The Challenges of Sales Managers for Packaging Resellers in 2024

Sadly, many Sales Managers for packaging resellers aren’t trained or have any knowledge of training, managing, and motivating their salespeople. All too often, the “Sales Manager” got appointed to that position because he/she was a highly successful salesperson and got tired of the hustle and grind, so instead of losing that person, the company made them a manager and hoped they could lead…which never ends well.

Here are some challenges that Sales Managers for Packaging Resellers are having in 2024:

• Changing Market Conditions
• Cut-Throat Competition
• Uninformed or Uneducated “Buyers”
• Limited Resources
• Lack of Industry Training and Knowledge
• High Rep Turnover

The packaging industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, materials, and trends emerging rapidly. Sales Managers may struggle to keep up with these changes and provide their Sales Reps with the most up-to-date information and training. Further, the industry is highly competitive with many companies vying for the same account or customer.

Historically Sales Managers in the packaging industry are poorly trained at managing themselves and thus don’t appreciate the need or importance of training for their reps. This is short-sighted and often leads to backstabbing and otherwise juvenile behavior by what are supposed to be professionals.

So what’s the answer? Sales management training…not just in the art and skill of watching over salespeople but proper packaging knowledge and information. Help them to become so knowledgeable they become a trusted resource for their staff to lean on and help the Reps themselves break through barriers and close more sales.

The best packaging companies adhere to this model. Unfortunately, there are very, very few of them.

"Global Packaging Revolution" newsletter, your go-to resource for packaging resellers and their managers, created by David Marinac. Subscribe now and stay ahead in the packaging industry!

Follow David on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZCSzpbhLgKx1FY5acCuasw?sub_confirmation=1