The Art and Science of Selling Outdoor Structures: Insights from a 14-Year Industry Veteran PART 1
Manage episode 477376595 series 3010719
Passion for an industry can transform a job into a calling. That's exactly what happened to Rami, who describes himself as approaching the "healthy version of obsessive" when it comes to the shed and outdoor structure business. After 14 years immersed in everything from retail sales to manufacturing, he's developed insights that can benefit anyone in the industry.
What starts as a conversation about Rami's journey quickly evolves into a masterclass on the differences between selling traditional wooden sheds versus steel structures. While shed customers might make decisions quickly, steel structure buyers—especially those investing in larger 30x40 or 40x60 buildings—often engage in a more methodical process. They've frequently been planning and saving for these purchases for years. This requires salespeople to demonstrate deeper product knowledge and patience.
The geographical reach of competition creates another fascinating dynamic. While shed dealers typically compete within a 30-50 mile radius, steel structure competition can span 500 miles or more. With similar pricing across competitors, success hinges on expertise and eliminating friction from the buying process rather than simply offering the lowest price.
Perhaps most valuable is Rami's advice on inventory strategy. While having physical buildings on-site creates immediate sales opportunities, the financial burden of extensive inventory has pushed many dealers toward built-to-order models. Thankfully, 3D configurators arrived just in time, allowing customers to visualize custom buildings even without physical inventory present.
For anyone selling sheds or steel structures, Rami's perspective on honest communication resonates deeply. Saying "I don't know, but I'll find out" builds more trust than bluffing, and sometimes saying "no" helps customers overcome analysis by paralysis better than always saying "yes."
Ready to transform your approach to shed and steel structure sales? Listen now to gain insights from someone who's mastered both sides of this specialized industry.
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This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: Union Grove Lumber
Digital Shed Builder
Realwork Labs
iFAB LLC
NewFound Solutions
Solar Blaster
Chapters
1. The Art and Science of Selling Outdoor Structures: Insights from a 14-Year Industry Veteran PART 1 (00:00:00)
2. Introducing Rami and His Industry Journey (00:00:08)
3. Becoming a Shed Head: Learning the Industry (00:06:30)
4. From Retail to Manufacturing and Back (00:17:20)
5. Comparing Shed and Steel Structure Sales (00:23:45)
6. Inventory vs. Built-to-Order Debate (00:31:10)
7. Expert Advice for New Shed Dealers (00:37:25)
8. The Power of Saying "I Don't Know" (00:43:03)
329 episodes