Agricultural seed
Sales Assessment Results
60
Developing Closer
10 questions
Maximum score: 100
Completed in
Let’s be real: your performance in this test shows a mix of potential and missed opportunities. You’ve got some solid instincts, especially when you tap into personal stories and offer support, which are great for building trust. However, a recurring theme is your tendency to stay a bit too surface-level. You often acknowledge concerns but fail to dive deeper into the specifics that really matter to prospects. For instance, while you mentioned local success stories, you didn’t leverage them to ask more probing questions that could lead to a richer dialogue.
Your ability to recognize budget and time constraints is commendable, but you need to pair that with a more structured approach—don’t just throw out solutions; engage your prospects in a way that makes them feel heard. This could mean asking for their specific challenges or past experiences.
To elevate your game, I suggest focusing on Consultative Selling and the AIDA Model. These techniques will help you not just present solutions, but actually engage your prospects in the process. Remember, sales is a two-way street.
Here’s your coaching moment: think of every interaction as an opportunity to dig deeper. Ask more questions. Show genuine curiosity about their needs and experiences. The more you connect with your prospects on a personal level, the more they'll trust you and see the value in what you're offering. This isn’t just about making the sale; it’s about building lasting relationships. You’ve got what it takes—now it’s time to refine your approach.
Question Breakdown
1.
3
/ 10Question:
"I'm really concerned about how these seeds will perform in my specific soil conditions; have you tested them for my region?"
Answer:
Yes they are widely tested in plots and producer rated as well. We carry a wide variety of products that will be able to serve you from zones one through six. And because I'm a local dealer I have producers right here in this region that have used these products that I recommend for you successfully
Feedback:
Your response lacks depth in addressing the prospect's specific concern about soil performance. While you mentioned testing and local success, you didn't ask any follow-up questions to explore the customer's specific soil conditions, which could have further demonstrated your understanding and willingness to assist. Additionally, providing examples of successful outcomes or further guarantees could enhance the trust factor. Overall, the communication feels somewhat generic and doesn't fully engage the customer in a collaborative manner.
2.
6
/ 10Question:
"What guarantees do you offer if these seeds don't yield the expected results this season?"
Answer:
We fully guarantee against seed failure with a best in business replant policy. However the best guarantee I can give you is the work that we do ahead of time ensuring that you have done the necessary leg work to prepare your soil before and after planting for the best results
Feedback:
Your response addresses the concern by mentioning a strong replant policy, which is a positive aspect. However, it could benefit from more clarity on the specifics of the guarantee to instill confidence. Offering examples of how the preparation work directly impacts yield could enhance your communication. Additionally, engaging the prospect with a question about their specific concerns or previous experiences with seed failures would demonstrate a collaborative approach and show you are actively listening to their needs.
3.
5
/ 10Question:
"I’ve heard mixed reviews about your brand's consistency; how do you address that in terms of quality control?"
Answer:
The seed quality is top-notch, the question marks around consistent results can stem from producers not following recommended guidelines around planting or fertilizer usage. As you'll see on every tag we are putting out pure seed from the best seed producing companies in the world. And not only that we spend time trying to walk you through each step in the planting process as well as supporting after to help you get best results
Feedback:
Your response does a decent job of addressing the concern about consistency by emphasizing the quality of the seeds and the importance of following recommended guidelines. However, it would be more effective if you acknowledged the specific mixed reviews mentioned by the prospect and asked for any particular instances or feedback they are aware of. This would demonstrate active listening and a genuine interest in their concerns. Additionally, presenting concrete examples of how your company has successfully resolved quality control issues in the past could bolster your credibility. Overall, while your response touches on key points, it could benefit from a more engaging and consultative approach.
4.
7
/ 10Question:
"With my budget constraints, I'm worried if I can cover the initial investment without impacting my cash flow this month."
Answer:
A very understandable concern in the unstable world of agriculture. We do offer financing through multiple Banks that will allow you to choose a payment plan that you want and if that is a pay lump sum at the end of the season or equal monthly payments for the entire year as well as a discount up front to make the payment in full. We have lots of options that we can explore for you
Feedback:
Your response addresses the prospect's concern about budget constraints by offering financing options, which is a positive approach. However, it could benefit from a more structured explanation of how these options can specifically alleviate their cash flow worries. Providing examples of how other customers have successfully managed similar situations would enhance trust and credibility. Additionally, asking the prospect about their specific budget or any previous experiences with financing could foster a more collaborative discussion. Overall, while you acknowledge the concern, there’s room for a more tailored and engaging response.
5.
5
/ 10Question:
"These seeds are intriguing, but what if there's a better option in terms of price or performance that I haven't considered?"
Answer:
That's a valid concern and I'm not sure that I know everything you've looked at. But I do know that from what we have talked about in your situation on your farm and based on the conversations that we have had around the regenerative farming style that you are embracing that the seed company that I have and work with is fully on board with the same style farming. Also the seeds that we are talking about have been tested and tried through the same manner of regenerative farming that you want to embrace
Feedback:
Your response acknowledges the prospect's concern about price and performance alternatives, which is a good start. However, it lacks a strong exploration of their specific needs and preferences regarding pricing or performance. Asking the prospect what other options they are considering or what specific criteria are most important to them would demonstrate a deeper level of curiosity and engagement. You briefly mentioned alignment with regenerative farming practices, but providing concrete examples or data illustrating the benefits of your seeds in comparison to competitors could strengthen your position. Overall, while you initiated a dialogue, you missed an opportunity to delve deeper into the prospect's motivations and needs.
6.
7
/ 10Question:
"I need to know how your seeds will fit into my current farming practices; will this require a lot of changes on my end?"
Answer:
All this seed varieties that I carry are adapted to a wide range of farming practices including the one that you're currently using. Your neighbor Tom Smith up the road has been working with me for years and he practices farming in a very similar fashion if you don't know him I'd love to make the introduction and allow him to tell how we were able to assist with his operation. We definitely didn't have to make a lot of changes we simply were able to help him more fully embrace the concepts he was trying to implement
Feedback:
Your response does a commendable job of addressing the prospect's concern by highlighting that the seed varieties are adaptable to their current farming practices. Mentioning a local farmer, Tom Smith, adds credibility and provides a relatable example. However, it could be enhanced by inviting the prospect to share more about their specific farming practices and any apprehensions they have regarding potential changes. This would demonstrate active listening and a curiosity-driven approach. Additionally, providing more details about how the transition was seamless for Tom could further strengthen your argument. Overall, you have made a good connection, but engaging the prospect more deeply would improve the response.
7.
7
/ 10Question:
"What support do you provide for first-time buyers like me; can I really trust that I won't be left hanging?"
Answer:
So I am available to schedule Farm visits. Where we can walk before and after you make the purchase and plant. I'm ultimately not successful unless the farmers that I work with are successful so you can rest assured that I will do everything that I can do to answer any questions or provide any guidance that I can along the way as well as all the text sheets that we provide with every seed that we offer giving you all of the nrcs guidelines around each particular variety as well as what I can give you from a boots on the ground standpoint
Feedback:
Your response effectively addresses the concern by emphasizing your availability for farm visits and support, which is crucial for building trust with first-time buyers. However, it could be enhanced by encouraging the prospect to share their specific concerns or expectations regarding support. This would demonstrate active listening and help you tailor your assistance more effectively. Additionally, mentioning any success stories or testimonials from previous first-time buyers would add credibility to your claims. Overall, while your commitment to support is clear, a more collaborative and engaging approach would strengthen your response.
8.
7
/ 10Question:
"I’m hesitant because I’ve been burned by new products before; how can you assure me that this isn’t just another sales pitch?"
Answer:
I'm an open book, I farm as well so the products that I'm offering are products that I have used or that my neighbors and other customers have used. The whole concept behind the companies that I work with and sell seed for is Farmers helping farmers and I fully embrace that idea and value system. We do have the replant policies on our seed but more importantly your repeat business is important for me to earn and the best way for me to do that is to give you the most value I possibly can for your purchase
Feedback:
Your response effectively builds trust by sharing your personal farming experience and emphasizing the "Farmers helping farmers" philosophy. This approach helps to establish a connection with the prospect and conveys authenticity. However, the response could improve by directly addressing the prospect's specific concern about being burned by new products. Asking them to share their past experiences or specific concerns could demonstrate active listening and engagement. Additionally, offering testimonials or success stories from other satisfied customers would provide concrete evidence to alleviate their doubts. Overall, while your response showcases a collaborative approach, addressing the prospect's fears more directly would strengthen your position.
9.
5
/ 10Question:
"If I invest in your seeds, how will that impact my ability to keep up with my regular operational tasks during planting season?"
Answer:
Hopefully you're busier than ever! If my seed works as I'm telling you it will you're going to have more cuttings and more harvest to make.! The seed will end up saving you time in the long run because the products I'm recommended for you are ones that I expect will last longer in a perennial setting than what you are currently using based on the experience of the neighbors around you and the experience that I had with the same exact product. It doesn't make the farm work get easier it's part of this life but it's going to make sure that it's worth your while to get the work done because of the increased volume and quality of the forage you'll be harvesting
Feedback:
Your response attempts to address the prospect's concern by highlighting the long-term benefits of your seeds, such as increased yield and potential time savings. However, it lacks a direct acknowledgment of the prospect's immediate apprehensions regarding their operational tasks during the planting season. Instead of just focusing on future benefits, it would be more effective to discuss how your seeds can seamlessly integrate into their current practices without overwhelming their schedule. Asking the prospect about their specific challenges during planting and offering practical solutions or examples of how others have managed similar situations would demonstrate a more consultative and responsive approach. Overall, while you convey optimism, the response could benefit from a more tailored focus on the customer's immediate operational needs.
10.
8
/ 10Question:
"I'm juggling a lot right now, and I'm not sure I can commit the time needed to properly integrate these seeds into my farming plan."
Answer:
I understand your concern what do you need to take off your plate to make this transition easier for you? Would it help if you used to custom operator to get help get it planted? I know you're in the middle of harvest as we're trying to get these perennial grasses set. Would it be easier if we could get it established using an air flow from the local co-op? There are lots of options to manage to get this in here without stressing you out as well as it'll actually be more beneficial to the seed to not have to get established under stressed conditions
Feedback:
Your response effectively acknowledges the prospect's concern about time constraints and offers several practical solutions to alleviate stress. By asking what the prospect needs to take off their plate, you demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to collaborate. Suggesting the use of a custom operator and local co-op resources shows you're thinking about their immediate needs. However, your response could be improved by emphasizing how these options have benefited other farmers in similar situations, which would add credibility to your recommendations. Additionally, integrating a question that invites the prospect to share their specific challenges during the harvest could further enhance engagement and ensure that your solutions are aligned with their needs. Overall, it's a solid response, but deepening the collaboration could enhance its effectiveness.