Two days ago my sister broke the earphones that came with her BlackBerry. She automatically came to me for a replacement pair because I’ve owned so many. I couldn’t help her because she needed 3.5 (standard for mp3s, stereos etc) and I only have 1 Blackberry that uses that size and I was using them.

So yesterday I went to one of those variety stores that sell cell phones, accessories and other items. So I told the young lady I needed a 3.5 headset for a phone. She proceeded to show me earphones that will work in mp3 players but none with a microphone. So I saw a set hanging on the wall that I thought may work. The package says it was compatible with Samsung phones and she said she didn’t think it would work. Now I didn’t think that the manufacturers placed any technology in an inexpensive headset that would prohibit it from working with other phones. We opened the package; I made a successful test call and purchased the set.

Long story short had I listened to her and left she would have lost a sale and possibly a future customer. I don’t like to run those type of errands so I will patronize places that I know will have what I need. Since, I had some knowledge of what I needed I was able to get serviced. With that being said, employees and owners should learn as much as possible about their products. No matter you distribution system. Of course its easier for someone with a retail location to open and play with items. Owners of drop ship websites can have items sent to them, read reviews and more. The more you know about your products the better experience you provide for customers and potential customers. Also, knowing your products inside out can tell help you decide which products to keep, get rid of or acquire based on the needs of your customers.