If not managed correctly, product recalls trickle down into sales. Research shows that supply chain glitches can lower sales by nearly 7 percent. A good sales department minimizes the impact of product recalls on sales.

In the latest in our series on the effect of product recalls on business departments, we look at the role of the sales team. We also investigate how the right software streamlines product recall responses for sales departments in various organizations.

What Does the Sales Department Do?

Throughout the year, sales departments build relationships with customers, monitor revenue, and increase business growth. These teams are the lifeblood of many customer-facing organizations.

A recall notice from the federal government changes the way sales teams operate. Recalled items can affect supply chains, meaning customers won’t receive products on time. Plus, the negative publicity surrounding a product recall can have a direct impact on sales.

During a product recall, the sales department might think up new sales strategies to increase revenue. These strategies include placing a greater focus on other products, reassuring customers, and re-establishing consumer relationships. Depending on the severity of the product recall (and, ultimately, an organization’s response to the recall), an organization might experience a significant sales drop for a prolonged period.

Good sales teams don’t let product recalls faze them. These professionals work with marketing teams and managers to reconnect with customers and increase an organization’s bottom line. However, sales departments need the right digital tools for effective results.

What Tools Do Sales Teams Need?

In a product recall scenario, sales teams need to communicate with various departments in an organization. Product recalls happen quickly, and managers need to act quickly. Otherwise, the organization could receive civil and criminal penalties from the government and potential lawsuits from customers and clients.

In all this confusion, sales teams should think up sales strategies based on the latest recall information. Outdated software won’t cut it. Sales departments require the latest digital tools.

During a product recall, sales teams have to communicate with the following departments:

  • Product management
  • Marketing
  • Legal
  • Operations
  • Production

This list isn’t exhaustive.

Sales departments must communicate during a product recall crisis or lose out on lucrative sales opportunities.

A good product recall management system helps sales teams communicate with the rest of the organization. With the latest collaborative tools, salespeople can receive up-to-date recall information from one system, which is more effective than using several programs. A product recall management system also lets sales teams store recall information on one system.

Try Trievr, the ultimate product recall management system, for free with this 15-day trial. 

What Are the Challenges Sales Teams Encounter During a Product Recall?

Some customers think a product recall is a sign of poor manufacturing processes or unsafe workflows. It’s up to the sales department to convince them otherwise. New sales strategies during this time might include:

  • More training for sales teams
  • Aligning marketing and sales
  • Creating value propositions
  • Introducing special offers

Many of the world’s biggest companies have received recall notices from the FDA and other government agencies. Only the most successful ones have maintained sales during a recall crisis.

Without the right software, sales teams can’t connect with customers or communicate with other employees. So, organizations need to invest in the right technologies. While new software might require an initial cost, it could pay for itself over time. A product recall management platform, in particular, provides organizations with a return on investment during a product recall situation.

Meet Trievr

Trievr is a recall management system for sales teams that want to increase product recall responses. Bursting to the brim with features, Trievr offers an on-demand pricing structure, so sales departments only pay for features they require. There are no regular fees or hidden surprises. This pricing structure provides organizations with value, especially during the current economic climate.

Other features of Trievr include:

  • Auto-alert reminders so sales teams can meet product recall deadlines
  • Collaborative tools so all departments can work on recall projects
  • Real-time reports for more accurate recall insights
  • Cloud-based storage so sales teams can access recall data from any location
  • Extra security for sales teams that want to protect valuable company information

Final Word

Sales teams have an uphill battle during and after a product recall, so a recall management system proves useful. Software like Trievr enhances recall responses and automates many common recall tasks. The result? A sales team can get back to what it does best: selling products.

If you’re looking for a recall management solution for your sales department, click here to find out more about Trievr. You can also sign up for a 15-day FREE trial.