Take the strain

Let technology cut down on administration and improve your communications with customers

‘When it comes to changing the software you use in your retail operations, there are many reasons to do it. However, when we start to work with new clients we are often asked to help solve similar problems,’ says Darren Lee, Ordorite Software UK business development director.

‘Often it is along the lines of why the administration staff are constantly engaged in repetitive, time-consuming tasks – usually to generate reports such as targets or commission, or something for the accounts team. The second is how to communicate better with customers.

‘One new client pays its sales team commission upon full payment of orders. The staff across multiple stores were completing a manual list when an order was paid in full, emailing that weekly to the office team, who then had to check each individual order on their old system to confirm the data before paying commission. With a sales team of more than 30, this task alone took the office team 10 hours per month.

‘Our Vision IQ tool provided a report that gave a list by salesperson of every order as it was fully paid. Live and accurate to the penny, no need to check, and the equivalent of a day-and-a-half staff saving in the office. Not to mention a sales team who were able to focus fully on sales, knowing that their commission would be correct.

‘Most of our clients are looking to be more proactive with their customers, to better their expectations. Consistent contact is key here, but it’s no good if your team are on the phone all day. We advocate a combination of automated but personalised emails and texts to complement the occasional call to or from a customer. When the sale is completed, in-store or online, a confirmation is automatically emailed to the customer – no need to print if you don’t want to. That email contains a link to allow them to track their order status. As goods are received, payments made etc, the status is updated for the customer – no need for them to call in to the store.

‘The customer can make payment online and even book their own delivery, within business-set parameters. Meanwhile, if a container is going to be delayed, for example, a personalised message will be sent to each customer affected, advising them accordingly. The retailer can write that once and Ordorite sends to all. When a delivery date is booked, a confirmation text can go to the customer, and when the optimum route is planned on Ordorite, a delivery time slot can also be advised.’

Tel: 0203 2861 202

WE’RE HIRING!

AREA SALES MANAGER Carpenter Underlay (South)

Carpenter Co. is one of the worlds largest producer of comfort cushioning products. We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional and committed individual, comfortable presenting and promoting our underlay products to all levels within the flooring trade.

The ideal candidate would live within the territory, have knowledge of the carpet trade and be able to demonstrate a proven successful sales record. A flexible approach to work, strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport quickly with customers are key skills required for the role.

You will be responsible for the sales and account management, along with developing new business, across the territory reporting to the National Sales Manager.

Competitive package offered to the successful candidate

Please send your CV and covering letter for the attention of; Rachel Clayton HR Manager - rachel.clayton@carpenter.com