Here are some things to look at when shopping your competitors:

  • Is their location "customer friendly?"

  • Is it accessible?

  • Is it easy to find?

  • Are they located in a retail area - or a more industrial environment?

  • Are they located close to where the building growth is?

  • What is your first impression as you drive up?

  • What is the customer parking situation? Close to the front door?

  • Is the parking area well lit?

  • Does the drive up and walk to the front door feel safe?

  • What does the store front look like?

  • Is the front entrance inviting?

  • Do they list days and hours of being open on the front door or window? What are they?

  • Step inside the front door and write down your very first impression. (Big, small, open, cluttered, etc.)

  • If it's a plumbing wholesaler, is there a separate entrance to the

    showroom or do you use the same entrance as the tradespeople?

  • Low ceiling or high?

  • Is the overall showroom well lit?

  • Do they have a receptionist or a sign-in book?

  • Where are the sales desks located? All together or spread out? Near the front or in the back?

  • How long does it take for someone to meet and greet you?

  • How do they meet and greet you?

  • Do they try and qualify you right away? (Who you are, why you're there, etc.)

  • What products do they sell? Who do they feature?

  • How are the products displayed? (All faucets together, all water closets together, etc.)

  • Do they use their own boxes and boards or a mix from the various

    manufacturers?

  • Are there vignettes? How many?

  • Are there working displays? Featuring what? How many?

  • Do they show model numbers and/or pricing on the displayed products? Real or fictitious numbers? What price?

  • How is the flooring finished? (Carpet, tile, concrete, etc.)

  • Does the showroom have an easy comfortable flow?

  • Is it handicapped-accessible?

  • Do they sell just plumbing fixtures and faucets or do they have a diversity of products? What are they?

  • Does the showroom feel high-end, middle, low or a mix?

  • Do the displayed products represent a full mix of colors and finishes?

  • Is the showroom clean? (This includes floors, products, rest rooms, etc.)

  • Are the salespeoples' desk areas clean and neat or are they messy?

  • Are there "holes" (boxes and boards without product, sinks without faucets, tubs without waste and overflows, etc?)

  • How are the individual display areas lit? Good or bad?

  • Do they give out brochures?

  • Will they give you model numbers?

  • Will they quote you a discount off the manufacturer's list price?

  • How are their salespeople dressed?

  • Do they offer refreshments?

  • Do they have a "kids" area? How big? What's in it?

  • Are their public restrooms accessible? Are they clean?

  • What does their quote form look like?

  • Do they utilize a computer in their sales efforts?

  • Do they inventory product? What? How much?

  • Do they deliver to the job site?

  • Do they charge a delivery fee?

  • How are the showroom displays accessorized?

  • Do they offer "tag and hold"?

  • What deposit do they require - if any?

  • Do they accept credit cards?

  • Do they work by appointment?

  • Do they offer financing?

  • Do they offer referrals for install?

  • Will they sell the consumer?

  • If yes, at what price point?

  • Do they do rebates to the plumber? What & how?

  • Will they sell the builder or remodeler direct? What price point?

  • Do they have builder or plumber salespeople?

  • Will they do a "spec" package?

  • Do they participate in trade or home shows?

  • Are they active in trade associations?

  • How do they train their salespeople?

  • Well, I could go on and on. But you can add any and all other things that you should know about your competition.