When businesses buy from each other, the usual way of doing it can take a lot of time and be rather complicated. Your sales reps probably have to go back and forth a lot with the buyer, show catalogues, prepare quotes, and get approvals before finishing an order.
But now, new digital tools have made things easier, especially with apps that let your customers order for themselves. These apps usually referred to as self-ordering apps or self-service apps in b2b sales make buying really convenient for your customers.
The selling points of customer self-service
A customer self-service sales app gives your customers control by letting them handle the buying process on their own.
This app acts like a virtual salesperson that you provide that is always there for them. It lets customers see product catalogues, prices, and stock availability, and they can place orders without talking to a ‘real’ salesperson.
One of the best things about this self-service method is that it saves time. Customers don’t have to wait for specific hours or for a salesperson to be free. They can look at products, choose what they want, and complete their orders wherever they are, whether it’s in their office, in the warehouse or on the go.
Simplifying the sales process
One of the biggest advantages of customer self-service apps is that they make the buying process much simpler. When businesses buy from each other, there are usually many steps involved, from asking about products to getting the order.
But with these apps, customers can do it all themselves, cutting out some of these steps and making the whole process easier.
This means orders can be completed faster, without needing a meeting or phone call, which really speeds things up. Plus, customers always know the latest information about products and if they’re available, so they can decide quickly.
Giving customers independence
The great thing about using a self-service app in B2B business is that it gives your customers more independence. With this app, they have the power to handle their own purchases, keep an eye on their past orders, and track deliveries all on their own.
It’s not just about feeling empowered, but it also makes customers happier to have the freedom to make their own buying choices.
Having this independence means customers can work at their own pace. They don’t have to worry about following the supplier’s schedule, which can sometimes slow things down in the usual buying process. Instead, they can work when it suits them best for their business.
Providing constant availability anywhere,anytime
Having a customer self-service app that’s available 24/7 is a big benefit for customers working in different time zones or who like to handle their orders outside regular work hours.
Being able to get information and services on your phone at any time is a huge help for businesses that need to be quick and flexible in how they work.
Using a mobile device also means customers can get help and support right away whenever they need it. Knowing they can access their account and get information immediately builds trust and shows that the service is reliable, without delays or having to wait for assistance.
Utilising the benefit of user-friendly interfaces and navigation
Customer self-service apps are made to be user-friendly. They are designed to be easy to understand and use, even for people who aren’t very good with technology.
They have clear sections for different products, simple ways to move around the app, and an easy process for checking out, so that anyone can use them without any trouble.
The good thing is that the provider usually takes care of the technical stuff behind the scenes, so customers don’t have to think about updates or problems with the app. This means that you and your customers can focus on buying and selling without getting caught up in managing the app itself.
Reducing errors and miscommunication
Using a customer self-ordering app can help prevent mistakes and misunderstandings that often happen when orders are processed manually. When customers enter their order information on their own, it reduces the chances of errors or things being misunderstood.
Mistakes in the usual way of processing orders can cause delays, make customers unhappy, and sometimes lead to extra costs for everyone involved. By using a self-service app, you can be sure that what the customer chooses is what will be processed, leading to a smoother transaction and overall more reliable service.
Building better customer relationships
Having a customer self-service app doesn’t replace the relationship between your customers and your sales reps; it actually makes it better.
With the app handling the basic order tasks, sales teams can give more personal and helpful service. They can focus on solving problems, teaching customers about new products, and building stronger connections, which can lead to customers who are more loyal and engaged.
When the app takes care of regular orders, sales reps have more time to learn about what their customers want and like. This is really important for building a personal relationship and growing the business in the long run. Instead of just doing paperwork, the focus shifts to connecting with customers in a meaningful way and creating value for them.
The key points
In summary, customer self-service sales apps are changing how B2B transactions happen by providing convenience, simplicity, and control. These digital tools are ideal for businesses looking to simplify the traditional buying process and give their customers the power to handle their purchases independently.
The round-the-clock service, combined with an easy-to-use interface that reduces mistakes and improves customer relationships, highlights the undeniable appeal of these apps. As businesses worldwide aim for smoother buying experiences, self-service sales apps show the ongoing growth of customer-centred commerce.
If you like the idea of using a simple customer self-ordering sales app for your business, the Onsight mobile sales app might be the tool you’re looking for. You can sign up now for a free trial.
