What Customers Want In A Salesperson
After more than 30 years of selling, an old salesman friend gets ready to retire.
First question I asked him is what he thought his secret of success was. He said, ” I always gave the customer what they wanted. ” Pretty simple… I like simple, you know.
” Not only in product and price, but in their salesman’s qualities. ”
What do you mean by that ?
He said, ” All things being equal, price, delivery date, quality, etc., the customer will go with the salesman that they like the most. ” More, fairly simple human nature kinda stuff.
I asked him to tell me what you think are the qualities that customers want in their salesperson.
Here’s a rambling account of what he said :
First thing they want is a smile. I’ve heard horror stories of salesmen who come in and lay a line about sickness, divorce, financial difficulties, etc. on the customer and then I came in later with a smile and took home the purchase order. Never complain about ANYTHING in their office. Nothing.
They also look for a salesperson with a big dose of tolerance. I just did a post about tolerance, so check that out.
They also want you to be confident. They need an ” Uh, I’ve never been asked that. Does our product even do that ? ” like they need a third ear on their head.
Sympathy and tact also come up big. You know that things happen, especially with paperwork and big business, so allow for the inevitable and handle it with tact.
Unselfishness comes in handy and often gets you more than you bargained for in return.
I’ve had a customer ask me to not get upset and allow him to give an order I wanted to a competitior. ” They’ve got to eat, too. “, was my reply and 2 weeks later I got an order that was 3 times the size as the one I’d hoped for. Take your losses like a big boy and start working for the next order.
Never boast or brag about your sales ability in front of a customer. You just make him think he’s getting a sales job put on him.
That’s a great start and more than enough to make you a King Daddy or Queen Mama salesperson. Can you add to this conversation with what you like from a salesperson who calls on you ?
Comments
7 Responses to “What Customers Want In A Salesperson”
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Mike:
I like this post. However, I think that the qualities you describe are ones that people would like in an employee, a co worker or a friend.
They are great things to which we should all aspire.
Have a great weekend.
Bud Bilanich
The Common Sense Guy
http://www.CommonSenseGuy.com
Hey Bud -
I’d say you were right about that.
Thanks for extending the conversation and for taking the time to comment. I hadn’t seen many of late and thought I’d ran everybody off !
I think that the qualities you name are the qualities we’re all looking for. I also think that was your point.
Hey Liz -
I’m sure I was trying to make some kind of point…but usually I’m the last to know what it was !
Thanks for helping out.
Hello to you Mike. First time commentor. I like your philosophy and I’ve enjoyed your site so far. Will continue reading (and subscribe).
Have you ever read “Sales Dogs”? If so, what’s your take on it?
Regards
Buck
Hey there Bucktowndusty -
I had to google ” Sales Dogs ” to see what it was…
Looks like it could be an interesting read, thanks for pointing it out.
I’ll try to add it to my list the next time I order at Amazon and need to add a book for free shipping.
I’m 3 books behind as it is, so it could be a while before I read it though.
Thanks for taking time to comment and I appreciate your visit.
Sure thing. I’m behind myself (trying to read a book a week). Since reading your site, problogger, and copyblogger for the first time recently, I have much to catch up on.
Regards
Buck