Despite what many inexperienced sales professionals may think, the first sale isn’t the end of the sales process but rather the beginning of the next sales cycle. What we do after we’ve made the first sale determines whether we get the next one or any referrals.

New customers have a tendency to evolve through three phases once they decide to buy from us. Initially they feel very excited about their decision before going through a learning curve where they may struggle with blending in our products/services. Finally, they begin to experience the value that we provide and the relationship settles down and finds its own balance.

During Phase 2 this can be a potentially vulnerable time for a sales person, because without the benefit of an established track record, in the face of possible problems, no matter how minor, this is the time when most newly acquired customers are apt to change their mind.

The process of buying has four main components that all customers will evolve through.

They:

1. Have to be motivated to want to buy from us
2. Make a decision to buy from us
3. Want to feel convinced that they have made the right decision
4. Look for reassurance that they are doing the right thing

Once the customer has placed their order they are at the second stage in the buying process. If a sales person doesn’t provide the relevant reassurance that validates the benefits of their decision, then the likelihood of the customer cancelling their order increases dramatically.

This is often referred to as ‘Buyers Remorse.’ Therefore, it’s important to provide tangible demonstrations that the customer has made the right decision. These can include, the use of testimonials, higher initial servicing levels, regular contact and if appropriate training sessions on the areas effected by the introduction of our product or service. There are a number of additional ways that can improve the post sale part of the sales process:

• Set a service agenda for the first thirty days after the sale so that our customer knows exactly what they can expect from us. This may include visits and phone calls at the point when they receive our product or our service begins. This enables us to have established contact frequency at important times when teething problems could occur.

• Ask each customer for their preferences in the way we manage their account and ensure that they have all the contact information for every eventuality.

• After the call send a hand-written note thanking them for their business. This is a personal touch that only takes a moment to do, yet leaves the customer feeling valued and special.

• Identify what areas in particular the customer feels is vital to the way we manage their account so that we can pay close attention to these areas.

• Agree up-front how future problems will be handled.

• Document all successes and evidence of our value in writing. For example: “I noticed that your delivery was received on time last Thursday and am delighted that you now have our products in stock.”

• Actively ask questions to check their satisfaction. For example, “Was everything as you had expected?” “Is there anything we need to change?”  This helps to flush out problems and manages the customer’s expectations so they feel they are genuinely being looked after. If there is a problem, the earlier we know about it the sooner we can remedy it

• Finally, we absolutely must resolve any complaints quickly and to the customer’s satisfaction.

Following this process, will give us the best possible chance of repeat opportunities.

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