"Monday I could wait till Tuesday if I make up my mind, Wednesday would be fine, Thursday's on my mind, Friday'd give me time..." - Sting, "Seven Days"
We got a lot of hang ups I guess hats how we know...
"The Best and Worst Days to Sell Payments Solutions"
Timing is everything in sales, especially when it comes to selling payment solutions. Understanding the best and worst days to approach prospects can significantly impact your success rate. This field guide provides insights into optimal sales timing across various industries, ensuring you maximize your efforts and close more deals.
General Trends Across Industries
Software (MCC 5734)
- Best Days to Sell : Tuesday and Thursday
- Why : Decision-makers are more focused and available after the start-of-the-week rush and before end-of-the-week distractions.
- Worst Day to Call : Friday
- Why : Prospects are preparing for the weekend, making them less likely to engage in significant decision-making.
- Email Response Days : Monday and Wednesday
- Why : Emails sent early in the week catch recipients fresh and ready to tackle new tasks.
Biotech (MCC 2836)
- Best Days to Sell : Wednesday
- Why : Midweek allows for follow-ups from earlier conversations and planning for the rest of the week.
- Worst Day to Call : Friday
- Why : Fridays are less productive as professionals wind down for the week.
- Email Response Days : Tuesday and Thursday
- Why : These days provide a balance between early week overload and end-of-week fatigue.
Finance (MCC 6012)
- Best Days to Sell : Tuesday and Wednesday
- Why : Financial professionals are typically more engaged and have settled into their week.
- Worst Day to Call : Friday
- Why : Fridays are often used for catching up on work and preparing for the next week, reducing the likelihood of engaging in new deals.
- Email Response Days : Monday morning and Thursday afternoon
- Why : Mondays allow for early-week planning, while Thursdays are good for wrapping up tasks before the weekend.
Healthcare (MCC 8011)
- Best Days to Sell : Monday and Wednesday
- Why : Healthcare professionals tend to schedule meetings and make decisions early in the week.
- Worst Day to Call : Friday
- Why : Patient appointments and administrative work take precedence on Fridays.
- Email Response Days : Tuesday and Thursday
- Why : Optimal days for administrative tasks and responses.
Real Estate (MCC 6513)
- Best Days to Sell : Wednesday and Thursday
- Why : Midweek is effective for following up on weekend showings and preparing for upcoming ones.
- Worst Day to Call : Friday
- Why : Focus shifts to weekend plans and showings, leaving less time for new negotiations.
- Email Response Days : Monday and Wednesday
- Why : Early week planning and midweek follow-ups are key in real estate.
E-commerce (MCC 5969)
- Best Days to Sell : Tuesday and Thursday
- Why : Decision-makers are available and focused, making these days optimal for closing deals.
- Worst Day to Call : Friday
- Why : End-of-week fatigue and preparation for the weekend reduce engagement.
- Email Response Days : Monday and Wednesday
- Why : Early week organization and midweek productivity peaks.
Manufacturing (MCC 3699)
- Best Days to Sell : Wednesday and Thursday
- Why : Midweek provides a balance between production schedules and administrative tasks.
- Worst Day to Call : Friday
- Why : Focus on production deadlines and weekend preparations.
- Email Response Days : Tuesday and Thursday
- Why : Optimal for administrative and planning activities.
Telecommunications (MCC 4812)
- Best Days to Sell : Tuesday and Wednesday
- Why : Technical staff and decision-makers are most responsive midweek.
- Worst Day to Call : Friday
- Why : Reduced availability as teams wrap up the week.
- Email Response Days : Wednesday and Thursday
- Why : Midweek efficiency for addressing queries and planning.
Education (MCC 8299)
- Best Days to Sell : Tuesday and Wednesday
- Why : Educational administrators are most active in planning midweek.
- Worst Day to Call : Friday
- Why : Focus on wrapping up the week and planning for the following week.
- Email Response Days : Monday and Thursday
- Why : Early week for setting agendas and late week for follow-ups.
Retail (MCC 5311)
- Best Days to Sell : Wednesday and Thursday
- Why : Midweek is productive for inventory and planning, making decision-makers more available.
- Worst Day to Call : Friday
- Why : Preparation for the weekend rush reduces time for new engagements.
- Email Response Days : Tuesday and Thursday
- Why : Ideal for coordinating with suppliers and planning promotions.
Special Section: E-Pharmacy and E-Commerce
E-Pharmacy (MCC 5912)
Best Days to Sell :
- Tuesday and Thursday
- Why : Midweek days are optimal for e-pharmacies because healthcare professionals and patients are more likely to have settled into their weekly routines and are looking to refill prescriptions or purchase health products after initial consultations early in the week.
Worst Day to Call :
- Friday
- Why : Patients and healthcare providers often focus on wrapping up the week and may be less inclined to engage in purchasing activities. Additionally, healthcare providers are less available for consultations, which reduces the likelihood of new prescription orders.
Email Response Days :
- Monday and Wednesday
- Why : Mondays are effective as patients plan their week and address healthcare needs. Wednesdays serve as a follow-up day when reminders about refills and health check-ins are timely.
E-Commerce (MCC 5969)
Best Days to Sell :
- Tuesday and Thursday
- Why : E-commerce platforms see higher engagement midweek when consumers are actively looking for deals and have more time to compare products and make purchasing decisions. These days also align well with promotional strategies and email campaigns, which often start early in the week.
Worst Day to Call :
- Friday
- Why : Consumers are generally less responsive as they prepare for the weekend, focusing on leisure activities rather than making purchasing decisions.
Email Response Days :
- Monday and Wednesday
- Why : Email open rates and click-through rates are higher at the beginning and middle of the week. Consumers are more likely to check and respond to emails as part of their regular routine.
MSD Knows…
Both e-pharmacy and e-commerce sectors benefit from focusing sales efforts and email campaigns on Tuesdays and Thursdays, leveraging consumer engagement patterns. Fridays are consistently less effective across these industries for initiating sales calls due to reduced consumer responsiveness as the week winds down. Call your rep for scripts.
It's Saturday? Well go call your Momma, or your Nanna or your Grandpa. (wait new blog idea!!!!)
Sources:
- HubSpot's report on the best days to close deals based on sales data
- Infinity's analysis of sales close rates by industry.
Understanding these patterns and strategically timing your outreach can significantly improve your sales effectiveness and customer engagement. Use this field guide to optimize your approach and ensure you are making the most out of every opportunity.