This week’s entry touches on every sales person’s nightmare – saying something you wish you could retrieve before it even leaves your mouth.
Here’s the scenario – my wife and I go to a major electronics retailer and we’re in the market for a new SLR camera. The salesman meets us, asks the obligatory question, “May I help you?”, and then immediately concludes that he has just the answer.
Stay with me on this – you haven’t even heard the salesman’s worst mistake yet.
He politely escorts us to the SLR camera section and is definitive in his recommendation – a new Sony that also includes a great video camera capability. New technology, impressive package, reasonably priced – we were impressed.
Then it happened – his words: “This camera is also perfect for ladies!” he exclaims. Which, as you might imagine made us both very curious – Is that because it is small and fits the woman’s hand better? Is it because it is the right color (silver) and more popular with women? Or, what made it “perfect” for women – so we asked him.
“It’s easy enough for women to use!” Picture a pregnant pause in the middle of the camera section of this retailer. Neither of us could even think of what to say. Do you ask him for clarification? Do you call him a fool? Do you exit stage left? There is no reasonable response to that statement. What I do know, is that might be among the best sales prevention strategies I have ever witnessed.
What would your response have been?
my response would undoubtedly have been, “and you’re telling me that even YOU are able to use it?”
I think I would say something like “I am not interested in something that is perfect for the ladies, I am interested in a camera that will take perfect photos” and then walk out.
My favorite sales mistake is when I am with my husband the sales person assumes they are selling to him and not me. SalesMEN tend to do this often.
Forgive the error and use it as a teaching moment.
Would it be ok to let you in on a secret? This lady has been my best friend for 25+ years and she is my sounding board on some of my crazy ideas. She may be the smartest person in our family. Why don’t you say ” Even the technically challenged will find this easy to use. Which of you is the least experienced in this area and I will show you what I mean?”
And young fellow did you know that 80% of the wealth in this country is controlled by women?
. . . .
for humor and effect try this
P: You trying to prevent ESO returns, are you?
S: ESO? What is that?
P: ‘Equipment Superior to Operator’