let you define and manage the steps in your sales process. This helps you track sales opportunities, forecast revenue, and standardise your team's sales approach. For example, you can see how many leads are in the "Proposal Submitted" stage and estimate potential revenue.
Accessing this feature
Go to Settings > Sales > Deal Pipelines
How to use it
The Deal Pipeline configuration interface allows you to create, edit, reorder, and delete pipelines and their associated stages.
Creating a New Pipeline
Access the Configuration: From the Deal Pipelines page, click the Add New Pipeline button.
Name the Pipeline: Enter a descriptive name for your new pipeline (e.g., "New Client Acquisition", "Product Upsell", "Enterprise Sales").
Set as Default (Optional): Tick the 'Set as Default Pipeline' checkbox if this pipeline should be automatically assigned to all newly created deals.
Save: Click Save to create the new pipeline. You will then be prompted to add stages to this pipeline.
Adding and Configuring Stages within a Pipeline
Once a pipeline is created or selected for editing, you can define its stages:
Select a Pipeline: Choose the pipeline you wish to modify from the list.
Add a Stage: Click the Add Stage button. A new stage entry will appear.
Enter Stage Name: Provide a clear, concise name for the stage (e.g., "Initial Contact", "Qualification", "Proposal Submitted", "Negotiation", "Closed Won", "Closed Lost").
Define Stage Type: Select the appropriate type for the stage:
Open: Represents an active stage where the deal is still in progress.
Won: Indicates the deal has been successfully closed.
Lost: Indicates the deal has been closed unsuccessfully.
Set Probability: Assign a probability percentage (0-100%) to each 'Open' stage. This percentage represents the likelihood of a deal in this stage being closed successfully and is used for weighted forecasting. 'Won' stages should have 100% probability, and 'Lost' stages 0%.
Add Stage Description (Optional but Recommended): Provide a brief description outlining the criteria for a deal to enter and exit this stage. This makes sure consistency across your sales team.
Save Stage: Click Save or Add Stage to confirm the individual stage's configuration.
Repeat: Continue adding stages until your pipeline accurately reflects your entire sales process.
Reordering Stages
To adjust the sequence of stages within a pipeline:
Select a Pipeline: Choose the pipeline you wish to reorder.
Drag and Drop: Click and hold the drag handle (often represented by an icon with six dots or an arrow) next to a stage name. Drag the stage to its desired position within the pipeline.
Save Changes: Make sure you click the Save or Update Pipeline button to apply the new stage order.
Editing Existing Stages
To modify the details of an existing stage:
Select a Pipeline: Choose the pipeline containing the stage you wish to edit.
Edit Stage: Click the Edit icon (often a pencil icon) next to the stage name.
Update Details: Modify the Stage Name, Stage Type, Probability, or Description as required.
Save Changes: Click Save or Update Stage to apply your modifications.
Deleting Stages
To remove a stage from a pipeline:
Select a Pipeline: Choose the pipeline from which you wish to delete a stage.
Delete Stage: Click the Delete icon (often a rubbish bin icon) next to the stage name.
Confirm Deletion: A confirmation dialogue will appear. Be aware that deleting a stage that currently contains active deals will require you to reassign those deals to another existing stage before proceeding. Confirm your decision to delete the stage.
Tips
Design multiple pipelines to align with different sales processes, product lines, or guest segments.
Clearly visualise where each deal stands within the sales cycle, enabling better management and intervention.
Assign probability percentages to each stage, providing a weighted forecast of potential revenue.
Enforce a consistent method for managing sales opportunities across your entire team.
Track conversion rates between stages to identify bottlenecks and areas for sales process improvement.
Configure automated actions (e.g., sending emails, creating tasks) to synchronise with deals moving between specific stages.
Keep Stages Distinct: Make sure each stage has a clear definition and specific criteria for entry and exit. Avoid vague or overlapping stages.
Limit Stage Count: Aim for an optimal number of stages, typically between 5 and 9. Too few stages can lack detail, while too many can create unnecessary complexity and administrative burden.
Align with Your Buyer's Journey: Map your deal stages directly to the steps your guests take when making a purchase decision. This makes sure your process is guest-centric.
Define Exit Criteria: For each 'Open' stage, clearly define what must happen for a deal to progress to the next stage. This makes sure consistent qualification and movement.
Regularly Review and Refine: Periodically assess your deal pipelines to make sure they remain relevant and effective. Update stages as your sales process evolves or market conditions change.
Train Your Team: Make sure all sales team members understand the purpose, definitions, and requirements of each stage within every pipeline. Consistency is crucial for data integrity and accurate reporting.
Use Probabilities: Use the probability field accurately. This is critical for generating reliable sales forecasts and understanding the health of your pipeline.
Need help?
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