The software allows salespeople to schedule specific tasks relevant to each customer, such as calling to remind them that it’s time to place a new order.
Automated sales are sales generated using electronic means to place, process and schedule the delivery of ordered goods and services. The process relies heavily on sales software that allows customers to place one-time or recurring orders. Systems of this type may require the customer to pay for the order at the time it is placed, or provide the option of charging the cost of the order to an established vendor account. The idea behind automated sales is to make the ordering process safe and simple for the customer.
Some of the best examples of sales automation can be found online.
One of the best examples of this type of sales automation can be found online. Several companies operate online retail stores that allow customers to select the items they wish to purchase, place them in a virtual shopping cart, and then proceed to a virtual checkout. Once the items are totaled, the customer provides delivery information, selects the payment method and confirms the purchase. Automated sales software processed the order, verified payment, and provided the customer with an order confirmation number. A tracking confirmation is sent to the email address specified by the customer, along with the shipping confirmation once the order leaves the fulfillment center where the order is fulfilled.
Some automated inventory management systems produce a purchase order and schedule delivery when inventory is low.
The automated sales process also includes what is known as recurring sales. In this scenario, a customer places what is known as a standing order that automatically repeats itself at specifically identified time intervals. For example, the customer may place an order for 1,000 light bulbs, specifying that the same order will be repeated once every two months. Using an automated system to enter order information, the supplier can schedule the initial and recurring order into a sales database, thus ensuring that the customer will receive the order every two months until further notice.
Automated sales efforts are also supported by what is known as customer relationship management software, or CRM. With this type of software, a salesperson creates a profile of each customer, including contact information for key people within the organization. The details of each contact, be it a site visit, a phone call or an email exchange, are recorded in the profile. Most sales and marketing software of this type allows the salesperson to schedule specific tasks relevant to each customer, such as calling to remind them that it’s time to place an order or tracking receipt of a newly completed order. Automated reminders alert the salesperson to these tasks ahead of time, helping to ensure the customer is served in a timely manner.