Trade shows are bustling hubs of opportunity for businesses of all sizes. They offer unparalleled chances to connect with potential customers, forge partnerships, and of course, boost sales. But in the whirlwind of activity, capturing leads and processing orders efficiently can be a challenge.
This is where trade show order-taking apps come in. These powerful tools empower your sales team to capitalize on every lead, streamline the order process, and ultimately, maximize your trade show ROI.
No more lost leads, misplaced order forms, or post-show data entry marathons. Trade show order-taking apps are designed to simplify and accelerate your sales cycle, right from the show floor.
This comprehensive guide explores the benefits of these apps, key features to look for, and reviews some of the best options available to help you choose the perfect fit for your business.
Why Use a Trade Show Order-Taking App?
The traditional pen-and-paper method of collecting leads and processing orders at trade shows is quickly becoming obsolete. Here's why transitioning to a dedicated app is crucial for modern businesses:
1. Capture Leads Efficiently:
- Swiftly collect contact information: Scan business cards directly into the app, eliminating manual data entry and minimizing errors.
- Qualify leads on the spot: Use customizable fields to gather crucial information about leads' needs and interests.
- Seamlessly segment leads: Tag and categorize leads based on their profiles and interactions, enabling targeted follow-up strategies.
2. Accelerate the Sales Process:
- Process orders instantly: Take orders directly within the app, eliminating delays and potential errors associated with manual processing.
- Offer flexible payment options: Integrate with mobile payment processors to accept credit cards, debit cards, and other digital payment methods.
- Generate invoices and receipts on demand: Provide customers with professional documentation instantly, enhancing their experience.
3. Gain Invaluable Insights:
- Track real-time sales data: Monitor your performance throughout the trade show, identifying top-selling products and successful sales strategies.
- Analyze lead engagement: Understand which products or services generated the most interest and tailor your future offerings accordingly.
- Measure your trade show ROI: Quantify the success of your participation by tracking leads generated, orders placed, and revenue generated.
4. Enhance the Customer Experience:
- Reduce wait times: Say goodbye to long queues and frustrated customers with faster order processing.
- Provide personalized interactions: Access customer data and order history instantly, enabling tailored conversations and recommendations.
- Offer a modern and professional image: Demonstrate your commitment to innovation and efficiency, leaving a lasting impression on potential clients.
Key Features to Look for in a Trade Show Order-Taking App
Choosing the right trade show order-taking app can be a game-changer for your business. Consider these essential features during your evaluation:
1. Lead Capture:
- Business card scanning: Ensure accurate and efficient data capture with optical character recognition (OCR) technology.
- Customizable lead forms: Tailor fields to gather specific information relevant to your business and industry.
- Offline functionality: Capture leads even without internet access, ensuring no opportunity is missed.
2. Order Management:
- Product catalog integration: Seamlessly import your product catalog with images, descriptions, and pricing.
- Inventory management: Track stock levels in real-time to avoid overselling and manage expectations.
- Order fulfillment options: Integrate with your existing shipping and fulfillment systems for streamlined operations.
3. Payment Processing:
- Mobile payment integration: Accept all major credit cards and digital wallets for convenient transactions.
- Secure payment gateway: Ensure the safety and security of customer data with PCI DSS compliant payment processing.
- Offline payment capabilities: Process transactions even with limited or no internet connectivity.
4. Reporting and Analytics:
- Real-time sales dashboards: Monitor key metrics such as total sales, average order value, and top-performing products.
- Lead engagement reports: Analyze lead behavior and interactions to optimize your sales and marketing strategies.
- Customizable reports: Generate reports tailored to your specific needs and export data for further analysis.
5. Integrations and Compatibility:
- CRM integration: Seamlessly sync lead data with your existing CRM system to maintain a centralized customer database.
- Email marketing integration: Automate follow-up emails and nurture leads effectively.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Ensure the app functions seamlessly across various devices (iOS, Android) used by your team.
Best Trade Show Order-Taking Apps
Now that we understand the benefits, let's explore some of the best trade show order-taking apps available:
1. SalesRabbit
SalesRabbit is a comprehensive sales enablement platform that includes powerful order-taking capabilities. While it's designed for various sales scenarios, it's particularly well-suited for trade shows.
Key Features:
- Custom order forms
- Digital signature capture
- Inventory management
- CRM integration
- Offline functionality
- Analytics and reporting
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Robust feature set
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- Can be pricey for small businesses
- Some users report a steep learning curve
2. Handshake
Handshake is a B2B e-commerce platform that offers a dedicated order-taking app for trade shows and other in-person sales scenarios.
Key Features:
- Customizable product catalogs
- Barcode scanning
- Order history and customer preferences
- Integration with major ERP systems
- Offline mode
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Powerful search and filtering options
- Excellent for businesses with large product catalogs
Cons:
- Primarily focused on B2B sales
- Some users report syncing issues
3. Orderica
Orderica is a versatile order-taking app designed specifically for trade shows and exhibitions.
Key Features:
- Customizable order forms
- Product catalog management
- Customer database
- Reporting and analytics
- Offline functionality
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Affordable pricing options
- Dedicated trade show focus
Cons:
- Limited integration options
- Some users report occasional app crashes
4. Pepperi
Pepperi is an all-in-one sales automation platform that includes robust order-taking capabilities suitable for trade shows.
Key Features:
- Product catalog management
- Order taking and processing
- Route planning
- CRM functionality
- Analytics and reporting
Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set
- Scalable for businesses of all sizes
- Strong mobile app performance
Cons:
- Can be complex for small businesses
- Pricing may be high for some users
5. Skynamo
Skynamo is a field sales management platform that offers excellent order-taking capabilities for trade shows and other in-person sales scenarios.
Key Features:
- Digital product catalogs
- Order history and customer information
- GPS check-ins
- Integration with major ERP systems
- Offline functionality
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Strong customer support
- Robust reporting features
Cons:
- Some users report syncing delays
- Limited customization options
6. Zoho Creator
While not specifically designed for trade shows, Zoho Creator is a powerful low-code platform that allows you to build custom order-taking apps tailored to your specific needs.
Key Features:
- Customizable forms and workflows
- Integration with other Zoho apps and third-party services
- Mobile app creation
- Reporting and analytics
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Affordable pricing
- Part of the extensive Zoho ecosystem
Cons:
- Requires some technical knowledge to set up
- May be overkill for simple order-taking needs
7. QuickTapSurvey
QuickTapSurvey is primarily known for its survey capabilities, but it also offers robust order-taking features suitable for trade shows.
Key Features:
- Customizable order forms
- Offline data collection
- Integration with CRM and marketing automation tools
- Analytics and reporting
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Affordable pricing options
- Versatile (can be used for surveys and lead capture as well)
Cons:
- Limited inventory management features
- Some users report syncing issues
8. Shopify POS
If you already use Shopify for your e-commerce store, their Point of Sale (POS) app can be an excellent choice for trade show order-taking.
Key Features:
- Seamless integration with Shopify stores
- Inventory management
- Customer profiles
- Offline mode
- Hardware compatibility (card readers, receipt printers, etc.)
Pros:
- Easy setup for existing Shopify users
- Robust feature set
- Excellent inventory management
Cons:
- Requires a Shopify subscription
- May be overkill for businesses not using Shopify
Choosing the Right App for Your Business
When selecting a trade show order-taking app, consider the following factors:
- Your business size and type: Some apps are better suited for small businesses, while others cater to larger enterprises or specific industries.
- Integration needs: Ensure the app can integrate with your existing systems (CRM, ERP, accounting software, etc.).
- Ease of use: Look for an intuitive interface that your sales team can quickly learn and navigate.
- Customization options: Consider whether you need to tailor the app to your specific products or sales process.
- Offline functionality: Trade show venues often have unreliable internet connections, so offline capabilities are crucial.
- Pricing: Compare the costs of different apps and ensure they fit within your budget.
- Customer support: Look for apps with responsive customer support to help you resolve any issues quickly.
- Scalability: Choose an app that can grow with your business and handle increasing order volumes.
Beyond the App: Maximizing Your Trade Show Success
While choosing the right trade show order-taking app is crucial, it's only one piece of the puzzle. To truly maximize your trade show ROI, consider these additional tips:
1. Train Your Team: Ensure your sales team is well-versed in using the app effectively. Conduct thorough training sessions before the trade show to familiarize them with the features, functionalities, and best practices.
2. Promote Your App: Let attendees know you're using a convenient order-taking app. Display signage at your booth, include it in your marketing materials, and encourage your team to inform visitors about the benefits.
3. Offer Incentives: Encourage attendees to place orders using the app by offering exclusive discounts, promotions, or freebies. This can incentivize adoption and drive sales.
4. Gather Feedback: After the trade show, solicit feedback from your team and attendees about their experience using the app. This valuable insight can help you identify areas for improvement and optimize your strategy for future events.
5. Integrate with Your Overall Sales Strategy: Don't treat your trade show order-taking app as a standalone tool. Integrate it seamlessly with your CRM, email marketing platform, and other sales and marketing systems to create a cohesive and efficient workflow.
Conclusion
Trade shows offer invaluable opportunities to connect with potential customers and drive sales. By embracing the power of trade show order-taking apps, you can streamline your operations, capture more leads, and maximize your ROI.
Remember to carefully assess your business needs, explore the features of different apps, and choose a solution that aligns with your budget and goals. With the right app and a strategic approach, you can transform your next trade show into a resounding success.
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