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AIROI - Artificial Intelligence Return on Invest: The AI strategy for decision-makers and managers

21 September 2024

How a product advisor tool is revolutionising your sales

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When companies want to optimise sales processes today, questions often arise about customer management, addressing target groups and conversion. A product advisor tool can provide decisive impetus here because it enables digital advice and customised solutions for every customer. Particularly in industries with complex product worlds, sales teams are looking for ways to guide customers in a targeted manner and reduce mis-purchases - a challenge that many customers describe when seeking advice.

How a product advisor tool works in sales

A product advisor tool is not a static form, but a dynamic, AI-based system that guides customers through the selection process with customised questions[1]. It translates technical product features into understandable language and continuously adapts the recommendations to the user's answers. The result is a consultation that approaches the quality of a personalised expert consultation - but is scalable and available at any time.

One example: In the large domestic appliances sector, the product advisor tool helps customers to find the right washing machine. Instead of asking about technical details, the tool first asks everyday questions such as „How many people live in your household?“ or „How often do you wash per week?“[1]. Based on this information, the tool filters out suitable models and only displays the relevant options. This makes the selection clear and understandable for non-experts.

Another example comes from the automotive sector: here, the digital product advisor helps to identify the right vehicle model from a wide range of equipment features. Customers answer questions about usage, budget and preferred features - and thus receive a targeted selection that meets their requirements[3]. This saves time for both sides.

The product advisor tool is also valuable in the B2B sector. Companies that sell industrial components report that many enquiries are incomplete. The tool structures the dialogue, asks specific questions about the application, environment and availability - and thus provides more precise offers that lead to fewer enquiries and faster deals.

Advantages of a product advisor tool for sales

The integration of a product advisor tool offers numerous advantages that go beyond simply increasing efficiency. It increases customer satisfaction because they feel they are receiving personalised advice and can make their own decisions. At the same time, the returns rate decreases because incorrect purchases are avoided[11].

Another advantage: the tool collects valuable data on customer needs and preferences. This can be used for targeted marketing, product development and sales strategy. This creates a cycle of learning and optimisation that strengthens sales in the long term.

The product advisor tool noticeably reduces the workload for sales teams. Routine questions are answered automatically so that employees can concentrate on complex cases and personalised advice. This increases productivity and frees up time for acquisition[6].

Practical examples: Product advisor tool in use

In the furniture industry, a product advisor tool helps customers to find the right sofa. It asks about room size, preferred material, colour and intensity of use. The selection is narrowed down step by step, resulting in a manageable selection of models that actually suit the customer.

The tool is also in demand in the electronics trade. Anyone looking for a new smartphone has to compare numerous functions. A product advisor tool guides you through relevant questions on display size, battery life, camera quality and price - helping you to find the ideal device from the flood of information.

Tourism companies use the tool to organise individual trips. Instead of trawling through long catalogues, customers enter their wishes regarding travel time, destination, budget and activities. The tool filters out suitable offers and presents them in a clear overview.

Product consultant tool and iROI coaching - utilising synergies

Anyone introducing a product advisor tool is faced with important strategic questions. How do I optimally integrate the tool into the customer journey? How do I measure success? And how do I get the sales team on board for the digital transformation? This is exactly where iROI coaching comes in.

iROI-Coaching accompanies companies from conception to successful implementation. Together, we analyse existing processes, identify stumbling blocks and develop individual solutions. The aim is to utilise the product advisor tool in such a way that it creates added value for customers and the company - and the sales department benefits in the long term.

Many clients report that iROI coaching increases acceptance within the team. Training, knowledge sharing and regular feedback help to ensure that the product advisor tool is not perceived as a technical gimmick, but as a genuine sales instrument.

BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A medium-sized manufacturer of kitchen appliances wanted to expand online sales and increase conversion. Together with iROI-Coaching, a product advisor tool was designed that reduces purchase cancellations through targeted questions. The implementation took place step by step, with intensive feedback from the sales team. The result: the bounce rate in the shop fell significantly, order values increased and the tool became a central element in customer communication.

Another practical example comes from the office furniture sector. Here, the product advisor tool helped to make complex product variants understandable. Customers were able to put together their individualised study by answering clear questions - and received a professional recommendation at the end. The sales department saved time and customer satisfaction increased.

In the mail-order fashion business, the tool led to a noticeable reduction in returns. Because customers were asked specifically about cut, colour and style, the items they ordered fitted better. The company was pleased with fewer returns and more satisfied customers.

My analysis

A product advisor tool is not a panacea, but it can significantly improve sales if it is used in a targeted manner and integrated into the team. It supports customers in their decision-making, takes the pressure off the sales team and provides valuable data for further development. However, without sound support - such as iROI coaching - a lot of potential remains unutilised.

If you want to be successful in sales today, you can hardly avoid digital consulting tools such as the product advisor tool. They help to structure complex product worlds, guide customers in a targeted manner and enhance the customer experience. Those who utilise these opportunities gain a clear competitive advantage.

Further links from the text above:

Digital product finder - simply explained [1]
Sales planning software: The 5 best tools [2]
Online product advisor: support customers in their purchasing decision [11]
Automate your sales? It works with these 10 tools [6]
Guided Selling - Product Finder & Product Advisor [5]
Product consulting automotive salesman/woman [3]

For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic internet Return on Investment - Marketing here.

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