According to QSR Magazine, the global foodservice supply chain represents more than $1 trillion in annual sales, with the foodservice equipment market representing about $37 billion. While these estimates represent tremendous opportunities, they can also be attributed to the growing overhaul of distribution and supply chain models that can’t keep up with rampant demand. It’s evident that these drastic changes to the industry will have lasting effects and right now is the time to examine which operational tools can help you set up the best results for your organization moving forward.
Chain, Keep Us Together
Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand the journey that we’ve taken as an industry to get to our current state. It is one that is prevalent for manufacturers of all kinds but has brought on particular challenges for foodservice equipment suppliers. FER Mag recently shared the results of a NAFEM study where members listed supply shortages as their number one business stressor, followed by spiking shipping costs and increased tariffs on imports. These issues directly correlate with cost control for supplies and trickle down to the consumer level.
These issues have paved the way to accelerate the adoption of technology tools that streamline operations, thus allowing key players to focus more time on the most pressing issues they face.
Rethinking the Traditional Model
While some aspects of the operational model are efficient, there are others that require updating, especially with the rate at which the industry’s landscape has changed. Fortunately, there are many solutions available that directly tackle productivity issues and provide attainable results. Our team put together a list of tips that address pain points you may be experiencing at different levels of your selling journey.
- Keep your listings accurate with a simple-to-use automated tool
We know how important it is to display your products accurately on all connected platforms. The prospect of creating manual updates is quite tedious and can pull your time away from other selling initiatives. With this in mind, our team created AQ Products API, a software solution that helps streamline your listing management process through its integration with our CPQ. By implementing an automated tool like Products API, you can skip having to duplicate efforts of updating your listings.
- Manage your leads with efficiency
Having a lead management tool in place gives you full visibility into all the opportunities sitting in your pipeline, allowing you to follow up as needed. LeadMethod is the world’s leading solution for distributor sales management, and like AQ, it is part of the Revalize family of brands. Click here to download a recent manufacturer case study from one of their active customers.
- Boost sales with financing options for your customers
With the state of the industry being strained by financial constraints, it could be especially beneficial to give prospects flexibility with their payment options through tools like AQ Pay. Having options allows leads to move through the pipeline faster which is favorable for both parties involved. They can place an order through a plan that allows them convenience while you get guaranteed payments in terms that you are comfortable with.
As the industry moves rapidly toward a digital-first strategy, we at AQ want to make sure that you have all the tools you need to keep pace in a competitive market. If you’re ready to update your tech stack, reach out to our team at sales@revalizesoftware.com to schedule a demo today.
Related Links: Custom Payment Terms FAQs: Getting Started with AQ Pay’s New Feature, Targeting Pain Points with AQ Insight: Improve Sales for Low Performing Listings in a Few Easy Steps
