Frank Lüttjohann, CSO Sales Trade

It is widely recognised that service is one way specialist retailers can make their mark and stand out from the competition, as most services simply cannot be offered by pure online players. 

MAKING SERVICE VISIBLE
We have developed physical cards, so-called service cards, aimed at making the value of services such as transferring data and repairing mobile phones visible and transparent. They symbolise services which a retailer can offer directly in store, making customers aware that each service does also correspond to an equivalent monetary value.
They have been very well received.  During our roadshows, for example, we offered the slot “Advice and Services”, which mainly focussed on service cards. The talk went down very well indeed: the slots were fully booked and there was huge interest in offering services and advice with the help of our service cards. Sven Lötzsch from “Telefonmänner” is just one of the enthusiastic retailers: “The marketing department at Brodos has a huge headstart over the competition, not only with their service cards but also with other products.”

If they are to be used successfully it is crucial that services are actively offered, and that a conscious effort is made to mention them to customers. Physical service cards itemise services individually, showing the price for each specific service. This lets end customers see the monetary value of the service straightaway. The service cards can easily be positioned where they will catch the customer’s eye, for example on a revolving stand directly at the counter.

Service and advice made easy thanks to service cards.

For all interested retailers a starter set is available for a special price of just 59 euros, including 10 cards for each of a selection of 9 service cards chosen by the retailer. The retailer can choose between three pricing options and the respective services. Orders can be placed by fax (00 49 9133 / 7770 -148) or via brodos.net. The set including revolving stand can only be ordered using the order form.

USING COUPONING TO OFFER SERVICES

However, service cards are not the only way to offer services: sending coupons to selected customers is another interesting option. The advantage here is that instead of randomly distributing flyers, letters can be specifically tailored to offer one particular service, obtaining the customer’s full attention. A number of different options can be considered, for example a letter offering to extend a customer’s contract including the relevant service coupon for a data transfer, winding up the old contract or installing apps. Offering good service is also one way for retailers to stand out from online retailers, as this is free of charge. There are plenty of discounts available online, with customers searching for the cheapest price. With couponing, the customers receive service without having to pay for it at all.

The contents and type of coupon can be tailored individually for the business.

For just 15.90 euros, 250 sheets of 4-coloured letter paper including perforation can be obtained from Brodos for retailers to print their own circulars. Brodos is also happy to take over responsibility for inserting letters in envelopes and dispatching them. Coloured pre-perforated templates can also be ordered on brodos.net.