Companies have done B2B sales the same way for years. Sales reps go to the customers' locations for large accounts to take orders. This requires making an appointment and then spending much time taking their order. Questions about stock levels, current order status, and other basic aspects of business result in the rep calling the main office to check. Sometimes, the orders are also called in. All of this calling results in long wait times that annoy customers and create chances for transcription errors.
Smaller B2B customers typically don't get live visits from agents, but they still have to call in to place orders and ask questions. In a way, this is an improvement over the live visit method because it can be done at the customer's convenience. However, these customers still have to wait on hold if they call during busy times or want to know about something that sales support can't immediately find out.
The solution to these problems is getting order entry software that works with your existing QuickBooks program. This allows your staff to have instant access to key information, enter orders directly into your company's system, and eliminate all of the waiting that typically goes along with the old-fashioned ways of taking orders. Even better, you can provide customers with their own online accounts. With these accounts, they'll be able to place orders without needing to call in or make any appointments.
Here are some specifics about how order entry software can be so helpful for your wholesale business:
QuickBooks Integration
This is the key to order entry software's extreme usefulness. This integration will display real-time stats on stock availability, the status of prior orders, customer account information, and more. This makes it easy for salespeople to provide goof-proof answers to common customer questions.
Sales rep accessibility
Easy access to Wi-Fi allows your salespeople to log into your sales rep portal from almost anywhere. Sales reps no longer need to call the office to place orders for customers or write orders down on pads. Instead, they can just log in and handle everything on the spot. Even better, logging in this way ensures that there isn't any holding time.
Customer accessibility
The ultimate way to eliminate waiting time is to allow wholesale customers to log in to your B2B customer portal and place orders. Good order entry software makes it easy to set up customer-facing B2B accounts that work much like B2C shopping sites. You can show your products, describe them, and most importantly, your customers can order them - all with no need for live intervention from your end. Customers can also check their overall account data just by logging in and clicking a few buttons.
Round-the-clock access
The days of "normal business hours" have been over for a long time. Your customers may be in different time zones or have more than one shift running. Regardless of the reason, they certainly don't want to have to wait for you to open once they decide to restock. The easiest way to meet this demand is with a B2B eCommerce platform. It never closes, so all your customers need to do to place an order or check on a previous one is sign in.
With all of these benefits, there's no doubt that every B2B business needs modern order entry software. It's time to eliminate the problems of the old ways. Your salespeople and customers will love the convenience of your new order entry software and gladly reward you with increased sales.
