Flooring: Tips and Strategies for Upselling

Upselling. According to Shopify, the definition is “Upselling is a sales technique used to get a customer to spend more by buying an upgraded or premium version of what’s being purchased.” If you were buying a new sports car, you might get “upsold” into buying the newest model or one with more features. If you were ordering a hamburger at your favorite fast-food restaurant, the server may suggest you try their dinner special that includes not just a hamburger, but also a drink and two sides.

Floor sales are no different. Providing customers with the best flooring options for their budget can be rewarding. They might benefit from additional items? Maybe you could interest them in different features? It is possible there are higher quality selections you could sell to them within their price range? Here are some simple tips and strategies for upselling flooring.

First Step: Listen and Discover

Salespeople looking to recommend the proper hardwood flooring product, for example, need to ask a series of fact-finding questions first. Really, this fact-finding first step is something all sales people need to do when approaching a client. Examples of such questions might include where the floors will be installed, is it in a high or low traffic area, and what styles they are interested in.

Next, after discussing the project and getting to know your clientele, recommend a specific flooring product. This timing makes a big difference in the sale. At this point, discussing the differences between solid wood and laminate veneer lumbar (LVM) which is more pliable and sustains wear better than traditional lumbar, would be ideal. Afterward, suggest and demonstrate an eco-friendly floor cleaning spray made to be highly effective with the particular type of flooring they have selected.

Tradition vs. Digital

Traditionally, the practice of listening to the customer in a face-to-face store experience has meant getting to know your customer personally. It has been about learning their needs and fashion tastes and suggesting items they can appreciate. It has involved discussing finances confidentially. It has been about building a relationship.

Many places still function like this, but they are becoming rarer. A change is happening with traditional vs. digital marketing. While the older generation will continue to want a personal connection for their flooring needs, the younger generation would just as soon read all they need to know and handle the transaction online using visualization tools.

Technology has changed the flooring business. Digital Marketing has allowed customers to browse without person-to-person sales. Now, as a sales associate, studying demographics is paramount. Market analysis is the name of the game. For example, running ads in specific zip codes for items that pertain to that area allows you to compete well. Unlike flooring giants such as Home Depot, which maintain a wide variety of items available to a broad audience, a targeted online approach lends itself to meeting specific people’s specific needs. These days upselling is dependent on digital target marketing. Since Google can identify who is looking for flooring, personal attention presents relevant ads based on the customers’ search criteria.

A hybrid approach of in-home shopping and face-to-face service is also realistic. In-home measures and construction still have to happen, and automatic ads will continue to show on Facebook feeds. Upselling in person is within a sales associate’s skill set. Upselling online is definitely within a digital marketer’s skill set.

Flooring companies that find a way to incorporate strategies from both approaches have a bright future with upselling in the world of e-commerce.

Networking Tips for the Flooring Retailer and Flooring Vendor

When it comes to flooring, there’s not a one-size-fits-all for each customer. There are various options available to suit each customer’s taste, style, needs, and budget. 

Think outside the box and expand your flooring business by reaching out to new customers (consider different types you may have never thought of such as business owners) to increase sales and create a reliable brand people trust.

There are many ways to reach potential customers. Through online marketing, direct mail, and cold calling — you can grow your flooring business as quickly as you want. 

Networking with those in the construction or design industry can lead to multiple jobs and enhance your reputation for creating quality flooring for residential and business customers.

Think about it, homes, businesses, schools, and pretty much every building, new or old, need flooring. The options for networking are endless! Other traditional, potential networking partners for a flooring company include:

• Interior designers
• Building owners
• Home contractors

Flooring vendors can find several networking opportunities by contacts with various retail stores. Big box stores can be lucrative but don’t forget about local stores and local contracting companies either! 

Whether you are a flooring retailer or flooring vendor, here are some tips to help promote your business and products!

1. Build a website for your flooring business that includes business contact information, description of flooring services and installation procedures, types of flooring, customer testimonials, and before and after pictures of recent jobs. 

2. SEO Search engine optimization is a great way to improve your website’s search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your homepage. However, SEO is not an exact science and it’s definitely not a quick process. Many factors influence these rankings. Try writing original content (blogs, articles, etc.) about your products or craft, and post them on your website. Make sure to include keywords that mention flooring or flooring terms in each post. Think of this as a long-term tactic.

3. Take high-quality photographs of your work. Show potential and current customers precisely what you can do with professional-quality images of each job. Show before and after pictures and pictures of different products showcasing different types of flooring and projects. 

3. Utilize LinkedIn. Use your actual photo, complete all the details of your profile, and of course, link to your company page. 

4. Join flooring, contracting, residential, and commercial building associations. Attend networking events that you know home contractors or related organizations may be present. Don’t expect to get a sale–this is a time to get to know others and introduce yourself!

5. Ask for referrals. Satisfied customers can and will provide you with solid leads. Offer them a discount on future jobs, or thank you gift to encourage referrals. 

By successfully networking, you can lay a solid foundation for your flooring business! And while you’re at it, check out VendorPriceBook.com — the ultimate tool for looking up flooring pricing and inventory from your preferred flooring supplier.

Carbon Neutral Flooring

According to the Global Status Report, building and construction accounts for 39% of global carbon emissions. With climate change a global issue in the forefront of everyone’s minds, many top companies are making changes to reduce their carbon footprint, and the flooring sector is no exception. In recent years, flooring manufacturers have questioned how they can make further changes towards a positive impact on our planet, and carbon neutral flooring seems to be the answer. 

If you are not familiar with this concept, you may be asking— what exactly is carbon neutral flooring? A carbon neutral product is made with net-zero carbon emissions. This is achieved through absorbing any emissions released by making production changes to reduce emissions, while supporting outside endeavors to reduce harmful greenhouse gases in our environment. Are you looking to provide your flooring customers with carbon neutral flooring options?

Top Carbon Neutral Manufacturer in Flooring 

Several flooring manufacturers have successfully produced carbon neutral flooring. However, if you Google carbon neutral flooring, you will quickly find one company consistently headlining the efforts. Interface was one of the first companies to pioneer the carbon neutral flooring sector and has continued to lead the way.

In 1994, they began with a mission to achieve carbon neutrality and have since achieved 74% reduction in carbon emissions. When you compare this number with the decreased emissions of Mohawk, one of the largest flooring manufacturers at just 20.08% since 2010 according to their 2019 Sustainability Report, it’s easy to see the magnitude of Interface’s accomplishment. However, the company isn’t just stopping at carbon neutrality. It has launched a new effort called, Climate Take Back™, seeking to make positive steps toward reversing global warming.

They currently offer an extensive portfolio of flooring options, including carpet tile, luxury vinyl tile, and nora® by Interface, which is floor covering made of rubber. 

While Interface is a leader in the carbon neutral flooring sector, it is by no means the only flooring manufacturer striving for carbon neutrality. There are numerous others who have achieved whole and partial carbon reduction. Some of them are listed below. 

• Tarkett offers carbon neutral luxury vinyl tiles, planks, and sheets, as well as rubber flooring options. 
• Shaw Contract produces completely carbon neutral commercial carpets. 
• Forbo Flooring Systems reached carbon neutrality with the production of Marmoleum, a linoleum made from natural raw materials.  

The companies above have met their goals, but continue to strive forward in an effort to reduce global warming and increase sustainability. Through utilizing recyclable materials and renewable resources, decreasing the amount of energy used during the manufacturing process, as well as supporting outside projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions, these companies have achieved great feats in the flooring manufacturing industry. With small changes, we can all do our part and take the steps necessary to preserve our planet for future generations. 

Reach out to your flooring vendor or supplier to learn more about carbon neutral floor covering options, from carpet to linoleum.

Going Green with your Flooring Pricebooks

If you are wondering how you can further help with the green movement in flooring, look to going paperless with your pricebooks! With VendorPriceBook, no longer do you need to rely on paper pricebooks, or even PDFs! Try us out and see the difference. In our web application, you can easily chat with flooring vendors and suppliers as well as look up inventory and pricebooks (confidential).

Five Ways to Improve Customer Service at your Flooring Business

There’s an old saying in the business world: the customer is always right. Now, we all know that isn’t actually true (especially in specialized industries like flooring), but the idea has become accepted by both businesses and customers across the globe.

The truth of the matter is this: the customer isn’t always right, but your customer service should make them FEEL like they are. Here are a few tips to help you improve your customer service in your flooring showroom.

Give Your Customers Information

There is nothing more irritating to a customer than a sales associate who hovers and follows them around the showroom. Similarly, there is nothing more irritating to an employee than customers who bombard them with a million questions. One way to give everyone the space they need (and avoid terse interactions that make everyone uncomfortable) is to give your customers the important info up front.

Post signs around your store with information about pricing. Fill your website with helpful blogs and easy to find FAQs (these can also boost your ranking on search engines). If your customers can find key info themselves, they’ll feel like that have more power over their sales experience — and that is always a positive.

Set The Mood

When customers don’t feel comfortable with a shopping experience (as they usually don’t when making big purchases like flooring), they tend to want to keep the experience short and sweet. Of course, we know that finding the right flooring takes time — so it’s up to us to make the process as pleasant as possible.

Choose pleasant overhead music to play in your store. Use aromatherapy to create a comfortable and calming environment. These little tricks can ease the stress of shopping and help your customers enjoy the experience a little bit more.

Use Associates Appropriately

A great sales associate is like seasoning in a recipe: they amplify everything that’s great about the experience and take it to the next level. However, it is possible to “over-season” a customer shopping experience, and that can leave a bad taste in their mouth.

Make sure your sales associates are well trained, knowledgeable, and friendly — but also, make sure they know when to let a customer have some space. Remember that good customer service is about giving the customer what they want (not securing a sale), so make sure your sales team knows how to read the situation and respond appropriately.

Get Social

In today’s world, social media is an invaluable form of marketing. The right viral tweet or five-star Yelp review can really help your business — and a one-star review can do incredible damage.

Make sure you are active on your business’s social media pages. This might mean posting about sales or new floor that’s arrived in the store, or it might mean responding to reviewers who gave you poor reviews (however, when you respond to those reviewers ALWAYS remain professional). If you are engaging with your audience online, you will have a clearer idea of what they want and expect from your business.

Ask for Feedback

Finally, let’s go back to our old adage, “The customer is always right.” One great way to provide customer service is to lean into that belief and simply ask your customers for their feedback. Ask them to take a survey about your store online. Make it easy for them to contact you with questions or comments, and respond to these messages promptly. Simply giving your customers a voice will make them feel like you care — and that’s something everyone appreciates.

Ultimately, the customer service experience is about making your customers feel valuable. If you prove that you value their time, their personal space, and their opinions, they are sure to value your product all the more.

Bonus Tip: Expedite the Process

The VendorPriceBook Mobile app is coming soon and purchase ordering is now available!

The system you know and love is getting an upgrade. Now with VendorPriceBook, you will be able to use our mobile app right on the showroom floor. No more running around, leafing through pages or searching spreadsheets for (potentially outdated) pricing and inventory levels. NO MORE MAKING YOUR CUSTOMERS WAIT LONGER THAN THEY SHOULD. Stay tuned for news on our upcoming mobile app release.

Office Flooring Trends

Workplaces are evolving in many ways, from technology and culture to how they look. As a flooring retailer, it’s essential to be up-to-date with current flooring trends.

Workplaces Are Constantly Evolving

As technology expands, we see how things are becoming smaller and thinner. Monitors are becoming slimmer; laptops are easily transportable, works stations are increasingly sharable.

In terms of flooring, many businesses are looking towards durability combined with aesthetics. For example, vinyl flooring or cement can look like wood flooring, but with benefits like being easier to clean and maintain and less costly to install.

Carpets combine intricate weaves to add an element of luxury. However, many office spaces may decide on throw rugs for color and texture.

While budgets need to be considered, it’s clear that beauty, symmetry, and easy maintenance are high on the priority list.

Durable and Attractive Flooring

Many office and workspaces are turning towards textured, patterned, and luxurious designs due to expanding upcoming products and brands.

Exposed concrete coupled with rugs is a significant trend to watch. Customers can choose from polished or stained for attractive and efficient flooring.

An attractive rug can really liven up an office

Typically, workplace installations include ceramic, vinyl, broadloom, carpet tiles, and stone to create the proper look. A significant consideration for your clients should consist of the installation process, maintenance, and projected lifetime. Identifying client needs and providing these pertinent pieces of information for them to consider makes their shopping experience easy and stress-free.

For example, suggesting stain-repellent carpets for high-traffic areas or lighter carpets can be a life-saver for customers who haven’t considered the impact of spilled coffee over time.

A Trend Towards Hominess

Flooring retailers may notice that clients might veer towards anti-carpet. Instead, they might decide on open office spaces, open ceilings, and many area rugs to mitigate acoustics and add texture and colors to create a homey atmosphere. An example might be painted concrete that utilizes color schemes to indicate special rooms or to increase productivity.

Don’t be surprised if you see a growing trend towards concrete for beautiful floors. Clients may choose the most economical option, like carpeting over existing concrete. However, it can be expensive to refinish existing concrete.

As collaborative culture grows, businesses might gear towards combining beauty with comfort. The current trend seems to be layering textures and area rugs coupled with warm and cozy designs. The role of flooring in these spaces appeals to clients and employees alike.

Shared workspaces or desk sharing allow employees to quickly connect or disconnect, carry their laptops or iPads, and communicate openly. Office spaces should reflect this open and clutter-free work zone. If people spend long hours at work, they should have a few comforts from home and an environment that allows them to feel comfortable.

2021 Summer Flooring Renovation Trends

In 2021, summer floor renovation trends focus on effortlessness. With home as the new hub for many this year, comfort is king. A wide variety of waterproof and low maintenance options are on the market for an easy home lifestyle including the following.

Beating out hardwood flooring, laminate, and carpet is Luxury Vinyl Plank. LVP is a popular trend for 2021 because it is waterproof, easy to maintain, and does not scratch. Appropriate for families with children and dogs, LVP is easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors. LVP flooring can be installed easily, appealing to the DIY demographic. With glue down or click in place methods of installation, a family could complete their own renovation without a professional installer.

Indoor outdoor carpeting has also won a spot in summer trends this year. Improved over the plastic feeling polypropylene of the past, indoor outdoor carpet now resembles wool. It is durable, resistant to chemicals, and repels stains. It is appropriate for families with children and pets and has become popular with high-end wool manufacturers.

Vinyl that looks like wood or tile is another hot commodity this year. It is waterproof, pet friendly, and soft underfoot making it a good option for home gyms and nurseries. The corked backing deadens sound keeping rooms quieter, and it is resistant to scratches. With no dirty grout lines to clean, this vinyl can fool people. It looks so real you may need to touch it to believe it is vinyl.

Another popular trend for 2021 is tile. With the appearance of natural wood and the durability and water resistance of cement, tile goes well in bathrooms. Lastly, format tiles offer a sense of spaciousness. They cover a lot of area making a room seem larger.

If you are selling flooring for summer home renovations, this year the most popular color trend is blonde. Whitewashed and weathered looks and the grey/beige combination of “greige” are fashionable light shades for this year’s summer floor trends.

What kind of flooring are you seeing that’s in high demand this season? Share with us in the comments!

Have you connected with other vendors and retailers in flooring space in VendorPriceBook.com? Try it out, it’s free! Connect with others in the industry and grow together!

Customer Service: Back to Basics

With limited capacity laws implemented into stores, retailers have had to find different ways to retain people’s satisfaction and interest. Walking into a shopping center or retail department with complete comfortability has become difficult, and the convenience of shopping online contradicts the risk of physically buying products at the storefront. Flooring retailers have seen a huge shift for themselves since the beginning of 2020, as the pandemic hurdled product price increases, decreased revenue for supply and stifled buyer uncertainty within the industry as a whole. However by the end of 2020 home interior design started to become more profitable, and  CEO of Kenneth L. Mink & Song and manager of Macy’s Fine Rug Gallery, David Mink confirms that his rug business is seeing increase in profit, and says that “With more and more people working and spending time at home, the more they are spending on their home. This is a benefit to the rug business.” Since the end of last year, many changes have been made to store’s and online flooring retailers. 

Simple at Storefront

The most obvious trend for revitalizing customer service has put pressure on businesses to make their customer experience more streamline. Jim Mckay, vice president of sales for Great Floors, has limited the amount of manufacturers promoted in his store during lockdown, reevaluating the 40 hard-wood flooring planks displayed in his showroom by saying  “This is just ridiculous. We can’t even tell the difference between all these things. How’s a customer going to do that?” Macay says that “We have big stores, and it’s really easy for a customer to walk in that front door and be overwhelmed. So we’ve tried to simplify it,” aiming to limit manufacturer brands to create a streamlined store experience. Darren Braunstire, VP of Worldwide Wholesale Floor Coverings, explains how he separated wire brushed and smooth wood options into different sectors within the hardwood section, and how specifications are placed behind the tiles to keep from distracting the  main displays; Methodology like this amplifies customer experience through simplifying advertising tactics, while still keeping standard manufacturer promotion. 

Managing Online

In a 2020 analysis, more than 75% of consumers polled online services more engaging than storefront sales for their basic needs, like banking, food/restaurant shopping and video calls for emotional human support. This integration toward digital solutions has helped retailers promote products during social distancing. Director of U.S sales at Mercier’s, Wade Bondrowski, has expressed how social media presence has sustained communication and customer personalization, as data within these apps integrate products with customer interest. Keeping sales face to face, Adam Ward senior project manager at Mohawk, reveals that virtual conferencing has become a daily occurrence between staff members to ensure constant team collaboration, and Hallmark, a manufacturing company, reports that their increase in “real time responses,” online has kept connection between customers and specialty retailers. Omni-channel is a new culmination of all online promotion platforms into one source, which Dan Foskett, CEO at Flooring Superstore, has utilized to great extents. Foskett reports that his sales have grown 142% since 2020, with floor sample requests increasing by 172% and web sessions by 99%. 

COVID has shown the advantage of multi-channel digital sources ledwaying the path toward future customer experience, and the stresses within the flooring industry has produced creative solutions to a seemingly impossible situation. With coordination on both fronts, flooring retailers are reaching the highest global revenue levels since 2013, and have started out the first quarter of 2021 strong. 

It goes without saying that even with great customer service, you also need efficient processes in order to achieve that. With VendorPriceBook, communication between vendors and retailers is streamlined so that there are minimal delays. Quick service equals happier customers. From getting pricing for inventory, to making purchase orders—everything is done quickly on a cloud-based application that VendorPriceBook provides.

And it’s not all about communication—VendorPriceBook members can easily send announcements and promotions to retailers. It’s really a symbiotic tool that helps businesses on both sides make the most out of their relationship!

Learn more about VendorPriceBook today.

Six Must Have Tech Tools for the Flooring Retailer

These days, digitalization and online programs have made our jobs easier, faster, and more efficient. Even individuals who work in construction, home repair, or other physical professions can benefit from technology — if they have the right tools at their disposal.

What tools do flooring retailers need to maximize their productivity and boost their business? Here are a few of our favorites:

CRM Software

Customer Relationship Management (or CRM) is a critical part of any company’s operations. Usually, this task falls to an admin professional, who takes phone calls from prospective customers, manages customer expectations, and keeps the company schedule running like clockwork. This work is important, but it’s also time consuming… which is why many flooring retailers are streamlining the process by automating their CRM efforts. With a CRM software, your admin staff will have much more time on their hands.

Customer Communication Tools

The initial process for any flooring project involves A LOT of talking. Customers will want to ask retailers about different types of flooring, different colors, different finishes, and a whole lot more. However, today’s consumer doesn’t always want to spend hours in a showroom discussing things with the flooring staff; they’d rather have these preliminary talks from the comfort of home. Flooring retailers can increase their number of prospective customers simply by adding a “chat” feature to their website with a website plugin or communication software.

Implement a live chat feature to help your customers

Visualization Tools

Some customers (and retailers, for that matter) are visual learners. You can talk about the benefits of a certain flooring style or finish all day long, but they won’t understand until they see the product in action. It may not be possible to have a showroom with samples of EVERY flooring type in your inventory, but you can use visualization software to show customers how a certain floor might look in a room. There are even some visualizers that allow customers to upload photos of their own home. With this technology, you can help your customers really see how great flooring could change their rooms for the better. 

Suction Flooring

Nano-suction technology has been a part of the flooring industry since 2018, but this innovation warrants a mention here. This technology uses tiny suction cups on vinyl planks to adhere to non-porous surfaces, creating a luxurious finish without the use of adhesive. This is a great choice for any project that requires laying planks over a non-porous surface, which makes it a must-have product in your inventory. 

A Multi-purpose Cutter

The tools we’ve discussed so far are very useful during the preliminary discussions for a flooring project — but once the flooring is finally going down, you need tech that’s a bit more “hands on.” A multi-purpose flooring cutter is an essential tool for any one who works in the flooring industry. If you have one cutter that can cut wood, vinyl, cork, and much more (quietly and without producing dust to boot), you’ll have one tool that will make any project easier.

Our Web Platform: VendorPriceBook

Finally, let’s discuss one of the toughest parts of the flooring business: inventory and pricing lookup. Too often, retailers spend needless extra time researching pricebooks for their clients — time that they should be spending helping their clients in other ways. With our web platform, you can say goodbye to paper pricebooks; we’ll connect you to vendors and help you find prices instantly, right from your smartphone.

To learn more about our web platform and see how we can help your flooring business, contact our team today.

Pandemic Home Remodeling

With Americans spending more time at home than ever, it’s hardly surprising that the home improvement industry is booming right now. Homeowners finally have a chance to reflect on the pros and cons of their space, and by working from home, many have more flexibility to meet with contractors and get estimates during the day. As a result, more Americans are willing to take the plunge into lengthy remodeling projects and are hoping to complete these home makeovers as quickly as possible.

A few popular trends are the main driving forces of home changes right now. Here are a few common renovations and some ways to better serve customers who want these changes.

Home Offices

Desperate for some semblance of work-life separation, a few Americans even looked into turning backyard sheds into home offices this year so that a walk across the backyard could symbolize a “commute”. Spare bedrooms, basements, and other spaces were repurposed for work or school with the addition of new lighting, flooring, or built-in desks.

Workout Rooms

Jokes about gaining the “Quarantine 15” aside, home workout spaces are on the rise. A survey found that after this year of transformation, 81% of millennials reported that they actually preferred to workout at home. As a result, homeowners dedicated spaces in their home for riding their Peloton (whose sales doubled this past year), streaming yoga classes, or lifting free weights. In some cases, this required new flooring, like vinyl or rubberized surfaces that can withstand a weight dropping on them.

Outdoor Spaces

With the option to visit usual leisure spaces restricted, and indoor gatherings off limits, many Americans have been looking into transforming their outdoor space into a new oasis for their families to congregate. According to NPR, deck construction was up 275% from March to July of 2020, and hiring landscapers was up 238%.

Family Spaces

Families with open-floor concepts may have been on edge as the pandemic forced work and school for every family member into one shared location. Jim Westover of William Duff Architects articulated this idea in an interview with Architectural Digest:  “The open-plan concept probably doesn’t work so well if more than one person is working from home or if the kids are being noisy, so that concept may be refined with partitions to dedicate space for working/home office.” For this reason, some homeowners are looking to put walls up or repurpose open spaces like basements to give further separation between the noisy activities of a busy family.

Renovations Prior to Selling

With interest rates reaching record lows, 42% of home listings were selling in two weeks or less this past year. Many people used their down time at home to fix their homes up to sell while the market was hot. These changes included safety changes to bring homes up to code and cosmetic touches inside and out to make their home as appealing as possible to buyers.

Making it All Simpler

With increased demand, the home improvement industry is seeing a golden opportunity it has never seen before. As a result, it’s in the best interest of both vendors and retailers in this industry to make these improvements as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

With home remodelers looking to make big changes to their homes in as short of a time period as possible, it’s important to streamline communication to help the customer make decisions efficiently. The VendorPriceBook app helps streamline communication between vendors and retailers in the home improvement industry, helping you better reach customers who want to make these changes. By simplifying the process, customers will find home remodeling less stressful, and will be more likely to want to become repeat customers in the future.

These Flooring Trends Might Surprise You

Styles come and go, and then come back again and that’s just the case for clothes–home design trends also experience shifts. Pastel pink tiles of the 90s. Checkered board floors of the 50s. Each decade seems to have its own signature look when it comes to flooring and interior designs. As flooring manufacturers, vendors and retailers, it’s important to stay on top of consumer trends because tastes do change, and that in turn affects supply and demand.

With the pandemic allowing more people to stay and lounge around in their homes, many people are looking to renovate. Flooring is a great first step to that process. Let’s take a look at what trends we think will stick out through 2021.

Hardwood: always a classic choice, hardwood can be elegant and modern at the same time. This year, you might want to take notice of cool color tones, wide planks, and environmentally friendly finishes. Source: The Flooring Girl.

Antimicrobial: health and safety are at top-of-mind now more than ever. “Antimicrobial” or “antibacterial” types of floors are those that are finished or with technology (i.e. Microban) which help inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Terracotta Tiles: social media is going crazy over these! These give a space a rustic, earthy charm if we do say so ourselves and they are less expensive than other ceramics. They can be as basic or as ornate as a home remodeler pleases–check out all the varieties here and you’ll see why they’re growing in popularity!

terracotta tiles

If you want to visualize yourself as a renovator and understand the decisions they have to make before buying flooring, check out this video:

While there may be some debate on which flooring styles may ultimately takeover and be the next big trend, there’s one thing that will always ring true for consumers looking to renovate–they don’t want to wait around for pricing. With a long laundry list of items to buy and things to fix, a home renovator needs to know what flooring is in stock and what the cost is. As a retailer, a customer on the showroom floor will expect quick answers and paper pricebooks won’t cut it.

VendorPriceBook streamlines communication between vendors and retailers so looking up pricing and inventory can be made on-the-spot using a mobile device or computer. To learn more or to start your free trial, please go to VendorPriceBook.com.