Update Your Sales Proposals
I see a sales proposals all the time. Recently, a friend who is a painting contractor in Southern California contacted me with a request for help in winning a deal — She’s got a great business, a keen eye for color and the skills to make any home or business attractive, but this one prospective customer seemed to be a bit of a “cheap-skate” (my words) and wasn’t really appreciating the quality she was bringing to his shopping center make-over project. The kind of rehab that would easily pay for itself in renewed rents, etc.! Anyway, I took one look at her proposal and immediately suggested these ideas:
1) Take the “.00” out of your numbers!
(Unless you are quoting a quantity of small items where pennies count.)
You may even want to leave out the comma.
Otherwise, your prices look like more than they are!
For example: At first glance (the “blink” factor ~ Malcom Gladwell), which number initially seems lower?
$6450 or $6,450.00?
2) Next, remember to summarize the benefits your customers get first!
Reiterate what they told you were their top priorities. For example:
- Beautify shopping center to attract more shoppers and tenants
- Justify increase in leases
- Refresh paint to coordinate with new landscaping
Remind them why they are “investing” (vs “cost”) in this project.
This goes a long to demonstrate that you are the one who ‘gets it.’
She got the deal.
Consider all aspects of your marketing before spending money!
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