While technology has greatly enhanced communication opportunities, there is no substitute for an outside sales reps’ face to face interactions with a prospect, especially for valuable B2B customers. Conversations that take place in person build trust on both sides, while demonstrating to the prospect that your company cares enough to invest the time and travel necessary for this type of encounter.
Consequently, a well-managed outside sales force, including a proficient field sales team, is critical to the success of any B2B company. But where do you start? Something as simple as an app can be a game changer in your sales strategy. Let’s see how:
What is an outside sales rep?
It refers to sales personnel who physically go out into the field to interview and meet with current and potential customers to generate sales or obtain orders for the company they represent. Outside sales professionals typically work autonomously, outside of a formal office environment.
Unlike inside sales reps, who can close hundreds of sales without seeing the faces of their prospects, outside salespeople’s success depends on their ability to build and maintain in-person relationships with their prospects.
That said, it is vital that a sales representative is equipped with the most effective tools to provide the best possible image of the company they represent, maximize their capabilities and skills as a salesperson so that the sales process runs smoothly, without distractions or headaches.
Apps are a perfect example of a tool that can make the sales process simpler and efficient. These apps enable the field sales team to manage orders seamlessly and integrate with popular accounting software, enhancing overall business efficiency. That way, your outside sales reps can better face the challenges found in the field and focus on what they do best, selling.
Here is a list of the 10 Best Apps for Outside Sales Reps that you should consider to make your sales team more productive.
Challenges Faced by Outside Sales Reps
Outside sales reps face numerous challenges in their daily operations. One of the primary hurdles is the lack of access to real-time customer information and inventory levels, which makes it difficult to make informed decisions during sales visits. Without up-to-date data, reps may struggle to provide accurate product availability or pricing, leading to potential lost sales opportunities.
Additionally, manual data entry and paperwork can be incredibly time-consuming and prone to errors. This not only delays the ordering process but also increases the likelihood of mistakes that can affect customer satisfaction. The inefficiency of manual processes can significantly hinder a sales rep’s productivity.
Another significant challenge is limited internet connectivity. In many areas, especially remote locations, sales reps may find it challenging to access critical business information and process orders efficiently. This lack of connectivity can result in delays and missed opportunities, further impacting the sales team’s overall performance.
These challenges underscore the need for effective tools and solutions that can help outside sales reps overcome these obstacles, streamline their operations, and enhance their productivity.
Key Features of a Good Sales App
A good sales app should possess several key features to support the needs of outside sales reps effectively. Firstly, it should provide real-time access to customer information, including order history, credit limit, and specific business rules. This ensures that reps have all the necessary data at their fingertips to make informed decisions and offer personalized service to their clients.
Secondly, the app should enable reps to check inventory levels and process orders efficiently, even without an internet connection. Offline functionality is crucial for field sales teams operating in areas with limited connectivity, ensuring that they can continue their work without interruptions.
Thirdly, a digital catalog is an essential feature, allowing reps to showcase products and pricing to customers seamlessly. This not only enhances the presentation but also facilitates upselling and cross-selling opportunities, helping reps to maximize their sales potential.
Integration with accounting systems and back-office operations is another critical feature. This ensures smooth order processing, minimizes errors, and keeps all departments aligned, from sales to finance. Such integration helps in maintaining accurate records and streamlining the entire sales process.
Finally, a good sales app should provide analytics and insights to help reps optimize their sales strategies and improve customer engagement. By analyzing sales data and customer interactions, reps can identify trends, understand customer preferences, and tailor their approach to meet specific needs.
10 Best Mobile Apps for Outside Sales Reps
1.OIS Pro App
About App:
The Orders in Seconds (OIS) or OIS Pro App is an all-in-one sales order taking solution for wholesale distributors and CPG brands with on-the-go sales teams, including pre-sales and direct store delivery (DSD).
Our mobile app solution is easy to use in the field to quickly place orders in 3 easy steps. Helping your reps place more orders in ½ the time.
The OIS Pro app also features an easy navigation, functional design, digital product catalog, accepts payments, route management, inventory visibility, unlimited live customer support, barcode scanning, end-of-day sales reporting, inventory transfer requests, order status bar, open invoicing, process credits and returns and so much more.
Mobile App Available for: iOS | Android
Pricing:
2. Slack
About App:
It is a real-time messaging system. Its main function is to simplify communication flows between the company staff and partners. Slack also includes a great number of integrations (Dropbox, Google Drive, Twitter, MailChimp, Skype…).
Mobile App Available for: iOS | Android
Pricing:
Standard: $6.67/user/month
Plus: $12.50/user/month
Enterprise: Pricing available upon request
3. CamCard
About App:
CamCard is a cloud-based solution designed to improve the tradition of card exchange as it is able to capture any type of card and convert it to digital data. Just take a picture and CamCard will save the information as a contact.
Mobile App Available for: iOS | Android
Pricing:
Premium: $21/user/month
Professional: $25/user/month
4. Keynote
About app:
Do you want to prepare an unforgettable presentation for your prospects? Keynote is the ideal tool. The simple and intuitive interface brings the most important tools to the forefront, so your team can add stunning graphics, edit photos or diagrams with ease.
Mobile App Available for: iOS
Pricing:
Free
5. Evernote
About App:
Evernote is a software that allows you to store notes through various methods (infographics, tickets, voice notes). It is ideal for accessing information much faster and preventing oversights.
Mobile App Available for: iOS | Android
Pricing:
Basic: Free
Personal: $7.99/user/month
Professional: $9.99/user/month
Teams: $14.99/user/month
6. Quickvoice
About App:
If you need to capture ideas on the go, you must have QuickVoice. This app lets you record all kinds of audio on your mobile devices and share the recordings via email and other platforms.
Mobile App Available for: iOS
Pricing: Free
7. Skype for Mobile
About App:
This is an ideal tool to facilitate communication for outside sales reps. Skype is one of the most popular applications to make free calls, send instant messages and share files.
Mobile App Available for: iOS | Android
Pricing: Free (in-app purchases)
8. Badger Mapping
About App:
Badger Mapping is a route optimization planning application for field salesmen that places the user’s territory on a map on their device, showing them where their customers are and offering new potential customers they didn’t know about.
Mobile App Available for: iOS | Android
Pricing:
Business: $48/user/month
Enterprise:$95/user/month
9. Calendly
About App:
Calendly is a tool that allows you to schedule and manage meetings and appointments between sales reps and colleagues or customers. It works automatically with just a few clicks, organizing your agenda in an optimal and simple way.
Mobile App Available for: iOS l Android
Pricing:
Free
Premium: $8/user/month
Pro: $12/user/month
Enterprise: Pricing available upon request
10. Expensify
About App:
This expense management software automates and streamlines the management of business expenses in real time: from registration to reimbursement. You can take photos of your invoices or receipts with your phone and Expensify will automatically retrieve the relevant information.
Mobile App Available for: iOS | Android
Pricing:
Individual: Free
Team: $5/user/month
Corporate: $9/user/month
Benefits of a Sales App for Outside Sales Reps
A sales app can bring numerous benefits to outside sales reps, significantly enhancing their productivity, efficiency, and overall performance. Firstly, it enables reps to make informed decisions during sales visits by leveraging real-time customer information and inventory levels. This ensures that they can provide accurate and timely information to their clients, improving customer satisfaction.
Secondly, a sales app streamlines the ordering process, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors. This not only saves time but also ensures that orders are processed quickly and accurately, leading to faster fulfillment and happier customers.
Thirdly, the app provides reps with a digital catalog, allowing them to showcase products and pricing to customers effectively. This feature facilitates upselling and cross-selling opportunities, helping reps to increase their sales and revenue.
Another significant benefit is the ability to work offline. With offline functionality, reps can continue to operate effectively even in areas with limited internet connectivity. This ensures that they can access critical information and process orders without any delays, maintaining their productivity regardless of their location.
Finally, a sales app provides valuable insights and analytics, helping reps to optimize their sales strategies and improve customer engagement. By analyzing sales data and customer interactions, reps can identify trends, understand customer preferences, and tailor their approach to meet specific needs. This data-driven approach leads to more effective sales strategies and better customer relationships.
By leveraging a sales app, outside sales reps can increase their sales productivity, improve customer satisfaction, and drive business growth.
Final Thoughts
Undeniably, it is impossible to ignore how useful apps are and how well they combine with the entire sales process of any B2B business, as they can be very beneficial for any outside sales rep. In order to stay competitive and increase productivity on a big scale, it is imperative to take advantage of what technology has to offer. It is a bulletproof investment that will streamline operations, improve your sales pipeline, and ultimately help in closing more deals. Thanks to these apps, the sales process can be easier than ever.
