Navigating the world of sales services can be complex. To make this easier, we've interviewed various Startuplab companies that have tried these services. From their experiences, we provide insights and advice to help you better understand and use sales services. This guide covers the different types, when to use them, their benefits, and factors to consider before choosing a service. With this information, you'll be better equipped to make the most of sales services for your startup.
Before diving deep, let's get an overview of the different sales services available:
Database Subscription Services:
These services give access to large, updated databases filled with crucial business information like contact details, market trends, and industry insights. Companies that subscribe can use this data for their sales and lead generation, gaining a better understanding of potential clients and market segments. For instance, GlobalData serves a variety of industries, while Byggfakta, rooted in Norway, is more construction-focused. Many of these services can be tailored to a company's specific needs, providing targeted data to improve market research and sales tactics. Notably, Startuplab members such as Emerald and Høine have used these services. Expected cost: 40,000 - 200,000 NOK.
Examples: GlobalData, Byggfakta..
Lead Generation Software Services:
These services help identify potential customers, while also improving CRM practices and pipeline management. They combine research and marketing strategies with software tools to find individuals or businesses that might be interested in your products. These tools often scrape the internet for contact details, then reach out to potential leads through email, social platforms, or phone. The goal is to gauge interest and set up sales conversations. Startuplab members like Nevemind and EMerald have benefited from these services. Estimated cost: 3,000 - 20,000 NOK per month. Commitment: Usually monthly subscriptions. Examples: Apollo.io, Sopro
Meeting Booking and Cold Calling Services:
These services handle setting up meetings with potential customers and often include cold calling. They take care of the initial contact, schedule meetings, and provide the lead with basic information about your company. They offer a straightforward way to get meetings by targeting the right leads and doing the outreach on your behalf. Firms like Venezu and Innovation Support are noteworthy here. Startuplab members, including Speiz and Parqio, have used this type of service. Expected cost: 800 - 1500 NOK per hour per staff member. Commitment: Hourly rates and a company premium.
Examples: Venezu, Innovation Support, Delta-V
Sales Outsourcing Services:
These companies can handle your entire sales process or major parts of it. This means they take care of everything from finding potential clients to closing deals. Startuplab members, like Plaace, 7Analytics, Defigo, and CapExt, have explored these services. Typically, these companies work closely with their clients to understand their products and target audience thoroughly, managing the whole sales process. The benefits are scalability, expertise, and potential cost savings, especially when compared to setting up an in-house sales team. Expected cost: Around 300,000 - 800,000 NOK for a 6-month period. Commitment: Monthly payments.
Examples: ScaleupXQ, Brightvision