Showpad, a sales enablement platform, released a report that says in-person sales are dead—quoting from Tech Republic.
Eighty-six percent of buyers now prefer to be sold virtually without face-to-face meetings. The trend is poised to increase rapidly in the near future. The report assures that ninety-two percent of millennial and Gen Z buyers prefer virtual selling. The State of Selling Survey found that eight out of 10 buyers already use or are open to new technologies.
According to Showpad, more than half of all buyers want to see the physical products before buying them. Of these, only 34% prefer an in-person demo.
Top industries that need to see the product before purchase are:
- Technology: 64%
- Manufacturing and engineering: 60%
- Construction: 57%
- Insurance: 50%
There’s a metaverse angle here too. 86% of buyers prefer virtual, metaverse, and social media purchases
Not only are new channels now fully operational, but they are replacing traditional sales channels. “Even amongst those who are responsible for more than $12 million in purchases a year for their business, 69% say there is now no need for the traditional ‘face-to-face’ meeting with a sales representative,” Showpad stated in their report.
They had to throw in the metaverse, didn’t they? Don’t be distracted there – what’s more important is digital sales. There are two parts to the reasons to care. Are you doing this yourself? And are you helping your customers? This is the digital imperative from yesterday… in data form.
Digital is the way of the future – and too many providers in this space are not embracing it. Do so at your peril.