How To Sell DIY Projects to a Growing Consumer Base
DIY is more than a passing fad; it’s a growing trend that is only expected to increase. This is especially true when it comes to our SmartestHome category of products, like DIY home automation. According to MarketsandMarkets.com, the DIY home automation market is projected to reach $21.3 billion by 2020. Learn how to tap into this market and benefit from these consumers.
Diverse Buyers
DIY consumers do not fall into any one category. They range in age, income, and goals. For starters, according to Venveo.com, 50% of DIYers are female and 50% are male. Not only that, but income is only a factor for some groups of DIY customers. These customers may be trying to be economical and are looking for more frugal options. However, less budget-conscious customers may just want the experience, value, and satisfaction of completing a project themselves.
This is a huge plus for retailers when thinking about products like surveillance. DIY surveillance is more economical than expensive subscription services and will appeal to the DIY consumer. The Amcrest 720p HD Wireless Camera with Wireless 7” Touchscreen Monitor is a simple and easily installed DIY surveillance system accessible to almost anyone. The lack of subscription service fees more than makes up for the initial cost, and the satisfaction of self-monitoring the home will attract these DIY buyers. Plus, there are even products for the most frugal buyers. For instance the iSmartAlarm Home Security System, Preferred Package is a complete home security system with door/window sensors and mobile monitoring for a fraction of the cost of multi-camera surveillance systems.
Lifestyle Is Key for the DIY Home
Increasing the relevancy of products by emphasizing not what the products do, but how they affect the consumers’ lives has proven to be an effective means to produce sales. This strategy has proven to be very efficient in sales for millennials in particular. Take the “Post-It Strategy” from the company 3M as an example, they focus not on how sticky the paper is, but on how the Post-it adds small touches to users’ lives. Read more about their strategy here, Mashable.com.
This strategy is easy for DIY products since DIY is a lifestyle in itself. Personalization is key for DIYers. Products like the Bayit Home Automation LED Lighting Starter Kit with 2 LED Color-Changing Light Bulbs & Wi-Fi Gateway is perfect for consumers who are looking for lifestyle and personalization. It is easily installed, easily controlled with a smartphone app, and completely customizable with colors, groups of lights, and brightness and tone controls. Smart plugs are also perfect for customization-loving consumers. It fits into any outlet in the home. Users can plug any device into it they want and control it remotely with their smartphones. Customers want to feel like they have unique, personal products, and with DIY, they can.
Inspire DIY Ideas
Whizard Strategy advises focusing on selling the project instead of the product. When customers are inspired by a particular project, they will purchase the products they need to complete it. Plus, it will be something they are excited about and eager to start.
DIY consumers are also looking for guidance. They are mostly not professional installers and really want to avoid hiring extra help during the course of their projects. They will definitely appreciate readily available how-to guides or advice and be given an extra confidence boost. When customers see how easy it is to install and use IP cameras like the Foscam Plug & Play 1.3 Megapixel Pan/Tilt Wireless IP Camera, they will be excited to try a surveillance project in their homes.
DIY Home Automation
Venveo.com reports that DIY consumers from 18 to 54 years old are especially attracted to smart home products. The DIY home automation market has seen incredible growth in the past few years due to accessibility to the average consumer. When it comes to slightly new or unfamiliar products, like the Security Man IWATCHALARM Deluxe Kit, new buyers need more guidance and explanation. Emphasize the ease of setup, mobile-accessible experience, and lack of ongoing costs. The self-controlled and self-monitored aspect of this product and products like it will attract even the most skeptical buyer.
According to SecurityInfoWatch.com, the current Electronic Security Association (ESA) president, Marshall Marinace, said, “The DIY market is here to stay.” Stay on top of the latest trends and check out even more DIY ideas and products on www.petra.com!