Getting rid of pushy salesmen

[hobart]

Does anyone know of a polite way to get 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?

[BondGirl]

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!

[Quizmonster]

The key here is your use of the word 'polite'. Anyone who takes over an hour to leave your home after being told to do so is not behaving politely to you and so there is no obligation whatever for you to behave politely to him. Personally, therefore, I would almost certainly have used a two-word phrase long before the hour was up! Never allow anyone to 'force' you into doing anything...ever.

[smudge]

Just politely say '"No thank you, I'm not interested" & close the front door.

I usually do just that, or say "I'm on the phone, but I'm not interested anyway thanks", then close the door.

[woofgang]

I find "thank you go away" works for me. I don't buy from companies with pushy salespeople on principle, while consumers tolerate it, the practice will continue

[Lillabet]

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.

[desertrat]

The worst I had was when I had a burglar alarm guy around to quote for the installation of a new system. He kept refusing to give me a price under the end of his sales pitch which lasted 3 hours. After I laughed at the price I was quoted, he then tried the I'll just call head office and look this could save you loads of money etc. After I pointedly walked past him and opened the door for him to leave he eventually took the hint. The most shocking thing was as he walked down the path he shouted back "I hope you get burgled". He wasn't happy when I just laughed at him. Ever since then on the few occassions I have had a sales person in the house I tell them they have one hour maximum. Any time spent after that ensures they get chucked out without a sale.

[corganiser]

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.

[Hgrove]

I usually find silence is the best option.  They have an answer for everything you say but not for your silence. Let silence fall then say: Thank you.  Good bye.

[landie]

Just say that you charge �100 per hour for interviews and ask them to show you the money.

[CleverClogs]

I don't invite conversation to any cold callers, be it on the phone or knocking my door. But on occassion I have invited in a rep from a company that I have called.  The last was a financial company, as I was interested in a savings plan for my son. But as soon as it became clear he was pushing sales tactics to make a sale, instead of giving me the info on savings plans I'd requested, he was asked to leave immediately. Might make you laugh bu he actually said ''my mum bought me one of these policies when I was a child......'' Ever heard that before. I was tempted to ask him for proof.......

[Famous5]

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

[UsAndStuff]

I never let them in, if they want to sell me something that desperately then they can try on the doorstep.
As for 3 hours, I'd be reaching for the hozepipe after 30 mins :)