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Closing is the difference between winning and losing.

Closing is the logical conclusion of the persuasive process.

How to make it easy to get the customer to say "yes"

Closing is not manipulating the customer. It is the professional conclusion to your visit that both you and they expected from the start.

Even if your customer is genuinely interested in your product or service they still need you to provide the final encouragement.

Closing is what selling is all about, getting the order; it is the climax of the selling skills that have gone before.

But very often, how easy the close is depends on how well the salesperson has done the preceding steps.

Here are some of the reasons why salespeople struggle to close;

1.   An unconvincing presentation.

The customer's reason and emotional drive to buy is definitely enhanced by your presentation.

Focus on selling the benefits of your product or service. Sell the “good feelings” and create an image in their minds of what they are going to get.

2. Failure to obtain commitments.

A succession of "yes's" to presentation points makes it easier for the customer to make the buying decision. You should therefore always be closing, trial closing, test closing, getting commitments.

1. A fear of handling objections.

Avoiding, ignoring or hedging around objections diminishes the customer’s confidence in your abilities and more importantly your intentions as a salesperson.

A good place to close is after successfully handling an objection.

1. Waiting for the customer to say "I'll take it."

Too many sales people believe the onus is on the customer to take the closing initiative. Simply asking the closing question would save many lost sales.

1. Talking past the point of sale.

This happens because the salesperson gets carried away by the sound of their own voice, they ignore the customer, do not pick up buying signals and do not use trial closes.

1. Failure to detect buying signals.

The ability to notice and capitalize on buying signals is vital to closing. Queries about delivery dates and times, payment options, colour, size, company back-up, and discounts - this shows interest.

Missing these buying signals and not confirming and capitalizing on them can result in the customer eventually cooling off and losing their former interest.

1. Lack of skill in closing techniques.

Success in closing the sale is dependent on the salesperson being well versed in a variety of closing techniques and knowing when and how to use them.

1. A fear of rejection.

A lot of sales people avoid asking for the order for fear of rejection. You need to understand that such rejection is not meant personally. Objections to closing generally means that the customer is asking for more information and needs a little more persuasion to make the buying decision.

If you analyze all the times you presented your product or service and did not get the order, you'll find that you are guilty of at least a few of the above reasons for not closing.

Should you wish to find out more about Ray Patterson, visit www.raypatterson.co.za