Selling Financial Services to the Affluent

Examines factors that predict the successful sale of financial services to affluent investors. Reports on a study in which data were collected using a new set of scales that measure traits, selling strategies, and compliance‐gaining tactics. Results suggest that these tactics, called“infotainment”, are used by effective relationship managers to sell the services of financial service institutions to various, geographically diverse, affluent investors – a population that has received little attention in the selling, sales management, and bank marketing literature. Suggests that the study makes a contribution, because of the size and representativeness of this unique sample, and its recognition and assessment of some of the critical factors that affect the selling process. It also determines several significant and meaningful relationships. Discusses practical applications and future opportunities for research.