Introduction Hello, and welcome to another episode on our Icon Loft Steel Doors LinkedIn profile. Today, we’re going to delve into a topic that’s crucial for companies in the doors and windows industry: How to effectively incorporate steel doors into your product portfolio. Whether you’re already selling them or considering adding them to your lineup, this video will guide you through the key steps and considerations. And remember, your feedback is valuable, so if you feel I’ve missed something, please let me know in the comments.

Timeframe for Implementation First off, let’s talk about the time commitment. Implementing steel doors into your portfolio can vary in duration, typically ranging from 2 to 6 months. This depends on the resources, time, and focus you’re willing to invest. Let’s break down the essential steps involved.

1. Market Research

  • Identifying Client Preferences: The first step is to research the market for product profiles that your clients will love. This involves choosing from different profile systems available in the market. Conduct interviews with architects to understand popular choices and market demands.
  • Supplier Selection: Find a supplier who can meet your specific needs, and consider offering products that are somewhat unique to differentiate your portfolio.

2. Understanding Suppliers

  • Pricing Strategy: Learn about the purchase prices to develop your pricing strategy.
  • Process Alignment: Understand the processes for ordering, claims, shipping, and drawing approvals. Adjust your process to align with the supplier’s, ensuring both you and your clients know what to expect.
  • Delivery and Production: Inquire about delivery times, planning, and how the supplier allocates production capabilities, especially for new clients.

3. Sales Strategy

  • Marketing Resources: Check if the supplier provides marketing resources and understand the licensing terms.
  • Market Testing: Test various marketing strategies to find what works best for your target audience.
  • Sales Training: Learn if the supplier offers sales onboarding and training for your sales team, and inquire about tools like configurators.

4. Contract Negotiation

  • Exclusivity and Sales Targets: Discuss the possibility of local exclusivity, sales targets required to maintain this exclusivity,

and any potential penalties for delayed orders.

  • Payment Terms: It’s important to have a clear understanding of the payment terms in your contract. This will help you plan your finances and operations more effectively.

5. Showcasing Products

  • Tailoring to Trends: Engage with architects to understand current trends and adjust your showroom accordingly. If the trend is arched doors, make sure to feature them. The key is to showcase products that resonate with current architectural preferences.
  • Importance of a Showroom: The final step is to order and install doors in your showroom. Having physical samples of your products is crucial, as it allows architects and clients to experience them firsthand. Remember, our most successful dealers have effectively utilized their showrooms to display our doors.

Conclusion Incorporating steel doors into your portfolio is a journey that involves careful planning, market research, and strategic partnerships. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition and successful integration of steel doors into your product range. If you have any questions or need further insights, don’t hesitate to reach out. And as always, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Thanks for watching, and I look forward to bringing you more valuable content on our Icon Loft Steel Doors LinkedIn profile.

Let's talk

Do you see our steel doors in your product portfolio? Sign up for a short phone call with our International Sales Manager.