Manual sales processes are slowing outdoor dealers down. With the outdoor living industry projected to reach $892.9 million in 2024, automation offers a clear path to faster sales, better customer experiences, and higher revenue. Here’s why it matters:
- Sales teams spend only 28% of their day selling. Automation eliminates admin tasks, saving 2+ hours daily and boosting productivity by 14.5%.
- Customization challenges? Solved. Tools like 3D configurators and automated quoting reduce errors, cut quoting time by 70%, and improve customer confidence with realistic visuals.
- Lead management gets smarter. Automated systems prioritize high-quality leads and follow up efficiently, increasing deal closures by 30%.
- Digital-first buyers demand convenience. With 70% of B2B buyers open to self-serve purchases over $50,000, dealers need tools for online configuration and pricing.
Platforms like SaleSqueze combine visual configurators, CPQ tools, and CRM integration, simplifying the entire sales process. Dealers using these tools report faster quotes, more leads, and higher sales – some achieving 40% growth in 3 months.
Bottom line: Automation isn’t optional – it’s the edge outdoor dealers need to compete and thrive in a fast-evolving market.
Visual Product Configurators: Better Customer Engagement
Visual product configurators are changing the way outdoor dealers sell pergolas, verandas, and other outdoor structures. These tools let customers see exactly what they’re getting before making a purchase, removing much of the guesswork from the buying process.
How Configurators Work for Outdoor Products
Modern configurators offer a range of realistic views for outdoor products. On the simpler side, 2D configurators provide a cost-effective and easy-to-use interface. For a more immersive experience, 3D configurators let customers interact with products, exploring designs from every angle. Advanced systems go even further, featuring 360° views and zoom options so buyers can inspect details like pillar styles or hardware finishes. Augmented Reality (AR) takes it up a notch by allowing customers to preview products in their own spaces, giving them more confidence in their decisions.
Many configurators also integrate with Configure Price Quote (CPQ) tools, offering real-time updates to visuals and pricing as customers customize their selections. Virtual photography enhances this experience by showing complementary items, like furniture placed under a pergola, to help customers get a sense of scale and design possibilities.
These tools not only create a better shopping experience but also deliver measurable sales improvements.
Sales Performance Results
The numbers speak for themselves when it comes to the impact of visual configurators on sales. AR alone can boost conversion rates by as much as 300%. Companies that use these tools report impressive results: KitchenAid saw a 65% jump in average order value (AOV), Bosch experienced a sixfold increase in AOV, and Einhell Germany boosted sales by 60% in just three months.
Customers are also willing to pay more for products with customization options. Plus, streamlined transactions – where customers face fewer hurdles – can drive customer retention up by 90%.
The demand for outdoor products online supports the case for these tools. For example, pergolas receive nearly two million Google searches annually and rank high in relevance for search terms, scoring 9 out of 10. With 81% of consumers researching online before making a purchase, configurators meet buyers where they’re already shopping.
To maximize these benefits, outdoor dealers need to adapt configurators specifically for the US market.
Setting Up Configurators for US Markets
For success in the US, localization is key – and it’s about more than just translating text. American buyers expect measurements in feet and inches (e.g., a 12′ x 16′ pergola) and pricing in USD (e.g., $12,500.00). Dynamic pricing should update instantly as customers add features like motorized louvers, LED lighting, or privacy screens.
It’s also important to showcase outdoor spaces that resonate with American preferences. This means pergolas paired with familiar backyard settings, landscaping styles, and patio furniture designs. Virtual photography can highlight these relatable setups. And since about 77% of e-commerce happens on smartphones, configurators must be mobile-friendly.
Seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms is another must, as it simplifies order processing and inventory management. Personalization is a big deal too – companies that excel in this area see 40% more revenue compared to their competitors. Features like saving and sharing configurations are especially valuable, as many Americans involve family members in decisions about outdoor living spaces.
“With more customers browsing online before visiting showrooms, the 3D Cloud Sectional Configurator helps us deliver a seamless experience.”
– Katharine Martin, Senior Site Merchandiser, Raymour & Flanigan
Finally, analytics play a major role. By tracking how customers interact with configurators, outdoor dealers can see which features are most popular and identify areas for improvement. Tailored visual configurators are essential for connecting with tech-savvy American shoppers, offering both the efficiency and automation that make the buying process smoother and more engaging.
SaleSqueze: Complete Solution for Outdoor Dealers
SaleSqueze takes the idea of visual configurators to the next level by incorporating advanced CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) features, making it a comprehensive tool for outdoor dealers. It doesn’t just stop at visualization – it simplifies quoting, lead management, and customer engagement throughout the sales process.
Designed specifically for outdoor dealers, SaleSqueze is a visual CPQ platform that tackles the challenges of selling customizable products like pergolas, verandas, and other outdoor structures. It combines configuration, pricing, quoting, and ordering into a single, efficient system.
Key Features of SaleSqueze
- 3D Configurator: This feature provides dynamic 3D visualizations that prevent invalid configurations. It allows full customization of dimensions, materials, colors, and add-ons. Plus, it’s easy to integrate into any website using a simple embed code, and it works with models from any supplier.
- Sales Hub: A centralized space for managing inquiries and quotes. It automatically updates pricing, generates error-free quotes instantly, and tracks high-potential leads.
- Dealer Hub: Tailored for managing region-specific pricing and logic, this tool gives manufacturers complete oversight. It’s ideal for dealers operating in multiple markets with varying pricing structures.
- Showroom: A self-service feature that allows customers to configure products on their own, 24/7. This not only boosts engagement but also improves the accuracy of orders.
Additionally, SaleSqueze offers custom branding options. Dealers can align the configurator with their brand by adding logos, choosing specific colors, and customizing product types. The platform also supports personalized pricing logic, with the flexibility to display prices upfront or keep them hidden until a quote is generated.
Success Stories from Outdoor Dealers
SaleSqueze has delivered impressive results for outdoor dealers:
- Hausmart: Reduced quote generation time by 70%.
- Armat: Achieved a 5x increase in qualified leads and a 40% boost in sales within three months.
- Dekor Senčila: Quadrupled pergola offers compared to manual processes.
- Birkdale: Doubled sales while simplifying lead management.
- FollHaus: Sent 40 quotes valued at $10 million in a single month.
- Dukin: Increased leads and quotes by 486%.
“With SaleSqueze, we now generate quotes 70% faster, and we’ve automated the entire sales process.”
– Uros K., CEO, Hausmart
“We’ve increased qualified leads 5x and sales by 40% in just 3 months after launch.”
– Andrej R., VP Marketing, Armat
“SaleSqueze configurator helped us prepare 4 times more pergola offers compared to the previous year, when we prepared all offers manually.”
– Jozica Z., CEO, Dekor Senčila
“After implementing the SaleSqueze 3D configurator, we’ve doubled our sales, simplified the management of leads, and streamlined the whole sales process.”
– Simon S., CEO, Birkdale
Easy and Fast Setup
SaleSqueze is designed for quick implementation, offering a one-day launch with a prebuilt configurator and guided onboarding. The process starts with a questionnaire to gather key business details, product specifications, and pricing rules. Dealers provide their product information, pricing structures, and branding elements, and the SaleSqueze team handles the setup, incorporating dealer-specific logic and permissions. Once completed, dealers receive secure login credentials and can immediately start generating quotes that convert into orders.
The platform’s no-code configurator builder makes it simple for businesses to create visual product configurators without needing technical skills or expensive development. Through an intuitive interface, dealers can define product logic, rules, and pricing effortlessly.
Integrating the configurator into a website is just as simple. Using an embed code, dealers can add the branded configurator to their site without complicated modifications. The system is fully responsive, ensuring it works seamlessly on desktops and mobile devices alike.
With this streamlined setup, outdoor dealers can start reaping the benefits of automated quoting and visual product configuration in just 24 hours – no need to wait months for implementation.
Adding CRM and Sales Automation Tools
Visual configurators are great for boosting customer engagement, but adding CRM and sales automation tools takes things to the next level. By integrating SaleSqueze’s visual configurator with these tools, outdoor dealers can create a seamless system that tracks leads, builds relationships, and helps close deals.
This combination fills a key gap in the outdoor living industry. Research shows that CRM systems can increase lead conversion rates by 300% and boost purchase values by 40%. For businesses handling high-value, complex projects like pergolas or outdoor kitchens, these improvements can lead to serious revenue gains.
Organizing Customer Data in One Place
Outdoor dealers often deal with customer data scattered across emails, phone calls, and site visits. A CRM system solves this by creating a centralized database – a single place to manage all customer information. This ensures no lead is missed and every interaction is recorded.
When paired with visual configurators, CRM systems can capture customer preferences automatically. This provides a complete view of each customer, making it easier to personalize interactions.
“HubSpot CRM offers a ‘single source of truth’ that empowers your front-office teams (marketing, sales, and support) to strengthen their relationships with customers and deliver an exceptional experience.” – Garrison Everest
Key CRM features for outdoor living product dealers include contact and lead management, pipeline tracking, reporting, dashboards, document management, and mobile access. Mobile CRM is especially important for dealers who often meet clients at job sites or trade shows.
Integrating CRM also improves lead quality. By consolidating customer data, it allows businesses to track interactions, preferences, and purchase history more effectively. Kevin Sabourin, Head of Sales at Rollick, explains:
“CRM integration is pivotal in significantly enhancing lead quality for OEMs and dealers. By consolidating customer data into a single, accessible platform, it creates a unified data repository that allows businesses to track customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history more effectively.”
Automated Lead Management
Sales automation tools simplify repetitive tasks, giving sales teams more time for meaningful customer interactions [32,34]. Automation can handle sorting inquiries, qualifying leads, and triggering follow-ups.
For example, as soon as a prospect uses your configurator, the system can score leads based on how engaged they are. Leads with detailed interactions are prioritized over those with minimal activity. Features like lead scoring, distribution, and sales forecasting help dealers focus on high-potential opportunities.
Automation can also save time – up to 200 hours per user annually. This is a game-changer during peak seasons when quote requests skyrocket. Automated processes can handle initial lead qualification, send follow-up emails, schedule sales call reminders, and even alert your team when a hot lead hasn’t been contacted promptly.
It doesn’t stop there. Automation extends to quote management too. When a quote is generated through the configurator, the CRM can automatically kick off a follow-up sequence. This might include an immediate thank-you email, a detailed proposal shortly after, and periodic reminders. This systematic approach keeps communication consistent without overloading your sales team.
Beyond saving time, CRM automation provides insights into customer interactions and sales pipelines. These insights help refine strategies while keeping processes efficient.
Data Security and Compliance
With so much sensitive customer data – like home addresses, budgets, and contact details – security is non-negotiable. Protecting this information is crucial for maintaining trust and meeting legal standards.
When choosing a CRM platform, prioritize enterprise-grade security features. Look for tools like data encryption, secure user authentication, and regular security audits. For US-based dealers, compliance requirements include safeguarding customer privacy and ensuring data isn’t shared without consent. Many CRM systems come with built-in compliance features, like secure storage, audit trails, and tools to manage customer consent preferences.
Security doesn’t end there. Regular data backups and disaster recovery plans are essential. A good CRM should include robust backup systems and clear recovery procedures to protect your database. Plus, encrypted API connections between your visual configurator and CRM ensure that customer preferences and quote details stay secure during data transfers. Regular updates and monitoring further reduce vulnerabilities.
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Best Practices for Sales Automation Implementation
While streamlined quoting and improved customer interaction are clear benefits, the real success of sales automation lies in how it’s implemented. It’s not just about buying software – it’s about strategically using it to maximize ROI, especially for complex projects like pergolas and outdoor kitchens.
Evaluating Business Needs
Before diving into automation tools, take a hard look at your current sales process. Where are things slowing down? What’s causing frustration? The best way to find answers is by talking directly to your sales team. They’re on the front lines and can identify delays and inefficiencies better than anyone.
For outdoor dealers, common challenges include spending hours creating manual quotes, losing track of leads during busy seasons, and struggling to provide instant pricing for custom configurations. By mapping out your entire sales workflow, you can pinpoint where automation will have the biggest impact. For instance, if manual quoting eats up too much time, a visual configurator like SaleSqueze can help cut that process down to just minutes.
Focus on the metrics that matter most to your business. Once you’ve identified the biggest pain points, choose automation tools that directly address those issues.
Customizing Tools for Local Markets
For U.S.-based outdoor dealers, generic automation tools often fall short. Make sure the platform you choose supports U.S. standards, like imperial measurements, USD pricing, and local time zones.
Customization goes beyond technical specs. Regional needs vary widely – dealers in Florida might focus on hurricane-resistant features, while those in Colorado may prioritize snow load capacity. Choose a platform that allows for this level of flexibility and integrates seamlessly with your existing systems for smooth data sharing.
Once the tools are tailored to meet your local and business-specific needs, the next step is ensuring your team knows how to use them effectively.
Training Teams for Success
Even the most powerful automation tools won’t deliver results if your team doesn’t adopt them. That’s why thorough training is non-negotiable.
Start with onboarding sessions that not only teach technical features but also explain how automation improves daily tasks. For example, show your team how faster quote generation, better lead tracking, and more efficient workflows free up time for building stronger customer relationships.
Offer ongoing training to keep everyone up to speed as tools and processes evolve. This could include video tutorials, written guides, or quick-reference materials to help your team get comfortable with the system without feeling overwhelmed during busy periods.
Take it slow by rolling out automation in phases. Start with something simple, like automating quote generation, and then gradually expand to more advanced features like lead scoring or inventory integration. This step-by-step approach minimizes stress, allowing your team to adapt and excel without feeling overloaded.
For businesses new to automation, focus on mastering one tool at a time. Once your team is confident with the basics, you can gradually add more features. This steady approach ensures smooth transitions, helping maintain efficiency while driving continuous improvement.
Conclusion: Transforming Outdoor Dealer Sales with Automation
With the average project value hitting $24,000, outdoor dealers simply can’t afford to lose time – or opportunities – due to outdated manual processes. That’s where sales automation steps in, becoming a game-changer for those looking to stay competitive and grow.
Speed matters. Digital proposals with e-signatures have been shown to boost close rates by an impressive 426%. Add interactive pricing to the mix, and closing rates jump by 35.8%. The results speak for themselves: SaleSqueze customers have reported a staggering 40% increase in sales within just three months, with some generating $10 million in quotes during their first month alone.
Automation doesn’t just speed things up – it enhances the entire sales process. Visual product configurators let customers design their ideal pergola or outdoor kitchen in real time, creating an experience far more engaging than flipping through a traditional catalog. When combined with CRM integration and automated follow-up tools, these features ensure no lead is left behind, even during the busiest construction seasons.
Purpose-built platforms like SaleSqueze are designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by outdoor dealers. From imperial measurements and USD pricing to product configurators tailored specifically for outdoor projects, these tools cater directly to the industry’s needs.
The most successful dealers start by addressing key pain points like slow quoting, poor lead tracking, and inconsistent follow-up. From there, they gradually expand their use of automation while ensuring their teams are trained to maximize these tools.
The takeaway? Dealers in the U.S. must embrace automation to keep pace with competitors who are already quoting faster, following up more effectively, and delivering an enhanced customer experience. The technology is here – enabling quotes to be generated 70% faster and inquiries to be handled 14 times more efficiently [website]. Now’s the time to automate, streamline your sales process, and win more business.
FAQs
How can SaleSqueze automation tools help outdoor dealers streamline their sales and improve customer engagement?
SaleSqueze’s automation tools are crafted specifically for outdoor dealers – think pergola and veranda contractors – making their sales processes simpler and more efficient. By automating tasks like managing leads, handling follow-ups, and generating quotes, these tools free up valuable time. This means dealers can focus less on repetitive tasks and more on connecting with their customers.
Key features like automated outreach, customizable email templates, and a streamlined product configuration system help dealers create a seamless and engaging experience for their clients. The result? Increased efficiency, higher conversion rates, and improved profitability – all while ensuring no lead slips through the cracks.
How do visual product configurators improve the sales process for outdoor living products?
Visual product configurators transform the way customers shop for outdoor living products like pergolas and verandas. They let buyers customize and see their choices in real-time, creating an interactive experience that feels both engaging and user-friendly. Features such as 360° views and detailed customization options help customers visualize their selections, making it easier to choose with confidence.
These tools also minimize errors by guiding users toward compatible options and offering real-time pricing updates as they make adjustments. Plus, they connect effortlessly with sales systems, simplifying workflows and boosting efficiency. By making the buying process smoother and more enjoyable, configurators not only improve customer satisfaction but also help outdoor dealers increase their sales and profitability.
How can outdoor dealers effectively implement and customize sales automation tools for the US market?
To get the most out of sales automation tools, outdoor dealers in the US should start by selecting platforms tailored to local standards. Look for tools that handle dollar currency ($), use the MM/DD/YYYY date format, and work with imperial measurements. The right platform should also include features like contact management, automated follow-ups, and pipeline tracking to simplify everyday tasks.
Once you’ve picked the right tool, set it up to handle repetitive tasks, such as sending follow-up emails or managing leads, while keeping US customer preferences in mind. Make sure your team is well-trained on the platform’s core features to unlock its full potential. Lastly, keep an eye on performance data to tweak workflows and boost efficiency, creating a smoother process for both your team and your customers.