Kotler Chapter 16 MCQ
Kotler Chapter 16 MCQ
Kotler Chapter 16 MCQ
1) Which of the following elements of the promotion mix involves making personal connections
with customers for the purpose of making sales?
A) personal selling
B) advertising
C) e-commerce
D) publicity
E) public relations
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 458
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-1
2) A ________ is an individual acting on behalf of a company who performs one or more of the
following activities: prospecting, communicating, servicing, and information gathering.
A) press agent
B) sales assistant
C) marketing director
D) salesperson
E) publicist
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 459
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-1
3) ________ involves two-way, personal communication between salespeople and individual
customers, either in person, by telephone, or through Web conferences.
A) Advertising
B) Public relations
C) Personal selling
D) Telemarketing
E) Integrated marketing communication
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 459
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-1
122
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
123
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
7) Of the three typical types of sales force structures, which one is often supported by many
levels of sales management positions in specific geographical areas?
A) territorial
B) product
C) customer
D) complex systems
E) A and B
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 461
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
8) All of the following are considered advantages of a territorial sales force structure EXCEPT
________.
A) travel expenses can be minimized
B) each salesperson's job is clearly defined
C) accountability is clearly defined for each salesperson
D) salespeople develop in-depth knowledge of a product line
E) salespeople have the opportunity and incentive to build strong relationships with customers
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 461
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
9) Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of a product sales force structure?
A) extra selling costs involved with multiple sales visits from separate divisions
B) overlapping use of resources with big customers
C) salespeople spending time to see the same customer's purchasing agents
D) increased customer delivery time
E) B and C
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 462
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
10) Companies that use a customer sales force structure organize their salespeople by ________.
A) product
B) territory
C) industry
D) demand
E) hierarchy
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 462
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
124
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
11) Hewlett-Packard's Customer Sales Group (CSG) caused frustration among customers and
salespeople. What was the primary problem with the sales force structure of CSG?
A) The marketing and sales divisions had overlapping responsibilities, which caused friction.
B) Salespeople developed expertise in only one product area, which limited their sales
commissions.
C) Salespeople specialized in selling only to specific customers and specific industries.
D) Salespeople were responsible for selling all H-P products instead of specializing in a few
products.
E) The sales department was divided by product lines, which complicated customer service
issues.
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 463
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
12) What do many companies use to determine sales force size?
A) the workload approach
B) product availability
C) demographic characteristics of the sales force
D) the outside sales force method
E) profit margin
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 464
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
13) What is the term used to identify the individuals in a company who travel to call on
customers in the field?
A) product sales force
B) outside sales force
C) inside sales force
D) complex sales force
E) customer sales force
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 464
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
125
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
14) Members of a company's ________ conduct business from their offices using telephones, emails, or visits from prospective buyers to generate sales.
A) outside sales force
B) inside sales force
C) complex sales force
D) customer sales force
E) product sales force
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 464
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
15) To reduce time demands on their outside sales forces, many companies have increased the
size of their inside sales forces, which include technical support people, sales assistants, and
________.
A) retail supervisors
B) sales managers
C) telemarketers
D) accountants
E) programmers
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 465
AACSB: Use of IT
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
16) A sales assistant working for an outside sales force will most likely have all of the following
duties EXCEPT ________.
A) answering customer's questions when a salesperson is unavailable
B) providing administrative backup
C) confirming appointments
D) following up on deliveries
E) determining price points
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 465
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
126
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
17) According to the opening scenario, the success of CDW Corporation is the direct result of its
salespeople ________.
A) working closely with the marketing department to manage accounts
B) receiving bonuses based on customer satisfaction surveys
C) receiving extensive training on complex computer systems
D) developing close, personal relationships with customers
E) using Web conferencing and e-mail to assist customers
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 465-466
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
18) The growing trend of using a group of people from sales, marketing, engineering, finance,
technical support, and even upper management to service large, complex accounts is known as
________ selling.
A) department
B) multiple
C) team
D) personal
E) simultaneous
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 466
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
19) Which of the following most likely explains why companies are adopting the team selling
approach to service large, complex accounts?
A) Products have become too complicated for one salesperson to support.
B) Customers prefer dealing with many salespeople rather than one sales representative.
C) Salespeople prefer working in groups because of the opportunity for flex hours and job
sharing.
D) A group of salespeople assigned to one account is cost effective for corporations.
E) Fewer skilled salespeople are working in the high-tech industry.
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 466
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
127
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
20) All of the following are disadvantages of the team selling approach EXCEPT ________.
A) Selling teams can overwhelm customers.
B) Many salespeople are unaccustomed to working with others.
C) Selling teams increase costs and are time consuming.
D) Individual contributions and compensations can be difficult to assess.
E) Most salespeople are trained to excel in individual performance.
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 466
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
21) All of the following are problems associated with the poor selection of salespeople EXCEPT
________.
A) lower sales
B) costly turnover
C) less productivity
D) less office support
E) disrupted customer relationships
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 466
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
22) According to research, which of the following is one of the four key talents a successful
salesperson must possess?
A) managerial skills
B) disciplined work style
C) aggressive personality
D) technological know-how
E) fluency in a second language
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 467
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
23) During the hiring process, companies that test sales applicants typically measure all of the
following abilities EXCEPT ________.
A) sales aptitude
B) organizational skills
C) accounting skills
D) analytical skills
E) personality traits
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 467
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
128
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
24) The purpose of a training program for salespeople is to teach them about all of the following
EXCEPT ________.
A) customers' buying habits
B) customers' buying motives
C) the company's main competitors
D) the company retirement benefits
E) the company's organizational structure
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 467
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
25) What is the primary reason that companies use e-learning to conduct sales training
programs?
A) Customer needs and habits are easily conveyed through e-learning.
B) Customers appreciate the flexibility of e-learning.
C) E-learning allows for more employee feedback.
D) E-learning is the best way to simulate sales calls.
E) E-learning cuts training costs.
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 467
AACSB: Use of IT
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
26) How do e-learning centers, such as the one developed by International Rectifier, help
salespeople make sales?
A) Salespeople can refresh their knowledge about company products prior to making sales calls.
B) Salespeople can attend training sessions from their home offices, which saves time and
money.
C) E-learning centers enable salespeople and customers to interact through Web conferencing.
D) Evaluation diagnostic tools in e-learning centers help managers monitor sales personnel.
E) E-learning centers provide product information to current customers.
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 468
AACSB: Use of IT
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
129
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
27) Commissions or bonuses that a salesperson receives from a company are categorized as the
________.
A) base salary
B) fixed amount
C) variable amount
D) fringe benefit
E) pension plan
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 468
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
28) All of the following are a basic type of compensation plan for salespeople EXCEPT
________.
A) straight commission
B) straight salary
C) salary and commission
D) commission plus bonus
E) salary plus bonus
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 468
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
29) Companies are increasingly moving away from high commission compensation plans
because such plans often lead to salespeople ________.
A) undermining the work of the inside sales team
B) ignoring management and marketing objectives
C) being too pushy and ruining customer relationships
D) working multiple sales jobs to maximize their income
E) spend too much time traveling between customers
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 469
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
30) Which sales management tool helps a salesperson know which customers to visit and which
activities to carry out during a week?
A) time-and-duty analysis
B) sales force automation systems
C) call plan
D) sales quota plan
E) positive incentives plan
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 469
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
130
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
31) Companies are always looking for ways to increase face-to-face selling time. All of the
following are ways to accomplish this goal EXCEPT ________.
A) using phones and video conferencing instead of traveling
B) simplifying record keeping and other administrative tasks
C) developing better sales-call and routing plans
D) reducing the number of customers each sales rep must visit
E) supplying more and better customer information
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 469
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
32) Which of the following is an advantage created by the use of a sales force automation
system?
A) lower costs for training sales personnel
B) increased motivation to acquire new customers
C) decreased need for an inside sales force
D) stronger organizational climate developed by the sales team
E) more efficient scheduling of sales calls and sales presentations
Answer: E
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 470
AACSB: Use of IT
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
33) Firms that have adopted sales force automation systems most likely use all of the following
tools EXCEPT ________.
A) customer-contact and relationship management software
B) time-and-duty analysis software
C) smart phones
D) laptop computers
E) Webcams for videoconferencing
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 470
AACSB: Use of IT
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
131
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
34) The process of receiving drug marketing information through product Web sites is known as
________.
A) e-detailing
B) e-learning
C) Web conferencing
D) Web interfacing
E) automated selling
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 470
AACSB: Use of IT
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
35) Which of the following is a potential drawback of using Web-based technologies for making
sales presentations and servicing accounts?
A) Salespeople have to invest more time in preparing for this type of interaction with customers.
B) The cost of the technology outweighs any savings gained by eliminating the need for travel.
C) The systems can intimidate salespeople who are unfamiliar with the technology.
D) Customers are less likely to buy the product when a Web conference is used.
E) Customers lack the technology required to participate in a Web conference.
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 471
AACSB: Use of IT
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
36) A company that treats its salespeople as valuable contributors with unlimited income
opportunities has developed a(n) ________ that will have fewer turnovers and higher sales force
performance.
A) sales force system
B) organizational climate
C) compensation package
D) sales structure
E) workload
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 471
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
132
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
37) A sales ________ is the standard that establishes the amount each salesperson should sell and
how sales should be divided among the company's products.
A) goal
B) task
C) quota
D) incentive
E) contest
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 471
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
38) Sales ________ encourage a sales force to make a selling effort that is above and beyond the
normal expectation.
A) contests
B) quotas
C) meetings
D) reports
E) plans
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 471
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
39) A salesperson's ________ is often related to how well he or she meets a sales quota.
A) profit-sharing plan
B) compensation
C) call report
D) sales report
E) expense report
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 471
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
40) A(n) ________ is a salesperson's write-up of his or her completed sales activities.
A) call plan
B) call report
C) sales report
D) expense report
E) time-and-duty analysis
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 471
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
133
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
41) Which of the following questions would provide management with the LEAST beneficial
information regarding the performance of its sales force?
A) Is the sales force meeting its profit objectives?
B) Is the sales force working well with the marketing team?
C) Are sales force costs in line with sales force outcomes?
D) Is the sales force accomplishing its customer relationship objectives?
E) Does the sales force complete its sales reports and expense reports in a timely manner?
Answer: E
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 472
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
42) Prospecting is the step in the selling process in which the salesperson ________.
A) gathers information about a prospective customer before making a sales call
B) meets the customer for the first time
C) identifies qualified potential customers
D) tells the product's "value story" to the customer
E) clarifies and overcomes customer objections to buying
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 472
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
43) A salesperson in the prospecting stage most likely identifies potential customers through all
of the following methods EXCEPT ________.
A) referrals from competing salespeople
B) referrals from current customers
C) referrals from dealers
D) referrals from suppliers
E) cold calling
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 472
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
134
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
44) Which of the following is the LEAST relevant characteristic that a salesperson should
consider when qualifying a prospect?
A) financial ability
B) longevity in the market
C) special needs
D) location
E) volume of business
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 472
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
45) During the prospecting stage, a salesperson needs to discriminate between good leads and
poor leads, which is known as ________.
A) closing
B) referring
C) presenting
D) qualifying
E) approaching
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 472
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
46) A salesperson who researches a company's buying styles and product line is most likely in
the ________ stage of the selling process.
A) prospecting
B) preapproach
C) approach
D) presentation
E) closing
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 473
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
135
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
47) The salesperson meets the customer for the first time in the ________ step of the selling
process.
A) prospecting
B) qualifying
C) preapproach
D) approach
E) presentation
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 473
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
48) Technologies such as CDs, DVDs, handheld computers, interactive white boards, and laptop
computers enable salespeople to enhance the ________ stage of the selling process.
A) prospecting and qualifying
B) preapproach
C) presentation and demonstration
D) closing
E) follow-up
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 474
AACSB: Use of IT
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
49) Which type of sales approach is best for today's customers who expect answers, results, and
useful products?
A) hard-sell
B) customer-solution
C) razzle-dazzle
D) sales development
E) personal relationship
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 473
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
136
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
50) According to a survey of purchasers, ________ and ________ skills are the most important
qualities for a salesperson.
A) listening; problem-solving
B) presentation; listening
C) candor; problem-solving
D) concern; interpersonal
E) presentation; problem-solving
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 474
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
51) A salesperson should seek out, clarify, and overcome any customer objections during the
sales presentation in order to ________.
A) offer the buyer a discount for placing an order
B) minimize the buyer's concerns about the product
C) compliment the buyer for mentioning the objections
D) turn the objections into reasons for buying
E) turn the objections into an opportunity for humor
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 474
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
52) The step of ________ is difficult for some salespeople because they lack confidence, feel
guilty about asking for an order, or may not recognize the right time to ask for an order.
A) approaching the prospect
B) making a presentation
C) handling objections
D) closing the sale
E) following up
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 474
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
137
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
53) Salespeople should be trained to recognize ________ signals from the buyer, which can
include physical actions such as leaning forward and nodding or asking questions about prices
and credit terms.
A) qualifying
B) approach
C) objection
D) closing
E) follow-up
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 474-475
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
54) Which step in the sales process is necessary to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat
business?
A) proper approach
B) professional presentation
C) handling objections
D) qualifying prospects
E) follow-up
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 475
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
55) The sales force of CDW Corporation, as described in the opening scenario, develops strong
relationships with customers as part of the ________ stage of the selling process.
A) prospecting
B) approach
C) demonstration
D) closing
E) follow-up
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 475
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
138
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
139
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
60) Sales promotions are targeted toward all of the following EXCEPT ________.
A) retailers
B) investors
C) final buyers
D) business customers
E) members of the sales force
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 477
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
61) The rapid growth of sales promotions in consumer markets is most likely the result of all of
the following factors EXCEPT ________.
A) consumers and large retailers becoming more deal oriented
B) product managers facing pressure to increase current sales
C) competing brands attempting to differentiate from each other
D) consumers using the Internet to search for deals and save money
E) advertising efficiency on the decline because of rising costs and media clutter
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 477-478
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
62) Consumers are increasingly ignoring promotions and not making immediate purchases
because of ________.
A) advertising specialization
B) promotion clutter
C) promotional marketing
D) advertising clutter
E) promotion fatigue
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 478
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
63) Sellers use trade promotions for all of the following reasons EXCEPT to ________.
A) encourage retailers to carry more inventory
B) convince retailers to advertise the product
C) gain more shelf space for the product
D) encourage salespeople to sign up new accounts
E) persuade retailers to buy products in advance
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 478
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
140
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
64) Instead of creating only short-term sales or temporary brand switching, ________ should
reinforce a product's position and build long-term customer relationships.
A) sales promotions
B) promotion clutter
C) public relations
D) trade promotions
E) advertising
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 478
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
65) Of the main consumer promotion tools, which is the MOST effective for introducing a new
product or creating excitement for an existing one?
A) coupons
B) samples
C) cash refunds
D) price packs
E) contests
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 479
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
66) Which of the following consumer promotion tools is the MOST costly for companies?
A) samples
B) coupons
C) premiums
D) cash refunds
E) price packs
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 479
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
67) Which consumer promotion tool requires consumers to send a proof of purchase to the
manufacturer?
A) cents-off deals
B) coupons
C) samples
D) cash refunds
E) promotional products
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 480
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
141
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
68) Which of the following involves marking a reduced price directly on a product's packaging
and often results in the stimulation of short-term sales?
A) promotional products
B) patronage rewards
C) price packs
D) samples
E) rebates
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 480
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
69) ________ are goods offered either free or at low cost as an incentive to buy a product.
A) Coupons
B) Premiums
C) Price packs
D) Cash refund offers
E) Point-of-purchase promotions
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 480
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
70) A ________ has the advertiser's name on it and is given as a gift to consumers.
A) sample
B) price pack
C) cents-off deal
D) promotional product
E) corporate identity material
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 480
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
71) Which consumer promotion offers consumers the chance to win something by presenting
them with an item such as a scratch-off card or a bingo number?
A) game
B) contest
C) price pack
D) sweepstakes
E) point-of-purchase promotion
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 480
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
142
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
72) Marathons, concerts, and festivals with corporate sponsors are examples of ________.
A) point-of-purchase promotions
B) business promotions
C) trade promotions
D) event marketing
E) personal selling
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 481
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
73) Business promotion tools are used for all of the following reasons EXCEPT to ________.
A) generate business leads
B) stimulate purchases
C) reward customers
D) motivate salespeople
E) increase manufacturing
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 481
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
74) Trade shows offer manufacturers the opportunity to do all of the following EXCEPT
________.
A) establish a sales contest
B) find new sales leads
C) contact customers
D) introduce new products
E) educate customers
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 482
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
75) Which of the following questions would be the best one to help a marketer evaluate the
return on a sales promotion investment?
A) Did the promotion run too long or too short?
B) Did customers enjoy the events associated with the promotion?
C) Did customers search the promotion's Web site for additional product information?
D) Did the promotion increase purchases from current customers or attract new customers?
E) Did the distribution of the promotional information match consumer expectations and needs?
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 482
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
143
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
76) Today, most salespeople are well-educated, well-trained professionals who work to build and
maintain long-term customer relationships by listening to their customers, assessing their needs,
and organizing the company's efforts to solve customer problems.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 458
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-1
77) Personal selling is the interpersonal component of the promotion mix.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 459
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-1
78) Some corporations have no sales force, while others utilize sales agents, brokers, or
manufacturer's reps.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 459
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-1
79) Developing sales force strategy and structure is a minor element of sales force management
and is an aspect that most companies fail to spend much time considering.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 461
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
80) Of all the ways to structure a sales force, product sales force structure is most effective in
helping the company to become more customer focused and build closer relationships with
important customers.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 461
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
81) The growth of product management has contributed to the increasing adoption of customer
sales force structures.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 461
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
144
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
82) Ken Klein is a Superior Frozen Foods salesman responsible for customers in the southwest
region of Texas. Superior Frozen Foods most likely uses a territorial sales force structure.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 461
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
83) Blackstone Tools manufactures screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers, which are sold at large
hardware stores. John Garcia handles the Home Depot account, while Melinda West manages the
Lowe's account. Blackstone Tools most likely uses a product sales force structure.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 461-462
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
84) Complex sales force structures include specialization by customer and territory, by product
and territory, by product and customer, and by territory, product, and customer.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 462
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
85) Hewlett-Packard salespeople spend more time with customers now that their administrative
requirements have been decreased.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 463
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
86) The workload approach to set sales force size is outdated.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 464
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
87) Blue Star Supply Company wants its outside salespeople to spend more time with customers.
One way for Blue Star to accomplish this goal would be for the company to hire additional
technical support people and sales assistants.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 464-465
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
145
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
88) As a result of the federal government's Do Not Call Registry, telemarketing is now rarely
used.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 465
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
89) Team selling is ideal when customer problems become more complex and customers become
larger and more demanding. Sales teams have the advantage of uncovering problems that an
individual would not, and sales teams can develop new opportunities as well.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 466
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
90) A-1 Pharmaceuticals requires new salespeople to receive training through seminars, sales
meetings, and e-learning sessions before they meeting customers. The program used by A-1 is
typical for U.S. companies that rely on skilled and knowledgeable salespeople.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 467
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
91) To discourage a salesperson from ruining a customer relationship by pushing too hard to
close a deal in order to earn a commission, companies are designing compensation plans that
reward salespeople for building customer relationships and growing the long-run value of each
customer.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 469
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
92) Sales force automation systems have been developed for improving how salespeople feel
about their opportunities and value.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 470
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
146
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
93) If Johnny Page's company is like most consumer goods companies today, he can boost sales
force morale and performance through his organizational climate, sales quotas, and positive
incentives.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 471
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
94) Formal sales force evaluations require management to develop and communicate clear
standards for judging performance, and they provide salespeople with constructive feedback and
motivation to perform well.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 471
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-2
95) During the presentation step of the selling process, the salesperson tells the customer the
"value story" of the product.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 473
AACSB: Communication
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
96) Because customers almost always have objections during the presentation or closing step of
the selling process, all salespeople need special training in how to deal with customer objections.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 474
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-3
97) Sales promotion consists of long-term incentives to encourage purchases or sales of a
product or service.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 475
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
98) A product demonstration that occurs in a grocery store or a department store is an example of
a point-of-purchase promotion.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 480
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
147
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
99) Manufacturers direct more sales promotion dollars toward final consumers than toward
retailers.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 481
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
100) Manufacturers may offer an allowance in return for the retailer's agreement to feature the
manufacturer's products in some way.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 481
Skill: Concept
Objective: 16-4
101) In a short essay, describe the nature of personal selling and the role of the sales force.
Answer: Today, most salespeople are well-educated and well-trained professionals who work to
build and maintain long-term customer relationships by listening to their customers, assessing
customer needs, and organizing the company's efforts to solve customer problems. Salespeople
act as order takers, order getters, and creative sellers. Personal selling is the interpersonal arm of
the promotion mix. The sales force acts as a critical link between a company and its customers.
Salespeople represent the company to the customer and the customer to the company to produce
customer satisfaction and company profit.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 458-460
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-1
102) Discuss the differences between the three major sales force structures. What are the
potential benefits of each structure?
Answer: In the territorial sales force structure, each salesperson is assigned to an exclusive
geographic area and sells the company's full line of products or services to all customers in that
territory. This organization clearly defines each person's job, fixes accountability, and increases
the person's desire to build local business relationships that improve selling effectiveness. The
product sales force structure allows the sales force to sell along product lines; the seller becomes
very knowledgeable about products. This method can cause duplication of efforts and several
salespersons calling on the same accounts. The customer sales force structure organizes along
customer or industry lines; this can help a company to become more customer focused and build
closer relationships with important customers.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 461-462
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
148
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
103) Why are more companies using team selling? What are its pros and cons?
Answer: Team selling is useful to service large, complex accounts. Sales teams can uncover
problems, solutions, and sales opportunities that no individual salesperson could. The move to
team selling is in part a reaction to similar changes within customers' buying organizations;
selling teams now call on buying teams. Some pitfalls exist in the team approach. Selling teams
can confuse or overwhelm customers who are used to working with only one salesperson. Some
salespersons have trouble working with others. Finally, difficulties in evaluating individual
contributions to the team selling effort can create some sticky compensation issues.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 466
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
104) How do successful companies recruit and train their salespeople? What are the objectives of
most sales force training programs?
Answer: During the recruitment step, a company should assess the sales job itself and the
characteristics of its most successful salespeople to determine the traits needed by a successful
salesperson in that industry. Some companies give sales applicants formal tests, while others
only interview applicants. Following selection, orientation and training must be conducted based
upon the knowledge and skill levels of the recruits. Most companies train their new salespeople
through seminars, sales meetings, and e-learning sessions. Training programs should teach
salespeople about customers, about selling effectively, and about the company's products.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 466-468
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
105) Describe some of the methods used to supervise salespeople and help them work more
efficiently.
Answer: Through supervision, or helping salespeople "work smart," management can help
salespeople do the right things in the right way. This includes helping salespeople identify target
customers and manage their time. A weekly, monthly, or annual call plan is used in many
companies to show salespeople which customers and potential customers to call on within a
given time period. And because companies are always looking for ways to make their employees
more efficient, they often use a time-and-duty-analysis to identify how salespeople spend their
time and how they can spend more time actively selling. To increase efficiency, many companies
use sales force automation systemsincluding laptops, smart phones, videoconferencing, and
relationship management softwareso that their sales force can work anywhere, anytime.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 469-470
AACSB: Use of IT
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
149
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
106) In a brief essay, explain methods of evaluating the performance of a sales force. Why is it
important for a sales force to be evaluated?
Answer: To evaluate its sales force, management needs to get regular information about the
performance of its salespeople. Sales reports, including weekly or monthly work plans and
longer-term marketing plans, are the most important source. Management also uses salespeople's
expense reports and call reports to gauge sales call volume and success rates. In addition,
management can use sales and profit performance data in each salesperson's territory, along with
personal observation and customer surveys, to identify strengths and weaknesses in the sales
force. Taking information gathered from these sources into consideration, management should
provide salespeople with constructive feedback aimed at helping each salesperson succeed.
Evaluating a sales force is important because that is how a company can measure its return on
sales investment.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 471-472
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
107) Provide the seven steps in the selling process. What would be the two most difficult steps
for most salespeople and why?
Answer: Prospecting and qualifying begin the process, followed by the preapproach. Next, the
salesperson makes an approach to make a presentation or demonstration. Handling objections
follows, leading into closing the sale. Each sale requires a follow up to make it complete. For
most salespeople, especially new ones, the prospecting and closing steps are the most difficult
and require much skill. For a salesperson unfamiliar with how to identify good leads with bad
ones, prospecting can be difficult. Closing can be difficult because salespeople may lack the
confidence to ask for an order, or they may not recognize the appropriate moment to close a sale.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 472-475
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-3
108) What is the follow-up step of the selling process?Why is it important?
Answer: The follow-up step is important if the salesperson wants to ensure customer satisfaction
and repeat business. Right after closing, the salesperson should complete any details on delivery
time, purchase terms, and other matters. The salesperson then should schedule a follow-up call
when the initial order is received, to make sure there is proper installation, instruction, and
servicing. This visit would reveal any problems, assure the buyer of the salesperson's interest,
and reduce any buyer concerns that might have arisen since the sale.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 475
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-3
150
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
109) What is the relationship between the personal selling process and the management of
customer relationships?
Answer: The selling process should be understood in the context of building and maintaining
profitable customer relationships, as companies are interested in more than simply securing a
one-time sale. Instead, they are interested in winning and keeping major customers, creating
ongoing, mutually beneficial relationships. Because they have significant contact with
customers, salespeople play an important role in building and managing profitable customer
relationships. Salespeople need to think of the first sale as the beginning of a relationship that
will involve listening to customers, understanding their needs, and helping to coordinate the
company's efforts to create customer value.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 475
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-4
110) In a short essay, explain how sales promotion campaigns are developed and implemented.
Answer: Sales promotion campaigns first call for setting sales promotions objectives and
selecting consumer, trade, business, and/or sales force promotion tools to achieve those
objectives. Other necessary decisions include the size of the incentive, the conditions for
participation, how to promote and distribute the promotion package, and the length of the
promotion. After the campaign has been implemented, the company evaluates the results.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 482
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-4
111) Happy Pet is a large petfood company that sells its petfood to retail pet supply stores as well
as wholesalers. The sales force at Happy Pet is LEAST likely to do which of the following?
A) work directly with final customers
B) build relationships with wholesalers
C) help retailers effectively sell the company's products
D) communicate regularly with business customers
E) represent wholesalers and retailers to the company
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 459
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-1
151
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
112) At Finley's Fine Goods, members of the sales force and marketing department tend to have
disagreements when things go wrong with a customer. The marketers blame the salespeople for
poorly executing their strategies, while the salespeople blame the marketers for being out of
touch with the customer. Which of the following steps should upper-level management at
Finley's Fine Goods take to help bring the sales and marketing functions closer together?
A) establish a customer sales force structure
B) establish a complex sales force structure
C) appoint a new sales force manager
D) adopt a sales force automation system
E) appoint a chief revenue officer
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 460-461
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-1
113) Ultra-Tech, Inc. has decided to switch to a customer sales force structure. Which of the
following advantages is the company now LEAST likely to enjoy?
A) The company can become more customer-focused.
B) The company can better serve different industries.
C) The company can build closer relationships with important customers.
D) The company can better serve current customers and find new customers.
E) The company can expect salespeople to develop in-depth knowledge of numerous and
complex product lines.
Answer: E
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 462
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
114) Johnson Business Solutions, Inc., maintains one sales force for its copy machines and a
separate sales force for its computer systems. Johnson Business Solutions utilizes a ________
structure.
A) product sales force
B) customer sales force
C) territorial sales force
D) a combination of B and C
E) complex sales force
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 461
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
152
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
115) Morrill Motors splits the United States into 10 sales regions. Within each of those regions,
the company maintains two sales teamsone for existing customers and one for prospects. What
type of sales force structure does Morrill Motors use?
A) territorial
B) product
C) customer
D) complex
E) workload
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 462
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
116) J &M Manufacturing has 2,000 Type-A accounts, each requiring 35 calls per year, and
1,000 Type-B accounts, each requiring 15 calls per year. What is the sales force's workload?
A) 15,000 calls
B) 35,000 calls
C) 70,000 calls
D) 85,000 calls
E) 95,000 calls
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 464
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
117) Stahl, Inc., has 1,000 Type-A accounts, each requiring 28 calls per year, and 2,200 Type-B
accounts, each requiring 15 calls per year. If each salesperson at Stahl, Inc., can make 1,500 sales
calls per year, approximately how many salespeople will be needed?
A) 31
B) 35
C) 41
D) 45
E) 48
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 464
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
153
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
118) East Bay Communications has increased its inside sales force. This will help East Bay in all
EXCEPT which one of the following ways?
A) East Bay salespeople will have more time to sell to major accounts.
B) East Bay salespeople will have more time to find major new prospects.
C) East Bay salespeople will have more time to provide after-the-sale customer service.
D) East Bay customers will have questions answered in a timely manner.
E) East Bay customers will have full access to sales automation technology.
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 464-465
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
119) You are applying for a position with the inside sales force at Carson Medical Sales. If you
earn the job, you will most likely be expected to perform all of the following tasks EXCEPT
________.
A) confirm appointments for outside salespeople
B) use the Internet to qualify prospects
C) use the telephone to find new leads
D) follow up on product deliveries
E) travel to visit customers
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 464-465
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
120) The sales force at Messimer Computing recently began telemarketing and Web selling. How
will telemarketing and Web selling most likely benefit Messimer Computing?
A) The inside sales force of Messimer will receive better compensation than the outside sales
force.
B) Messimer sales reps will need to spend less face-to-face time with large, high-value
customers.
C) Messimer sales reps will be able to service hard-to-reach customers more effectively.
D) Messimer sales reps will be able to work from home offices more regularly.
E) The outside sales force of Messimer will be freed up to work more with the marketing
department.
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 465
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
154
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
121) An IBM sales representative is giving a product demonstration to a Best Buy representative.
Assisting with the demonstration are an engineer, a financial analyst, and an information systems
specialist. If IBM wins the Best Buy account, then all four IBM representatives will service the
Best Buy account. This is an example of ________.
A) team selling
B) territorial selling
C) inside selling
D) prospecting
E) sales promoting
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 466
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
122) Sales have been slow recently at B & B Materials, so management has organized a training
program to improve the performance of its sales force. Which of the following would most likely
lead to improved sales for B & B Materials?
A) tests to measure the analytic and organizational skills of the sales force
B) information about the marketing strategies used by competitors
C) tests to identify the personality traits of sales force members
D) a time-and-duty analysis for each salesperson
E) instructions on completing expense reports
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 467
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
123) The CEO of Comfy Carpet, Rick Hadley, was skeptical about Web-based training until his
sales manager explained that online training is ________.
A) time consuming and difficult to use
B) used by all small companies
C) dynamic and interactive
D) cost competitive and efficient
E) useful to customers
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 467
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
155
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
124) At Deck Decor, a manufacturer of outdoor furniture and accessories, the marketing and
sales force objectives are to grow relationships with existing customers and to acquire new
business. Which of the following compensation plans should management establish to encourage
the sales force to pursue both of these objectives?
A) straight salary
B) straight commission
C) salary plus bonus for new accounts
D) commission plus bonus for new accounts
E) salary plus commission plus bonus for new accounts
Answer: E
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 468-469
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
125) Mary Conti is sales manager for National Computer Training. She wants to evaluate the
performance of her sales force that is responsible for the New England territory. Mary will most
likely review all of the following in her evaluation EXCEPT ________.
A) call plans
B) sales reports
C) call reports
D) expense reports
E) territorial sales and profit reports
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 471
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
126) The sales force of Conway Pools has qualified a number of leads. Which of the following
will most likely occur next?
A) The outside sales force will call on all prospects.
B) The outside sales force will close the deal with one of the prospects.
C) The outside sales force will learn as much as possible about the prospects.
D) The inside sales force will attend meetings with qualified prospects.
E) The inside sales force will put together a presentation for the prospects.
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 473
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-3
156
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
127) Marlene Arau is a member of the sales force at Urban Fashions, a clothing manufacturer.
Marlene is preparing for a first meeting with a wholesaler who is a potential customer. Marlene
is learning as much as she can about the wholesaler's organization. Marlene is in the ________
step of the personal selling process.
A) prospecting
B) qualifying
C) preapproach
D) approach
E) handling objections
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 473
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-3
128) An insert in a Land's End catalog offers free shipping on your next purchase. This is an
example of a ________.
A) sales promotion
B) POP promotion
C) trade promotion
D) price pack
E) premium
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 475 and 477
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-4
129) Monty Boyd travels frequently on West Coast Airlines for his job as an account manager.
Monty earns points for every mile he flies, and he will soon have enough points to receive a free
airline ticket. West Coast Airlines is building a customer relationship with Monty using which of
the following?
A) publicity
B) POP reward
C) premium reward
D) sweepstakes program
E) frequency marketing program
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 478
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-4
157
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
130) Toro ran a clever preseason promotion on some of its snow blower models, offering some
money back if the snowfall in the buyer's market area turned out to be below average. This is an
example of a(n) ________.
A) advertising specialty
B) premium pack
C) sweepstakes
D) price pack
E) rebate
Answer: E
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 480
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-4
131) An example of a(n) ________ is a five-foot-high cardboard display of Tony the Tiger next
to Frosted Flakes cereal boxes.
A) sample
B) POP promotion
C) POP pack
D) advertising promotion
E) premium
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 480
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-4
132) Kirk Wilkins renewed his cell phone contract with Zip Wireless and purchased a new cell
phone through the Zip Web site. If Kirk mails Zip his phone receipt, proof of purchase, and a
completed form, he will receive $50 in the mail. What type of sales promotion is being used by
Zip?
A) point of purchase
B) advertising specialty
C) premium
D) price pack
E) rebate
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 480
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-4
158
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
159
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
135) Which of the following promotions would be most appropriate for Reliable Tool to use in
its attempt to promote its products and generate new business leads?
A) rebates
B) premiums
C) specialty advertising items
D) point-of purchase promotions
E) conventions and trade shows
Answer: E
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 482
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-4
136) What type of company would be likely to use the territorial sales force structure?
Answer: A company with only one product line to one industry with customers in many
locations would most likely use a territorial sales force structure.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 461
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
137) What type of company would be likely to use a product sales force structure?
Answer: A product sales force structure will most likely be used by companies that carry
extensive product lines with the need to separate customers according to the products they buy.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 461-462
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
138) Explain how the workload approach helps companies set sales force size.
Answer: Using this approach, the company first groups accounts into different classes according
to size, account status, or other factors related to the amount of effort required to maintain them.
The company can then determine the number of salespeople needed to call on each class of
accounts the desired number of times.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 464
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
139) Why might a company need to hire both an inside and an outside sales force?
Answer: Larger accounts may require special nurturing and face-to-face interaction, so an
outside sales force can call on those customers. Smaller accounts and harder-to-reach customers
may be able to be taken care of by an inside sales force.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 464-465
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
160
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
140) Why do many companies invest in ongoing training for their salespeople?
Answer: Though training is expensive, it can be very effective in helping salespeople learn
about the needs and motives of their customers, techniques for effectively selling, the company's
objectives, and the strategies of major competitors. With this training, salespeople are able to
better do their jobs, resulting in more revenue for the company.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 468
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
141) Compare the four types of compensation plans available to salespeople.
Answer: A straight salary is a fixed amount that is not dependent on sales performance, while a
straight commission is entirely based on sales performance. The two other types, salary plus
bonus and salary plus commission, make a portion of the compensation fixed and a portion based
on sales performance.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 468-469
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
142) Why do sales supervisors provide their salespeople with annual call plans?
Answer: The annual call plan shows which customers and prospects to call on in which months
and which activities to carry out, giving supervisors more control over the activities of their
salespeople.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 469
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
143) What does a time-and-duty analysis reveal?
Answer: This tool, which can be used to help sales management determine how to increase
selling time, indicates a salesperson's time spent selling, traveling, waiting, eating, taking breaks,
and doing administrative chores.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 469
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
144) Why have firms adopted sales force automation systems?
Answer: Many firms have adopted sales force automation systems to help their salespeople
better manage their time, improve customer service, lower sales costs, and increase sales
performance.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 470
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
161
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
145) Why is a firm's organizational climate an important part of building a successful sales staff?
Answer: How salespeople feel about their opportunities, value, and rewards for a good
performance affects how well salespeople will perform; when salespeople are treated as special
contributors and have great opportunities for income and promotion, their sales performance is
higher.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 471
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-2
146) Why does a firm's number of prospects always equal or exceed its number of qualified
customers?
Answer: Prospecting identifies the total number of potential customers in an area; qualifying
breaks that number of prospects down into the actual group that it is worthwhile for the
salesperson to target.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 472
AACSB: Analytic Skills
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-3
147) Why does a salesperson set call objectives?
Answer: Call objectives might include qualifying the prospect, gathering more or better
information, and/or making an immediate sale. With a call objective, a salesperson can be more
focused on how to prepare for the sale.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 473
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-3
148) In what situation would a demonstration be especially critical during a salesperson's
presentation?
Answer: A demonstration may be important if the product's use or value can be better
understood with a visual demonstration. For example, if comparing Brand A brass cleaner with
another leading brand, a demonstration of how much more quickly Brand A works may be more
convincing for the prospective buyer.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 474
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-3
149) How does mobile couponing benefit both consumers and marketers?
Answer: Consumers don't have to find and clip coupons . Mobile coupons allow marketers to
carefully target customers and eliminate the costs associated with printing and distributing paper
coupons.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 479-480
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-4
162
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
150) What type of sales promotion would benefit a political candidate the most?
Answer: A political candidate would likely benefit most from using specialty advertising items
such as pencils or pens with the candidate's name or T-shirts with the candidate's name and/or
photograph.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 480
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Skill: Application
Objective: 16-4
163
Copyright 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall