Posted on: 23 November, 2001
Author: Chris Rawluk
Since the launch of ... we have been ... ... by ... from Internet and ... firms from all over the globe. We would think it ... thing - since the world i Since the launch of showtheplanet.com we have been regularly inundated by salespitches from Internet and technology firms from all over the globe. We would think it apositive thing - since the world is obviously finding us - except that its quite apparentfrom most of the messages we've received that the person on the other end of thephone (or fax, or e-mail) has no idea what we're about. Even worse, most of theseInternet companies seem have no idea how to do business on the Internet. Here aresome actual examples of contact from sales people to our office within the last month: Salesperson from an internet company calls and leaves a message followed by 10minutes of office background noise and conversations. Apparently this person hadn'thung up the phone. This happened two days in a row from the same person. Salesperson calls and introduces their product. This product obviously hasnothing in common with what we do. We ask: "Have you been to our site?" Theyrespond: "Uh...no, but...." Salesperson from an Internet company calls. We are interested and ask aboutpricing. The response: "Uhh...Actually, this is my first day. Can I get my manager tocall you about that?" Salesperson from an Internet company calls. We ask that information be e-mailedto us. They courier a five pound information package to our office thenext day. It contains volumes of information about why they're such a wonderful(public) company, but no detailed information on prices or product. Similarly, we request pricing information via e-mail from an Internet company.They respond with their own five pound courier package. You guessed it. Noinformation on pricing. Salesperson from an Internet company calls and introduces their product. Weare interested in learning more and request information be e-mailed to us. Theycall back three days later and ask for our e-mail address. Our e-mail addressand contact information are prominently displayed on our site. These examples wouldn't seem as absurd if the inquiries had come from traditionalfirms not yet familiar with the Internet. But ALL of these examples came from Internetfirms (Many of them public companies - Watch your money!). The leading edge of thedot com economy? I think not.Of course there's always a bright side. The more idiots out there trying to do businessonline, the less competition for you.Here are three rules of thumb that, in our not-so-humble opinion, can make or breakyour online sales. Provide ALL the details of your product on your web site. Include every possibledetail and specification. Don't waste the customer's time and they won't wasteyours. The Internet is about information on demand and the consumer is moredemanding than ever. Post your prices on your web site. I repeat. Post your prices on your web site.Nobody wants to jump through hoops to buy your product. Most potentialcustomers won't inquire about price unless your product is very specialized. Know your product and your industry. If you're not an expert, customers will seeright through you.Simple? Absolutely. Yet it's amazing how many companies have no clue. If you playby the rules you will sell more. The Internet consumer can be very generous to thosewho do. Article Tags: Internet Company Calls, Salesperson From, Internet Company, Company Calls Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com