As your business evolves beyond the confines of manual data entry, embracing an order management system becomes essential. This innovative software streamlines order entry and processing, automating much of the manual workload. Many systems offer dedicated portals or online interfaces specifically for the sales department. Through a sales rep portal, sales representatives can effortlessly access customer accounts and inventory and place orders without the need to contact the office, enhancing their efficiency and productivity.
Sales reps want information. They are used to hard copies and phone calls to obtain information. When online portals are launched, the usage is often high at first but tails off as sales reps return to old ways. You want your sales rep portal to be constantly used and have value for your reps.
Some general principles to keep in mind when using a sales rep portal:
The portal needs to be accessible
Your sales reps need to be able to access the portal from anywhere, anytime. A cloud-based sales rep portal isn't reliant on your servers or operating hours and can always be available 24/7.
It integrates with QuickBooks
You don't want to learn new software or have a portal that requires re-entering data multiple times. You need a portal that automatically takes your QuickBooks entries and keeps the information up-to-date without you having to manually enter data.
It educates your reps
Your sales team wants to sell. Show your reps how the sales rep portal can save time, make them look smarter to their customers, and keep them selling instead of being bogged down with paperwork or waiting on feedback from the home office.
It keeps info current
The sales team needs to know the inventory, pricing, and customer information and have it updated in real time. If your portal integrates with your QuickBooks, then refreshing inventory or pricing will be done automatically in the portal and will be made available to your team without the need to re-enter information or notify the team. Reps can be confident that there isn't conflicting information accessible to them.
It has reporting tools
The sales rep portal should create order reports, invoice reports, payment history reports, and more. These reports can help your reps improve performance and be better informed about their customers. You can also use the reports to ensure that sales reps are meeting sales goals.
Now Commerce has a turnkey solution
Our sales rep portal seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks, significantly reducing manual data entry. As pricing and inventory updates occur in QuickBooks, they are automatically reflected in the portal, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Sales reps can effortlessly access customer information and place repeat orders without manual input, minimizing downtime on emails and calls. The portal offers quick and intuitive information searches, with easy list creation and export options for reps. Available 24/7, this tool empowers your sales team to focus on what they do best—selling your products—by providing a supportive, time-saving solution that enhances productivity.
