Independent sales reps offer manufacturers and distributors an innovative pathway to boost sales, explore new markets, and swiftly connect with new customers. For small businesses, hiring full-time sales employees might be challenging, but independent reps and rep groups operate on a commission basis, making them a cost-effective solution. To empower these reps, equipping them with online rep software that seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks is essential. This software provides them with up-to-date information on products, pricing, and inventory. While sales reps can sometimes overwhelm your office staff with data entry and inquiries about order status and tracking, implementing sales rep software is a strategic way to maximize their potential and ensure smooth office operations.
The right fit
Selecting the right software for your business is crucial. You can begin by making sure it seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks. Your software should empower reps to efficiently enter new orders, eliminating the need for your inside team to handle additional data entry or interpret emailed orders. Reps should have access to a rep portal that provides real-time updates on inventory status, pricing, tracking, and customer information, enabling them to manage customer service independently. By offering sales reps access to the system from anywhere, you grant them the flexibility they need, especially when meeting with customers on the go. So, please make sure your sales rep software is web-based.
Set up for success
If your products and pricing change frequently, sales rep software can make it so that you don’t have to distribute updated price lists to your sales team anymore. As long as your QuickBooks or other accounting software system is up to date, your sales software will be too. When a sales rep places a customer order, rest assured that they will have the correct product and price. Special customer pricing will no longer be an issue, and negotiated discounts will be automatically displayed.
Empower your reps
Implementing this software gives your sales reps all they need to manage their customer base confidently. They can quickly and efficiently answer questions, so they never have to say, “I’ll get back to you.” Reps will be able to enter customer orders right from a meeting, which will go directly into QuickBooks. They can also answer customer pricing or discount questions, share shipment information, and have instant access to order history and real-time inventory.
Wow your customers
While you want to keep your inside and outside staff happy, the biggest gain will be providing your customers with the best service.
You can eliminate lost orders, improve order accuracy, and speed up the entire order fulfillment and customer service process. Orders have a better chance of being accurate without having to be rekeyed once they arrive at the office. With up-to-date inventory status, shipments can be shipped in full.
Give your independent reps the tools they need to succeed. Sales rep software will also keep your employees productive and your customers happy.
