One of the most important things to make sure of when running a petrol station is that you are offering customers what they actually want. Not offering the right products can break an otherwise strong business, and your business will fall flat if you do not consider which products will actually sell.
In order to avoid this, you should take certain steps to ensure that your products are all relevant and appealing to customers. Here are some steps that you can take to ensure that you are offering the best products to your customers.
Use Sales Data
Using your product sales data will help you get a better understanding of what you should be adding to your inventory. Looking at sales data will help you to know if you need to retire stock that is not selling well, or if you need to restock what is selling well. Sales data is an incredibly useful tool for any business, and is the first thing that you should look at when you are trying to figure out what products your customers want.
Use Surveys and Communicate With Customers
Communication is key when you’re trying to see what your customers want. Use engaging methods such as surveys to get their honest opinion on the products you are offering and what products they would like to see in the future. Talk to your customers–ask them what they would like to see more of, and if there is something that they think is missing in your business.
Make a Premium Product
Once you’ve utilised sales data and customer feedback, consider making a premium version of a product that you know consistently sells well. Give it new features that provide customers with an experience that they can’t get anywhere else.
Review Your Suppliers
Go to trade shows when you can to find new suppliers that can offer you with new products for your petrol station. Always be looking for the next best thing to sell. Importing products can be beneficial to your business, or you can work to build good relationships with wholesalers. Taking these steps will help you to make sure that your products are the highest quality that they can possibly be.
Watch Out for Competitors
You should always know what your competition is doing and what they are selling. If your competition launches a new product, you should analyse if they are selling better than you. If they are, then adapt your business to outshine them. Offer new products and premium products that will draw customers away from competitors and towards you. Doing a competitor analysis is also important to help keep track of the competition.
If you need help or need some guidance on practical ways to improve your offer at your petrol station, contact us.