Premium Approach

The premium approach involves giving the customer a free sample or an inexpensive item. A financial services representative might give the customer a booklet that can be used to record expenses. Sales representatives for a large U.S. textbook publisher give faculty members a monthly planner. Product samples are frequently used by persons who sell cosmetics. Creative use of premiums is an effective way to get the customer’s attention.

The agenda, product, referral, customer benefit, question, survey, and premium approaches offer the salesperson a variety of ways to set the stage for the presentation strategy. With experience, salespeople learn to select the most effective approach for each selling situation. Table 10.1 provides examples of how these approaches can be applied in real-world situations.

Table 10.1 Business Contact Worksheet

This illustrates how to prepare effective real-world approaches that capture the customer’s attention.

METHOD OF APPROACH WHAT WILL YOU SAY?
1. Agenda 1. (Office supply) “Thank you for meeting with me. During the next 45 minutes, I plan to accomplish three things.”
2. Product 2a. (Retail clothing) “We have just received a shipment of new fall sweaters from Braemar International.” 2b. (Business forms manufacturer) “Our plant has just purchased a $300,000 Harris Graphics composer, Mr. Reichart; I would like to show you a copy of your sales invoice with your logo printed on it.”
3. Customer benefit  3. (Real estate) “Mr. and Mrs. Stuart, my company lists and sells more homes than any other company in the area where your home is located. Our past performance would lead me to believe we can sell your home within two weeks.”
4. Referral  4. (Food wholesaler) “Paula Doeman, procurement manager for Mercy Medical Center, suggested that I provide you with information about our computerized ’Order It’ system.”
5. Question 5. (Hotel convention services) “Mrs. McClaughin, will your Annual Franchisee Meeting be held in April?”
6. Survey 6a. (Custom-designed computer software) “Mr. Vasquez, I would like the opportunity to learn about your accounts receivable and accounts payable procedures. We may be able to develop a customized program that will significantly improve your cash flow.”
6b. (Retail menswear) “May I ask you a few questions about your wardrobe? The information will help me better understand your clothing needs.”
7. Premium  7. (Financial services) “I would like to give you a publication titled Guaranteed Growth Annuity.”

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