sales pipeline
/seɪlz ˈpaɪplaɪn/
Meaning
A visual or systematic representation of the stages that a prospective customer goes through, from being a lead to closing the deal. It helps sales teams track progress, forecast future revenue, and identify bottlenecks in the selling process.
Examples
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We need to add more qualified leads to our sales pipeline this month.
We need to add more qualified leads to our sales pipeline this month.
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The manager reviewed the sales pipeline to forecast our revenue for the next quarter.
The manager reviewed the sales pipeline to forecast our revenue for the next quarter.
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Several deals have been stuck in the middle of our sales pipeline for weeks.
Several deals have been stuck in the middle of our sales pipeline for weeks.
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Using a CRM tool makes it much easier to manage your sales pipeline.
Using a CRM tool makes it much easier to manage your sales pipeline.
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Our sales pipeline is looking very healthy, with many deals close to signing.
Our sales pipeline is looking very healthy, with many deals close to signing.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I have many clients in my sales pipe.
✓ I have many clients in my sales pipeline.
Although 'pipe' is the root word, the established business term is always 'sales pipeline'. 'Sales pipe' is not used.
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✗ We are building a new sales pipeline to transport products.
✓ We are building a new distribution network to transport products.
A 'sales pipeline' is a metaphorical process tracking potential customers and sales deals, not a physical pipe or logistics network for goods.
Related Expressions
Practice
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If we don't find new leads, our ___ will dry up by next month.
💡 The sequence of potential deals.
Show answer
sales pipeline
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He updated the CRM to show where each prospect is in the ___.
💡 The stages a buyer goes through.
Show answer
sales pipeline