Why Some Sales Take Days and Others Take Months!

Is waiting six months to close a deal too long? The answer depends entirely on what you are selling and who you are selling it to.1. Simple Sales (Short Cycle) * The Product: Cheap, easy to understand, and low risk. * The Buyer: Usually just one person. * The Verdict: These should close fast. If a simple sale takes six months, something is wrong with your process.2. Complex Sales (Long Cycle) * The Product: Expensive, high-risk, and complicated (like software systems or corporate consulting). * The Buyer: A "committee" of many people (legal, IT, finance). * The Verdict: A six-month wait might be normal. These deals take time because the company has to manage internal politics and reduce the risk of making a mistake.The Bottom LineIf you’re frustrated by how long a deal is taking, first check the "stakes." If it’s a high-priced corporate deal, be patient. If it’s a small, basic product, it might be time to diagnose your sales process and find out where you're losing people.