How can I stand out to shippers during the sales process?
Services (check)Service areas (check)That’s it. You made the list. Now your information goes to the eTrac Shipper or 3PL as a carrier who can fulfill their final mile need.We’re always being asked: how do I make sure I’m getting selected to work with this shipper? As you’ve heard before, eTrac is not a broker, loadboard or reseller. There’s no cost to you, no requirement to sign a contract, no need to use a system other than the one you have. Beyond providing information from our database, we don’t prioritize or assist further in the selection process.It’s up to your company to present themselves as a good candidate to meet the shippers needs. Here are our tips for putting your best foot forward towards landing the contract.
How’s your website?
If you just cringed, or said “What website?” keep reading. Many shippers and 3PL’s request website information and take the time to review your website prior to deciding which companies to contact.Why? A website shows legitimacy. It provides your potential client confidence in your company and shares valuable information with that client that they want to know before meeting you. Your potential clients expect to be able to research your company prior to speaking with you.A website does not have to be flashy or expensive. Here are a few basic things you need on your website:
- Company name
- Contact information and address
- Services you offer in what areas
- Personal Information: information about your company history and/or your team
- Testimonials from other clients
- Association and membership badges provide legitimacy — don’t forget to add your eTrac badge!
If you have a website, but it needs a bit of a refresh, here are 10 ways we recommend updating your website.
Your Online Reviews
93% of consumers say they look at online reviews before selecting a company to work with. Online reviews are a potential client's way of gaining valuable insight on the work you’ve provided before they invest their time and money into your services.Understanding and learning how to navigate these reviews can be difficult, so we broke it down for you here.
Sell Yourself
After the initial introduction, your sales person or team will take on the role of selling the shipper/3PL on your company and helping them understand why you are the best person for the job.In today’s world, your potential client has already done significant research on you before contacting you (see 1. Website and 2. Online Reviews) such that when they do contact you, speed is the name of the game. 35-50% of sales go to the company that responds first.Have your sales literature, such as brochures and one-sheets, ready to send at all times. Keeping a sales presentation on file that can be emailed is a valuable tool for your potential client to refer back to throughout the process. Follow ups should be sent quickly after the conversation — if you say you’re sending them an email with more information, do so that day.
We Want to Help You Grow
The mission of our Carrier Partner Program is to help carriers grow their businesses for free. No strings attached. We want you to have the best chance possible to land every shipper or 3PL eTrac introduces you to.If you ever have any questions about being a Carrier Partner, please don’t hesitate to reach out: Partners@eTracFinalMile.com.What other questions can we help you with? From marketing to operations — you can ask us anything! Use the form below to submit your questions.[ninja_form id=18]