SUPPLY CHAIN challenges are of global concern. Walk into any local convenience store or retail outlet, and you will notice aisles of empty shelves. The same is true for the online shopping experience, evidenced by the frequent “out of stock” notification.
Frustrating? You bet it is!
As a seller, how do you ease customers through a climate of low or no stock when the demand for your product is high?
COMMUNICATION is the best way to maintain trust and keep your customers in the loop. The best salespeople refrain from making excuses and search for possibilities…they search for the creative. If you are on the distribution side, you might be able to replace the requested product A for a suitable substitute product B or product C from a different supplier—in stock and ready to ship. If you are on the manufacturing side, you can collaborate with internal teams on the factory floor to fulfill partial orders. Or, you can work with engineering to propose the redesign of a product for your customer with parts on hand.
When the supply chain is compromised, conscientious sellers must be front-facing and draw upon their CREATIVITY as the winning formula to serve their customers. They focus on what they have in inventory rather than lament what is missing. They are always finding new ways to add value to the relationship.
SUCCESSFUL salespeople help their customers rise above supply chain challenges through continuous, transparent communication and by being highly accessible. In time, the global supply chain issue will right itself. When it does, YOU will be the salesperson who receives accolades from your customers for keeping their best interests in mind.