In 2020, Veera Kolppanen, 26, who works at our Lielahti dealership in Tampere, was honoured as Veho’s most brilliant salesperson at meeting customers. What is her secret to meeting customers, often leading to a sale?
In 2020, you sold 124 cars, over a hundred of which were brand new. How did you get to such a number?
Hard to say. I love work that combines meeting customers and selling. If the brand that I’m selling is in order (which it definitely is when it comes to Mercedes) and I myself can trust in the product, I find it quite easy to sell. Today, car sales is more and more about customer service: first, I must listen to the customer and win their trust, and if I succeed at that, they will often buy the product from me. It is also important to determine the right price range for each customer from the beginning: I find it unnecessary to try to sell features that the customer eventually doesn’t need in their car. Sales has been in my blood ever since I was a kid.
Tell us more. When exactly did you start working in sales?
My mother was an entrepreneur, and I have been tagging along with her to fairs and exhibitions since I was 7. At 13, I was hired as a jewellery salesperson, and at 18, I moved into the restaurant business. I suppose you could say that my diverse experience in sales, in various fields and with different customers, is a tremendous advantage in my current job. I have also always loved cars and been a curious case in the sense that there have always been two sides to me ever since I was a little girl: the daredevil who plays ice hockey and changes car tyres, and the sensitive one who loves makeup and high heels.
So you’ve been dealing with cars ever since you were a little girl?
Yes, and nowadays I go along with my motor sports enthusiast father to races, in the role of so-called team chief. Cars are our shared passion and, thanks to my father’s hobby, I get to observe the field at close quarters. Perhaps one day I will race, myself.
What in particular fascinates you about cars?
For many, a car may just be a vehicle to get from A to B, but I get a kick out of how many different kinds of vehicles there are to make that happen! I am particularly fascinated by the technical features of cars and the rapid pace at which they keep developing: how smart and versatile cars can be. I am also very fond of the cars’ aesthetics, which many Mercedes drivers appreciate.
How does it feel to work in a traditionally male-dominated field?
I am really enjoying myself. We have a great group of people in Lielahti, and I’ve received a lot of support from my colleagues. I also find Veho a very liberal employer. It is important to show your skills and expertise and to be able to appreciate yourself without being arrogant.
H2 What is the best thing about sales?
Direct customer feedback for successful or failed sales work. Directness suits me, and I know how to take even negative feedback in a constructive manner. I am often able to make an unhappy customer happy.
How do you see your future in the automotive sector?
I have come to Veho to stay. I am eager to move forward in the automotive sector and improve my product knowledge. By the time I’m 50, I hope to have moved on from generic sales work. I am ready to work hard and I hope to make money accordingly.
What are your top three tips for sales?
1. If you have a bad sales month, don’t get discouraged and have faith in the future. The next month is sure to be better!
2. Trust in your own work and remember that you can appreciate yourself as a salesperson without being arrogant.
3. Always be your own genuine self. The customer will sense it if you’re trying to be something else.