Island Futons Receiving Ultimate Packaging Treatment

Island Futon Company has introduced the futon furniture industry's most damage-resistant packaging, a double sturdy "Tuff Pak" package designed to totally eliminate damaged freight for Island's entire line of futons, tables, love seats, ottomans and futon chairs.

The reinforced cartons are shock absorbent with triple reinforced corners. Inside the carton, futon arms are layered in cardboard, individually wrapped in scratch-resistant plastic, then firmly secured together in an inner box. Shifting within the carton is eliminated. Decks and stretcher rails are also layered and wrapped like the arms, then braced into place within the carton. Stretchers are wrapped separately, then firmly secured within the carton. Hardware is separately boxed and anchored inside. Foam cushioning, padded layers and innovative side wall inner-boxes are also included on all Island Futon product packaging. Each item is shipped in a rugged outer carton and banded.

Island President Ron O'Neil said, "Our futons do a lot of traveling. Each goes through a 18-step quality control procedure at our Indonesian factory before being carefully packaged, containerized and delivered to our North American distribution centers in Tampa, Los Angeles and Chicago. "We have taken the necessary steps to insure the consumer receives perfect furniture right out of the box. Our company will deliver the goods as expected - each and every piece," O'Neil said.

Island Futon Company Introduces Practical Tips On How To Sell A Futon

A nine page sales education manual, a guide to properly present futons to prospective consumers, is being supplied to the industry by Island Futon and is now available. The Retail Sales Education Manual details futon benefits, steps of the sale, proper in-store greetings, qualifying the customer, product demonstration, Island Futon features and benefits, and it concludes with a test on product knowledge. The education guide provides practical tips on day-to-day selling techniques which were obtained from leading industry sales people over years of retail experience in both futon and furniture sales.

The booklet advises salespeople to qualify how the futon will be used so that the presentation can be directed accordingly. Guide suggests questions such as: "What room will the futon be used in? Who will be using it? How often will it be converted to a sleeper? Will the futon be slept on frequently? Does the customer have a futon mattress firmness preference?"

The guide provides essential advise such as: "The opening and closing of the futon frame by the salesperson must be smooth and fluid. This requires substantial practice before demonstrating futons to customers." Information is also provided about Island's environmentally-friendly Nyatoh (knee-ah-toe) wood, warranty information, heavy duty futon frame construction, packaging, as well as advise on building the sale with futon mattress, futon covers and "non-slip" pad selections and, lastly, closing the sale. The booklet is part of Island Futon's retail marketing program, considered a futon industry benchmark. The Retail Sales Education Manual was prepared by The Glasser Group of Tampa, FL., which is responsible for sales and marketing of Island Futon products. Earlier this year, Island introduced new point of sale materials as well as a comprehensive retail advertising package for its customers. Island products are marketed as "The New Standard For Imported Hardwood Futon Frames".

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