How to Prepare Selling Your New Products

“Authentic marketing is not the art of selling what you make but knowing what to make.”

- Philip Kotler

Thinking of selling a new product? But how do you successfully prepare for this? While there is “no proper” way of selling products, there is a sort of artistry that comes with it. Selling in a globalized era is the creative process of educating the consumers about your product and why they need it without twisting the information or bending the truth. 

Think Apple ads, for instance. You know you need a cellphone, but you didn’t know you needed the latest iPhone 11 until you saw their ad. They communicate the value of the iPhone 11 without distorting reality.

Here’s a shortlist of tips for preparing to start selling your new product.

1. Market research – In this day and age, selling anything blindly can cost you a serious amount of money. Know your target to sell your product. Once you know who you’re selling to, then it’s time to set your strategies. PRO TIP: Always remember to be flexible. The market can change in an instant, and it’s important to ride the tide of change.
2. Know your competition – There’re always competitors out there, no matter what industry you’re in. Because of the power of the Internet, your competition is now bigger than ever. It is important to understand your competitors. Research what their selling, how much they charge, how they interact with their consumers, and how you can be a better brand than your competitors.
3. Fill in a void – It always starts with a void, a need. Consumers are looking to address a specific need in their lives. Get to know what that void is or what that need is when it comes to figuring out what you want to sell. Your product needs to fill in that void, be it a practical need or an emotional one.
4. Know the benefits – Why should people buy your products? Will consumers be more efficient when they use your product? Is it going to help them save money? Your team should know how to answer these questions, especially if they interact with consumers, in person or online.
5. Timing is important – Knowing when to strike, or to sell, is essential. Would it be better to sell your product in the summer? Or is it more appropriate for winter? Are you targeting young professionals? Are your competitors selling something similar? Do you want to sell first? These are questions you need to answer before selling.
6. Know what you can handle – Will you have enough manpower to handle all the orders? Is your website capable of handling all the traffic you projected for your launch? You don’t want your website to crash or stall while your consumers are in the middle of a transaction. 
7. Come up with company policies – You have to have policies in place before selling your product. What is your return policy? Exchange policy? What’s the maximum quantity a buyer can purchase for a specific item?
8. Think green – This is a growing trend, and it’s not going anywhere, anytime soon. When developing your product, make sure they are eco-friendly – production, packaging, delivery. Does it use sustainable materials? Is it vegan? Is your product cruelty-free?
9. Prioritize your regulars – Before selling to the entire world, try selling your new product to your regulars first. Treat your regulars like VIPs, because they are. Besides, the majority of sales often come from return customers.
10. Try it out yourself – Before selling your new product to your regulars or everyone, make sure that you’ve tried your own product as well. Take it out for a spin. Be the first to try it. Make sure it’s doing what it’s supposed to be doing.

Have you checked off everything on this list? Ready to move forward selling your new product? Think local, sell global! Join Export Portal’s international community of buyers, sellers, shippers, and manufacturers. Our easy-to-use website offers marketing solutions and extensive buyer and seller protection for small and medium-sized businesses. Register today!