As schools across the country begin, many families plan to buy a new desktop or laptop. Your sales team must know what to look for to help your customers make the best use of their budget and get a computer that will work well for school, work, and play.

According to the National Retail Foundation, spending on back-to-school and college is estimated to reach $110 billion this year. Electronics is projected as a top category for spending.

Your sales associates should be prepared to capitalize on this opportunity and help you drive revenue during this critical sales period. Intel is powering exciting new PC options to help you exceed shopper expectations and capture a larger share of the tech budget.

Recommending the Right Computer

The technology needs and development of students significantly differ depending on their grade level. For example, elementary school students may be in the process of learning how to type. In contrast, middle and high school students can usually complete homework assignments, create pictures and videos, and interact on social media without difficulty.

It is unlikely that a student will use a PC solely for school-related activities. They will also be used for web browsing, checking social media, streaming movies, playing games, creating videos, and more. Also, other family members will use many computers purchased during the back-to-school season.

Sales associates should understand who will use the computer and what activities will be performed. They must be knowledgeable about processor speeds, memory capacity, security features, graphics capabilities, and peripherals, among other things.

With detailed information from the customer and a strong understanding of the features and capabilities of the products they sell, sales associates can recommend the best devices to meet the needs of all users.

Your sales associates should know which questions to ask and understand the capabilities of today's PCs. Doing so allows them to demonstrate how laptops and desktops can make learning more fun and easier for students of all ages.

Include Students in the Sales Conversation

Although parents usually purchase computers for their kids as they head back to school, some students may pitch in and help, especially if they want one fully equipped with all the latest features.

Your sales team should remember that just because the student isn't paying for that new laptop doesn't mean they don't influence the purchase decision. Kids, teens, and young adults today have a lot of pull when choosing a computer, and it's important to keep them in the loop during conversations.

Keep Inventory and Product Information Up to Date

Sales associates must have a range of form factors to select from to best suit customer needs. There are amazing new laptops, 2 in 1s, and desktops powered by the latest Intel® Core™ processors. Ensure you have an adequate inventory of these popular PCs to give customers a choice based on their style, functionality, and price preferences.

In-store experience stations allow potential customers to test new PCs and see the benefits and features that your associates can demonstrate during the sales process. This is particularly helpful for younger students.

Ensure Your Associates are Sales-Ready

Are your associates ready for customers shopping for back-to-school technology needs? If not, encourage them to participate in the Intel® Retail Edge Program. They can learn about the latest Intel® products, technologies, and the computers they power.

Make sure your team is ready to generate more sales and create better customer experiences during the back-to-school spending season. Get more information about the Intel® Retail Edge Program today!

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