If you are in a wholesale business, you might have heard about a line sheet. The chances are you might have created one for someone. But what makes a great line sheet. For those who don’t know, a line sheet is an essential sales tool that helps businesses represent their products to potential buyers in the best possible manner.
It is a simple document that contains all the information necessary to make the buying process easy. Unfortunately, many small businesses do not consider line sheet fashion important to make a line sheet. As a result, their brands do not get that recognition.
What do you know about a line sheet?
Do you want to boost your sales and bring more and more customers to the business? You should think about making a line sheet. Every product-based business, no matter how big or small it is, needs to showcase its product mix to potential buyers. Showing them each and every item you have in the warehouse is practically impossible. But without taking a look at your products, no buyer will make a decision. Here comes the line sheet to help you out.
It is a simple document that contains all the information about your product line. It includes all the relevant information that makes the buying process simple and easier. Some people get confused and consider a catalog and line sheet the same. But both the documents are not the same.
Difference between a line sheet and a catalog:
Now you may be asking that if both the documents contain product information, then what the difference between them is. It is true that both the documents contain information about products and the brand, but still, both are not the same.
A catalog is a document that contains all the information about the products and the business in detail. You can use long paragraphs to describe what your brand is all about. Also, you can use lifestyle imagery in the catalog.
While a line sheet is a simple document that contains information about the product line and contact details. You cannot use long paragraphs or any flowery language in the line sheet as it is a one or two-page document only. There is no place for lifestyle imagery in the line sheet.
Simply put, a catalog tells the customers what your brand is and why he should invest in your products. It tells him how your products can benefit his business. But a line sheet does not ask him to buy your products; rather, it tells him how he can place an order.
It is highly important for a business to understand the difference in both the documents in order to use them correctly. If you know the purpose of making these documents, you become better able to bring more customers. It is suggested to use the combination of both documents to increase sales.
How to make a great line sheet?
Making a line sheet can a daunting task for many. They get confused about what to include and what not to. Bear in mind that the purpose of making a line sheet is to make the buying process easy, so include all the information that a buyer needs to make purchases. Avoid including information that has nothing to do with the buying process. For example, you should tell your brand story in the line sheet.
The purpose is not to make a line sheet; make it perfect so that the buyer can place an order immediately after taking a look at it. Bear in mind that retailers are busy people, and they do not have time to go through all the information, so make sure that you put important details at the top of the sheet.
Think from a buyer’s perspective. If you were the buyer, what would make the buying process easy for you. Make sure that you include the correct information in the line sheet. If you add the wrong contact information, it can cost you sales. The buyer would not be able to find your contact number, or he may not bother to look for it as they get numerous line sheets every day. So, he has a lot of options.
Mistakes you should avoid while making a line sheet:
The line sheet helps you boost sales. But there are a few mistakes that can ruin the whole purpose of the line sheets. You should take the time to make a line sheet so that you can include all the information necessary for the buyer to place an order. Following are some of the mistakes that can hinder the way of making a great impression on potential buyers:
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Not telling your story well:
You cannot use long paragraphs in the line sheet does not mean that you cannot tell your brand story at all. Most businesses do not tell their story at all or tell an incomplete story that does not leave a good impact on the buyers. They want to know who your brand is before making purchases so tell your story well.
You should use a writing style that is authentic to how you really speak. Your image aesthetics’ must match the line sheet’s aesthetics. You must add a bio in the line sheet to tell about your brand but make sure you use minimum text.
Retailers receive many line sheets every day, so make sure you describe your products in a way that tells what is unique about them. Bear in mind that brand wave and the story inspire potential buyers, and not telling your story completely would not be beneficial for your brand.
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Using the same line sheet everywhere:
What is a line sheet? It is the complete representation of your brand in a single document. So what impact it would make if you use the same line sheet everywhere. It is highly important to understand that every customer is different, so the purpose of making a line sheet would also be different.
For example, if you are reaching out to a store, your line sheet must represent your entire brand. But when you are heading to a trade show, it does not bear the responsibility to sell.
A line sheet does different jobs for a business. You should keep the purpose in mind while making a line sheet. Are you making it to sell, convince, or remind? Answer this question; you start making a line sheet.
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Having bad Photos:
Budget is always a problem for small businesses. The most common mistake made by small businesses is the use of bad photos in the line sheets. By bad photos, we mean “bad photos.” The images you use in the line sheet is your introduction to them. Having bad photos in the sheet does not leave a good impact on a potential buyer, and he does not take your brand seriously.
We understand that getting quality images of your products is expensive, but it is worth it. When you use high-quality images in the line sheet, they leave a great impression on the buyers. You should not settle for photos that are subpar in lighting and clarity. The buyer will, first of all, check your images, so make sure they are visually appealing.
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Overlooking design:
Invest time as much as you can to make your line sheet visually appealing. Make it look professional and never make the mistake of overlooking the design. Your line sheet must be visually appealing to drive the attention of the buyer. If it is properly aligned, the buyer will be curious to know what you have to offer him.
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Being unclear and confusing:
What ruins the entire impression of your brand? If your line sheet is clear and concise, trust me, the buyer will not bother to read it. You should make everything crystal clear in the line sheet. Clearly state your return, shipping, and payment policy. Tell the buyers what materials you have used in making a product and how much it costs.
Which product name goes with which? How you pack things and how much time it takes to reach the package to its destination. How can the buyers place an order? Make sure you tell everything clearly, leaving no ambiguity to avoid trouble in the future. When your buying process will be easier, the buyer will take no time to place an order.
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Not thinking from the buyer’s perspective:
The key to making a great line sheet that actually makes the buying process seamless is to think from a buyer’s perspective. If you do not put yourself in the store owner’s shoes, you would not be able to understand how to make the buying process easy. The buyers are busy people, so make sure that your line sheet is visually pleasant and answers all their questions.
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Bothering the buyers:
What do you think bothers the buyers most? When you make them sign up for something or ask them to make an account, they do not like it at all. Always bear in mind that retailers are multitaskers. They would be busy when you send them your line sheets, and if you make things complicated, they do not like it.
Send them a copy of the line sheet. Do not bombard him with emails. You want to make a great impression, so do not ruin things by forcing him to see your line sheets. Just send it to wait for his response.
These are a few mistakes you should avoid while making a line sheet. You are making a line sheet to make the buying process easier. So do not include unnecessary details in the line sheet as the buyers do not want to read lengthy documents.
Should I hire a graphics designer?
For those who are making a line sheet for the first time, it would be overwhelming to add all the details. It is better you make it yourself as you would be better able to understand what went wrong if the buyer does not place an order. However, you can hire a graphics designer as well who can help you make a great line sheet. Since he is professional, he knows what it takes to make an effective line sheet. Though hiring a graphics designer can be expensive, if you have enough money, then go ahead.
Advantages of making a line sheet:
A line sheet is not just a piece of paper. It is a tool that helps you present your products in front of potential and current buyers. It is a complete representation of your brand. It tells customers what is unique about your products and how they can buy them.
Having a line sheet means you do not need to call again and again to potential buyers to describe everything. The buyer will take a look at the sheet and know what you are offering him to sell and how much it costs. The buyers do not need to contact you, again and again, to discuss the payment or shipping policies as you have stated everything already in the line sheet.
A good line sheet that makes buying easy actually makes selling easy. So, making a line sheet is beneficial for both the buyer and seller.
If there is a favorite client, make a customized line sheet for him. You should know what a particular customer is looking for. Answer their questions in the line sheet. Customization always works.
It’s time to step up the game:
Making a line sheet is important if you want to step up your game. To stay ahead of the competition, you need to make a line sheet that caters to the needs of a particular customer. So, it’s time to make a great line sheet and reach out to more customers. As a result, there will be an increase in sales and your business will be earning profits. Just make sure that your line sheet does not contain any irrelevant information. So, brace yourself up for making an effective line sheet.
