FaceTime Shopping: Ideas from Retail Makeover

Background

Although the term “face time” can refer to any time spent interacting with a person face-to-face, FaceTime is a video-calling application designed by Apple for use on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. 

Unlike similar services such as Skype or Facebook Messenger, FaceTime exclusively supports one-on-one calling (i.e., no group calling) and can only be used to call someone with a compatible Apple device — it will not work on Windows or Android phones. Despite this, FaceTime is still one of the most popular video-telephony products out there, likely due to the inherent popularity of Apple products.

Small businesses across the country are struggling as more people stay inside to help contain the spread of the corona virus. I am recommending you utilize FaceTime to personally shop with your customers. 

The introduction of video calling means you can bring items to life like never before; showcasing the details of a product that gives customers the true confidence to buy.

For example, when buying beauty products online, customers can now have a one-on-one consultation to find their perfect shade or color. When buying furniture online, shoppers can use video to visualize their home and get the best style advice from a design consultant. With video calling, conversations become as powerful as being there in-store, but with the additional convenience that eCommerce brings.

Follow these steps: 

 1. Announce and introduce FaceTime Shopping to your customers. This is an ultra-personalized shopping method. Perfect for these times of social distancing during COVID-19.

 2. Decide what days and times you will provide this personalized shopping service and explain how it will work.

3. Promote it on your front window, Instagram, Facebook and newsletter. As well put the info on your answering machine. Say something like this on your window:  “We offer FaceTime Shopping. Contact us today to make an appointment.”

Final Note:

Statistics show that when an owner gives this highly personalized service to customers thru FaceTime Shopping:  the average sale goes up with sales being guaranteed. 

If you have any questions, please let us know. Love to hear from you and how this is working.

Remember Steve and I are here to help you get through COVID-19 and how it has impacted your business? In light of the recent events we have put together a detailed COVID-19 Retail Emergency Strategy Survival Plan. Our survival plan is focused on what you must know and do if you want your Retail Business to survive through these uncertain times. For more information please write or call us to set up an appointment. At this time more than ever you want our winning approach to one-on-one business analysis and strategic emergency planning designed just for you and your business.

Barb & Steve