I had a conversation with a salesman yesterday. I actually asked him to contact me. I’m pretty interested in what he’s selling.
He did most of the talking on the phone. He shared the benefits of what he’s selling and how much it’s meant to him. And he shared some attractive things.
But they weren’t exactly why I’m interested in what he’s offering. Of course he didn’t spend much time investigating why I have any interest in the first place.
He said several times how he doesn’t like to be pushy and how what he’s got “sells itself.”
Now I appreciate not being pushed. Really I do. There is no bigger turn off than some salesman who is trying to separate me from my money using manipulation and psychological pressure.
But the reality is what he had didn’t sell itself. I didn’t buy last night.
I see the purchase as a sizable one and I never want to let go of a chunk of cash with that many digits. Even when I desperately need it. And I’m sure I will survive without it. Maybe not as well, but I’ll certainly keep breathing.
You know, I very well might buy it in the near future. And I’ll probably buy it from him because he seemed like a good guy to me and that’s something I value.
But did he do his job as a salesman? Is it better to be firm and help folks make the decision they know they want for themselves but are hesitant to make?
Or is it better for a salesman to hang back, give the customer room and let them figure out for themselves if they want to buy or not?
What do you think?
If you enjoyed this post, get free updates by email or RSS Feed.
