SALES PROFILE OF TARGET CORPORATION CATHERINE MCDONALD - REGIONAL MERCHANDISE MANAGER

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SALES PROFILE OF TARGET CORPORATION CATHERINE MCDONALD - REGIONAL MERCHANDISE MANAGER
Procter & Gamble Co.

   Sales Profile of
 Target Corporation
 Catherine McDonald
Regional Merchandise Manager

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SALES PROFILE OF TARGET CORPORATION CATHERINE MCDONALD - REGIONAL MERCHANDISE MANAGER
Table of Contents

Title Page……………………………………………………….1
Table of Contents……………………………………………….2
Target Corporation Profile……………………………………..3
Buyer Profile…………………………………………………… 6
Sales Call Objectives…………………………………………....7
Competitive Analysis…………………………………………...8
Customer Benefit Plan……………………………………….... 10
Marketing Promotions………………………………………….12
Suggested Order………………………………….. …………….13
Business Proposition…………………………………………... .14
Anticipated Objections………………………………………… .15
Closing the Sale……………………………………………........17
Sales Presentation Script……………………………………….19
Business Card……………………………………………………25
Crest Whitestrip Photos………………………………………...26
Crest Whitestrip Product Line………………………………….27
Sources…………………………………………………………...28

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SALES PROFILE OF TARGET CORPORATION CATHERINE MCDONALD - REGIONAL MERCHANDISE MANAGER
Target Corporation Profile

Buyer: Catherine McDonald
1000 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612-304-6073
Fax: 612-696-5400
Email: merchandise@target.com
www.target.com

  Target is a retail company with a wide variety of products. There are three chains

of Target Corporation: Target, which carries basic household products, clothing and

electronics; Target Greatland, which carries a larger selection of merchandise; and

Super Target which includes a wider variety of merchandise and a grocery section.

   Target is the second largest retailer (behind Wal-Mart) in the United States and is

ranked 28th on the 2009 Fortune 500. Target Corporation’s symbolic Bullseye was

recognized by 96% percent of people, beating out Apple and the Nike swoosh (Target,

Sept 15). Target has grown in the past years from a baby to a giant. At the same time,

while Target has catered some of customer needs during the recession, they have yet

to even come close to reaching the discounted prices offered by Wal-Mart; a mistake

that Fortune 500 claims will cost them.

Consumers

   Customers buying from Target stores tend to be middle class families looking to

buy products at a discounted price. Due to the varied amounts of merchandise and

the quality of the product, customers enjoy the quick and effortless trip of buying

everything from one store.

                                           3
Competitors

   Target’s largest competitor, Wal-Mart, has responded to the recent recession by

lowering product prices even more than they have in years past. Wal-Mart is bringing

in around $400 million in revenue versus Target who brings in approximately $64

million. Target has made a goal to cut costs by keeping a close watch on the size of

inventory and keeping customers loyal by expanding its brands.

   Kmart is also a competitor of Target; however, Target does have an advantage

over Kmart. Not only does Target market their products in a carefully planned and

refreshing way, but they also do not drive the concept of “low prices” into consumers.

Contract Policies

   Target Corporation gives trial period to all new products. However, since Crest

Whitestrips are a modified re-buy we will be shooting for a revised contract.

People Involved in Buying Decision

   Some of the people influenced and involved in and with this buying decision will be

buying department employees and upper level management.

                                           4
Benefits Target Seeks

    Target seeks products that are family oriented and approved. Target’s stock

tends to be of quality and is low to moderately priced. Target wants products on their

shelves that have high turnover and will bring in solid profits.

                                           5
Buyer Profile

Catherine McDonald
Regional Merchandise Manager

   Catherine McDonald is the Regional Merchandise Manager for Target Corporation.

Ms. McDonald has been the Regional Merchandise Manager ever since Mr. Smith, the

previous Manager, retired in 2007. Ms. McDonald, who graduated with a marketing

degree, and has been a dedicated employee of Target for the last two years. In her

early thirties, Ms. McDonald has committed the majority of her time and heart into

her business. Ms. McDonald has a “driver” social style, meaning that she is more

assertive and less responsive. Ms. McDonald does not like flowery sales presentations,

she likes to get down to business and have the facts laid out to her. Ms. McDonald has

also asked in the past that Crest have a strong customer service background. She

believes that having strong customer service will send a positive caring message that

will boost customer sales. Making a positive impression on Ms. McDonald is key, while

she consults with her team, she has ultimate buying power. Ms. McDonald is available

in her office from three to five on Monday and Wednesday and her receptionist name

is Betty Johnson.

                                          6
Sales Call Objectives
   My primary sales objective is to sell 20,000 Crest Whitestrip packages to distribute

between some of the 74 Target stores over a month. I believe this is a reasonable

primary sales objective because it is a modified rebuy in which Target will be

benefiting. Crest Whitestrips have always sold well in Target stores. Considering the

modifications and additions of the product, I am very confident in stating that even

more packages of Whitestrips will be purchased.

   My minimum sales objective is to leave Ms. McDonald with a package of the

improved Crest Whitestrips and set up another appointment with her. While Ms.

McDonald is known to make quick decisions, it is very likely that she may want to

have some time to think about the offer or speak with her team. While this objective

is minimal, another meeting with a client can be optimal.

   My optimistic sales objective would be to sell 40,000 Whitestrip packages, or

double my primary goal. Again, Crest Whitestrips have been a very beneficial

product for Target to carry; if I can reinforce this and sell the new and valuable

improvements, it is a good possibility that this call could be optimistic.

                                            7
Competitive Analysis
   A smile is often times one of the first things people notice when they greet

someone. It can make or break a first impression. Appearance plays a meaningful role

in people’s lives because when people feel good they tend to be more confident and

outgoing. People also want quick and easy solutions to cosmetic issues. Procter and

Gamble has taken both of society’s desires and given us Crest Whitestrips. These

strips create flawlessly white teeth in the comfort of the customer’s home, whenever

they like. With this combination, Crest Whitestrips have been tried by over 2 million

people and are the leading whitening brand (Crest Whitestrips, Sept. 29).

    Crest Whitestrips competitors include Listerine Whitening and Rembrandt 2

Hour White. While both brands offer lower prices; Listerine at $17.49, Rembrandt at

$19.39, while Crest Classic is priced at $19.89, Crest also has a five star rating while

Listerine has two stars and Rembrandt only has one star (Target, Sept. 29). There is

also the option of professional teeth whitening, which makes the dentist a competitor

as well. However, while results may be quick, professional teeth whitening ranges

anywhere from $400-$900, and in some cases more than one treatment in necessary

(How much do, Oct. 26). Crest not only backs up its name with a guarantee, it also

provides customers with results that ultimately lead to satisfaction and continued

purchases.

   Crest Whitestrips are also applicable to many different lifestyles and clientele.

Unlike Listerine and Rembrandt, Crest offers six different Whitestrip product models:

Classic, Premium, Pro Effects, Advanced Seal, Daily Whitening Multicare and Daily

                                             8
Whitening + Tartar Protection. Each of these products offer varied amounts of

whitening and time fluctuation, which in turn offers price ranging from high to low

cost. The price range can be shown even at Target where Crest Whitestrip Classic, is

priced on the low end at $19.89, and Crest Advanced Seal, is priced on the high end at

$37.99 (Target, Sep 29). Both offer the same quality and satisfaction, but they differ

in result time and adhesive mold to teeth.

                                             9
Competitive Benefit Plan

                         Target Benefit Plan

       Feature                  Advantage                 Benefit to Target

Brand Name Recognition      Since 1955, Crest is a     Easy to sell Whitestrips,
                              brand name that           does not take a lot of
                         customers know, trust and              effort.
                                recommend.
     Economical          Crest Whitestrips are more        Fit into Target’s
                          affordable than visiting a   atmosphere of inexpensive
                          professional and are just    and time saving products.
                                 as effective.
Award Winning Product    Some of Crest Whitestrips       Increase in sales and
                           recent awards include:             turnover.
                         Good Housekeeping, Teen
                           Vogue and CosmoGirl!
                            Hall of Fame. These
                           awards prove to people
                         that Crest Whitestrips are
                             worth purchasing.
Marketing & Promotions   Crest Whitestrips already        Customers will go to
                            have online and print      Target to make their Crest
                            promotions including          Whitestrip product
                             coupons in Target          purchase because they
                          advertisements that save     know that they can get a
                            the customer money.           discount, essentially
                                                        increasing store traffic.

                                     10
Customer Benefit Plan

        Feature                     Advantage                Benefit to Consumer

Advanced Whitestrip Design       Crest has designed         The consumer doesn’t have
                              Whitestrips so that they       to put their life on hold
                             are easy to put on, and are     while they whiten their
                             extremely practical in use.              teeth.

   Variety of Packages         Each consumer can pick       Affordable to everyone and
                              out the right package that       fits consumer’s exact
                             fits his/her whitening needs        whitening desires.
                                      and budget.

      Quick Results           Whitestrips require little    Consumers have more time
                                  time, effort and           to spend on other more
                                maintenance. Most               important things.
                             packages show results in as
                                little as three days.

       White Teeth           Crest Whitestrips provides     Consumer will not only feel
                              consumers with brighter             better about their
                                   whiter smiles.             appearance, but will also
                                                            feel good about themselves.

    Guaranteed Results       Crest guarantees results for   There is no risk involved to
                               every package of Crest          the consumer when
                                    Whitestrips.             purchasing a package of
                                                                Crest Whitestrips.

                                         11
Marketing Promotions
   Crest Whitestrips have already been promoted in a variety of different ways that

seem to have been effective in the past at targeting the consumer. If a consumer

chooses to visit Crest Whitestrips online website at www.whitestrips.com, Crest

provides printable coupons for particular packages. Crest also provides print cut-out

versions in magazines and in Target advertisements. Crest could also provide

printable coupon versions on Targets online site, offering accessible coupons to all

Target customers.

     To spice things up a bit, we will offer Target a variety of new Crest Whitestrip

promotions. Posters will be offered to all stores interested in illustrating the difference

Crest Whitestrips can make to teeth. These posters could help divert customers into

the dental isle and towards Crest Whitestrip products. All Target purchased packages

will contain a coupon for 25% off a consumer’s next Crest Whitestrip purchase; this

will increase the incentive to repurchase during another store visit. Crest will provide

three day trial packages select Target stores to pass out to any interested customers.

Again, this will increase store traffic and may help motivate customers to make a

Whitestrip purchase. Lastly, customer service is key, all Whitestrip packages will

contain a 1-800-CREST number where they may contact a Crest representative.

                                            12
Suggested Order
   The suggested order would be 20,000 Crest Whitestrip packages. This quantity

would be the perfect amount to distribute between some of the 74 Targets located in

Minnesota. This means that each Target would receive 270 Crest Whitestrip packages,

enough to stock each Target for about a month*. Since this is a modified rebuy I will

advocate that Target and Ms. McDonald purchase no less than this amount.

    If Ms. McDonald and her staff are hesitant about this purchase; or would like a

trial period with the new promotions in place, I could offer a trial period of two weeks

and a suggested order of 10,000 Crest Whitestrip packages. If by chance, this meeting

goes well and Ms. McDonald is pleased with the added marketing promotions, I would

like to offer an optimistic suggested order of 40,000 packages. This would not only

stock shelves, but offer extra packages. I believe this amount of packages would be

large; however, I believe that Crest Whitestrips will fly off of shelves with the added

marketing promotions.

*Crest Whitestrips tend to expire after about two month

                                           13
Business Proposition
            The total cost of an individual package of Crest Whitestrips to Target is $17.00. If

        Target were to purchase the suggested order of 20,000 units, the total cost would be

        $340,000. Target could mark the price up to $19.89 per each Crest Whitestrip

        package. For every Crest Whitestrip package sold, Target would make $2.89 in profit,

        or $57,800.

        Profit Margin: $2.89/$19.89 = 14.5%

        Return on Investment: $57,800/$340,000 = 17%

Units            # of Stores   Total Units    Total Cost to Target    Suggested Retail Price Profit

270/store        74            20,000         $340,000                $397,800                     $57,800

                                              $17.00/box              $19.89/box

                                                   14
Anticipated Objections
The following is a list of objections that Ms. McDonald and Target may have and my

responses to those objections.

   •   NEED objection

   Buyer: “We already carry numerous Crest products, but I just don’t feel like

   Target needs to add the Crest Whitestrip line again.”

   Seller: “The buyer for the Illinois Target branches said the same thing; however, after

   he agreed to purchase the updated packages with the promotions, he liked it so much he

   order more the next week.” (Referral Method)

   •   PRODUCT objection

   Buyer: “Crest Whitestrips just don’t work as well as going to the dentist.”

   Seller: “Actually, Crest Whitestrips work just as well as going to the dentist and Crest

   guarantees that. Crest Whitestrips have also been awarded various different awards for

   their quality and performance.” (Direct Denial)

   •   SOURCE objection

   Buyer: “I just think Crest has gotten too big for Target; families are starting to

   buy from small names that they can trust.”

   Seller: “Crest has been in business since 1955. Because we are big and already are

   established, families trust our company for their dental needs. (Revisit Method)

   •   PRICE objection

   Buyer: “The prices of your competitors are lower”

                                            15
Seller: “While Crest Whitestrips may be more expensive than that of our competitors we

also make up for that with better quality and guaranteed results.”

(Compensation/Boomerang)

•   TIME Objection

Buyer: “We are busy purchasing other products for the department right now.”

Seller: “I understand that, but let me just explain to you a little bit more about Crest

Whitestrips. Crest Whitestrips are great for any time and for people who are on the go

like yourself, this is why they would fit in perfectly with your family oriented store ”

(Acknowledge Method)

•   OTHER

Buyer: “A lot of people are cutting back on extras, including beauty routines. I

just don’t think Crest Whitestrips will sell in this market.”

Seller: “Crest Whitestrips sales have recently dropped in other stores; however, with our

new marketing promotions I believe that sales and profits will increase.” (Indirect

Denial)

                                          16
Closing the Sale
Direct Request:

   Seller: “Can I put you down for 20,000 Crest Whitestrip packages?

Benefit Sumary:

   Seller: “Ms. McDonald, Crest offers top of the line dental products to consumers,

   this is why we have been in business for years. Along with our reputation, I am

   offering you great promotions, marketing and a quality product that has been

   guaranteed by us and by Good Housekeeping. Would you be interested in

   purchasing 20,000 packages today?”

Balance Sheet Method:

   Seller: “As you said earlier, our product is more expensive than that of our

   competitors. However, not only is our product only one to two dollars more

   expensive, it is also better in quality and that is a guarantee. Our product was

   marked up $.20 for your last purchase, but I think you will find that the new

   promotions will make up for the additional cost and you will be repurchasing from

   me before the month is even over. Would you be interested in purchasing 20,000

   packages today?”

Probing Method:

   Buyer: “I’m sorry, I just don’t think I am ready to purchase today.”

   Seller: “Is it because of the price?” (Probe)

   Buyer: “Well I could justify that if the product sold, I just don’t think that the

   Whitestrips are going to sell in this kind of market.” (Objection-sell)

                                           17
Seller: “What about the promotions?” (Probe)

   Buyer: “Yes, I did like the promotions; I think they would be very beneficial in

   selling the product.”

   Seller: “If all of the promotions are included in the price I quoted you earlier,

   would you be interested in purchasing 20,000 units?”

Alternative Choice:

   Seller: “So after hearing my presentation about Crest Whitestrips, do you think

   you would be more interested in buying 20,000 packages or doing a 2 week trial of

   10,000?”

Second Meeting

   Seller: “I know having some reservations about ordering now, so take your time

   thinking and I will set up a meeting with your secretary in a week.”

Because Ms. McDonald has a driver type personality, I most definitely will not be

using the Alternative Choice or the Second Meeting because she will most likely be

quick and precise in her decision. I also probably won’t be using the Balance Sheet

Method either since it is more for an analytical type personality. Without a doubt I

will be using Direct Request since it is the most upfront method, and the most

appreciated by Ms. McDonald. I probably will also use the Benefit Summary even

though it does not completely fit her personality; I want to make sure she

understands the benefits in outweighing the cost. Lastly, I will also use probing when

she resists so that I can get a feel for her concerns.

                                             18
Sales Script
  Seller: Good afternoon Ms. McDonald, I hear you have been doing an excellent job

  adjusting after Mr. Smith retired. (Compliment Approach Introduction)

  Buyer: Thank you. Would you have a seat?

  Seller: I brought you a box of the improved Classic Crest Whitestrips; as well as my

  new business card. You can try them out yourself, or give them to one of your team

  members to try.

  Buyer: Thank you.

  Seller: Ms. McDonald, tell me exactly how many Minnesota Target stores have

  carried Crest Whitestrips in the past? (SPIN-situation)

  Buyer: Almost all 74 of them. A couple of the Target stores in smaller towns carry

  Crest products, but not the Whitestrip packages.

  Seller: Have you found there to be any issues with carrying and selling Crest

  Whitestrips in Target stores? (SPIN-problem)

  Buyer: Honestly, in the past we have had hardly any issues with Crest Whitestrips.

  However, because of the recent financial crisis, there has been a decrease in sales.

  Seller: So you’re saying, that because of the economy, the price of Crest Whitestrips

  has discouraged customers from purchasing; essentially decreasing sales? (SPIN-

  implication)

  Buyer: Exactly. Target has been competing with Wal-Mart’s low prices for years;

  our new goal for the year is to start giving our customers the same quality, but lower

  prices.

  Seller: Ms. McDonald, how about I fill you in on some of the great new benefits and

                                           19
promotions that Crest has added to the Whitestrip line that could help even out the

cost and increase sales. (SPIN-need payoff)

Buyer: That would be great, tell me more.

Seller: Crest has come out with some great new promotions. Coupons can now be

easily accessible to your customers in both your store magazine as well as printable

versions online (Feature). This new feature will not only save customers money

(Advantage),   but will increase traffic to Target stores (Benefit to Retailer).

Buyer: This is a very exciting new promotion; however, the prices of your

competitors are still lower. Both Listerine and Rembrandt have come to us with

whitening products that cost less than Crests. (Price Objection)

Seller: While Crest Whitestrips may be more expensive than that of our competitors,

we also have a better quality record and guaranteed results; proven through the recent

awards we have won. (Boomerang Response Method)

Buyer: Yes, I did see the Good House Keeping seal posted on the front of the new

package you handed me earlier.

Seller: Crest Whitestrips received that award this year due to our quality and new

design. Actually, I am wearing a Whitestrip right now to prove the comfort and ease

of our advanced Whitestrip design. I am actually whitening as we speak, and it has

been fairly effortless on my part. (Demonstration)

Buyer: Wow, I didn’t even realize you had one on!

Seller: Crest is always looking for ways to improve their products. We have been in

business since 1955, and are a brand name that customers know and trust (Feature).

                                               20
Because of our customer loyalty (advantage), Target should have no trouble selling our

product to your consumers (Benefit to Retailer).

Buyer: This is true. You mentioned promotions earlier; what exactly do you have in

mind?

Seller: What kind of promotions and marketing are you interested in? (question with

a question)

Buyer: Well, I was very intrigued with your new coupons, but what about in store

promotions?

Seller: I can offer you posters of before and after pictures, which would offer proof of

our product to your customers. I will also provide you with in-store three day trial

packages as an incentive for your customers. Crest is also offering coupons in each of

the packages that are good for 25% off of the purchase of your next package, which

will increase the chance of customer repurchase. Lastly, all of our packages now

include a 1-800-CREST number, because I know how important customer service is

to you and Target. (Marketing & Promotions)

Buyer: These all sound like great ways to market and promote Crest Whitestrips in

Target stores.

Seller: Yes, however, we did have to bump the cost up $.20 due to the fact that we

added all of these great promotions. If you are planning on placing the Whitestrips in

the majority of Target stores, I would suggest buying 20,000 units at $340,000.

(Suggested Order)

Buyer: That’s a $4,000 mark up from last time.

                                          21
Seller: Yes, but again that includes all of the promotions and marketing that is going

to help your sales. If you sold the entire proposed amount you would have close to a

$58,000 profit or 14.5% profit margin and a 17% return on investment; which would

make up for the extra $4,000. (Value Proposition)

Buyer: True, if we are able to sell all of our product stock that profit would make up

for the additional $4,000.

                                       CLOSE

Seller: Ms. McDonald, you seemed to be impressed with our addition of coupons and

in-store promotions and marketing. I have been selling Crest products to both you and

the previous buyer for a number of years now and I have carefully looked over your

Crest Whitestrip sales and strongly recommend buying 20,000 packages. Can I put

you down for that amount? (Benefit Close)

Buyer: Those promotions do sound like a great deal, but again; Target is really trying

to compete with the low prices Wal-Mart offers customers. (Price Objection)

Seller: Yes, I understand; however, with all of our new promotions customers will

only be paying an extra dollar of two for a product backed up by its quality. Ms.

McDonald, Crest offers top of the line dental products to consumers, this is why we

have been in business for years. Along with our reputation, I am offering you great

promotions, marketing and a quality product that has been guaranteed by us and by

Good Housekeeping. (Compensation Response Method)

Seller: So, Can I put you down for 20,000 packages? (Direct Request/ Primary

Objective)

                                        22
YES

Buyer: Crest’s pristine record with Target is impressive and your promotions do

seem beneficial; alright, you can put me down for 20,000 packages.

Seller: Great, would you like to purchase 40,000 to allow for next month as well?

(Maximum Objective)

Buyer: Just 20,000 units, I would like to try out the new promotions before buying

extra. (Primary Objective)

Seller: Great! You can sign here, I am very confident that you will be pleased with

your decision.

Buyer: Thank you.

Seller: I will be in contact with you to assure that the product meets your standards.

Thank you for your business Ms. McDonald and have a nice afternoon.

                                          NO

Buyer: I’m sorry, I just don’t think I am ready to purchase today.

Seller: Is it because of the price?

Buyer: Well I could justify that if the product sold; I just don’t think that the

Whitestrips are going to sell in this kind of market. (Product Objection)

Seller: What about the promotions? (Probe)

Buyer: I just don’t think they are going to work. We are really trying to offer lower

priced products to consumers. (Price Objection)

Seller: I understand, Mr. Smith said the same thing six years ago when he was

working here, he did end up purchasing and did not regret his decision (Referral

                                          23
Method).   Is there any way that I could set up another meeting with you in a month?

(Minimum Objection)

Buyer: Sure, next month shouldn’t be as busy, and it would give me some time to

think about your pitch.

Seller: Thank you for your time, I’ll set up a meeting with your secretary.

                                          24
Alexandra Guzik
1000 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Phone: 612-304-6073
Fax: 612-969-5400
www.crestwhitestrips.com
agguzi06@crestwhite.com

                   25
Crest Whitestrips Classic              Crest Whitestrips Premium

Crest Whitestrips Pro Effects        Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal

                                26
Crest Whitestrip product line

                         Classic   Premium   Pro Effects   Advanced Seal

Overall Product Rating

Guaranteed whitening

Start seeing results
after 3 days

Professional In-Office
Results

Advanced Seal
technology
• Molds and adheres to
teeth
• Form fit, no slip
• Removes cleanly

30-minute, once a day
whitening

    (Crest Whitestrips, Sep 29)

                                   27
Sources
 (n.d.). Crest whitestrips. Retrieved from http://www.whitestrips.com

 (n.d.). Fortune 500. Retrieved from

 .       http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2009/

  (n.d.). How much Do professional teeth whitening treatments cost? / what kind .

 ……Retrieved from

 …….http://www.animatedteeth.com/dentist_laser_whitening/a4_bleaching_costs.ht

 (n.d.). P&G history of crest. Retrieved from

 …... http://www.pg.com/company/who_we_are/crest_history.shtml

     (n.d.). Target. Retrieved from http://www.target.com/

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