Our retail partners consistently tell us that knowledge is power. An engaged, energetic sales team that's informed and excited about new devices are key ingredients in the recipe for retail success.

As a manager, you can't personally impart all the information necessary for your sales reps to excel on the sales floor and improve your store's performance. You've got too many other fires burning.

That's where product knowledge and sales training programs come in. This 2014 annual holiday survey from Deloitte* indicates 61% of consumers expect sales associates to be knowledgeable about products and 48% indicate a knowledgeable sales associate increases the likelihood they will make an in-store purchase.

The best retail training program delivers tangible, measureable results. Here are five outcomes to expect from an effective training program.

1. Improved Customer Experiences and Retention

Well-rounded training programs help participating sales reps transfer their knowledge to customers in engaging, fun ways. Customers who feel engaged, like they're making a connection with their sales rep and not simply getting a sales pitch, are more likely to buy.

Even more importantly, they're more likely to return to your store for their next purchase.

2. Increase in Overall Device and Add-on Sales

Product training that empowers sales reps and engages customers boosts overall device sales. In addition, knowledgeable sales reps are better-positioned to suggest add-ons and accessories that customers might not have considered, further boosting store sales and revenues.

3. More Upselling to Higher-Priced Devices

Knowledgeable, empowered sales reps see upselling opportunities in virtually every customer interaction. If you're looking for a cost-effective way to boost your store's margins and move more expensive devices, look no further than a well-rounded product training program.

4. Better Teamwork

Sales reps with extensive, up-to-date product knowledge and selling know-how are more likely to feel a stake in each other’s success, and to work together as a cohesive team. Reps who understand the importance of teamwork are easier to manage and more likely to go the extra mile to help other team members—and the store itself.

5. Increase in Sales during Seasonal Periods

The most impactful training programs give sales reps the tools necessary to be more resourceful with their customer engagement and selling efforts. This is particularly true during the holiday season and other special occasions, a prime time for new product launches.

Targeted and in-depth learning opportunities about the latest technology products and tips for selling them provide better results on the sales floor.

Supportive Training Program Design

Retailers have mandatory training programs for all employees. It’s important that any optional training program doesn't conflict with other on-the-job responsibilities, such as selling devices. Additionally, voluntary training programs should be highly targeted and easily consumed in short timeframes.

Sales reps who feel engaged, are empowered to share their knowledge with customers, and can devote their full attention to selling new devices, are critical ingredients for attaining desirable, measurable outcomes.

We want to ensure sales reps and managers feel empowered, not burdened, by Intel® product knowledge training. We designed the Intel® Retail Edge Program to do just that.

We even make it fun to learn. Sales reps complete Learning activities to earn Chips, which they can then redeem for prizes and other rewards.

Learn more about how the Intel® Retail Edge Program empowers your sales team and improves retail store performance today.

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*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

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