Model the 'Puppy-Dog Close' Technique

Modeling is not a term that applies exclusively to those gorgeous, skinny creatures who strut down the runway in the latest designer duds. Modeling is also what successful businesses do when they see something another business is doing--and it doesn't have to be someone in their own industry, either--and they "model" it to achieve their own objectives.

Take the so-called puppy-dog close, one of the most powerful sales techniques ever invented (and it's totally based on customer experience). This is how it works:

A customer is in the pet store with a child who is begging for a puppy. Not at all sure this is such a great idea, or perhaps not sure if this particular puppy is the right fit, the customer will not commit to the purchase. The savvy salesperson offers to let them take the puppy home for a few days, assuring the parent that the puppy can be returned, no questions asked, and a refund cheerfully given if they decide they don't wish to keep it.

How could you say no to such a reasonable offer, especially with your child right there with those expectant eyes?

Of course, the child falls in love with the new pet, and there's no way the parent can return the dog to the store. Sold: one puppy. It's that simple.

A number of stores that sell area rugs have modeled this technique by allowing prospective buyers to take a rug home so they can see how it looks in their space. Most of the time, it's a keeper (if for no other reason than the buyer doesn't want the experience of having to move the furniture again!). Other times, the customer tries rug after rug until he finds one he likes. This may cost the store a bit extra for delivery fees, but it's a worthwhile expense to make the sale because once that customer leaves for good, the chances of reclaiming that sale drop precipitously.

Now, an internet diamond merchant is modeling the puppy-dog close to sell engagement rings, calling the program "Try It Before You Buy It". The buyer chooses up to three ring designs, and the company sends cubic zirconia replicas, with free return shipping, for the prospective bride to wear and experience for 10 days. And just like the puppy and the rug, the customer is under no obligation to buy.

How might you model the puppy-dog close to give your customers the opportunity to experience your product? Could you let them take the actual product home and live with it? Could you create a replica of some sort that they could try out? Or perhaps you might make up small samples like cosmetics companies do, so that after a few days of using the product, the prospect wants to return to buy the regular size.

Once your actual product is in the customers' possession and the customer experiences the joy of ownership, the sale is all but a sure thing, particularly when there is a strong emotional component to the purchase. Sit down and start thinking about how you could entice your prospects and customers with a puppy-dog experience that will make your close ratios higher than they've ever been before.