Commercial performance

CAP SONCAS: Definition and use in 2025

Discover the CAP SONCAS method to structure your commercial arguments and adapt them to the buying motivations of your prospects.

March 21, 2025
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CAP SONCAS technical sales

The CAP SONCAS method combines two complementary business approaches: the CAP logically structures your arguments into Characteristics, Advantages and Proofs, while the SONCAS adapts your speech to the six fundamental buying motivations (Security, Pride, Novelty, Novelty, Novelty, Novelty, Novelty, Novelty, Novelty, Comfort, Money, Sympathy). By identifying the psychological profile of your prospect and by customizing your presentation, you significantly increase your conversion rate and shorten your sales cycle.

In a commercial world where every interaction counts, mastering the CAP SONCAS method becomes a decisive asset for any sales professional. This structured approach makes it possible to perfectly align your arguments with the deep motivations of your prospects, thus transforming simple exchanges into real conversion levers.

What is the CAP SONCAS method?

The CAP SONCAS method is a complete sales technique that combines two complementary approaches: CAP (Characteristics-Benefits-Evidence), which structures the sales pitch logically, and SONCAS (Security-Pride-Newcome-Comfort-Money-Sympathy), which makes it possible to identify and adapt the discourse to the customer's six fundamental psychological motivations for buying.

This method allows salespeople to optimize their conversion rate by presenting the right arguments to the right people.

CAP: structuring your sales arguments

CAP is an acronym that represents the three pillars of an effective sales pitch:

Specifications : These are the objective and factual properties of your product or service. These are technical specifications, available features, materials used, or services included. For a commercial gamification application like Maslo.app, the characteristics could include the number of game mechanics available, compatibility with different CRMs, or the technologies used.

Benefits : These are the concrete benefits that the customer can derive from these characteristics. They answer the question, “What does this mean for me? ”. For Maslo.app, the benefits could be saving time for sales managers, increasing team motivation, or increasing visibility on individual performance.

Proofs : These are the elements that give credibility to your statements. These can be customer stories, numbers, live demonstrations, warranties, or certifications. For Maslo.app, the evidence could include performance improvement statistics from other customers, testimonials from sales managers, or a real-time demo.

SONCAS: understanding buying motivations

SONCAS (sometimes called SONCASE with the addition of the Ecology dimension) is an acronym that represents the six main psychological motivations for buying:

Security : The need to feel protected, to avoid risks, to have guarantees. These customers are looking for reliability, sustainability and stability in their choices.

Pride : The desire for social recognition, prestige, status. These customers are sensitive to the premium, exclusive or innovative aspects of an offer.

Novelty : The attraction for innovation, change, modernity. These customers like to be at the forefront and discover the latest trends or technologies.

Comfort : The search for simplicity, practicality, ergonomics. These customers value what makes their lives easier and saves them time.

Argent : The attention paid to the financial aspect, to the quality-price ratio, to the return on investment. These customers are particularly sensitive to the savings made or the gains generated.

Sympathy : The importance given to human relationships, to trust, to the sharing of values. These customers also buy for the quality of the relationship established with their interlocutor.

Here is a CONCAS argumentative table:

Tableau argumentaire méthode CONCAS
CONCAS argument table

Objectives of the CAP SONCAS method

The CAP SONCAS method has several complementary objectives which, together, make it possible to significantly optimize your commercial efficiency:

Structuring your sales pitch effectively

By following the CAP logic, you build a coherent commercial discourse that progresses naturally from facts (characteristics) to benefits (advantages) and then to validation (evidence). This structure avoids messy or incomplete arguments that can lose your lead.

Personalize your approach according to the psychological profile of the client

SONCAS allows you to adapt your presentation to the specific motivations of each interlocutor. Rather than offering a standardized speech, you precisely target the aspects that will resonate the most with your prospect, thus increasing your persuasive impact.

Strengthen the impact of your sales arguments

By combining a logical structure (CAP) with psychological adaptation (SONCAS), you create arguments that are doubly effective: rationally structured and emotionally aligned. This two-pronged approach maximizes your chances of conversion.

Shorten the Sales Cycle

A well-structured and personalized argument makes it possible to get to the point more directly and to resolve objections more effectively. Prospects recognize the value of your proposal more quickly when it precisely meets their core motivations.

Increase your conversion rate

The end goal is, of course, to improve your business results. Studies show that a steady application of the CAP SONCAS method can increase the conversion rate from 30% to 50% depending on the sector of activity.

How to create an effective CAP SONCAS pitch

The construction of a CAP SONCAS argument is carried out in several complementary steps, ranging from preparation to adaptation in real time in front of the customer.

Step 1: Analyze your offer using the CAP method

Even before meeting your prospect, you must prepare a complete analysis of your offer according to the CAP structure:

List all the characteristics of your product or service

Start by comprehensively listing all the specifications, functionalities, and objective properties of your solution. For Maslo.app, this could include:

  • Cloud platform accessible from all devices
  • 15 different and customizable game mechanics
  • Intuitive interface with customizable dashboard
  • Compatibility with the main CRMs on the market
  • Real-time notification system
  • Artificial intelligence algorithms for performance analysis

Turn Every Characteristic Into a Customer Advantage

For each characteristic identified, ask yourself the question: “What does this actually bring to my customer?” ”. Formulate these benefits in terms of tangible benefits:

  • Cloud platform → Immediate access to team performance data no matter where you are
  • 15 Game Mechanics → Perfect Adaptation to Different Sales Profiles and Sales Goals
  • Intuitive interface → Quick start (less than 30 minutes) without complex training
  • CRM compatibility → Effortless integration into your existing environment, no double entry
  • Real-time notifications → Immediate responsiveness and continuous performance monitoring
  • AI algorithms → Automatic identification of motivational drivers specific to each salesperson

Gather concrete evidence for each benefit announced

For each benefit, identify tangible elements that will reinforce the credibility of your claims:

  • Authentic and detailed customer testimonials
  • Case Studies with Numerical Results
  • Personalized demonstrations
  • Specific guarantees
  • Certifications and Recognitions
  • Performance statistics

Step 2: Prepare variants according to SONCAS profiles

Once you have completed your CAP analysis, you must adapt your presentation for each potential SONCAS profile:

Version for the Security Profile

Highlight features related to reliability, stability, and warranties. Emphasize the benefits in terms of risk reduction and sustainability. Present reassuring evidence such as certifications, business history, or testimonials from loyal customers.

Example:

  • Feature: Daily Data Backup
  • Benefit: No Risk of Losing Information on the Performance of Your Teams
  • Proof: ISO 27001 security certification and 99.9% availability guarantee

Version for the Pride Profile

Promote the premium, exclusive or innovative aspects of your offer. Highlight the benefits in terms of image and status. Use evidence that highlights prestige, such as renowned customers or accolades.

Example:

  • Feature: High-end customizable dashboards
  • Benefit: Valuing presentation of performance during management meetings
  • Proof: Used by leaders in your sector (with prestigious reference names)

Version for the profile New

Emphasize innovative aspects and the latest features. Present the advantages in terms of technological advancement and modernity. Provide evidence related to innovation such as registered patents or comparisons with more traditional solutions.

Example:

  • Feature: Predictive artificial intelligence algorithms
  • Advantage: Anticipation of performance trends and proactive adaptation of challenges
  • Proof: Live demonstration of new features on the market

Version for the Comfort Profile

Focus on ease of use and ergonomics. Highlight the benefits in terms of time savings and ease. Give priority to evidence such as demonstrations of use or testimonies on the simplicity of adoption.

Example:

  • Feature: Intuitive and mobile-first interface
  • Advantage: Setting up a new commercial challenge in less than 5 minutes
  • Proof: Video showing how quickly you can get started and testimonies about the lack of training required

Version for the Silver Profile

Focus on the financial side and the return on investment. Outline the benefits in terms of savings or revenue generated. Provide numerical evidence such as detailed ROI calculations or financial case studies.

Example:

  • Feature: Precise monitoring of individual business performance
  • Benefit: Average increase in turnover of 23% in 6 months
  • Proof: Detailed case study with ROI calculation and financial testimony from a sales manager

Version for the Sympathy Profile

Value the human and relational dimension. Highlight the benefits in terms of collaboration and communication. Give priority to human-based evidence such as team presentations or testimonies on the quality of support.

Example:

  • Feature: Customer Success team dedicated to your account
  • Advantage: Personalized and responsive support throughout your use
  • Proof: Presentation of your dedicated contact person and testimonies on the quality of support

Step 3: Identify your prospect's SONCAS profile

During your meeting with the customer, you must quickly determine their dominant SONCAS profile in order to adapt your speech:

Ask revealing questions

Prepare strategic questions that will allow your interlocutor to reveal their main motivations:

  • Security profile : “What criteria do you think are essential in terms of reliability? ”
  • Pride profile : “Why is it important for you to have the most advanced solutions? ”
  • Novelty profile : “What is the latest innovation that has transformed the way you work? ”
  • Comfort profile : “What aspects do you think are priority in terms of ease of use? ”
  • Silver Profile : “How do you usually assess the return on investment of a new solution? ”
  • Sympathy profile : “How important do you attach to the relationship with your suppliers? ”

Observe verbal and non-verbal signals

Pay attention to the reactions of your interlocutor when you discuss certain topics:

  • The words he uses frequently (security, prestige, innovation, innovation, innovation, simplicity, cost, relationship...)
  • The questions he asks spontaneously
  • His physical reactions (strong interest, nods, smiles...)
  • The Objections He Raises

Adapt your speech in real time

Once the dominant profile has been identified, immediately adjust your presentation to highlight the arguments corresponding to their main motivation. Be ready to pivot if you find that your initial analysis was not completely accurate.

Step 4: Structure your customer presentation

Now that you have identified the SONCAS profile of your prospect, organize your presentation in a strategic way:

Targeted introduction according to the SONCAS profile

Start by establishing a connection with your interlocutor by first addressing a topic that resonates with their main motivation:

  • Security profile : “We know how critical reliability and continuity of service are for your business.”
  • Pride profile : “Your business is a leader in the industry, and our solution was designed for organizations that strive for excellence.”
  • Novelty profile : “Let me show you our latest innovation that is revolutionizing business motivation.”
  • Comfort profile : “Our priority has been to create a solution that by simplifies business performance management.”
  • Silver Profile : “I want to show you how our solution can significantly increase your turnover while optimizing your costs.”
  • Sympathy profile : “Before starting, I would like to understand your challenges more precisely in order to offer you really adapted support.”

CAP presentation oriented according to SONCAS

For each important feature, follow the CAP structure (Characteristic → Advantage → Proof) by focusing on the dimension that corresponds to the identified profile.

Example for a prospect with a security profile:

  • C : “Our platform benefits from a redundant infrastructure on several geographically remote servers.”
  • A : “This ensures that your performance data is always available, even in the event of a major technical incident.”
  • P : “We have not experienced any interruption in service for 3 years, as attested by our ISO 27001 certification here.”

Conclusion and Next Steps Adapted to the Profile

End your presentation with a proposal that is in line with the main motivation of your interlocutor:

  • Security profile : “We can start with a limited pilot phase to allow you to safely validate the effectiveness of our solution.”
  • Pride profile : “Join our circle of premium customers who get early access to our new features.”
  • Novelty profile : “You could be among the first in your sector to implement this innovative approach.”
  • Comfort profile : “Our team can take care of the entire implementation so that you don't have any constraints.”
  • Silver Profile : “We offer you a results-based pricing model, where you only pay based on the earnings generated.”
  • Sympathy profile : “I will personally remain your privileged interlocutor throughout our collaboration.”

Illustration of the CAP SONCAS method in action

To better understand the concrete application of the CAP SONCAS method, let's look at two complete business scenarios illustrating how the same solution (Maslo.app) can be presented differently depending on the profile of the prospect.

Here are two concrete examples of applying the CAP SONCAS method to present offers to different types of prospects.

Scenario 1: Prospect with a dominant security profile

Faced with a sales director who is particularly attentive to questions of reliability and sustainability of solutions, your approach would be as follows:

Security-oriented CAP presentation:

  • Characteristic : “Our solution is hosted on a certified cloud infrastructure with triple redundancy and automatic daily backup.”

  • Advantage : “This ensures that your business data is always available and eliminates any risk of information loss.”

  • Proof : “Our ISO 27001 certification and our availability rate of 99.98% over the last 24 months attests to this reliability.”

Adapted conclusion: “To safely validate the effectiveness of our solution, let's start with a 3-month pilot phase with dedicated support and weekly follow-up.”

Scenario 2: Prospect with a dominant Argent profile

Faced with a sales manager focused on financial aspects and ROI, your approach would be:

Silver Oriented CAP Overview:

  • Characteristic : “Our solution integrates a system for the predictive analysis of commercial performance with accurate financial indicators.”

  • Advantage : “You instantly identify high-margin opportunities and optimize the allocation of your commercial resources.”

  • Proof : “Company XYZ, comparable to yours, increased its gross margin by 14% in 4 months thanks to this feature.”

Adapted conclusion: “I offer you our Guaranteed ROI formula, where you only pay the full price if the financial goals defined together are met.”

The keys to success with the CAP SONCAS method

To take full advantage of the CAP SONCAS method, here are some practical tips from the experience of professionals who apply it daily:

Prepare thoroughly

The success of the method is based on thorough preparation. Take the time to analyze your offer according to the CAP structure and to prepare variants for each SONCAS profile before your appointments.

Remain Flexible and Watchful

Do not lock yourself into a SONCAS profile hypothesis. Pay attention to the signals your interlocutor is sending you and be ready to adjust your approach if necessary.

Practice Active Listening

The CAP SONCAS method is not a monologue. It is based on your ability to understand your prospect through genuine listening. Ask open-ended questions and let your interviewee have their say.

Maintain global consistency

Even by adapting your speech to the SONCAS profile, make sure that your arguments remain consistent and authentic. Personalization should not seem artificial or manipulative.

Work Out Regularly

Like any skill, the application of CAP SONCAS improves with practice. Organize training sessions with colleagues to improve your ability to identify profiles and adapt your speech.

Measure your results

Analyze the effectiveness of your approach by following specific indicators: conversion rate, length of the sales cycle, average contract value. This analysis will allow you to continuously refine your method.

Conclusion

The CAP SONCAS method is a powerful tool to effectively structure your commercial arguments while adapting them to the deep motivations of your prospects. By combining the rational logic of CAP with the emotional intelligence of SONCAS, you create doubly persuasive presentations.

By mastering this method, you are not only selling a product or a service: you are providing a solution that is perfectly aligned with the needs and desires of your interlocutor. It is this precise fit that transforms a simple sales pitch into a real performance driver.

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