Which of the following is a difference between solicited and unsolicited sales messages?

Q Distinguish between solicited sales letter and unsolicited sales
letters.
Ans: Solicited Sales Letters:
Solicited sales letter is reply to sales related inquiry (trade inquiry). Such letters deal with the
questions about catalogue, prices, terms, discount, deliveries, manufacturing methods, types of
accounts, available sources of supply and similar information.
Solicited sales letters are also called invited sales messages. The inquirer is often already
customer or a potential buyer, who may become a steady satisfied customer if the reply is sent
with favorable impression. Following are the principles of writing impressing solicited sales
letter.
1. Answer Promptly, because a prompt answer is more effective and it also gives an
impression of attentiveness in other matters.
2. Respond completely, because omissions of certain facts limit the value of the answer and
handicap the reader in decision making.
3. Give additional information relating to the inquiry, because some inquiries may not be clear
and complete.
4. Reply courteously, because it creates favorable impression even if just a little information is
given.
5. Follow-up the reply when desired response does not result within a reasonable time, give
some more information or ask if any further information can be given.
Unsolicited Sales Letters:
Unsolicited sales letters are not direct answers to inquiries, but they are initiated by the seller for
various reason. These letters are also known as “Prospective” and “Cold Turkey” letters.
According to Murphy and Peck the success in unsolicited sales letters will depend upon three
factor; the mailing list, the right appeals, and the presentation. The first two of these factors are
prewriting steps and the last one relates to writing the sales letter.
Prewriting Steps:
The prewriting steps are the six planning steps-about purpose, reader, ideas to include, fact
gathering, organization and revision. While planning an unsolicited sales letter these steps are
taken in the following sequence.
1. Gathering facts about the product.
2. Knowing the reader and obtaining the mailing list.
3. Deciding on purpose.
4. Choosing ideas and the main appeal.
5. Planning the presentation.
6. Making revisions.
Writing unsolicited Sales Letter:
The basic structure for unsolicited sales letter usually has four parts, commonly known as the
AIDA formula for sales presentation.
A – Attracting the readers’ favourable attention.
I – Arousing the reader’s interest.
D – Creating desire and convincing the reader.
A – Making clear the action the reader needs to take.

Solicited vs Unsolicited Proposals

Solicited and unsolicited proposals are oftentimes called business proposals and are both considered as an important part of any sales process. Proposals as usually tossed around the business universe and most buyers and sellers have come across a proposal or two. But what is the difference between unsolicited and a solicited proposal?

Solicited Proposal

A solicited proposal is usually a response to a published requirement, most of the time this is done in writing. Usually, requirements are contained in RFP/Request for Proposal, IFB/Request for Bid or in an RFQ/Request for Quote. RFP’s are normally issued by customers and this shows a detailed requirement of what customers want. They are normally issued during those times wherein the customer’s needs are no longer met.

Unsolicited Proposal

On the other hand, an unsolicited proposal, as what its name imply, is not a response to any buyer’s need. Most of the times, this type of proposal is being used to advertise a new product. They come in brochures or leaflets. Usually, these proposals have indirect connection to what customers need; thus, as said above, the proposal is just used to introduce the product.

Difference between Unsolicited and Solicited Proposals

The difference between these two proposals can be identified through their names. Solicited proposals are presented as an answer to a need. Unsolicited proposals are used to initiate the sales process, they usually show the customers why they would need this product. Solicited proposals are often welcomed; however due to the increasing number of unsolicited proposals today, customers don’t pay attention to them. Solicited proposals are presented because they are wanted by the customer; but an unsolicited proposal is like telling the person how you can help even if they do not require you to help.

Solicited proposals are submitted because they are needed, on the other hand, unsolicited proposals are submitted even if they are not needed, it is the proposal that usually tells the person that they should need the product they are proposing.

In brief:

• Solicited proposal is a response to a need; unsolicited proposal are used to advertise a new product, it usually show why customers would need the product that is being advertised.

• Solicited proposals have requirements to meet; unsolicited proposals are general and has indirect connection to customer needs.