The days of the outbreak of Kovid 19 or Corona have been like a long and tiring journey. Looking back, here are five lessons Morflor learned in the midst of the worst economic crisis in the days parallel to Corona.
When Tehran and some Iranian cities came under quarantine rules and restrictions, we settled for the appointment system for our head office clients. What was the result? Our parquet sales rate increased dramatically. Our office got busy, but not too much. In the past, we had days when several customers came at the same time without prior notice, which made us unable to handle each customer efficiently.
Another advantage of this is the assignment to the client before the appointment. We ask them to draw the dimensions of their room and bring some pictures they like and even search a little on the Internet to find the look of their room. When they book their appointment, we also ask for their phone number and email address so we can contact them if there are any issues. When they book their appointment, we also get their phone number and email address so that we can contact them in case of any problems. Currently, we are following the experience of the office and if necessary, we may close the sales circle altogether.
Now that Tehran is out of the quarantine rules, we have decided to continue our service and sales appointment system. We will definitely welcome walk-in customers. But we encourage them to make an appointment in advance to receive advice, services and purchases. With this method, we can ask the newly arrived customer without time to wait a little while the customer who has already made an appointment leaves.
Morflor does many contracting contracts. Before the coronavirus, contractors or parquet installers would come to Morflor and sometimes, because they felt like they were part of a family, they would chat for a long time. But these non-business talks take time both with the client and the contractor. These conversations are fun, but sometimes your time is so limited that you just want the customer to say what they want, get the service they need, and move on to the next customer.
Covid-19 also forced us to change the way we sell: online and telephone sales increased. These two methods are much more efficient. We may lose a few sudden, unplanned purchases, but overall, customers and contractors are coming in and out faster, and sales have improved. Now we are trying to produce a combination of old and new system. Call first. We prepare your sample or order and send it ready. Our sales team pays the most attention to time. Bring them in and then take them out. Like the restaurant system. It is constantly rotating. Whether the table rotation in the restaurant or the inventory rotation in our company, both lead to higher sales. Today, the face-to-face contact with the customer and the contractor has decreased, but sales have increased. Even some of our face-to-face customers order over the phone and only receive delivery. It’s like having an extra salesperson!
support the Iranian brand.Iranian business owners now have an opportunity that they may not have had before. An independent slogan, an independent marketing strategy, is an incentive for people to buy: “Buy Iranian!” Covid created very bad economic conditions for many businesses. But be aware that in those depths, it is the heart of the people that is present. If you win a heart, you are no longer just a customer, but a partner.
Morflor has started with a family business since it was founded by Mrs. Leia Ma’ref. We always put our customers first. Even our suppliers are next in importance. Last year, we got ideas from some not very big restaurants in Tehran. In these places, many times all family members try to make their business prosper. Although some of them are not successful yet, I think most of them are. Why? Because people decide more with their hearts and are willing to support these businesses and buy locally. This is a basic marketing strategy that, in my opinion, has no ground zero. It has already happened. Be careful when you ride!
I know that everyone knows this. You’ve all heard it. But when was the last time you did it? When was the last time you took a moment to say, “Thank you!” to one of your employees? Or did you take the time to buy them a gift card? Despite one of the biggest economic challenges caused by Corona, our company is still strong. It is strong because our employees are happy, they are appreciated. Each of our team members earned much more in 1400 than in 1399. We are proud of this.
For many, it was tempting to use part of this money to reduce the burden caused by the drop in sales, the slowdown of the market and its margins, or in some cases, quarantine and complete shutdown. But every riyal that was given to our company, we reinvested in our biggest asset: the company’s employees. Do not underestimate your employees. They have good memories. Treat them well and they will treat you well. Trust this advice. Be sure it will answer!
How long can you hold your breath before fainting? This is the period of time that you can continue your business without marketing. Definitely not that long. Every business faces it: market downturn. sales drop Epidemic! Usually, the unconscious reaction to a drop in sales is to cut costs and ninety percent of the marketing budget is reduced. Everyone knows this is wrong, but it is very easy. What is our recommendation? Never do this. When the economy is stagnant, it’s launch time. Radio, TV, the print industry, the digital market, all at once are willing to negotiate their rates.
Is your competitor present on social networks? Take it and make it yours and never give it back. Be creative. When the economic situation is bad, marketing puts you in the first row for the time of economic prosperity and continues until that time of recovery…
