Business travel: field-tested
The sales department plays an important role in any company. Salespeople perform a number of functions. They are in charge of prospecting, which means bringing new customers to the company.
Not only do they bring in new customers, but their biggest challenge is to retain them. So they do everything they can to keep new and old customers with the company. To achieve this, they have a number of tools and new ideas at their disposal. They provide customers with the information they need about the company.
In short, sales people are in constant contact with customers, listening to their needs. As a result, a company's sales force is the one that travels the most.
Business trips to find new customers
Although today's salespeople have the tools they need to get in touch with customers without having to travel, it's still important to organize physical face-to-face meetings.
A salesperson is someone who feels at ease in all circumstances. He or she can adapt to different people and different situations. This is one of the most sought-after qualities in a salesperson. And let's not forget that, in addition to his or her native language, he or she must also speak other languages to communicate more easily with other contacts.
As a result, salespeople are constantly on the move. By going to see the customer on site, the sales rep already establishes a relationship of trust. The customer gets to know him physically, and feels a little closer to him. Similarly, during his travels, he takes part in meetings, dinners and seminars, thereby expanding his address book and making contacts for future collaborations.
What does French legislation say about business travel?
Sales is one of those professions that requires constant travel. In fact, at the time of recruitment, the employer is not obliged to indicate in the employment contract that the employee will have to travel frequently. And the employee cannot refuse to travel on the pretext that this is not indicated in the contract. In addition, sales staff can ask their employer to specify the scope of their travel, and request that accommodation and meals be paid for beyond this perimeter.
As far as travel is concerned, if the sales rep owns a vehicle, the employer is under no obligation to oblige him/her to use it for business travel. Generally speaking, however, the employer chooses the means of transport.
Finally, when it comes to tickets, employers can either buy them themselves, or entrust the responsibility to their employees. The most economical solution is for the employer to take charge. In general, companies work with travel agencies that can offer discounts or preferential rates.
It's even better to be accompanied by business travel professionals
For business travel, it makes sense for companies to work with an agency. CTA Business Travel supports companies at preferential rates.
On the one hand, CTA Business Travel understands your company's needs, and dedicates a dedicated contact person to take care of all your business travel needs. This is an advantage, because by understanding your company's profile, we'll be able to offer you the best pricing solutions, and thus save you money. Since sales representatives travel frequently, the costs associated with this travel are considerable. Benefiting from preferential rates is a breath of fresh air for companies employing sales staff.
In addition, your employees benefit from the support of CTA Business Travel. Prior to departure, the agency offers your sales staff functionalities to help them better manage their trips. Before the trip, CTA Business Travel provides them with practical information such as hotel location maps and aircraft cabin plans. Even on the move, travelers can benefit from assistance every day, even on Sundays, if they wish to cancel a reservation or modify their trip, to name but a few examples. Once back home, the travel agency is always ready to listen to its customers.
In addition, for other services such as obtaining a visa or insurance, CTA Business Travel comes in handy. The sales representative doesn't have to cancel or reschedule appointments to go to an embassy to obtain a visa. He simply gathers the necessary documents and hands them over to the agent, who takes care of the rest. Employers also benefit from preferential insurance rates. Depending on each company's capabilities, three types of policy are available: Pro A, Pro AB and Pro Multi. This insurance covers cancellations or postponements of appointments, loss of luggage, assistance in the event of repatriation...
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