Have you ever considered selling to a senior citizen home? Maybe many of you are doing it right now. I remember a forum thread about this topic. This lady worked in a home and sold candles herself to the residents. Her happiness not only came from selling her products, but also how happy the some of the senior citizens were because some of the residents did not get out of the facility often.
Since most senior citizen homes do not permit an open flame candle this would be a great place to promote more tarts and electric grubby candles. Another untapped area for you maybe in selling to dorms at a college campus. The campuses that I know of do not allow open flamed candles.
I tried searching all over the internet about selling to senior citizen homes. There wasn’t anything on the internet that shows how you go about selling to this niche group. All I could find is how to sell and buy a nursing home.
I decided to call around to the local senior citizen home facilities in my immediate area (PA). My interview with the persons in charge also included soaps and soap products.
Even with trying to interview the persons in charge I came to a dead end. At least in this area there isn’t anyone who sells to senior citizen homes. No one has approached these facilities in the area and so they did not know how the residents would respond to the buying soaps and candles.
This left me a little lost. I had no idea how to approach a facility because this was unchartered territory for me. I am more of a passive seller where I just work on the internet and a couple years ago I was sit at my craft booth and wait for people to come to me. Going to people was something completely out of my character.
I am now testing this marketing area out. Here is a list of questions I came up with when approaching a senior citizen facility.
Questions
1. Ask what their policies are on selling products?
2. The age range of the residents?
3. If you need to test out the interest of the residents, can you bring in samples, catalogs, hold a contest or drawing?
4. Are you able to leave catalogs and brochures about your product?
5. How many vendors come in to the facility right now?
6. Would they be interested in having your products sold in their facility? It could be a seasonal setup.
Test out this market in your hometown. I think this would be a great avenue for candle or soap income. Maybe you have a friend that works in a senior home facility that could help get your products in the door.
Tip
I called the senior home facilities in the area. After speaking to some of the people in charge I came to the conclusion that it maybe a great idea to set up an appointment with them instead of calling them on the phone and getting information. Get your samples, catalogs, brochures prepared and walk in with confidence. This shows them what you are all about.
P.S. Let me know of your experience. If you sell to the niche now I would enjoy hearing any comments or advice you may have.
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I like the questions you have. I also wanted to start branching out its one of my goals for 2009
Hi Letrah,
I hope these questions will be a huge help to you. I think it is great that you are branching out. Just think of other ways to get your products out there to your public.
Many Blessings,
Dawn
Hi Dawn,
I sold some of your grubby candles in an assisted living center a couple of years ago. I contacted the activities director at the home and set up a table while a friend did a Tastefully Simple presentation. I made a few sales that day and then had one repeat customer.
It just occurred to me that you could also contact senior community centers. In my town there is a very active senior center. I am sure that they would have a spot where a couple of samples could be displayed. Hmmmmm…..
Maureen
That is a wonderful idea Maureen. I think they have a couple active senior community centers here also. I am going to have to start making some calls.
Thank you for your input. It is a great help and is opening up some doors I feel.