Not so good a way to sell services.

[kyrielle]

Observation 1: I do not respond well to the "oh, we're in your neighborhood doing X, we can give you a better rate in the next two days." In other words, you want me time-pressured so I just take your "convenient" and "cheap" option without finding out whether you are doing what I want and need (and if I wanted/needed it, wouldn't I already be researching, most times?), without finding out if you are in fact cheaper than equivalent competition (just cheaper than your usual prices, if they are awful, is not much of a selling point), and without pushing for a schedule or plan that would be convenient for me.

Observation 2: after I have said that I do not like time pressure sales tactics but will accept your advertising in paper form if you want me to think about it, YOUR INTERVIEW IS OVER.

Observation 3: you especially do not attempt to scare me by comparing a hobo spider to a brown recluse (yes, they are related, yes, hobos are not great, no it's not quite the same thing), then saying my neighbors have reported an increased incidence of them (1 - which neighbors; 2 - IS there an increased incidence, or is someone thinking every giant house spider is a hobo spider, especially after you scare them?), and then pointing to a spiderweb and implying it's a hobo spider's web, and pointing out a couple spiders on my house to the same effect.

Observation 4: especially not when I can positively identify the spider nearest me, one of those you indicated, as being not a hobo spider, probably some sort of barn funnel spider, but definitely not a hobo, by the legs. Just sayin'.

Observation 5: When I dismiss you again, now less pleasantly, and point out that I have your paperwork and said I would think it over, you do NOT then suggest I talk it over with my husband and get his advice. Especially not when I haven't confirmed I have a husband, but even if I had confirmed it, frankly you do not do that. Especially in a phrasing and tone that suggests that, basically, I should relay information and let my husband guide my stupid little female head to the 'right' decision (hiring you).

Observation 6: you do not get my business or ever hear from me again, either. If in fact you had convinced me I had a (spider) problem earlier in this exchange (as you did not), I guarantee that the rest of this approach would have sent me straight to one of your competitors to solve the problem. As it is, fortunately it seems that I just have a door-to-door salesman problem, and closing the door in your face after telling you we're done solves THAT.

Comments

[geordie.livejournal.com]

I assume this fool was male? I use the ultra direct approach, along the "not interested, bugger off" line. I am very rude.

He really told you to ask your husband?

My mother used to feign trouble controlling our snarling maniac of a German Shepherd. It should be legal to taser them when they won't leave.

[kyrielle]

I try not to be rude, but I was pretty blunt by the end. And he didn't say "ask" but said "discuss with" my husband, with the implication of ask, yes.

I can see where the German Shepherd would have gotten rid of them pretty well!

[cynnerth.livejournal.com]

I had a Kirby vacuum salesman tell me that I had to have my husband there for the free carpet cleaning demo. That was after I had cleaned up the living room and moved furniture in preparation for his visit.

[kyrielle]

... Geez. That's a new low.

[mandydax.livejournal.com]

Door-to-door salesmen still exist? :O I'd be tempted to say I'd report him for misleading claims based on the obvious false recluse identification. Either that or mace him and call the cops. :P

[kyrielle]

Yes, they do. They mostly come during weekdays, I've found - occasionally evenings or weekends, but usually weekdays. I see them on Fridays since I have Fridays off. Only 2-3 a year, tho.

He didn't come right out and say "that's a hobo spider". It was all implication and phrasing. And even if he had I'm pretty sure mis-identifying a spider that's several feet away from you is going to be viewed as 'just a mistake'. Of course, he had a vested interest in not looking closer.