simpleFLOORS Unwrapped

What Type of Flooring Should I Choose?

When people come into the Seattle simpleFLOORS showroom and see all the laminate, hardwood, bamboo, and cork they are typically very happy about having so many flooring choices and that our display boards are really large to show what the floor will really look like once installed in their home.

Homeowners that are looking to update their existing flooring or are building a new home come in all shapes and sizes, just like flooring.  Although our large selection is a huge plus, it can be overwhelming for some shoppers.

Luckily most people know what type of flooring they should choose, even if they don't know they know!

Here is a breakdown and how we believe we can help them the best...

People that know EXACTLY what they are looking for

These customers typically have either a picture in their head of what the room or house will look like when it is completed.  They often come with a file of research from the internet, clippings from magazines, and can carry countertop, other flooring, and cabinet samples with them.

How do we help them?

1. Give them the "lay of the land" of the showroom and then get out of their way and wait for them to ask you questions.

2. Check in and be prepared to answer very specific questions.

3. Let customer know of any existing sales, carry displays to natural light and lay horizontally for customer, offer samples.

4. Be prepared to answer specific spec questions, check stock, schedule measurement,  and write up estimate/orders.

People that know what they like but aren't certain it is what they should be purchasing

These customers typically have an idea of what they would like the finished floor or look of the home to be.  They often have strong feelings about certain colors or textures.  The hesitation usually comes from being uncertain if the look they are hoping for will be too trendy and not stand the test of time, be a turn-off to potential buyers when they sell their home, or not be as durable as they need the flooring to be.

How do we help them?

1. Listen to what they say they are looking for, and the look they are trying to achieve.

2. Give them the "lay of the land" of the showroom, pointing out particular styles, collections, and colors that fit the parameter they have described.

3. Answer questions, show other options based on any new information you receive.

4. Ask questions about their home, lifestyle, traffic, and the look they are hoping for.  Be prepared to gently give them pros and cons of their favorite style floor and possibly something that will be more practical for the lifestyle of the actual home.

5. Let customer know of any existing sales, carry displays to natural light and lay horizontally for customer, offer samples.

6. Show photos of the flooring they are most interested in that has been installed in real customer homes, check stock, schedule measurement,  and possibly write up estimate/orders.

People that believe they have no idea what they want

This can be the most fun as I believe people really do know what they like and want, they just need someone to guide them through the process by asking the right questions.  After asking a few questions we can narrow down our great selection of a few hundred floors to a handful for the customer "who is overwhelmed" and leave them feeling confident in the selection process in a short amount of time.

Questions to narrow down the search quickly

1. Are you interested in Hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate?

2. What type of subfloor do you have?

3. Handscraped or smooth?

4. Variation or more consistent color?

5. Dark, light, or medium?

6. Do you have kids, pets, or is this in a high traffic area?

After answering these questions you have quickly narrowed down the flooring choices to a manageable number and can lead them right to a few perfect selections.  Voila!