May
26
If retailers can cut down on use of shopping bags, a cascading positive effect can take place. But it is rarely seen to be case, with retailers only too happy to give out any number of bags when they make a sale. With a bit of thought, bags usage can actually be cut down without causing any inconvenience to customers. Here are some ideas.
Start Charging
Be a brave retailer. Start charging for bags. Sounds a preposterous idea? You think customers will make a dash to your nearest competitor, not being used to paying for what they felt were perks that came with shopping? Ok, lets change the plot a bit: Start charging for re-usable bags made of friendly materials like jute. Fair enough, but why will customers pay even for that when they can get the other bags for free as always?
Try some of the following tricks (no, tricks is not about pulling a dishonest one on customers; sometimes one has to be smart to get a good thing done):
- An attractive, cheap reusable bag: That’s what you should sell. If attractive and just above cost, customer would love to buy the same. They are usually not averse to such purchases. Do not have higher mark-ups like for your other merchandise; you are not in the business of selling such bags. Have your company logo on it. It will be free advertising wherever the bag goes. Also put a green message on it. Spread the good word. And build a good image for yourself.
- Give this reusable bag for free, when a customer makes purchases of a certain minimum value. Or brings back a specified number of your plastic bags taken earlier to get a free reusable bag.
- Remind them to get it back: When your customers use a reusable bag, tell your staff to remind them to bring back their bag next time. They might forget, but it is important to keep reinforcing the message.
- Would you like a bag? Get your staff to ask customers this question every time, adding they prefer not to offer paper and plastic bags in the interest of the environment. Lot of customers will end up saying NO, eventually if not initially.
- Put up posters and other signs around the store. Send the message out: Say NO to bags. Explain reasons, in a manner it cuts ice with the receiver of the message. These can be posters, stickers, signs at check-out, message on receipts, badges and any other medium available. Be proud of what you are doing. And imbibe the same pride in your staff.
- Use fewer bags: Staff tend to be quite liberal with plastic bags. Tell them to stack more items per bag. And avoid using double bags, which one usually does for heavier items.
Make a start and see how people change: Don’t under-respect the customer. He also wants to care. Make a start, and people will follow your lead. Habits will change, irrespective of the kind of society we live in.
Comments
3 Responses to “How retailers can cut shopping bags usage”
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nice idea , will definately work , go on persuing it
if shopkeepers give a little incentive it will work immediately.
one suggestion for a win/win incentive to help customers remember to bring back the reusable bag would be to offer a discount off the purchase each time it is used.