Boost sales knowledgeBoost redwood sales

IuzNOWLEDGEABLE sales help

.S'.un increase sales and customer satisfaction.

Yet retaining a sales force well versed on the attributes of all the lumber products you sell is not easy.

The California Redwood Association (CRA) has developed an awardwinning correspondence course that can help. Born out of collaboration with redwood distributors and proven in the field for more than a dozen years, Redwood Basics for Sales & Marketing is a detailed correspondence course that provides valuable training on all aspects related to selling redwood.

The training course addresses topics ranging from what grades are appropriate for what applications to details on redwood chemistry and redwood forest management practices. Sales representatives who complete the course will be well prepared to answer customer questions on installing and finishing redwood, sustainable forestry certification, stain removal and more.

"The course is constantly being refined to help sales associates address emerging issues," says Charlie Jourdain, CRA president. "Today, for example, we can help sales people address how using redwood relates to green building and global warming."

"The technical training the CRA correspondence course provides is critical to bringing new sales people up to speed," says Mike White, general sales manager for Big Creek Lumber. "It takes students step-by- in a day or two with minimal effort. step through a great deal of information in a succinct way. When you take the course you come away with a broad base of knowledge. The course is a great value to us because it helps us provide better service to our customers."

The idea is to help your sales force talk knowledgeably about redwood to architects, builders, contractors and do-it-yourself consumers. By understanding the underlying properties that make redwood different from other products, sales people can direct

5. Holo does redwood quatity today compare to the old days?

Thanks to a rigorous and unchanging grading system, you can rest assured that the construction heart or any other grade you choose meets the same standards today that were in place 20,30 or 50 years ago. Heartwood is customers interested in deck, fencing and other outdoor projects to the appropriate redwood products available. still heartwood, and redwood's natural durability hasn't changed in centuries.

The course is divided into eight parts and is flexible enough that students can complete the training as their schedule allows. Students can enroll in the $200 course directly thought the CRA.

_ For more info or to sign up for the course, contact Anita MacKusick at (925) 93 5 - 1 499 or anita@ calredwood.or p.

Redwood Inspection Service maintains criteria relative to the appearance of knots, knotholes, heartwood and other characteristics so that the performance of each grade is a known commodity. California Redwood Association can help you choose the right grade for just about any project. Visit www.calredwood.ors for details.