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    Types of salespeople: the closer

    The Quadrant 1(QI) salesperson is the most famous (or possibly infamous) sales type - the closer.

    Please understand that within Quadrant 1 there is a range of closers and what is reflected here is somewhat extreme - the Closer/Closer. Closers are hard-driving, focused on closing deals in the shortest possible time, and not much inclined to engage in long-term relationships.

    Fulfillment approach (high-tech and low-touch):

    RequirementsQI Closing Solutions
    Seller's company image opportunistic; innovative; trend setting; unique; exclusive customers
    Lead generating methodsplan demonstration “events”; offer free product demonstration or trial
    Qualifying criteriaa “cold” market; prospects question need for the benefits provided by the product early adopters or trailblazers will try it if excited by vision of unique opportunity
    New business presentations one-on-one or staged platform; demos; demonstrate the product's benefits; show off the product's uniqueness; build the “dream” in prospect's mind; present the bottom line “pay off”; create sense of urgency based on risks of not buying quickly
    Solid Answers to Natural Objectionsobjection: customers question the need for the benefit the product offers; response: demonstrate opportunity and return on investment (financial or psychological), give the prospects permission to buy, provide logical reasons to justify an emotional or intuitive decision
    Closing techniquestrial closes on features; make an immediate request for the order; offer a limited time period to buy, emphasizing risk of losing the opportunity; note the restricted availability, or risk of competitors getting benefit first
    Customer relationsseldom entails a continuing relationship between buyer and seller
    Customer serviceif the customer is unhappy, quickly refund the money or replace
    Resalethere is usually not an opportunity for repeat sales by the same salesperson to the same buyer

    Sales force approach (high-tech and low touch):

    Requirements QI closing solutions
    Type of salespersonClosing
    Traits & characteristics Extroverted; competitive; positive mental attitude; energetic
    Sales styleTheatrical; confident
    Sales focusAttract attention; pique an interest; demonstrate a dramatic benefit
    Role An independent/ self-sufficient seller
    Technical abilityBe technically expert enough to demonstrate application and benefit
    Sales training requiredTechnical knowledge sufficient to explain and demonstrate dramatic presentation skills; power closing skills
    Length of time to closeNow to 30 days
    Length of contact after closeUsually no opportunity for repeat orders
    Corporate support and structureSetting up presentation events and promotions; creating the “sizzle” in the market-place; offering free product trials; getting to the “gateswingers”; filling orders quickly; “service” by replacement or refund

    If you want to see closers at work, watch those 30-minute Infomercials on TV selling fitness products, vacuum cleaners or the latest and greatest miracle detergent.

    About Peter Gilbert

    A sales veteran with over 30 years of experience, Peter Gilbert is MD of HR Chally SA (www.challysa.co.za), an international sales consulting company specialising in talent management and recruitment. He is passionate about sales as a profession and the identification of real sales talent who can really sell! Email him at az.oc.asyllahc@retep
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