Christine Schaffran

Joined July 29, 2024

Articles 11

A Method to Your Meetings

Let’s get together for a quick meeting.” If the hair on the back of your neck just stood up, or you’re looking for the closest exit, you are not alone. While they are meant to share information, encourage collaboration and build morale, few meetings prompt excitement.

Chemicals

Let’s Talk Chemicals

Words like “oxidation,” “alkalinity” and “pH” may leave some customers running for the door. For those tuning out when it comes to buying chemicals, try toning down the jargon.

Backyard Living

Bring the Heat

Once found mainly in health clubs and gyms, saunas are now increasingly common in homes. Whether selling them as stand-alone units or packaged with a cold plunge, it’s important to understand the features and benefits of this growing wellness category.

Features

Road Warriors

If you think closing a sale in a showroom is tough, try competing for customers’ attention over corn dogs and carnival rides.

Hot Tubs

Generation Hot Tubs: For Simplicity’s Sake

After dedicating 42 years to building some of the industry’s most notable designs in custom swimming pools and spas, Kevin Sparks could have retired and lived out his days perfecting his golf swing or casting a fishing line in some seaside town.

Merchandising

Evoking a Natural Experience

There’s a stark contrast between the purpose of a showroom — designed to highlight the benefits of owning a hot tub — and the indoor environment where the products are displayed.

Backyard Living

Gather ‘Round

The backyard is an extension of a home, so it only makes sense that it should be as warm and inviting as gathering around a kitchen table.

Operations

Flattering First Impressions

No matter the size of a company or its marketing budget, one tool can level the playing field: testimonials.

Profile

The Heart of Haviland

For a company that’s been manufacturing chemicals for 90 years, one might expect the secret sauce to be in the formulas Haviland Enterprises churns out in its pool and spa water treatment and stain removal products. But those who know better realize it’s the people who continue to propel the company’s success.

Accessories

Appealing Accents

When it comes to hot tub accessories, there’s an endless supply of covers, cover lifters, tables, towel warmers, steps, surrounds, pillows, exercise equipment, umbrellas, chemical kits, lighting ensembles and more to entice customers to spend extra on their initial purchase — given the right information from a knowledgeable sales associate. As sales have slowed, raising the average sales price of a hot tub with key accessories is more important than ever.

Backyard Living

Capitalizing on Coziness

When it comes to elevating a hot tub experience, few things pair better than heated products to carry the warmth of a bubbling oasis right to a homeowner’s back door.