharing and collaborating with others will also allow you to gain different perspectives and learn from other experiences.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?