ChatterBank10 mins ago
Getting rid of pushy salesmen
We had one round to give us a quote on blinds for our conservatory today. He was here for over 3 hours, and it took more than an hour from me telling him that there was no way he was getting a decision tonight to actually getting him out the door.
He went through just about every trick in the book ("The Bank Holiday is coming up and we run out of stock of this colour very quickly", through to "I've just got a text message telling me we can offer a special deal for tonight only" - it's amazing how we always seem to invite salesmen round on the only day that their best deals are going to be available for).
The problem is, we were actually seriously considering buying the blinds (but not tonight - I always refuse to make a decision to spend this much without time to think about it) and so didn't want to be too rude to him.
So, is there a nice way to get rid of them?
Answers
No best answer has yet been selected by hobart. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.I think the best way is to be honest - if they're offering something you don't want - say "no thank you, or we already have them thanks."
Once they're in, you could always say that you have an appointment in 20 minutes so could they be as quick as possible. Be firm, but polite.
You are right not to be pushed into making a big decision on the spot - maybe you could call the company and explain your concerns. Yes, the guy has a job to do, but there is a limit. These so called "offers" are always on - if they refuse you if you do decide to get the blinds, then tell them you will have to reconsider, and call other rival companies for quotes - I guarantee they will stop and re-think.
Failing that - borrow a squawking child (mine is readily available!) - this ALWAYS hurries them up!! Or casually drop it into the conversation that despite all efforts - you still have a flea infestation within the carpets, but not to worry, you do get your sight back once the rash has subsided....
; )
Good luck!
An hour to leave is far far too long. How about something along the lines of 'I will consider it and get back to you. But I'm not going to decide now so unless you leave the only answer will be no'
Alternatively while the salesman is still there phone the company and say that his pushy attitude and refusal to leave is losing them a sale - suggest that they call his mobile and pass on your message as he seems incapable of understanding you face to face. Should get him a slap on the wrist.
In this case if there is an alternative stockist for the blinds then I would try to use them - perhaps writing to the salesmans company to say that his refusal to leave your house has cost them a sale. They need to know that these tactics will lose them customers and money.
If it is a cold call, I do one of two things.
Either pretend to be barking mad (it comes naturally) which they can't deal with or simply lie and tell them that I rent the house while the owners are away and I'm not allowed to change anything.
For the problem of invited salesmen overstaying their welcome I just tell them that I've got a strict buying policy and that to get onto the short list they have to keep things short themselves. If they don't take the hint I just politely remind them of the rule before showing them the door.
A friend of mine used to say to door to door insurance reps - You need to talk to my husband. He's out on his motorbike at present, and I'm busy ironing his parachute before he goes hang gliding tomorrow.
The mother of another friend used to keep a hat by the door, which she put on before answering the doorbell. If it was someone she wanted to see, they had just caught her coming in, if not then she was just on her way out
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