Table of Contents

1. What is Food & Beverage Distribution?
2. Key Challenges in Food and Beverage Wholesale Business
3. Three Ways to Grow Your F&B Wholesale Business in 2025
4. Conclusion
5. FAQ
   
   

What is food and beverage distribution?

Food and beverage distribution refers to the process of transporting food and drink products from manufacturers to end consumers. To ensure efficient delivery of products, food and beverage distribution management involves multiple stakeholders

• Wholesalers – Purchase food products in bulk and sell to retailers.
• Distributors – Act as middlemen, managing storage and transportation.
• Retailers – Sell directly to consumers.
• Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLs) – Manage warehousing and last-mile delivery.

Efficient food distribution requires accurate inventory tracking, seamless logistics, and fast order fulfillment. However, many wholesale food and beverage suppliers still rely on manual processes, leading to costly inefficiencies.

Key Challenges in Food and Beverage Wholesale Business

1. Inefficient Inventory Management 

48% of wholesalers struggle with inaccurate stock tracking (Crown Records Management).

• Overstocking leads to wasted inventory and cash flow problems.
• Understocking results in missed sales and frustrated customers.
• Manual tracking creates errors and delivery delays.
  

2. Hesitation to adapt Technology

Despite the rise of technology in managing food and beverage wholesale businesses. Many wholesalers still hesitate to adopt a wholesale software due to:

• Lack of technical expertise among staff.
• High upfront investment costs.
• Pre assumption of Compatibility issues with existing workflows.

Statista: 42% of wholesalers still rely on manual processes, making them less competitive.

3. Intense Market Competition

With Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) models disrupting the industry, wholesalers must evolve to compete. It does not mean competing on price alone Faster deliveries, better service, and value-added offerings.matter more than ever.

3 Ways to Grow Your Food & Beverage Wholesale Business in 2025

There are 3 main distribution strategies to grow your food and beverage wholesale business which can streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction.

1. Automate Inventory Management to Reduce Error & Waste

Managing inventory manually is time-consuming and prone to mistakes. An AI-powered inventory management system can:

–Track stock levels in real time, reducing overstocking & shortages.
–Automate order processing, ensuring faster fulfillment.
–Analyze buying trends, helping you predict demand more accurately.

According to Gartner, by 2027, over 75% of companies will have automated their warehouse operations.

See how Routemagic can help you with your wholesale business.

2. Use Technology to Streamline Operations

A powerful wholesale software can help F&B wholesale businesses optimize
–Route planning – Reduce delivery delays and fuel costs.
–Order processing – Automate workflows for back-office and field teams, say bye to paperwork.
–Customer management – Use data -driven insights to personalize customer interactions

 McKinsey reports that businesses using AI-powered logistics solutions see a 20% reduction in operating costs.

???? Pro Tip: Implement cloud-based software to enable remote access & seamless collaboration between teams.

3. Offer Value-Added Services to stand out

Customers expect more than just bulk orders.Successful wholesale food and beverage suppliers offer::
–Same-day or next-day delivery for urgent orders.
–Bulk purchase discounts & seasonal promotions.
–Loyalty programs to reward repeat customers.

Forrester reports that businesses offering value-added services see a 15% higher customer retention rate.

???? Pro Tip: Use predictive analytics to personalize offerings based on customer buying behavior.

Conclusion

The food and beverage wholesale business is evolving, and those who leverage automation, technology, and value-added services will stay ahead. Wholesale software for Food and beverage distribution management is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for efficiency, profitability, and long-term success.

Are you ready to transform your wholesale business? Book A Demo with RouteMagic Now!

FAQ

1. How do food distributors make money?

Food distributors earn by purchasing products in bulk at discounted rates and selling them at a higher price, adding a profit margin. Additionally, they offer value-added services such as delivery, same-day shipping, or bulk discounts, which help retain customers and generate extra revenue.

2. Is the wholesale food business profitable?

Yes! Wholesale distribution businesses that adopt wholesale software without being hesitant to adopt new technology and automate their workflows increase efficiency and boost profit margins.

3. What is the role of MIS in Food and Beverage Operations? 

A Management Information System (MIS) helps wholesale food and beverage suppliers streamline their day-to-day operations. It assists with tasks like managing orders, planning delivery routes, tracking inventory, generating invoices, handling payments, and creating detailed reports. By automating these processes, MIS eliminates redundant manual work, allowing businesses to focus on growth and other core activities.

4. What is the Wholesale Distribution Business? 

A wholesale distribution business operates on a B2B (business-to-business) model. Wholesalers act as the bridge between manufacturers and retailers, purchasing goods in bulk and selling them in smaller quantities. They play a critical role in ensuring that products are available to retailers and, eventually, consumers.

The post 3 Ways to Grow Your Food and Beverage Wholesale Business appeared first on RouteMagic.

When it comes to van sales management, personalisation is key. Your customers want to feel like you understand their unique needs and preferences. By offering personalised promotions, you can create a strong connection with your target audience and increase their likelihood of making a purchase. Personalised promotions not only grab attention but also create a sense of exclusivity, making your customers feel special and valued.

To effectively implement personalised promotions, it is essential to have a deep understanding of your target audience. Take the time to research and analyse their preferences, buying behaviour, and pain points. Use this information to create customer profiles or personas that will guide your promotional efforts. By understanding your customers and van sale challenges on a deeper level, you can create targeted and compelling promotions that resonate with them.

Understanding Your Target Audience and Their Preferences
To create personalised promotions that resonate with your target audience, you must first understand who they are and what they want. Conduct market research to gather information about your customers’ demographics, psychographics, and buying behaviour. Use tools like surveys, interviews, and social media analytics to gain insights into their preferences and pain points.

Once you have collected the necessary data, create customer profiles or personas that represent your target audience segments. Include information such as age, gender, occupation, interests, and buying habits. This will help you visualise your ideal customers and tailor your promotions to their specific needs.

In addition to demographics, consider the psychographics of your target audience. Understand their motivations, values, and aspirations. What challenges do they face? What are their goals? By diving deeper into their psychographics, you can create promotions that speak directly to their desires and pain points.‍

How to Create Personalised Promotions for Your Van Sales
Now that you have a deep understanding of your target audience, it’s time to create personalised promotions that will grab their attention and drive sales. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

Segment Your Audience: Divide your customers into different groups based on their demographics, psychographics, and buying behaviour. This will allow you to create promotions that are tailored to each segment’s unique needs and preferences.

Use Personalized Messaging: Craft compelling messages that speak directly to your customers’ pain points and desires. Use their names in your communication and make them feel like you are speaking directly to them.

Offer Exclusive Deals: Create promotions that are exclusive to your target audience. This can be in the form of discounts, freebies, or special offers. By offering something unique, you create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate action.
Utilise Behavioural Data : Use data analytics to track your customers’ behaviour and preferences. This will help you identify patterns and trends, allowing you to create promotions that align with their buying habits.

Leverage Personalisation Technology: Take advantage of tools and resources that can help you automate and streamline your personalisation efforts. There are various software and platforms available that can assist you in creating and managing personalised promotions.

By implementing these strategies, you can create personalised promotions that resonate with your target audience and drive sales.

Types of Personalised Promotions That Work Best for Van Sales
When it comes to personalised promotions for van sales, there are several types that have proven to be highly effective. Here are a few examples:

Limited-Time Offers: Create promotions that are available for a limited time only. This creates a sense of urgency and encourages immediate action from your customers.

Loyalty Programs: Reward your loyal customers with exclusive offers and discounts. This not only encourages repeat purchases but also fosters a sense of loyalty towards your brand.

Upselling and Cross-Selling: Analyse your customers’ past purchases and offer them complementary products or upgrades. This personalised approach can significantly increase your average order value using mobile apps.

Referral Programs: Incentivise your customers to refer their friends and family to your van sales business. Offer discounts or rewards for successful referrals, creating a win-win situation for both your customers and your business.
Personalised Recommendations : Use customer data to provide personalised product recommendations based on their past purchases or browsing behaviour. This helps your customers discover new products that align with their preferences.

By incorporating these types of personalised promotions into your marketing strategy, you can effectively boost your van sales and drive customer loyalty.

Implementing Personalised Promotions in Your Marketing Strategy

To successfully implement personalised promotions in your marketing strategy, it is important to follow a systematic approach. Here are the steps you should take:

Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your personalised promotions. Whether it’s increasing sales, boosting customer loyalty, or driving brand awareness, setting clear goals will help guide your promotional efforts and then build a connected mobile van sales workforce.‍

Analyse Your Data: Utilise data analytics to gain insights into your customers’ preferences, behaviour, and buying patterns. This will help you identify opportunities for personalisation and tailor your promotions accordingly.
Segment Your Audience : Divide your customers into different segments based on their demographics, psychographics, and buying behaviour. This will allow you to create targeted promotions that resonate with each segment.

By following these steps, you can effectively implement personalised promotions in your marketing strategy and achieve your desired results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Personalised Promotions for Van Sales
While personalised promotions can be highly effective, there are some common mistakes that businesses should avoid. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Lack of Data Privacy Compliance: Ensure that you are compliant with data privacy regulations when collecting and using customer data. Obtain proper consent and handle customer data securely to avoid any legal issues.

Over Personalisation: Be careful not to overdo personalisation to the point where it becomes intrusive or creepy. Use customer data ethically and respect their privacy.Lack of Testing and Optimisation: Continuously test and optimise your personalised promotions to ensure they are effective. Monitor the results, analyse the data, and make adjustments as needed.

Ignoring Customer Feedback: Listen to your customers and take their feedback into account. Use their insights to improve your personalised promotions and enhance the customer experience.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your personalised promotions are effective and well-received by your target audience.

Conclusion: Take Action and Start Boosting Your Van Sales with Personalised Promotions Today

In conclusion, personalised promotions can be a powerful tool for boosting your van sales operations and standing out from the competition. By understanding your target audience, creating tailored promotions, and implementing a systematic approach, you can effectively drive sales and build customer loyalty.

Remember to track and analyse the effectiveness of your personalised promotions, and make data-driven decisions to optimise your marketing strategy. Utilise tools and resources to streamline your personalisation efforts and avoid common mistakes.

Now is the time to take action and unleash the power of personalised promotions in your van sales business. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch as your sales soar.

The post Boost Your Van Sales Today: Unleash the Power of Personalised Promotions appeared first on RouteMagic.

The idea of customer-focused relationships speaks for itself; the customer’s needs, preferences, and demands come first. For wholesalers & B2B delivery businesses, this means understanding the needs of each customer, and letting these demands shape their operations.

What are the emerging B2B customer trends?
In B2B distribution, customer trends are shifting in various ways and causing wholesalers to shift their focus in a new direction. These various trends can be summarised by the customer demand for increasing personalised services.

“Customer loyalty and profitability are increasingly tied to a company’s personalisation of customer experience.”

B2B customers are looking for a buying experience and relationships that mirror that of the B2C market. They want to be able to place orders more easily and more conveniently, and they also want a quicker, more reliable and more transparent delivery service.

A global shift of priority towards sustainability and Eco-friendly business practices has not excluded the B2B marketplace, and this rings true for the wholesale industry too. Retailers, given their consumer-facing nature, were understandably leaders in this transition. However, during the pandemic, a light was shone on the supply chain and its processes which uncovered environmentally-damaging practices, that are now being reviewed and restructured.

Retailers are placing pressure on their network of suppliers to be more transparent and more Eco-friendly, landing us in the current climate where wholesalers and delivery businesses are re-evaluating their operations to meet these demands and remain desirable.

How will these trends shape the wholesale industry?
B2B customer trends will shape the wholesale industry in various ways, and there are predicted to be very definite winners and losers.

Successful wholesalers will be those who:
Push for closer relationships with their customers & personalise the experience they offer each customer.

Ease the buying experience and offer more convenient sales options including harnessing e-commerce

Offer shorter delivery turnaround times by improving the efficiency & reliability of their services
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What is needed to keep up with ever-changing customer demands?
Understanding these challenges and demands is the first hurdle, with the second being the ability to address these demands swiftly as customer demands continue to evolve in the coming years.

This means that visibility, agility and efficiency are key priorities for wholesalers and B2B delivery businesses looking to become more customer-focused. Each of these priorities relies on investment in technologies that can handle as much data as possible behind customers.

“To be successful in the years to come, businesses will need to focus on data quality and data augmentation. This means ensuring that all customer information is cleansed and enriched with machine learning algorithms to be used effectively to personalise the customer experience.”

Wholesalers need to have technologies that hold and organise all previous sales records, customer buying habits and trends. These technologies should offer forecasting and predictive analytics capabilities so wholesalers can personalise each customer’s buying experience, offer personalised services, and predict demand so they can prepare accordingly.

As the B2B marketplace speeds up the pace as it trails the B2C buying experience, the winners will be those who continuously look for ways to invest in their products, their services, and their customers. As we move forward, technology, machine learning, and big data will have a crucial role to play in this evolution.

References: Top B2B marketing trends to watch for in 2022

The post Changing customer demands for the Wholesale Industry appeared first on RouteMagic.

The Role of Van Sales Software in Streamlining Operations
In the fast-paced world of van sales, efficiency is key. Van sales software has emerged as an indispensable tool for businesses looking to streamline their operations. This software enables companies to effectively manage their van stock, track sales, and optimise routes, all from a centralised platform. By automating these processes, businesses can eliminate manual errors, reduce paperwork, and improve overall productivity.

One of the primary advantages of van sales management software is the ability to gain real-time insights into stock levels. With accurate data on hand, businesses can make informed decisions regarding replenishment, ensuring that the right products are always available to meet customer demand. Moreover, van sales software can generate detailed reports and analytics, providing valuable insights into sales performance, customer preferences, and market trends. Armed with this information, businesses can make data-driven decisions to drive sales and maximise profitability.

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Exploring the Benefits of DSD (Direct Store Delivery) Van Sales
Direct Store Delivery (DSD) van sales is a method of distribution where products are delivered directly from the manufacturer to the retail store, bypassing the traditional supply chain. This approach offers several benefits for businesses in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.

One of the key advantages of Direct Store Delivery (DSD) van sales is the reduced time and cost associated with multiple distribution points. By cutting out intermediaries, businesses can streamline their supply chain and eliminate unnecessary transportation and handling costs. This not only leads to cost savings but also ensures that products reach the shelves faster, reducing lead times and improving customer satisfaction.

Additionally, DSD van sales enable businesses to have greater control over their products’ placement and visibility in retail stores. By delivering products directly, companies can ensure that their items are prominently displayed and adequately stocked, increasing the chances of purchase. This level of control allows businesses to build stronger relationships with retailers, leading to increased brand loyalty and repeat business.

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Choosing the Right Van Sales Management Software
When it comes to choosing the right van sales management software, businesses should consider several factors to ensure a successful implementation. Here are some essential features to look for in van sales software:

Real-Time Stock Tracking
A robust van sales management system should provide real-time visibility into van stock levels. This feature allows businesses to track inventory accurately, ensuring that products are always available to meet customer demand. Real-time stock tracking also enables businesses to avoid stockouts and reduce excess inventory, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.

Route Optimisation
Efficient route planning is crucial for van sales operations. A van sales management system should offer route optimisation capabilities, taking into account factors such as customer locations, delivery windows, and traffic conditions. By optimising last mile delivery routes, businesses can reduce travel time, fuel consumption, and vehicle wear and tear, resulting in cost savings and improved customer service.

Seamless Integration
Integration with other business systems is a key feature to look for in van sales software. A van sales management system should seamlessly integrate with other platforms such as CRM, inventory management, and accounting software. This integration enables the exchange of data in real-time, eliminating the need for manual data entry and ensuring data consistency across systems.

Analytics and Reporting
Data-driven decision making is crucial for the success of any business. A comprehensive van sales management system should offer robust analytics and reporting capabilities. This feature allows businesses to generate detailed reports on sales performance, customer preferences, and market trends. By analysing this data, businesses can identify areas for improvement, make informed decisions, and drive sales growth.

By considering these essential features, businesses can select a van sales management system that aligns with their specific requirements and provides the necessary tools for success.

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Features to Look for in Van Sales Software
When choosing van sales software, businesses should consider specific features that can enhance their van sales operations. Here are some key features to look for:

Sales Order Management
A robust van sales software should include comprehensive sales order management capabilities. This feature allows businesses to create, track, and manage sales orders from a centralised platform. Sales representatives can easily place orders, check stock availability, and track order status, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Inventory Management
Effective inventory management is critical for van sales operations. Van sales software should offer features such as real-time stock tracking, automated stock replenishment, and stock level alerts. These features ensure that businesses have the right products in stock, minimise stockouts, and reduce excess inventory.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Integrating van sales software with a CRM system is crucial for maintaining strong customer relationships. This feature allows businesses to access customer information, track interactions, and view purchase history. By having a 360-degree view of customers, businesses can provide personalised service, identify cross-selling opportunities, and build long-term customer loyalty.

Mobile Accessibility
In today’s mobile-centric world, it is essential for van sales software to be accessible on mobile devices. Mobile compatibility enables sales representatives to access the software on the go, place orders, and capture signatures electronically. This feature improves sales productivity, enhances customer service, and ensures real-time data synchronisation.

Reporting and Analytics
Comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities are essential for van sales software. Businesses should look for software that offers customisable reports, real-time dashboards, and data visualisation tools. These features enable businesses to gain valuable insights into sales performance, customer behaviour, and market trends, supporting data-driven decision making.

By considering these features, businesses can select van sales software that meets their specific requirements and empowers them to drive success in their van sales operations.

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Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Van Sales Management
As we venture into 2024, it is essential for businesses to embrace the future of van sales management to drive success. The adoption of van sales software, the exploration of DSD van sales, and the implementation of automation and mobile applications are key trends that will shape the industry.

To fully capitalise on these trends, businesses must choose the right van sales management system that aligns with their specific needs and goals. It is crucial to select a system that offers robust features such as real-time stock tracking, route optimisation, and seamless integration with other business systems. By investing in the right technology, businesses can position themselves for growth, improve sales productivity, and stay ahead in a competitive market.

In conclusion, the future of van sales management is bright, with technology playing a pivotal role in driving success. By leveraging the power of van sales software, embracing DSD van sales, and implementing a comprehensive van sales management system, businesses can streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and ultimately achieve their sales targets. So, let’s embrace the future and unlock the full potential of van sales management together.

The post Driving Success with Van Sales Management Software: A Complete Guide appeared first on RouteMagic.

Personalise sales for every customer with

WhiteLists/BlackLists
RouteMagic van sales system takes care of whitelist/blacklist products with the ability to create/implement product lists. You can define product lines by creating product lists, and the system will ensure drivers do not accidentally sell products to customers that you cannot get paid for. This removes the chance of manual error early on and ensures tighter stock control along with overall improved visibility and inventory management.

Controlling price lists and discounts
Having a system that allows you to control the discount offered by your delivery drivers will remove mistakes and allow your= to maximise sales when at a customers, meaning no more calls to the office to gain authorisation..

The bottom line is that unreliable reporting methods are risky, and could lead to miscalculations that are costly for business.

Integrated electronic proof of delivery apps are far more than just for delivery confirmations nowadays.

They are integrated with a back-office system that helps to keep product and order information, as well as pricing structures, updated, so all of the team can access them whenever they need.‍

What does this mean for your drivers at the point of delivery?

Drivers can arrive at a customer, with an app that tells them exactly what the customer wants. They can easily adjust quantities, with stock and cost adjustments being taken care of by the app automatically. The app will show the driver the price range they are able to sell each product at, as well as present white and blacklist products to them. Once a POD has been taken, these records are updated on the app and the office immediately, and any anomalies or unusual cost or stock adjustments will be flagged to make sure any mistakes are corrected then and there.

Endnote

This is the fourth in a series of articles based on optimising van sales performance, which aims to show you how you can improve van sales management with RouteMagic’s technical prowess, for business growth.

Once you achieve the accuracy level that will drive your business to a consistently high return at all times, next you need to focus on mustering complete control over other aspects of your van sales. RouteMagic has been around for over 20 years now, providing solutions for a range of industries, sectors, and business models. We support over 100 customers and thousands of daily users, continuously improving our software to alleviate a range of challenges.

The post Eliminate Arithmetic Errors to overcome stock shortages and business losses appeared first on RouteMagic.

When teams have to rely on manual or disparate systems, it may be hard for everyone to access the updates they need, whether that be reviewing PODs, locating drivers, or accessing live inventory updates. These inaccuracies result in additional administrative work that can build up over time, and mistakes can be tricky to track and correct.

Having complete control can only be accessed with the right technology. You need accurate, reliable information related to inventories, orders, customers, performance and profitability.

We’ve put together a list of ways delivery businesses can gain better control over their operations, while avoiding disruptions and reducing admin time.

Identify mistakes and correct them easier
Catching manual errors can be very hard to do, but digital systems can keep you notified when data doesn’t add up. Delivery systems like RouteMagic use machine learning that automatically analyses trends in your data and then warns you of anomalies. If a driver accidentally enters an unrealistic cost or quantity, your office will get notified so they can review & correct if necessary. This means you

Optimise routes for accurate ETAs with GPS and timestamps
Tracking deliveries and timestamps is critical to keeping control of your business. Track deliveries as they are executed, and receive all delivery reports, proof-of-delivery, stock adjustments, and payments as they happen on the road.

RouteMagic mobile app gives office teams a bird’s eye view of drivers alongside the exact time and location for each fulfilled order which you can use as irrefutable delivery confirmations.

Help drivers work together to keep inventories optimised
Often times, one driver may have insufficient stocks of certain items they need, while another driver may be overstocked with those same items. Traditionally, taking note of any inventory changes between them would be strenuous on your reporting and administrative efforts, and pausing a route to return to the warehouse takes time out of their route.

The level of accuracy offered with RouteMagic means any inventory changes made from van to van are adjusted automatically, so drivers can work more flexibly to meet the needs of their customers.

Reduce wastage with targeted promotions
With accurate, real-time inventory updates paired with extensive data on customer preferences and buying habits, you can optimise the management of your inventories and minimise wastage and returns.

This is what RouteMagic’s van sales system helps you with. It keeps you updated from order creation to delivery, including up-sold and damaged stocks. Knowing stock levels more coherently means you can plan promotions and discounts more accurately and minimise the chances of unaccounted-for, missing, or insufficient stocks. You can even set up ‘re-order’ levels for important stock items so you get notified as soon as inventory falls below that level. Your staff can enter stock info manually or directly through barcode scanning.

Optimise re-order levels and minimise stock insufficiencies or pileage
Businesses often struggle to ensure that they have an optimal level of stock in their warehouse. Very often, they either end up losing a business due to a shortage or suffer a business loss due to wastage. It is critical to achieve optimum stock control, avoid wastage, ensure products don’t go out of stock, and prevent stock piling.

Set and enforce re-order levels with RouteMagic, once through the system, to achieve optimum stock control, ensuring products don’t go out of stock while equally avoiding stock pillage. Alerts prompt your teams when products are near expiry so you can manage how to avoid wastage with discounts and promotions.

Use technology to track performance and plan for improvements
It is essential to keep track of growth and profitability accurately, with data that your teams can use to make decisions that promise results.

Digital systems that help organise and control your order, delivery, financial, and performance information can compile all of this data, providing customisable views of various routes, drivers, customers, orders, products, and product lines. From here, you can easily create weekly, monthly, or annual reports that help you identify where to focus your efforts to smoothen any inefficiencies or profit losses.

How Route Magic Can Help
RouteMagic quickly aligns your existing orders with warehouse stocks and invoicing systems—letting your teams coordinate effectively. It swiftly moves the entire order-to-cash cycle of businesses to a cloud based delivery system where you get customisable reports on the deliveries that help you measure the profitability of different routes, drivers, customers, and products, on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis. It equips you with regular updates on activities, expediting your data-driven decisions that promise results.

Endnote
This is the fifth article in the series based on optimising van sales performance, which aims to show you how you can improve van sales management with RouteMagic’s technical prowess for business growth.

Once you cover the critical aspects of optimising sales, bringing operations under your control, and ensuring stock loads and sales strategies are in place, next you need to focus on building customer service that makes your buyers your loyal and regular customers.

RouteMagic has been around for over 20 years now, providing solutions for a range of industries, sectors, and business models. We support over 100 customers and thousands of daily users, continuously improving our software to alleviate a range of challenges.

The post How to gain better control over your van sales deliveries appeared first on RouteMagic.

Pie chart showing field sales reps spend 64.8% on admin tasks and 35.2% actively selling, highlighting inefficiency areas
Field sales, put across in very simple terms, are outside sales. Field sales software helps streamline various business operations, especially those on the field. A field sales representative performs the following operations:

Shows product listings to customers, usually via a catalogue.
Offers promotional prices to customers at times/convinces customers to make a purchase
Takes an order from the customer for future delivery.
Replenishes stock on shelves.
If your business model involves a lot of field sales and field services operations and your major concern is efficiency and how to improve field sales, then this is a must-read for you.

Table of Contents:

• Five common challenges in field sales.
• Top solutions to improve field sales efficiency.
• Case Study
• Future trends in field sales.
• Key takeaways to improve Field Sales
• FAQ

Five Common Challenges in Field Sales:
To scale and grow, businesses must figure out what their challenges are and how they can overcome them. Here are 5 common challenges faced by field sales businesses.

1. Providing accurate pricing to customers
Field representatives often find pricing difficult. They rely on paper price lists to find the right price for customers and apply promotions, which can be confusing and time-consuming. Prices may change, and promotions may expire, making it difficult to keep the price list updated. This process gets even slower when they need to contact the back office for help.

Using field sales software with flexible pricing features allows real-time access to prices, making the sales process faster and easier.

2. Taking orders based on current stock
Field representatives struggle to fulfil orders accurately due to a lack of real-time inventory visibility, which is essential for providing customers with accurate information.

They also face decision challenges like:

• Should an order be taken for an out-of-stock product?
• Can an order be partially fulfilled?

Integrating orders taken on the field with the back-office inventory management system software can provide visibility, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

3. Ensuring orders are captured correctly
Manual entry of orders or customer data by field representatives is prone to errors, making it difficult to maintain accurate records. This could lead to a loss of critical details regarding customers or orders. This creates problems downstream when orders have to be accurately entered into an Excel or order management software.

4. Entering orders into the Orders Management Software accurately and swiftly:
Manually entering orders into Excel or order management software is time-consuming and error-prone, often leading to delivery issues like incorrect or missed orders. Such mistakes can damage customer trust, harm the brand’s reputation, and result in silent losses, as 96% of dissatisfied customers leave without complaining. [Source]

5. Measuring the efficiency of the Field Sales Rep via Analytics and Reporting:
As a business owner, tracking a Field Sales Rep’s route to ensure all calls are completed often relies on blind trust. Delivery management software solves this by offering real-time route visibility and historical data through detailed reports.

With a solid strategy, business owners can address key challenges in field operations effectively.

Here are the top strategies that can be implemented with ease.

Top Solutions to improve field sales:
Efficient field operations allow businesses to respond more quickly to customer needs, optimise resource allocation, and reduce waste or downtime. While many strategies can be implemented, we’ve picked out the top strategies that will help improve the efficiency of field operations.

1. Flexible pricing strategy to improve field sales
With Routemagic software, flexible pricing strategies can easily be configured, making closing deals easy for field sales reps.

Routemagic software showing stock visibility, can be seen on the field sales mobile app too along with pricing limits.

With the Routemagic Field Sales mobile app that is connected to the back office system, the Field Sales rep can do all of these:

Quickly access product prices without contacting the back office or looking up a manual catalogue

• View pricing limits that are set per product/customer
• Offer custom discounts to loyal customers, as set in the system
• Thereby, field sales reps can adjust prices in real time based on customer needs.

2. Real-time inventory visibility to improve field sales
Research from Capgemini shows that integrated order and warehouse management systems lead to:

• 20% increase in inventory accuracy
• 15% improvement in order fulfillment rates
• 25% reduction in order processing times

Imagine the peace of mind when your field sales rep knows exactly what’s in stock. Here are 3 major benefits of using inventory management system software like Routemagic:

r

Routemagic inventory management system showing stock visibility, helping field sales reps with real-time inventory updates on field sales mobile app too.

Real-time inventory visibility enables field reps to take orders for future delivery or fulfill partial orders.

Accurate stock visibility to prevent overselling and backorders.

3. Mobile applications for field reps to improve efficiency in field sales
Are your field sales reps or field representatives struggling to manage orders, inventory, and customer data on the go? A field sales mobile app, like the one from Routemagic, can simplify their job by eliminating the need to return to the warehouse or contact the back office for every detail.

• Field sales Mobile app for field representatives showing orders from customers in real-time.
• Orders from customers are placed in real-time in the back office app for fulfilment.
• Enjoy real-time inventory visibility and updates to reduce the risk of stockouts.
• Access custom promotions and pricing lists from their Mobile App
• Boost productivity by speeding up the sales cycle; reduce admin tasks

All the field representative has to do is just focus on closing deals!

4. Boost field sales efficiency with data analytics and insights.
High-performing teams are 1.5x more likely to use data for sales forecasts. Data is invaluable for small and medium-sized businesses. Using data analytics of a field sales software like

Routemagic generates reports on:

• Time spent at customer sites
• Customer order data
• Compliance data and more

Get a good grip on customer data and field sales activities to improve field sales!

Case Study:
Here is an interesting story of how Bits N Bobs, an FMCG wholesaler located in Manchester whose product range includes household essentials, stationery, vaping products, and mobile phone accessories, improved their business operations.

Check out how RouteMagic helped their field sales representatives to utilise Spinner Stands and helped them in restocking and arranging them for optimal display.

The post How to Improve Field Sales: Solutions for Success appeared first on RouteMagic.

Given their influence and status in the Food & Beverage distribution industry, large wholesale distributors are urged to lead the way in more sustainable business practices, reducing wastage from food to paper.

Leveraging a sustainable stance and moving towards more actively efficient and environmentally-aware practices sets the standard for the rest of the industry, as well as improving customer rapore and becoming more recognized as ethical businesses.

Setting the Standard
A study published in 2017 regarding the need for large wholesalers to consider an ethical transition, stated that:‍

“Large retailers are in a singularly powerful position to actively promote sustainability through their partnerships with their suppliers and through their daily interactions with millions of consumers” (Jones & Comfort, 2017)

By adopting more ethical standards of procedure, large distribution companies have the ability to mark the path for others to follow in the future.

Technological Footprints
Assisting in this changing stance, is the potential for technologies to help innovate practices, alongside catalysing the process whilst operations are maintained.

Turning backs on paper-based systems, improving efficiency and streamlining operations will help reduce both paper and food waste, whilst improving business function and creating a more attuned, efficient, smooth operational standard for the industry.

Promoting sustainability subsequently is also a promotional tool in itself
A company with a sustainable work ethic can not only reap the benefits of reduced waste and increasingly smoothened daily and managerial operations, but being publicised as an environmentally-aware and conscious wholesale company *is an encouraging factor for customers who are also turning towards more ethical-orientated practices. *

Digital Reporting & Records
Going digital and turning away from paper-based systems if the most easily accessible way to reduce a company’s wastage. By harnessing the ability of the cloud to store large quantities of data securely means less reliance is necessary on paperwork as well as improving the productivity of the whole operation.

Extensive records make for accurate resolutions
Automating sales, sales history, invoicing, returns, deliveries as well as maintain heightened accuracy of stock levels, in turn, helps the analysis of business processes. This enables a better understanding of business, points for improvement as well as where wastage is occuring; properly identifying issues and their extent massively helps to reverse their impacts.

CRM & customer-orientated innovations
Accurate, suggested stock which are potentially needed by each customer means more stock can be appropriately distributed, bettering relationships with customers through improved service all the while. Highly-perishable products need a system which promises a quick turn-around and smooth running.

Tightening Supply-Chain Links
Optimizing routes allows distributors to spend less time, money & distance travelling, which contributes to falling numbers of miles driven alongside reducing emissions.

Given the scale of Europe’s wholesale distribution industry, a collective transition towards adopting more streamlined, efficient methods in turn reduces emissions and environmental impacts hugely.

The report highlighted the lag-time between retailers and distributors in Europe regarding to their environmental stances;

“Leading retailers are larger and have more mature management structures and are possibly more attuned to leading edge management thinking and practice than their wholesale counterparts.”

This should act as an alarm to wholesale distributors as they are currently engaged in less sustainable practices.

The report pointed towards the adoption of automated management systems to reconfigure business procedures to ensure they are striding towards more sustainable, more efficient forms of operating.

Easily incorporated, easily navigable digital management systems which accommodate for heavy amounts of daily routes and operations can provide a window of opportunity for forward-thinking wholesale distributors.

The current slowed development compared with the industry’s retail counterparts provides a point for leverage for large distributors, who can use technology to improve their productivity and reduce waste and emissions, whilst also setting the industry standards for sustainable growth.

The post Large Distributors are being urged to set the standard for Sustainable Practice appeared first on RouteMagic.

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