Sales Tip: Figuring out your inventory

April 9, 2025
Refreshing your inventory requires getting rid of the products that just take up space and finding out what your customers really want.

As mobile tool distributors, we’ve all had products that don’t sell well and just take up space on our trucks. Do what you can to get these products off your truck, such as running a BOGO or discounting the item — not too much though, you don’t want to be losing money. Once that’s taken care of, you might want to chat with your customers for ideas for new inventory. Showing a flyer and asking for their thoughts is another way to get customer involvement. I like to laminate a few pages to emphasize the specials and new products.

My favorite and best-selling items are jump packs, tire gauges, all sorts of lights, test equipment, Milwaukee Tool impacts, all sorts of hand ratchets, and extractors. However, your business will depend on your current customer base. I reiterate, TALK to your customers about tool preference and selection.

About the Author

Art Richardson

 Art Richardson started selling Tech Tire Repair in 1968 at 18. He then obtained a degree in marketing with a specialty in advertising from the University of Rhode Island. Additionally, he got an MBA from URI with a concentration in management. In the 70s, Richardson bought his first of five auto parts stores. He was later offered a full-time position teaching Marketing at Bryant University, and his career as a full-time, and later adjunct, professor spanned from 1978 to 2018. Richardson's position also allowed him to work as an independent small business consultant, as well as for the Small Business Development Center. Later on, Richardson became a mobile tool distributor for a flag. He worked with them for 14 years before joining the GEARWRENCH Street Team in 2017.

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