Let's get some things straight about sales first.

Sales is a highly misunderstood business concept, and one that is not given its fair share of importance. For example, almost every university around the globe offers business programs and business courses. Students can take a course in financial or managerial accounting, management, marketing, research or statistics. But if I asked you to find me a university course on how to sell - you would be hard-pressed. Yet, of all the topics listed above, sales is the only one your business can not survive without. It's no wonder farmers who buy franchises in the United States have better success rates than do MBA's. A well-thought-out and well-implemented sales action plan is pivotal to the success of any business.

Marketing ... Sales - what's the difference?

Many people confuse marketing and sales as being the same thing. They aren't. Marketing is about interacting with potential buyers through advertising, promotion, packaging, distribution, location, pricing. Marketing is about opening up to your target market. Market research is a critical component to building a successful marketing plan. Sales is about interaction with actual buyers. It's about presenting to people who need the kind of solutions your product or service offers, and getting the order. In other words, Sales is aboutclosing the deal.

The Five Pillars to a Powerful Sales Action Plan.

An effective sales action plan demonstrates your focus on selling your product or service. After all, since sales is most likely going to be the main source of your business' revenue, you really can't afford not to be sales-oriented. Here are the main points to cover in your plan:

1. Prove that your product or service can sell.

It's one thing to say there's a market for your product or service. It's another to have potential buyers lined up and willing to pay for it. Getting a commitment from potential customers to buy from you before you startup sends a strong message that you're serious about doing business, and that your efforts convert into sales. Nothing else can be more assuring to a potential investor or lender than a list of committed buyers. Identify who your potential buyers are, contact them and line up some orders before presenting your sales action plan.

2. Be customer-focused.
As I said earlier, the term sales is so often coined negatively, it's sometimes hard to see it as a good thing to promote. But sales is all about doing the "little things" that make a big difference with customers. Sales is about answering questions, easing concerns, showing benefits, and going the extra mile to satisfy your customers. Show your audience how your business will adopt a culture that nurtures customer satisfaction, which in turn generates sales. Many entrepreneurs would be happy to have nothing to do with selling their product or service. In truth, your product or service won't sell on its own. But what will you do when a major buyer wants to deal with the owner? Be sure that the sales culture you set begins with you.

3. Build for long-term relationships.

Your sales strategy should be based on the right kind of values. As the old saying goes, treat others as you would want them to treat you. Create an environment which treats customers with dignity and fairness. Do anything and everything - except be dishonest - to get the sale. Demonstrate in your sales action plan that you are committed to long-term customer relationships.

4. Pay sales people for performance.

Here I am not merely talking about reaching monthly targets. Build careers for your sales team members, and compensate them for long-term performance. By doing so, you also ensure your salespeople build customer relations with honesty and integrity. On the other hand, not doing so encourages them to focus on short-term thinking, which often leads to using dishonest means of getting the sale. Be careful to compensate sales people not for making the sale, but for collecting on the sale. Also provide a monthly or annual base to minimize the potential for short-term thinking.

5. Keep track of your customers.

The most successful organizations keep track of their customers using sales management andtracking programs. These ensure that your sales pipeline is accessible and that your sales team is prompted to follow-up with customers. They allow you to see the stage of every sales cycle for each client, and maintain a history and data file for each client. Make sure you show how you will manage your customer interactions in your sales action plan.

Home About Us Message from MD

Message from MD

Dear Valued Shopper,

Sharaf DG created a phenomenon and revolutionized the industry with its state of art customer friendly stores. It has been a pleasure to watch the dream grow from one store to six stores across the UAE. A success that results from careful planning and a dedication to provide the most extensive range of products for the most value. What give us our edge are our personnel. Equipped with their comprehensive knowledge, our employees are trained to not just answer queries but also help you find exactly what you are looking for.

Our 30 years of experience in the UAE market has helped us adapt to our customer market as a result of which Sharaf DG has been a pioneer in personalizing electronics. Sharaf DG has set new trends and provided customers with facilities they never imagined before. Our dreams have only grown along with our store and we have already ventured outside UAE with a new store in Bahrain. Our next challenge is to become The Electronic Destination of the Middle East by 2015. Hope you have a great shopping experience on SharafDG.com Happy Shopping!!

About Sharaf DG

Sharaf DG, a part of the Sharaf Group, is a whole new concept in Electronics Retailing in the UAE conceived to meet the growing demands of the discerning customer. The stores in Ibn Battuta Mall, Deira City Center, Times Square Center, Union Co-operative - Al Wasl branch, Dubai Mall, Bahrain City Centre Mall, Mankhool and Safeer Mall Sharjah are designed to international standards and are a benchmark in store sophistication and customer friendly design. Sharaf DG, the leading one-stop electronics destination in the UAE is not just an electronics store, but a new lifestyle experience. It has the widest range of brands in the region across categories like Consumer Electronics, Home Entertainment, IT, Telecom, Home Appliances, Marine Electronics and much more. Sharaf DG is the fastest growing electronics retail brand in Dubai. Sharaf DG is changing the face of electronics retail in the region. It has launched several innovative schemes including the 100% Consumer Finance Scheme and a Free tech check-up service from DG Help, where customers can call a special toll free number for a free check up of their PCs, laptops, wireless connections or home theatre systems. Its long-standing promise to customers If you dont find it at Sharaf DG, you get it free and Lowest Price Guarantee which assures customers that the prices of all products sold at Sharaf DG are the same when compared with any other hypermarkets and retail stores located in malls, have contributed to making Sharaf DG UAEs leading one-stop electronic destination.

AWARDS WON BY SHARAF DG

Best Retailer for Marketing/ Promotion Middle East Retail Academy Awards (May 08) Store Concept of the Year - Middle East Retail Academy Awards (May 08) Best Retailer of the Year 2008 VAR Magazine Best Retailer of the Year 2008 Channel Middle East Magazine

Press Release

Interview with Mr. Yasser Sharaf- MD of Sharaf DG

Interview with Mr. Yasser Sharaf- MD of Sharaf DG By Abbas Jaffar Ali on April 18, 2011 After multiple locations in Dubai and one even outside the UAE, Sharaf DG, the largest electronics retailer in the UAE opened their first store in Abu Dhabi. We visited the massive 30,000 sq. ft. store located inside Abu Dhabi mall last week where everything was meticulously arranged. At the store, I had the opportunity to sit down and have a casual chat with the Managing Director of Sharaf DG, Mr. Yasser Sharaf. The following are excerpts from that discussion: Read the full interview

Product not available, Claim free!... Now in Abu Dhabi

Electronics retail powerhouse Sharaf DG opens store at Abu Dhabi Mall Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 13 April, 2011: Continuing with its aggressive expansion plans, Sharaf DG, the UAEs largest electronics retailer, has ventured into Abu Dhabi with the opening its first ever store in the emirates well known Abu Dhabi Mall. Located on the second level of I Zone in the mall, this more than 30,000 sq. ft. store is the largest electronics store in the emirate. This new store marks another Sharaf DG footprint in a prominent address besides the sixteen existing ones spread across Dubai, Sharjah and Bahrain. more More articles on Abu Dhabi Store opening event.

Sharaf DG reaches Abu Dhabi Mall : THE NATIONAL Sharaf DG expands into Abu Dhabi : ITP.net PODCAST : Mr. Yasser Sharaf : DubaiEye103.8

Sharaf DG opens in Bahrain

UAEs Largest Electronics Store opens first store in Bahrain City Centre Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 15, 2008: Sharaf DG, the UAEs largest electronics retailer, has embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy in the GCC by opening its first store outside the UAE on 15th December 08 in the iconic Bahrain City Centre Mall, the largest shopping mall in the Kingdom. The 50,000 square foot Sharaf DG outlet is located on the second level of Bahrain City Centre and marks Sharaf DGs first venture into other Middle East markets. more

Sharaf DG opens electronics destination at Deira City Centre

40,000 sq ft store will be prelude to the launch of Dubai's largest one-stop electronics store at Times Square Centre on Sheikh Zayed Rd (Dubai April 21, 2007): Sharaf DG, the electronics retail brand of the Sharaf Group is set to reposition itself as the Electronics Destination of Dubai by offering residents and tourists a one-stop-shop for all their electronics needs. The ambitious expansion plan kicked-off today (April 21, 2007) with the opening of a 40,000 sq ft store in Deira City Centre. more

Dubais First Luxury Electronics Boutique Opens at Dubai Marina

DG+ opens outlet in Dubai Marina Mall and repositions itself from high-end audio video store to luxury electronics boutique Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 13, 2009: Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 13, 2009: Sharaf DG, UAEs largest electronics retailer, announced the opening of the second DG+ boutique in the upscale Dubai Marina locale. The chic and sophisticated store catering to luxury lifestyle seekers has extended its product range to include not only the widest range of the worlds leading high-end audio video brands but also very select, top of the range award-winning models of notebooks, hand-phones and photography equipment. more

SHARAF DG LAUNCHES DG+ DUBAIS FIRST LUXURY AV BOUTIQUE

Boutique store to showcase the widest range of the worlds leading high end audio video brands Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 3, 2008: Sharaf DG, Dubais largest one-stop electronics destination, today announced the launch of DG+, a high-end audio video luxury store, located at Times Square Center in Dubai. The chic and sophisticated signature store catering to audio enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers stocks the widest range of the worlds leading high end audio video brands and provides consultancy by trained acoustic engineers and customized installation. more

Sharaf Group Launches Sharaf DG

Dubai, 30th May 2005: Sharaf Group, one of UAEs largest business houses with interests in shipping, logistics, real estate, retail and several other areas today announced the launch of its new brand identity for its electronics retail brand, which will henceforth be visible as Sharaf DG. Building on decades of excellence in electronics retailing, the new brand will take the groups commitment of choice, value and trustworthiness to new highs. The first store of the Sharaf DG brand, located at the China Court at Ibn Battuta Mall, was formally unveiled to the press today. more

Sharaf DG Unveils Dubai's Largest One Stop Electronics Store

Dubai, May 24, 2007: : Sharaf DG, the fully-owned subsidiary of the UAE-based conglomerate Sharaf Group, today opened the doors of Dubais largest ever one stop electronics retail store. In a pioneering initiative, Sharaf DG has launched Dubais first ever Big Box store with electronics being the category killer. The 100,000 square feet single-floor destination located at Times Square Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road marks the beginning of a new era in electronics product retailing. more

Sharaf DG Creates History

Dubais Largest One Stop Electronics Store draws in over 75,000 shoppers in first 3 days Dubai, May 29, 2007: Sharaf DG, the fully-owned subsidiary of the UAE-based business Sharaf Group, today announced that its one-stop-shop electronics retail destination which opened officially on May 24, 2007 at Times Square Center on Sheikh Zayed Road stirred up an overwhelming response drawing in over 75,000 shoppers in a span of three days creating retailing history in the Middle East. more

Sharaf DG opens Big Box in Sharjah

Dubais electronics retail powerhouse launches 50,000 sq feet store in the Emirate in Safeer Mall Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 09th June, 2009: Pursuing its aggressive expansion plans despite the overall recessive market conditions, Sharaf DG- UAEs leading electronics retailer, extended its footprint and opened a 50,000 sq. ft. store today in Safeer Mall, Sharjah. The launch marks the retailers first entry into the Emirate and takes its tally of stores across the region to nine. more

Sharaf DG opens new store in Union Co-Op

Electronics retail powerhouse opens store at Union Co-Ops new Al Wasl road branch in Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 2, 2009: Continuing with its aggressive expansion plans, Sharaf DG, the UAEs largest electronics retailer, has entered into a strategic partnership with Union Cooperative Society and opened a store in the hypermarkets Al Wasl road branch in Dubai. The alliance marks another Sharaf DG footprint in a prominent address besides the seven existing ones in Times Square Center, Ibn Batutta Mall, Deira City Centre Mall, Dubai Mall, Mankhool, Abu Dhabi Duty Free and Bahrain City Centre. more

Sharaf DG opens new concept store Sharaf DG 4U

First-of-its-kind Convenience Store store to offer Best sellers at the Best deals Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 06, 2008: Sharaf DG, the UAEs largest electronics retailer, has further expanded its presence in the UAE by launching a unique concept store Sharaf DG 4U in Mankhool in Dubai. The 5,000 square foot store will stock only the fastest moving models across all electronic and IT product categories like mobile phones, cameras, laptops, televisions, audio systems, domestic appliances and more. The store will particularly feature exclusive ongoing promotions throughout the year. This makes it the ideal shopping destination in terms of convenience for customers looking for good deals on the most popular products in the market.

10 Ways To Increase The Perceived Value Of Your Product

by Larry Dotson 1. Sell your product at a higher price. This increases the perceived value because people usually associate the higher priced product as being better. 2. Offer a free trial or sample of your product. This increases the perceived value because people think you're confident in your product, so it must be good.

3. Include tons of testimonials on your ad copy. This increases the perceived value because you have actual proof of other people's experiences with your product. 4. Load your ad copy full of benefits. This increases the perceived value because people think they are getting solutions to a number of problems. 5. Offer an affiliate program with your product. This increases the perceived value because people can also make money with your product. 6. Give people a strong guarantee. This increases the perceived value because it shows that you stand be- hind your products. 7. Package your product with a lot of bonuses. This increases the perceived value because people feel they are getting more for their money. 8. Get your product endorsed by a famous person. This increases the perceived value because people think that famous people wouldn't want their name associated with a poor product. 9. Include the reprint/reproduction rights with your product. This increases the perceived value because people can start a business and make money. 10. Get the word out about your product and brand it. This increases the perceived value because people believe the brand name products have better quality.

How to Increase the Perceived Value of Your Services

Author Alyssa Gregory Department WEB PRO BUSINESS Date November 17, 2010 Comments 1 Comment
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Perceived value is your clients overall impression of you and the services you offer. According toBusinessDictionary.com, perceived value may have little to do with the price, and instead refers to your ability to satisfy your clients needs. When youre selling a service instead of a tangible product, the perceived value carries even more importance. You must not only provide a useful and relevant service to your clients, but you also have to get them to recognize the value they are getting before they make their initial purchase, and afterward for each subsequent purchase. You want your clients to view your services as irreplaceable; the only way to solve their problem and fulfill their needs. Having a high perceived value not only allows you to charge more for your services, but it can reduce price objections when it comes time to make the sale. Perceived value can be increased by demonstrating the most valuable, tangible benefits your clients stand to gain by purchasing your services. Here are a few of the most powerful benefits to highlight in your sales copy and in conversations with potential clients to help them develop an increased perceived value for your services.

Return on Investment
Instead of placing the focus on the cost of your services, try relating the clients investment to what they will get by hiring you. For example, help your clients to understand that they may spend a few hundred dollars to have you create a banner ad for their business, but they will continue to get a return on that ad every time they use it, quickly recouping that initial investment.

Free Time
How many of your clients attempt to do themselves what they eventually hire you to do? Break down the time savings your clients can benefit from by hiring you to take over the work, get it off their plates and out of their minds so they can focus their time and attention on more important topics.

Excellent Results
You know that saying, the proof is in the pudding? Give potential clients tangible examples of how you have helped other clients achieve X, Y and Z through your services. Testimonials, case studies and references can help potential clients envision the results they may get from working with you.

Better Than the Competition

A moderate amount of fear can help clients see what may happen if they hesitate and wait instead of taking action. You can expand on this idea by talking about what the clients competition is already doing and how your services will help the client surpass the competition and come out on top.

No Risk
Lastly, you can help the client elevate the perceived value by making an offer they cant refuse and encouraging them to act through a no-risk offer. Try a limited trial, a free sample or some other action-based incentive to raise the value and lower the risk. Ultimately, the perceived value is simply that perception. But its important to avoid creating a false sense of value, and instead focus on demonstrating the unique and worthwhile value clients can benefit from when they work with you. How do you help clients to see the value in what youre providing?
You are here: Home / Marketing / How Videos Increase the Perceived Value of Homes and Sales Price

How Videos Increase the Perceived Value of Homes and Sales Price
FEBRUARY 16, 2011 BY ERICA VAUTIER LIODICE 1 COMMENT

More than 90% of all real estate searches start online, where consumers are previewing homes and researching communities. They often spend months browsing hundreds of homes. If you want your listings to stand out to digital shoppers, use property videos and virtual tours on all your electronic marketing. Here are some key ways that videos enhance real estate marketing: Listings that have virtual tours associated with them appear higher in search results.

Real estate websites like Zillow and Trulia have millions of homes for sale in their database. So how do they decide what listings to put on the top of their search results? While each site has their own specific algorithm that decides the display order, there are several things they commonly look for. First (of course) are enhanced listings. If you pay to have your listing enhanced, it will appear higher in the search results. After

that, most sites try to put the listings with the most information on top. Ergo, listings with virtual tours and many photos will appear above listings that have less media. Consumers are 74 percent more likely to view a listing that has a virtual tour than a listing that does not have a virtual tour.

A 2008 REALTOR.com visitor survey showed that listings that feature a virtual tour are more likely to be viewed by potential buyers. The online shopper may not be able to physically tour a home, but through videos they can get a more complete sense of what a home looks like. Its really a numbers game the more buyers that preview a home, the better the chances are to sell for asking price.

The use of video in property marketing increases the perceived value of the home

A recent survey conducted jointly by VHT, Inc., and PropertyPreviews.com revealed the strong impact that videos have on the perceived value of a property and time on market. They found that the use of a video in marketing a property increases the perceived value of a home by nearly six percent while professional photography increases the perceived value by nearly 13 percent.

Individuals who viewed a video of a property felt the listing would be on the market for a shorter period of time when compared to similar homes. That created a sense of urgency in their impressions and respondents indicated that they would be more likely to actually be interested in and visit homes on the market that had online video or professional photography associated with the listing.

73% of people say that they would be more willing to list with an agent who offered to shoot a video of their property

Considering the benefits of marketing homes with video, its no surprise that 73% of people say that they would be more willing to list with an agent who offered to shoot a video of their property. They recognize that video is a powerful media and will help them seller their home faster and for more money. Agents who understand the new media and know how to strategically incorporate it into their marketing plans will be able to secure more listings and produce better results.

Less than 13% of Listings currently feature Virtual Tours

According to Sandicor (the San Diego MLS), out of the 20,228 listings that were Active in December of 2010 ONLY 12.42% featured a virtual tour!! That number absolutely shocks me. Knowing the impact video can have on property marketing, youd think everyone would be doing it. BUT since everyone is not doing it, its a great opportunity to stand out. Not only will you differentiate yourself from other agents to get the listing, you will increase your opportunities to sell the listing.

The typical virtual tour costs about $150. For this price, most companies will include:

High resolution photos of the property to use in print

Low resolution photos of the property that are optimized for online marketing An unbranded (doesnt feature any agent or broker info) virtual tour that can be shared on the local MLS. This isnt actually a video, but rather a slideshow of the photographs stitched together with music and possibly text overlay

A branded virtual tour (personalized for the agents use on non-MLS sites) MLS and Realtor.com uploads of your unbranded and branded tour, respectively Links to download or embed your tour Photos of the community and neighborhood Google maps, walk scores and other local information Share features to easily post your tour on social networking sites Email features to share posts with friends Photo and video galleries

More competitive companies will include additional services, like:

To take a tour to the next level, progressive agents are mixing live video into their virtual tours. More than just a pan-left or pan-right, live video capture full motion shots. These work great to capture the movement in a home.

Waterfalls and fountains Fireplaces and fire pits Gates and large doors opening Functioning multi media rooms Trees blowing in the window Ocean views and sunsets

When online buyers see that a virtual tour has more than just photos, they are 5 times more likely to watch the video through until the end and stay engaged. Its the perfect opportunity to bring a virtual tour to life. Very often international buyers report that they were able to find a home online without ever seeing it because of the use of video. Want to know more about how using video can improve your marketing? Leave a comment or shoot me an email. Id be happy to share more.