A sales pipeline refers to the set of stages that a prospect proceeds through in their journey to transform into a customer. It comprises all the stages of the sales process. The prospect moves through each stage to the other of the pipeline, symbolized by their actions, that reflects on the CRM (Customer Relationship Management). The pipeline should reflect a typical prospect’s journey beyond their transformation into a customer for the sales process differ from company to company.

The sales pipeline suggests the position of the selected prospects in the sales process so that representatives can forecast the probable revenue and customers at the closing session. Opportunity’s speed of movement in a pipeline may depend on their level of interest, how much research they’ve already done, urgency, etc. Many prospects even skip different stages in their journey due to various reasons.

How Sales pipeline is different from Sales Forecast and Sales Funnel?

Many amateur practitioners often get confused between sales pipeline and sale forecast and sales funnel but every function of sales and marketing has different sales features. Though all the system has some sort of similarity all the system has a different benefit and productive outcomes.

Difference between Sales Pipeline and Sales Forecast:

1. A sales pipeline accommodates all the roles and responsibilities of a salesperson and thus sales forecasting is also a responsibility that they need to serve. The sales forecast is a specific role of the salesperson among other roles where they estimate the opportunities that might get closed within a given period.
2. Pipelines and forecasts may be used for different purposes too. Salespersons may use pipelines to track and take proper actions required in its different stages. Whereas sales forecasts may indicate the sales managers how much to target and how to prepare for the undertaken target.
3. Sales pipeline reads the overall sales process in its order whereas forecasts warn you against the favorable and unfavorable situation and to take suitable action to mitigate that and prepare better.

Sales pipelines and sales funnels can also differentiate at times like:

1. Sales pipelines study the growth of the prospects in a sales process whereas sales funnel studies the sudden drop or hike in the number of prospects in the sales process.
2.  The sales pipeline keeps track of the prospects who turn into customers at the end. Sales funnels are about targeting three times bigger prospects than the number of prospects you are targeting to close the deal with.

What are the different Sales Pipeline Stages?

a. The lead realizes their needs and pain.

b. The lead feels to buy something that can fulfill the requirement and starts research for proper fit.

c. The lead decides to make a purchase and compares and contrasts different similar products or services.

d. The lead connects with your company by any physical or virtual presence and movement.

e. The lead books an appointment desiring to know more about making the purchase.

f. The meeting was successful and you directed the lead to the next steps.

g. The lead is willing to convert into a customer by believing that you can fit their requirement.

10+ Sales Pipeline Examples & Templates

1. Sales Pipeline Management Example

Sales pipeline and CRM management are some of the very important aspects of a business. Sales are anticipated by the target audience by attaining several stages that symbolize their pace in accepting a product or service. If you are also about to launch your products in the market have a look at this template which might help you in reducing your work pressure a little. The template has framed a detailed description of each aspect of the sales process by making
a sales analysis. So, have a look at this template today!

2. Sample Sales Pipeline Example

There are different ways and practices people use and employ while planning the effective results in the sales pipeline. If you want to do the same designing that by yourself would be a great thing but if you lack time for that this template is for you. The sample frames sales pipeline metrics and other formula-based calculation on the process. Check the frame out today if you are too busy.

3. Simple Sales Pipeline Example

The sales pipeline is the ladder that the prospects climb in their journey to accept or purchase something. But as a seller, you have to keep a visible and clear track of their movements. You can also take different measures and have weekly sales plan to increase the number of prospects and closing deals. If you are in a hurry to prepare a plan for that refer to this template that can help you in that. So, try this template out today!

4. Sales Data Pipeline Example

Sales are often conducted in a way that the seller can keep its track and prospect’s movement. Professional call it sales pipeline. If you are an amateur business practitioner you must have knowledge of it. Referring to this template might be easiest for you. So, have a look at this simple and comprehensible template to understand the sales facts.

5. Strategy of Sales Pipeline Example

6. Marketing Sales Pipeline Example

7. Marking and Sales Lead Pipeline Management

8. Building Sales Pipeline Example

9. Sales Pipeline Worksheet Example

10. Sales Pipeline Restoration Funds Example

11. Sales Tutor Pipeline Example