Your Sales Are Falling: What Next?

Marketing and operations: In your organization, do they work together like peanut butter and jelly? Or are they more like oil and water? If they’re the latter, you could have a problem on your hands when your sales fall or when they “hiccup.” A hiccup is temporary. You make an adjustment—drink some water, hold your hands above your head—and it eventually it goes away. But a persistent hiccup is a more serious condition that may require medical attention. In the world of sales, this attention may come in the form of a retail sales audit. Or, it may just be a matter of looking at both marketing and operations at the store level.

The “Dos” and “Don’ts” of Diagnosing the Problem

DON’T throw more money at a program without a way of measuring ROI

What change did you make in marketing? Look at changes in your loyalty programs or couponing. Although this may seem like backdoor data analysis, the success of marketing programs is very much tied to store-level processes. For instance, a change in your marketing program must be communicated at the store level in order to be successful.

DO make adjustments in the field

Once it rolls out across your network, a marketing program isn’t a framed portrait hanging on a wall. It’s living, breathing, and changing. Gathering store-level insights helps you respond to real-time challenges. Communicating those challenges to staff in a timely way is just as critical.

DON’T mistake an operations problem for a marketing problem

Let’s reconsider the hypothetical loyalty program rollout. Have your employees received proper training to explain the new program to a customer who has questions? Preparedness doesn’t have to involve a face-to-face customer interaction. With the arrival of warm weather, many convenience stores are rolling out fountain drink beverage programs. If those machines aren’t prepped and ready for higher volume, the results of that program could be disastrous. C-store shoppers pair snacks with beverage purchases, so the loss can be felt across multiple categories.

DON’T blame your staff

True, some employees are prone to underperformance. But preparation, training, and accountability are on their managers. Employees will become disenfranchised when they aren’t given feedback or if they don’t think a manager is responding to their specific needs. Listen to your staff—they’re your eyes and ears in the store.

DO audit your staff

You’ve heard the saying that your team is only as strong as its weakest link. Your regional manager doesn’t have to interrogate staff on his/her next visit to the store. But asking employees a few questions at the point-of-sale, observing their ability to assist a customer, and generally noting their whereabouts in the store (staffing behind registers, at the food ordering counter, etc.), can be helpful in understanding sales performance.

DON’T blame outside competition for stagnating sales

It could be that there’s a new competitor in the market, but their presence shouldn’t sabotage your business suddenly. Strive to perfect your greatest strengths, but also address your weaknesses. With the rise of channel blurring and added competition from quick-service restaurants and drug stores, there’s little room for error in providing “the basics”—a clean, inviting store with friendly staff.

DO create checklists to make sure the basics are being met

Use a checklist to ensure that daily operational tasks are met. Also note where expectations are exceeded. Reward managers and employees for a job well done. These recognitions incentivize employees and can do wonders for morale.

“There’s an App for That”

DO look at how technology can help your network improve.

A mobile solution like Zenput provides store-level insights and accountability. Track the progress of a marketing program rollout. Create checklists to strengthen your core operations and identify weaknesses. Upload a photo or video to get the point across faster and with clarity. We started out with a basic question: What do you do next when sales are falling? Well, where do most people turn when they have a question or need? Nowadays, a lot of them reach for their mobile device to look up an answer! That’s what Zenput provides—real-time answers at your fingertips, readily accessible through a user-friendly platform.