Selling to your Salesman.
Do you ever get frustrated by other salespeople because they aren't providing you with what you need? If I can do this for my client, why can't you do this for me?!
Recently I purchased a new car and while browsing for the perfect one, I have encountered a plethora of salespeople ranging from "I want to punch you" to "Please be my friend". So how do you get the best of your shopping experience?
In my last post, "How to build the perfect pitch in 4 easy steps.", I mapped out how to make a client feel like the only person in the world. Surprisingly, this strategy is also useful in getting your own customer satisfaction.
Step 1: LOOK AT ME NOW! Sadly, a lot of salespeople judge a customer on appearances.
When I worked at Macy's, I was taught quickly to scope out the customers that were buying so that I wouldn't be wasting my time. I looked for key buying signs before I even approached them.
As a customer, I walked into a car dealership poorly dressed and no one approached me because there is no way a 21-year old girl could buy a car. At the next dealership I walked in dressed up and suddenly I received a lot of attention.
How interesting.
Step 2: Introduction
This step is to reassure the salesperson that they aren't wasting their time. Transparency is key. Let them know your situation and it is their job to help you figure out a solution. Salespeople are good guessers but they can't read minds so help them out a bit!
Step 3: Value Proposition
Think back to your favorite customer. They probably were able to provide you something of value. Whether it was being accommodating or providing helpful information, those were the ones you really wanted to help.
As a customer, if you are nice to a salesperson, then the more inclined they are to help you. Being demanding and rude gets you nowhere. We've all encountered the bad customers, just put yourself in the salespersons shoes, you're not going to get anything from them.
These are just the conclusions that I have recently drawn from my car purchasing experience. Not all salespeople are out there to con you. As salespeople, we are taught to always treat the customer right, but why aren't customers taught to treat salespeople right? After all, what goes around, comes around.
Have you encountered any outstanding customer service? What approaches did you take to prevent a nasty experience?
