Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
September 28, 2018
I am in Chicago for the start of the CRU North American Steel Conference on Monday. I am looking forward to attending my first CRU hosted conference. Tim Triplett and I will let you know what we learned during the conference in Tuesday’s and Thursday’s issues of Steel Market Update.
I got a note from Steve Painter, one of our Steel 101 instructors and a gentleman with plenty of steel sales experience. In the note, Steve referenced a conversation he had with a service center executive regarding the number of contacts it takes to get a customer to buy. For that matter, from my perspective, the information below could be applicable to the number of times it takes to get the PA on the phone, in this day of voice mail and internet.
- 80% of all sales are made after the 5th call
- 48% of all salespeople call once and quit
- 25% of all salespeople call twice and quit
- 10% keep on calling!
- This 10% makes 80% of the sales
We continue to have seats available for the next Steel 101: Introduction to Steel Making & Market Fundamentals workshop, which will be held in Toledo, Ohio, on Dec. 11 & 12. This is a good opportunity to give that special employee(s) an early holiday bonus, in the form of a paid registration to our acclaimed workshop. We are about 60-70 percent sold, so please inquire with any questions you might have. You can find information at www.SteelMarketUpdate.com/Events/Steel101 or you can reach out to us at 706-216-2140.
As always, your business is truly appreciated by all of us at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, President & CEO

John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Is this just a severe case of the summer doldrums? Will demand improve in the fall, as it often does? Or has uncertainty around tariffs and the economy created a more lasting impact?

Trump says Canada deal might not happen: Report
President Trump said a negotiated deal with Canada might not occur, and all existing tariffs, along with those set to take effect soon, will stay in place, according to media reports.

Final Thoughts
Is there any clarity to be hoped for on the tariff front?

Final Thoughts
A tariff on Brazilian pig iron could cause great upheaval in the market.

Final Thoughts
What to look out for regarding ferrous scrap ahead of Steel Summit.