Any company that’s been around as long as us, which is five decades and counting, can attest to monumental changes in business practices over the years. The number of locally-owned machine shops may have decreased compared to the 1960s and 70s, but those that still exist are carrying on a proud tradition. This includes providing goods and services to neighbors who choose to work with the entrepreneurs who are supporting the local community. As a flange manufacturer, we’ve proudly worked with local customers for years and when someone approaches us for a limited run of pipe flanges, we relish the opportunity.
The question that arises in this digital-first shopping environment is how companies make initial contact with potential customers. Do salespeople continue to make outreach and offer our pipe making supplies, or can we rely on the Internet to organically increase our presence? It’s a fair question and one that many companies are asking themselves in an era when online shopping is king.
Consider the following: The average Internet user who is on the hunt for a specific product – be it pipe flanges or new shoes – will turn to online shopping at least once a month. According to consumer education news outlet BrizFeel, 92 percent of the 30,000 people they surveyed said they shop online at least one a year. These folks do so because they value the online shopping experience, price and supporting a certain brand. To capitalize on these trends, even companies that make pipe flanges need to double down on their online presence. Per the study, just 27 percent of respondents would return to a website they previously visited if “had trouble accessing it, while 73 percent of consumers said they will visit another website.” That’s letting a sale walk out the digital door — and that’s no good for a flange manufacturer.
What’s telling, according to the survey, is that there are favorable feelings toward online shopping, but in-person options remain quite viable. The final percentages for the 30,000 people consulted were 57 percent in favor of online shopping compared to 31 percent who would rather make a deal in-person. This is where the future of a salesperson comes into play. The sheer scale of customizations that a customer can make when ordering pipe making supplies and pipe flanges makes in-person communications very effective. Shoppers can voice their questions and comments to an actual person, who can then relay that information to the manufacturing departments in charge of naval, industrial or energy products sector flange designs.
Working with a small-scale flange manufacturer is truly the best of both worlds. Our customers are encouraged to visit our website and learn more about our products and equipment. We then ask visitors to contact us directly so we can best understand their specific needs, quickly quote them and because we’re a nimble firm that can make pipe flanges to meet the specific needs of for their job small projects. Our goal is to fulfill that one-off order and help get an important project closer to completion.