Asked and answered - reflections

Many of us rely on salespeople for crucial information about a new product before making a purchase. Indeed, several of our readers have noted that consumers come into retail stores specifically to gather information before adding a pool or spa to their homes.

The retailer serves as an important step in encouraging new industry growth. However, that only occurs if the store's staff is prepared to answer questions. A knowledgeable salesperson can make the difference between whether or not a customer buys a new product.

Recently, I was at a local department store checking into information about the new Digital Spread Spectrum technology in cordless phones. I was disappointed that the salespeople couldn't educate me about the differences between the new technology and the 900 MHz phone I currently owned. I did eventually find the information I wanted on a Web site, but had they been able to answer my questions, I would have committed to the purchase on the spot.

With that idea in mind, we teamed up with members of the National Spa & Pool Institute's Retailers Council and generated a list of questions that consumers often have asked retail staffs in the past. Our editors then went to work to research the questions and provide you with written answers.

The package, which starts on page 40, is designed to serve as a training manual for new staffers, or a refresher course for even your most senior veteran. It can become a standard part of your training curriculum. We will also have it catalogued on our Web site at www.poolspanews.com for easy reference in the future.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Hanley-Wood, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group