Fireworks, BBQ, and summer sales… who wouldn’t be excited for the 4th of July?
Customers are certainly excited about Independence day. In 2015, food and retail sales hit $6.6 billion, and it’s growing every year.
Independence Day is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on, since it’s such a great time to run specials and promotions. Whether it’s through social media, emails, or your website, promote your online parts store with some USA-themed holiday deals.
1. Set up some killer prices.
Who doesn’t like a good sale?
This one is a no-brainer. Holiday sales bring in customers, simple as that. Whether it’s a discount, a promo code, or free shipping with select orders, entice your potential customers with something nice this Independence Day.
You can choose whether these sales are available to anyone who visits your parts website, or if the promo code is only given out via email in order to get more customer email addresses. As an especially patriotic sale, why not offer a special discount just for veterans? Think about what works best for you and your store!
(If you’re selling auto parts on eBay Motors, setting up sale prices is super easy. Check out our article about how to run an eBay promotion)
Most importantly, run the sale for more than just one day. Either try a 3-day 4th of July weekend sale, or a week-long event. This gives everyone time to take advantage of the great opportunities even if they’re a little busy with their own holiday plans.
2. Offer a freebie.
Over 80% of Americans own some type of patriotic item, whether it’s a flag, a t-shirt, a bumper sticker, or something else. Best yet, citizens of the USA are always eager to show off their national pride when it comes to 4th of July weekend.
So what if you give a freebies to your customers? For example, anyone who makes a purchase during the promotional period gets an Independence Day bumper sticker or magnet (and buy in bulk to get them for cheap). Purchases over a certain threshold might get a bigger prize, like a patriotic license plate frame, t-shirt, or hitch cover. This idea can work for in-store and online purchases, so you’re not limited by your selling channel.
3. Trivia, anyone?
Everyone is decking their dealership halls with red, white, and blue. And while that’s great, why not take it a step further? In addition to the right colors, look up some interesting facts about Independence Day to include in your promotions. The trivia is something special that your competitors won’t think to include.
For example, we’re on our 240th anniversary of that fateful day, July 4th 1776. But did you know most historians agree that the Declaration wasn’t signed until August?
You can hang a few did-you-know posters around your service department in order to entertain customers while they wait.
4. Spread the word.
Seriously, get excited. If you’re energized about your deals, then your customers will be, too.
The 4th of July means Americans hyped up on patriotism. Favor the necessary colors (red, white, and blue) in your advertisements and even incorporate the USA flag. On Facebook, share a picture of a classic American BBQ or car parts decorated with balloons. Have fun with it!
Customers won’t know about your Independence Day promotions if you keep quiet. Promote your parts store however possible. A promotional email, a Facebook update, or a tweet on Twitter are all great options and even better when all utilized together.
And don’t wait until July 3rd to get started. Let your customers know in advance so they have time to react.
5. Be prepared.
Whatever you end up doing, decide in advance. Don’t save anything for the last minute. Rather than throw something together the day before, you’ll find better results with a well-thought out plan.
For example, you could poll your customers to see what they’re looking to buy this summer. When you set sales and discounts for the 4th of July, you’ll have an idea of what to target to get the most success. Make sure you’re in stock for those items, too!
Don’t forget about getting the word out. Preparing an email in advance will give you time to craft out the right words or find the perfect patriotic image.
Even though these tips are tailored to fit a patriotic theme, don’t be afraid to apply what you’ve learned to other holidays. Hint: Labor Day is in September!
Any chance to celebrate is a chance to get your customers excited—and the 4th of July is no exception. Don’t miss your chance to make some great sales this coming Independence Day!
