CV salesmen have to build long term relationships with customers
WHEN Ford began its Ford CV Apprentice scheme at the beginning of the year, some dealers were sceptical of its likely outcome.
But already one apprentice has sold 80 vans – with three months left to the end of the year. And the programme will continue in 2014.
The CV Apprentice scheme was identified when Ford realised its experienced van dealer sales staff were nearer drawing their pension than drawing in new customers to its expanding range of vans.
“We realised we had a problem when we identified that most of our experienced CV staff were closer to retirement than recruitment,” commented Ford sales director, Andy Barratt.
“So it was important that we enabled apprentices to learn from the old hands about how to advise customers on the right vans for their needs.
“You’ve got to be an expert when you’re selling CVs. Because if you get it wrong with the customer you’re toast.”
The scheme took in 50 apprentices in 2013 and will do the same again in 2014. Dealers were free to take on apprentices or not.
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