As a consumer writer whose job it is to help shoppers make intelligent choices, I am often amazed at the sales pitches customers are given when shopping for products. With the internet at our fingertips as the most powerful tool in the world, it is presumptuous of a salesperson to assume that a potential customer can be talked into anything.
The world has changed….Though the quality of workmanship has rapidly deteriorated through the years (don’t get this old-timer started), the average shopper has the ability to be 100% more educated than a generation ago.
I had an experience the other day that elevated my blood pressure. The manager of a washer and dryer department of a local store attempted to convince me that it was totally understandable that my fairly new washer machine was on the blink again.
“After all , she said, “You know how things are made today.”
Did this moronic woman actually believe that I would shake my head in agreement and run to buy one of her shiny new washing machines.?
With the economy in a slump every dollar has become more precious to consumers. Businesses must realize this and make every attempt to educate their sales staff on how to present themselves to potential customers.
First of all, a reputable salesperson must learn everything they can about the products they are selling. Customers are turned off by working with someone who has no idea what they are talking about.
Secondly, there is no excuse for shoddy workmanship. No customer in the world is going to be impressed with negative comments about a lower priced product as a means of elevating them to a higher priced item.
If a product is not made well…it should not be sold. A generic product with no bells and whistles should cost less money without sacrificing quality. It is time for consumers to demand this and not accept mediocrity.. We deserve better!
I am proud of my son who recently launched a website www.project-wireless.com. His mission was to educate consumers on how to make intelligent decisions when purchasing wireless phones. ….a product most of us no longer can live without. I would like to believe that I was his inspiration with my 1000 questions ….and to show my appreciation for his loyalty to the woman who brought him into this world, I became one of his first very satisfied customers. Congratulations Paul !
