Wholesale and distribution CRM use several methods and procedures to manage complex businesses. These business processes include relationships with customers, product manufacturers, and others in the supply chain.
To outperform their competition and remain viable in the marketplace, they need to increase their sales and productivity. This is achieved by reducing sales cycles, cutting costs, and improving customer service.
Like manufacturers, distributors focus on their supply chain for relationship and transactional data. The difference between the two is that the manufacturers’ upstream is primarily OEM and raw material suppliers. Distributors’ typical upstream supplier is the manufacturer because of their role as a middle man in the selling process.
A viable distributor-centric CRM solution will help nurture both types of partner relationships.
CRM for Distributors & Wholesalers:
There are practical uses of CRM software that are uniquely important for distributors. These include integrated lead management, product marketing, sales management, and customer support.
Wholesale & distribution CRMhelps sales reps cultivate new leads and nurture ongoing relationships. Reps log sales activities, record customer notes, and foster internal collaboration. These activities result in higher sales and better customer service.
CRM tools place most of their focus on either the “management” or the “customer” side of the business. “Management” enables sales teams to manage the lead prospecting and qualification process. The “customer” side focuses on cultivating long-term relationships. While a combination of both sides is necessary, distribution CRMs tend to lean towards the “customer”.
CRMs built for distribution companies assist in getting actionable customer insights. This real-time data helps their salesforce to convert leads into buyers. It automates intensive customer-centric processes and provides marketing and sales management tools.These features also assist with supply chain management, procurement, inventory-planning, et al.
