Providing sales reps with online order entry software that integrates with QuickBooks can make life easier for manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors. First, we’ll look at what’s in it for the company and then see what’s in it for the reps.
Eliminate or reduce manual order entry work
Stop hand-entering orders into QuickBooks! A fully integrated sales rep portal lets a sales representative enter an order online, which is transferred directly to QuickBooks. This type of automation can significantly reduce or eliminate the office's order entry workload. Through QuickBooks integration, the wholesale ordering site can pick up any special pricing that might be assigned to a specific customer.
Inaccurate or incomplete orders can be reduced or eliminated
Since the order is entered online by the sales representative, the responsibility for order accuracy also falls on the sales representative. They can’t just say, “Give me six of the blue ones” anymore, assuming the office will know exactly which product or SKU they are referring to. Order entry errors can be eliminated because orders are automatically transferred to QuickBooks, eliminating the need for double data entry.
Lost or delayed orders can be prevented
It may not happen often, but an order can be lost or misplaced, which can cause new problems. Emails get deleted, and phone messages get missed. Online order entry software makes sure that everyone who needs to know about a new order is notified.
Orders can be processed quickly and more efficiently
A sound online ordering system can create orders in QuickBooks in near real-time. The sooner the order is in QuickBooks, the sooner it can be processed in-house or sent to a 3rd party warehouse for fulfillment. Online wholesale order entry software can also be integrated with a third-party warehouse to streamline the process of sending shipping orders to the warehouse.
But what about your sales reps? What’s in it for them?
A sales representative can enter an order from anywhere using almost any device. They don’t need to call the company or email a spreadsheet order form. They can be on-site at a customer’s location and submit the order promptly. They also don’t have to wonder if you received the order. A sound online system will show the rep the status of their orders as they travel through the fulfillment process.
Instant access to real-time stock levels
If sales reps need to see what’s available in inventory, a sound online ordering system will keep them informed by synchronizing with QuickBooks inventory. Often, you may not be available to take a call or answer an email from a representative, especially after hours or when they are in the middle of a sales call.
Order history at their fingertips
Online order entry software can show the sales rep the complete order history for each of their assigned customers. This information can help the sales rep answer their customers’ account-related questions and help with product recommendations and upsells.
They don’t have to ask for updated product and price lists
If your products and pricing change frequently, an online ordering system can help you avoid distributing updated price lists to your sales team. Through QuickBooks integration, the online ordering system is always up to date. Learn why integrating QuickBooks price levels is necessary for an order entry system.
One last consideration… If your reps sell for multiple lines, you might be surprised to learn that they are already happily ordering online from the other lines and can’t wait for you to offer them this same convenience.
