3 Sales Mistakes of the Double Glazing Salesman
Not so long ago we decided to have new windows in the house.
Now, I know that double glazing sales people get a hard time, so before I start, apologies to all the good ones out there.
I decided to make appointments with representatives from 3 companies.
Two didn’t turn up – at all – I even tried to call to see where they were – no one knew, no one really seemed to be genuinely bothered or surprised.
So the third arrives, he doesn’t know it, but all he has to do is be polite and give me a decent quote and the business is his.
First thing he says, is that the area I live in is very nice and that we all must have a bit of money – I already feel that he’s lining me up to rip me off.
So, slightly taken aback I show him in and as he steps into the light, I recognise the fashion sense so popular in certain sales circles – without a word it says; “forgive my attire, I spent the evening on a bench and haven’t had time to shave or wash!”
Anyway, I really need new windows so let’s give him a chance.
He takes a seat inside and while I’m discussing my requirements, starts to flick through my DVD collection.
“You’ve got two sets of the Star Wars Trilogy.”
“Yes, but one of them is in French.”
“That’s odd!”
“No, I’m trying to improve my French and I know the dialogue inside out, so it makes it more enjoya… can we talk about my windows?”
“Is that your family on the wall?”
That last comment gave me a slight chill and also reservations about allowing him to measure the kid’s bedroom from the inside – but – I do need those windows.
He measures, he explains, he presents, he huffs and he puffs.
He spreads himself down on an armchair in a way that made me extremely grateful he wasn’t wearing a kilt.
Eventually he gives me a quote, it’s within my budget – but I push for discount, which I get – Result!
“All you have to do,” I say “is get this down on paper as an official quote and you’ve got a deal!”
“Don’t worry,” he relies “I’ll be back.”
And I never saw or heard from him ever again.
After a week I called the company, they didn’t have my quote on record, but they could send someone else out if I wanted.
I declined their kind offer.
Three ways to ensure you never become that guy;
1. The Mirror Test
They used to say in the music business that if you;
“Look in the mirror and wouldn’t sleep with yourself, don’t go on stage!”
My sales version is this;
“If you look in the mirror and YOU wouldn’t buy off YOU; you’re not ready to try to sell to anyone else.”
2. Understand Why You’re There
Putting people at their ease is part of your job, but remember this;
They’re in their own homes or workplace – they already feel comfortable with the environment – it’s YOU they need to feel at ease with.
This will happen if you act professionally, while demonstrating high levels of competence and expertise – and then focus the discussion on the problem you’re there to solve.
Once they believe you are trustworthy, the conversation will become lighter all by itself.
3. Don’t Lose Sales that People are Practically Throwing at You
Many people don’t get the sale that’s waiting for them simply because they;
- Forget about it
- Can’t be bothered to do the paperwork
- Leave it so long they’re embarrassed to get back in touch
If you suffer from any or all of the above, they are easily put right, it’s mostly a spot of personal discipline – and anyway, I’ve always found getting paid feels a lot better than any level of procrastination based embarrassment, don’t you?
**********
Interested in finding out more? We cover all these topics in greater detail during the following Workshops
Foundation Sales Training Account Management Training Sales Prospecting Skills
If you would like to discuss how we can help to develop your team, email us now on info@vardakreuztraining.com, give us a call on 0844 293 9777 – or follow this link to find out a little more about our courses and workshops.
If you were looking to book a training workshop for an individual rather than an in-house training course for an entire team you’ll find everything you need over at our Open Workshops Page by following this link.