We’ve all experienced these people: the man who won’t take “no” for an answer, the lady who can never remember your name, the guy who says he has years of experience, but can’t seem to answer your simplest questions. Sleazy salespeople! Nothing will turn you off to a product or service faster than the feeling you are being conned. Below are a few suggestions for ways to detect a sleazy salesperson.
But, how do you know when you’re dealing with this type of salesperson? For starters, you will probably feel it in your gut. Your instincts will kick into high gear and yell, “Phony! Fraud!” While listening to your instincts is always a good idea, there are some other ways to spot a shady seller. Here are just a few:
1. Offering deals that are too good to be true.
Be wary of the sleazy salesperson whose estimate to build your home is much lower than the other quotes you’ve received. Although that number may look good on paper, chances are there is a reason it’s so low. It means there will most likely be additional charges or cost over-runs during the building process.
These people also tend to make unrealistic promises. If, for example, his or her estimate on the time it will take to build your home is much less than others, this is a red flag! Building a home safely requires time; honest salespeople will always give you a realistic time estimate.
2. Misrepresenting his or her knowledge, abilities, and/or experience.
Many of us would call this LYING! If your salesperson cannot answer your questions, says he has 20 years of experience but can’t back up his claims, or doesn’t seem to be able to tell the difference between a hammer and a saw, you may wish to look elsewhere. If a sleazy salesperson is willing to lie about these things, he or she will most likely be willing to lie about other things, too. Trust the salesperson, or find one you do trust. Honest salespeople will have a good history that should not be difficult to investigate. Often, a quick internet search will provide information on a perspective salesperson.
3. Being too pushy.
Crooked salespeople will not take “no” for an answer. They may continue to give you counterpoint after counterpoint on why you must have this product; or, they may invade your personal space, making you feel uncomfortable or even unsafe.
Many dishonest salespeople will rush you to make a decision or try to push you to build a home that doesn’t meet your needs. Maybe it’s too large, the floor plan is cumbersome, the style doesn’t suit your personality, etc. Chances are, this person is simply trying for a larger commission.
Good, honest salespeople will always respect your boundaries. They will hear you when you tell them you need time to think about your options or confer with your spouse. High-quality salespeople will ensure that you feel comfortable with the process, and that he or she is helping you choose a home that is right for you.
4. Being impatient.
Pushy, sleazy salespeople are likely to become impatient quickly. After all, they do not want you to take the time to consider all of your options or get another opinion. They want you to make a decision quickly. They want that quick sale. Reputable salespeople will understand and respect the fact that you are making a big decision. They will even encourage you to take things slowly and thoughtfully. Their main goal is not the sale itself, but your happiness.
5. Not listening.
Does your salesperson use your name in conversations? If not, chances are he didn’t hear what your name was. You may wonder why this is important. It is important, because if he didn’t listen when you told him your name, what else is he or she not listening to? A sleazy salesperson will usually be more interested in talking about himself, often trying to bring the conversation back to his strengths, likes, etc.
A good salesperson will make every attempt to learn about his customers. He will want to get to know them better, to understand their likes and dislikes, needs and wants. The customers’ happiness will always be the primary focus of a good salesperson.
The bottom line is this: Good salespeople will always be up-front and honest with you. They will listen to you and do their best to do what’s right for you, not what is easiest for them. High-quality salespeople always put their customers first, even if that means taking a smaller commission for themselves. Top-quality salespeople typically work with top-quality companies. These are the people and companies who deserve your business. Don’t settle for anything less.