Sheldon Parks works as a salesperson in a large company that sells vending machines and beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. He meets Rosa Thoms, a potential client who heads the administration department of a large MNC, and speaks to her at length to determine the kind of vending machine and beverages her company would need. After understanding the specifications, he provides her team of employees with samples to obtain their feedback. At which step of the selling process is Sheldon in the above scenario?