U.s. Great Depression Companies That Survived: What Were Sales Techniques That Were Used To Save These Companies?

[Parke]

Sales methodology had to change during this depression. I am interested in companies with employees who work in an outside sales. I want to know what are the incentives that companies offered their sales people to encourage sales. I want to know what types of marketing was used - radio, print, outdoor signage? I want to know if these companies that survived offered their products at a greatly reduced price cutting into their profit. Sales methodology and marketing had to adapt to this economic downturn and I want to know details. Thank you.

[Coed]

I've read a lot about the Depression, and haven't(as far as I recall) seen that question addressed as you pose it. My guess is that a far fewer proportion of purchases at that time were discretionary; most people spent their money on essentials, and under those circumstances the only sales technique that's likely to work is price-cutting. The rise in importance of sales and advertising really started in the late 1950s in the USA, when people had money to spare and the expectation of a growing economy.   All the techniques you mention were used at the time, but I don't believe there have been any studies on whether how they were used had a bearing on company survival. But it is a very interesting question, nonetheless - I wonder whether anyone else will know.

[Trevyn]

It's a very interesting question, but I'm not sure how relevant sales techniques were(other than price-cutting) ... I've read a lot about the Depression, and haven't(as far as I recall) seen that question addressed as you pose it. My guess is that a far fewer proportion of purchases at that time were discretionary; most people spent their money on essentials, and under those circumstances the only sales technique that's likely to work is price-cutting. The rise in importance of sales and advertising really started in the late 1950s in the USA, when people had money to spare and the expectation of a growing economy.   All the techniques you mention were used at the time, but I don't believe there have been any studies on whether how they were used had a bearing on company survival. But it is a very interesting question, nonetheless - I wonder whether anyone else will know. EnglishLady 78 months ago Please sign in to give a compliment. Please verify your account to give a compliment. Please sign in to send a message. Please verify your account to send a message.