FAQs covered in this article:
If your focus is to display on a specific marketplace partner platform
I am preparing to exhibit in a trade show that has a marketplace platform
If your focus is to create your client portal / E-commerce
If your focus is for operational (inventory / data management) purpose
Useful articles to read before
Going digital does not mean magic*
Just like any other sales strategies you deploy, ex: exhbiting in trade shows, oversea sales representatives, sponsoring, etc. It never works alone and you need to build a marketing strategy around it to make it successful. For more information on how to improve your sales and visibility read these articles: [Include link to section: Improve your performance after you complete the on-boarding]
If your focus is to display on a specific marketplace partner platform
Imagine that you are preparing yourself to a trade show, the only difference is that it’s digital.
What is the market? Who are they targetting? Who will be the clients buying on this platform?
For example: Specific territory (textile made from.. Or Buyers located in..), Sustainable materials, Performance materials, etc.
Result: Prioritize products that will be address best the demand for this target market.
How many SKUs are allocated to you? Reminder 1 color = 1 SKU, more you have more you obtain visibility and the clients have more chances of working with your company.
Result: To give a sense of variety, prioritize, when possible, a minimum selection of 3 color version per product. For example: if you are allocated 120 SKUs, this would represent: 40 different materials with 3 colors versions each.
Quantity: More SKUs = more visibility
Frequency: Add new SKUs every 3 to 6 months, to capitalize on the newness factor, it is recommended to digitalize new products that will be ranking higher in the searches.
Inventory: Make sure to have good quantities of available stock (minimum 100m, more is better): Brands need to be able to do sizing sets before placing any production orders, also it is a good way to build trust with new clients.
Diversity: Capitalize on both needs: the basics and the uniqueness of your products. To attract a wider range of clients (while still staying in the focus of the market that the marketplace targets). Make a selection of 50% basics and 50% more exclusive.
I am preparing to exhibit in a trade show that has a marketplace platform, should I digitalize products that we display in our booth or different ones?
It is a good question!
When your products are digitalized you have the hability to print QR Codes that will link to the product on the platform. This means that when you sales representant will be presenting products, the client and the reps will scan the QR code. Then, the clients will be able to: save the product in their favorites (making sure to follow up on this with your rep when they return home), order samples (that will be delivered within 1-week from Tengiva warehouse), order inventory to start designing right away, and even place directly quote request. This means, you will never loose a deal again for lack of options and client service. It will also mean that your sales reps will have more time to spend added value time with their clients, such as focusing on new products and prsenting your companies latest achievements.
Short answer long: For best results, digitalize at least all the samples you will be exhibiting. For maximum results: capitalize on more products then you are allowed to bring with you, digitalizing them will allow you to have an even larger option pool for your reps when they meet with clients.
If your focus is to create your client portal / E-commerce
What to you expect to achieve by creating your client portal / E-commerce?
Reach new clients;
Make it easier for your clients to place orders;
A specific market;
Digitalize one collection at the time, preferrably the whole collection, so your sales representant don’t need to return to old habits or have to say to a client: “I also have these colors, but I can’t show them to you now because it is not in the system.. That would not be a great experience. Digitalizing by collection will improve performance and make it easier for your marketing team/agency to plan a targetted marketing strategies.
How many colors should we digitalize per product?
To give a sense of variety, it is recommended, when possible, a minimum selection of 3 color version per product. For example: if you are sending a first selection for digitalisation of 240 SKUs, this would represent: 80 different materials with 3 colors versions each.