Hey, retail tech salespeople, leave those retailers alone!
Retail technology salespeople need to rethink their approaches and techniques amid the coronavirus outbreak.
So says Roger Bannister, Account Director at Vista Retail Support. “Read an interesting article written by the Head of IT Service for a major high street retailer... all about tech sales people and some rather interesting approaches during this very difficult time,” he said in a LinkedIn post.
“As a commercially focused person I get that we need to carry on as best we can but first and foremost we need to act with integrity. Retailers and hospitality and leisure operators are having to close their doors and as a result some people may end up losing their jobs or face a future of uncertainty,” he added.
“So, fellow tech sales professionals, when you sit down at home tomorrow morning I urge you to bear this in mind and adapt your approach accordingly. If your relationships are right then people will know what you can do and if they need you will be in touch,” Bannister concluded.
Stop the hounding
The aforementioned article was written by New Look’s James Hurley.
“Sales folk, think before you act. As Head of Service in a very busy retail/IT environment and I'm sure like many others at this time, more than ever we are more than flat out trying to support our business in all the unusual challenges we are currently facing,” the Head of IT Service said in a LinkedIn post last week.
“Those sales people that keep calling and emailing, oddly more than usual over the last week, likely working at home, do you not think we have better things to do right now? Do you think we can just drop everything to meet with you? Maybe even take you onboard you as a new supplier this week so you can help with our current challenges?” he added.
“I do wish you would look at what's going on around you, consider what we might be doing right now and stop the hounding, you are all on my delete and block list for the future as clearly you don't get it,” Hurley concluded.
He has been backed by Dave Robertson, Retail IT Director at The Co-op.
“I know there are a lot of account managers of third parties out there twiddling their thumbs but the last thing I need to hear about right now as a convenience food retailer is how to digitise our virtual supply chain,” he stated.
“Please respect the fact that IT leaders are up to their necks dealing with operational challenges. If you really want to help, go and volunteer your services in one our stores or depots. Stay safe and let’s hope normal spamming service can return sooner than later.”
