Make It Easy

Do you ever get frustrated or angry tripping over company policies and systems that make buying very difficult? I have spent much of my free time in the past two weeks trying to engineer a rework of a odd-size cooktop to replace an obsolete cartridge. (Yes, I am a do-it-yourselfer whenever I can be. And when I can't be I like to have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about so I don't get ripped off by contractors).

Essentially I wanted to get the sizes, plug to plug compatibility, and other relevant information without a sales pitch for a new cooktop which would mean a new countertop and possibly even a new venting system. Do you think I could find that information easily from the manufacturer? Or two local appliance stores including the one I bought the original unit from? And the big box stores - forget it!

There's an old saying in retailing that far too many companies lose sight of. If you are a marketer, salesperson, customer service representative, engineer, designer, parts manager, equipment service manager, executive or what-have-you, if you are a person who has something to sell then make sure you never lose sight of that old retailing principle: "Make it easy for the customer to buy."

About me: Dan Pelley's career experiences range from the shipping room to the boardroom and the college classroom. He has worked in companies as diverse as metal stamping, foundries, pharmaceuticals, computers and electronic components, hospitals, nursing homes, motor carriers, distribution, retailers, social services, government, quasi-government agencies, a major art museum and an airline. He shares his experiences through programs and seminars for companies in New England and through this blog.

Copyright © 2009 Daniel W. Pelley
All rights reserved.