How Valuable is Information?

Employee education and information is more important than ever to growing a successful business today. A full 81% of consumers do online research before making a big purchase, according to a 2013 study by GE Capital Retail Bank. As a result, consumers are walking in your doors more educated about your products than ever before.

In fact, according to the GE Capital study, consumers visit five unique retailers on average—at least three online merchants and two brick-and-mortar stores—before making their purchase. An informed staff—and business owner—is a critical tool to excel in today’s business world.

Knowledge is clearly power on the sales floor—and in the dispensary. Which is exactly why we here at Shamir have a passion for information.

73% of consumers say a salesperson’s “Product Knowledge” is somewhat to extremely important.

Is your staff well trained and highly educated on your products and services?

Another 2013 study conducted by customer service consulting firm Experticity revealed that 73% of consumers say a salesperson’s “Product Knowledge” is somewhat to extremely important. A full 69% also say that a salesperson’s “Category Knowledge” is somewhat to extremely important.

At the same time, however, many survey respondents found retail sales associates less than helpful when it comes to getting educated on products. Nearly 40% of consumers say salespeople fall short on delivering both product knowledge and category knowledge in store.

Knowledge is clearly power on the sales floor—and in the dispensary. Which is exactly why we here at Shamir have a passion for information.

Our goal with the newly launched Vitamin See blog (www.TheVitaminSee.com) is to provide you and your staff with new, unique, and highly useful information that will help increase your business. As if boosting your bottom line weren’t enough of a benefit, Experticity also notes that 54% of retailers say that information-based training is a key tactic to reducing turnover.

An expanded knowledge base is a win-win for everyone, even your employees. In fact, sales associates report two times higher job satisfaction if they can meet customers’ needs.

How do you provide information to your sales staff?

Join the conversation on this pivotal topic on our Facebook page here.

Erinn Morgan

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