The CPQ course of is extra in depth than most individuals understand, that means it goes past “configure, worth, quote.”
Let’s take a look at the ten facets of the CPQ gross sales course of!
Configuration
Step one is for customers to configure their product.
On this article, I’ve used vehicles, skateboards, and computer systems as examples of merchandise customers can customise.
In actuality, there are quite a few customizable merchandise!
The CPQ course of begins with this customization so manufacturing and gross sales groups perceive easy methods to transfer ahead.
Value
The second step is to find out pricing or value.
Determining pricing may imply determining how a lot a buyer pays for a product or how a lot it prices to provide it.
Pricing and costing are important facets of CPQ processes since they closely affect one another.
As an example, an organization should observe pricing guidelines to make sure they’re making a revenue.
Quote
The following step is sending the patron the quote for the product.
In some cases, quotes are negotiable.
Nonetheless, for different merchandise, the worth is the worth!
CPQ software program ensures clients obtain their quotes shortly.
Proposal
The proposal step is much like the quote stage however extra detailed.
A proposal contains the next facets:
- Details about the product
- Phrases and situations
- Fee plans (if relevant)
- Particulars about warranties and companies
Corporations normally ship proposals to clients in the event that they’re making huge purchases or for long-term agreements with an organization.
Negotiation
For some merchandise, clients can negotiate quotes and proposals.
Negotiating occurs when clients have room to ask for reductions or different incentives.
Sometimes, an organization is extra prepared to supply reductions and incentives to long-term clients or bulk orders.
CPQ software program may help with negotiations since gross sales reps have entry to the product configuration throughout their conversations with a buyer.
Approval
An integral step within the CPQ course of is getting the client to agree on a quote or proposal!
The client’s resolution should go up for approval from an authority inside the firm.
As an example, approving a big order may require approval from higher administration.
CPQ options additionally assist right here since they will present visibility into contracts and approvals.
Order
If the client agrees to a quote or proposal, the following step is for them to position an order.
The order ought to embody the entire particulars in regards to the product and fee.
As an example, in case you’re buying a automotive, your order would come with the next info:
- Shade
- Mannequin quantity
- Kinds of wheels
- Inside materials
- Technological additions
- Any customizations
Manufacturing
The method continues with the manufacturing stage.
At this stage, an organization delegates manufacturing to a 3rd get together or handles it themselves.
Both means, a buyer’s product is lastly made at this stage!
Supply
As soon as the product is manufactured, it’s able to be shipped.
Supply is an important step since clients anticipate to obtain their merchandise promptly.
A CPQ device may help the supply stage by offering visibility into order statuses and monitoring info.
Set up
The ultimate step within the CPQ course of is simply relevant to some merchandise.
Putting in merchandise for the client is extra important than some companies understand.
Correct and well timed set up can differentiate between loyal and dissatisfied clients.