Why Salesmen Hate Me
Last week, I bought a new desk chair. As I was paying for it, the cashier asked me if I wanted an Extended Warranty. I politely declined. He asked again, and again I declined. He didn’t realize that I am the Patron Saint of ‘No’.
He started going into reasons why I should get one. I listened patiently and still declined. He was then joined by another 'apparently psychic' employee, who told me that it was really the best thing for me.
Then I said, “What would happen in case of an earthquake?” He said, that I could call the chair manufacturer and they would replace it. Knowing the employees would have said anything to get a sell, I still declined.
Suddenly the cashier clenches his jaw, rolls his eyes and becomes angry because I said “No.” He doesn’t even look at me and finishes the transaction in silence. I am surprised that he didn’t become The Incredible Hulk and lash out because of his anger.
Why does everyone use fear to sell “safety?” Remember life before Extended Warranties. Remember when manufactures gave a year warranty before turning this duty over to the stores?
It was much simpler back then. We bought things, they wore out and we threw them away. There was no extended warranty period. That’s just another way for stores to add to their coffers.
Employees get incentives (cash, trips, prizes, etc.) based on the amount of Extended warranties that they sell.
If I bought the chair to give away or throw away, why would the store care? What happens after the extended warranty is over?
My mother and sister have a hard time saying ‘No.’ They buy Extended Warranties all the time, just so cashiers will stop talking - ironically I got the cashier to stop talking for free.
What about you? Do you fall for the Extended Warranty spiel? Does it make you not want to shop?
21 comments:
Well, if it was an iron lung or artificial heart I was purchasing, YES to extended warranties.
I do buy extended warranties for major eectrical goods like washer/dryer but all other products-no.
They're a scam. A products should be covered for free for a reasonbale period- LIFE- for every product a merchant expects to sell.
What a nasty lil' salescreep- I would have asked for a 75 yr warranty at minumum!
Alexys, everything is a test. So long as something or someone you encounter is able to press your internal buttons, similar experiences will present. Each one is another opportunity to gain insight into the rhythms of soul. The body is conditioned to react in certain ways which often restrict and resist natural energy flow of love. Why permit any part of you to feel tense at any moment? Every instant offers everyone reason to sense blessings in apparent frustration. You are progressively learning to transcend any reason to feel or express anything but love. For many human beings, this remains a challenge. That is why things seem as they are. Shift your thoughts and transform your life. Compassion is always the answer. Those who are negative, frustrated or stuck in misunderstandings need love more than ever. Unconsciously, we are also teaching ourselves surrender. Thats it priceless.
Nice post, Alexys. It's too bad that many salespeople use intimidation and fear to scare up sales; having a background in sales myself, I don't hesitate to be perfectly blunt with those type of salespeople.
But when someone actually listens to my needs, and sells features and benefits to suit those needs - and provide a solution, then I'm just itching to hand over the cash - like all salespeople before me. Solution-based selling is the only kind of selling that lasts, long-term.
Have a great day, and mind out for the earthquakes! ;)
(Maybe that joke seems in poor taste when you're living in California - I trust you know it wasn't meant that way!)
MH
Uber,
Why on earth would you need an iron lung. Are you a smoker? Don't tell me you need an artificial heart as well. Are you heartless? ;D
Washer/Dryer is understandable because everything is made cheaper nowadays and you never know if it was made properly in the first place. I have a new refrigerator that won't stop spitting ice - and it's brand new. I need goggles and a helmet to get ice.
I agree, the warranties should be for life.
Liara,
I know that I am often used as a vehicle so I am prepared for the unexpected. This situation didn't push my buttons, I just knew I was there to tell him 'No.' I imagine how many more people before me wanted to say 'No,' but instead bought the warranty anyway? I love moments like these.
Matt,
Bad salespeople give good ones a bad name. It also makes the good ones really stand out like you mention. They are far and few in between, but they are valuable assets and I take extra time to listen to them because they too have stress at work. (as you probably know)
I will watch out for the earthquakes. We actually had two in two weeks, but I am used to them. They are sort of like a thrill ride, but not fun when people get hurt.
Have a fantastic day too. Hug your little angels for me.
When the extended warranty costs more than it would take to replace the item, then no LOL I always find that amusing. Yes on major appliances, I have found them useful and cost-saving.
I laughed at this, because I'm the same as you! "No thank you" often leaves them perplexed.
You wrote about remembering the days when we'd buy something, it wore out and we'd toss it... Made me think that I'd like us to jump into a time when we buy something, it wears out, and we fix it rather than throwing it out. Imagine how much happier the environment would be.
Loved this post - thanks for the lightness of it!
The value of "no" is often misunderstood. You encourage readers to value their instincts and to 'stick to their guns.' his post demonstrates the warranty salesperson may not have learned the meaning of the word "no." In this way, you are a helpful teacher.
Hey Lady A,
LOL uuh, I love the image: very cool!! Is it Hulk?
"Knowing the employees would have said anything to get a sell, I still declined." - LOL LOL LOL you know it, girl! They will say anything, absolutely anything to sell...they'll lie if needed be.
"I am surprised that he didn’t become The Incredible Hulk and lash out because of his anger." - ROFL ROFL ROFL...oh my, buying a chair generates all this fuss? LOL
"Remember when manufactures gave a year warranty before turning this duty over to the stores?" - I do, because they still do it here.
"Employees get incentives (cash, trips, prizes, etc.) based on the amount of Extended warranties that they sell." - I hope no Portuguese (besides me and alike) reads this post, otherwise they may get ideas LOL *nodding*. We don't have this here, so I am learning a whole new thing today :D!
"My mother and sister have a hard time saying ‘No.’ They buy Extended Warranties all the time, just so cashiers will stop talking -" - LOL LOL LOL I know someone like that, who is incapable of saying "No" *nodding*. But do they at least know how to haggle?
"ironically I got the cashier to stop talking for free." - LOL so true! LOL LOL...
Since we do not have Extended Warranties here, let me share a short story with (something that happens a lot here):
When sellers call you to sell a cable TV package, they can be very persuasive. You are told about the advantages of having cable TV (now it is digital) and how cheap it is. Then if you say that you are not interested they will tell you "you buy this package and you will have the movie channel + Disney channel for free for 6 months"...you think "6 months? That is awesome...yeah, I accept it".
You are happy with your bargain...until...they charge you for the movie channels +Disney by the end of the 2nd month!
You call the company and the rant starts. Negotiations last for a year (and meanwhile you are paying for the damn channels) and in the end they credit you 2 months payment only (because the promotional campaign in the previous year was 3 months not 6)....People nearly turn into The Incredible Hulk here (and this is one of the reasons why they often trash H.Q's) *nodding*....
Wonderful post, darling: relaxing and amusing at the same time :D!
Anti-Extended Warranties Cheers
Hi Grace,
I agree on major appliances and possibly used cars, but on things that are cheaper to replace - No. Thanks for sharing your view.
Hi Megan,
I laughed too as I wrote it. :D
I am often amazed at the level of dumbfounderment (that's a mouthful.) in people when I say, 'No.' It's like I just taught them a new word. LOL.
You make a great point on the art of repair. I know someone's father who gets his shoes resoled about every ten years because they are hand made and in perfect condition otherwise.
Thanks for sharing your story and laughter.
Hi Liara,
No should be the most valuable word in our vocabulary, but instead we toss it aside like it's a leper. We should embrace 'No' and welcome it into our heart. It may even save our life one day. :D
Hi Max,
I enlisted the Hulk to make my point. He is my backup. ;D
"...oh my, buying a chair generates all this fuss? LOL"
It didn't faze me as much as it fazed the salesman. People are people, I just enjoy the show.
You are fortunate that you still get a full warranty. Gone are those days here. Now everything is piecemealed and we are charge separately for it. Even if we return some products, the stores try to tack on a 15% 'restocking' fee. If your order a product from TV, they will give you the price of the item and a separate shipping and handling fee, which is usually almost the cost of the item. In England, the price you see is the price you pay. Here, everything is subterfuge.
"But do they at least know how to haggle?"
They don't even do that. Years ago AOL, (America Online) kept taking money from their bank accounts 7 months after they canceled. When they complained, AOL denied it and wanted them to prove it. It's no wonder AOL has fallen. It is one of the worse services.
I know exactly what you mean. Those cable companies are scandalous. Do they get away with it? They upsell here too. Even if you order a burger from Mc Donald's, they will ask, "Would you like fries with that?"
"...People nearly turn into The Incredible Hulk here (and this is one of the reasons why they often trash H.Q's) *nodding*...."
Now I understand. I understand.
"Wonderful post, darling: relaxing and amusing at the same time :D!"
Thank you my dear.
No Warranty Cheers!
Lady A,
"I enlisted the Hulk to make my point. He is my backup. ;D"
lol I hear you ;).
"It didn't faze me as much as it fazed the salesman. People are people, I just enjoy the show."
LOL "I just enjoy the show"...love it!! You are right "People are people" (this reminded me of Depeche Mode "People are People, so why should it be, you and I should get along so awfully...people are people, so why should it be?).
"You are fortunate that you still get a full warranty. Gone are those days here. Now everything is piecemealed and we are charge separately for it. Even if we return some products, the stores try to tack on a 15% 'restocking' fee."
Really? We can't return products here. The only thing we are allowed to do is to exchange them.
"If your order a product from TV, they will give you the price of the item and a separate shipping and handling fee, which is usually almost the cost of the item. In England, the price you see is the price you pay. Here, everything is subterfuge."
I didn't know that. Portugal is like England in that regard.
"They don't even do that. Years ago AOL, (America Online) kept taking money from their bank accounts 7 months after they canceled. When they complained, AOL denied it and wanted them to prove it. It's no wonder AOL has fallen. It is one of the worse services."
To haggle is important. I never used to either, but then when I went to Africa I had to learn (if you don't haggle you are duped).
:O shocking! No wonder is fell indeed...
"I know exactly what you mean. Those cable companies are scandalous. Do they get away with it? They upsell here too. Even if you order a burger from Mc Donald's, they will ask, "Would you like fries with that?""
They are scandalous. They do, because our judicial system sucks.
LOL typical....what if a person only wants a burger with no fries?
When I used to attend McDonald's (many many moons ago: I've O.Ded on it) I witnessed the following scene: a guy asked for a Big Mac, the McClerk asked "Vai querer batatas fritas? (Would you like fries with that)?" the guy looked at the kid and said "por acaso pedi batatas fritas (did I ask for fries)?" the poor clerk just looked at him for a few minutes and then gave him the Big Mac with no fries....I gathered these McClerks are trained to offer fries no matter what *nodding*.
"Now I understand. I understand."
*nodding in agreement*...
"Thank you my dear."
You are most welcome *bowing*!
Hell No Warranty Cheers
Hi Max,
"People are people" (this reminded me of Depeche Mode "People are People, so why should it be, you and I should get along so awfully...people are people, so why should it be?)."
Continuing the lyrics...
"So were different colours,
And were different creeds
And different people
Have different needs
Its obvious you hate me
Though Ive done nothing wrong
Ive never even met you
So what could I have done
I cant understand
What makes a man
Hate another man
Help me understand..."
Head bopping up and down. Singing to myself.
"Really? We can't return products here. The only thing we are allowed to do is to exchange them."
No kidding. I guess that is the pay off for having a full warranty.
"I didn't know that. Portugal is like England in that regard."
I like that aspect of honesty. Here if you book an airline ticket, they will give you the price and then say plus sales tax, landing fees, airport taxes, 911 fees, homeland security fees and whatever else they have added. They won't give you the total, they will pretend that the price is the first one they gave you.
"To haggle is important. I never used to either, but then when I went to Africa I had to learn (if you don't haggle you are duped)."
Exactly. Maybe I should send my mother and sister to Africa to learn how to haggle. LOL.
"...what if a person only wants a burger with no fries?"
Then they have to listen to the upsell pitch first.
"When I used to attend McDonald's (many many moons ago: I've O.Ded on it) I witnessed the following scene: a guy asked for a Big Mac, the McClerk asked "Vai querer batatas fritas? (Would you like fries with that)?" the guy looked at the kid and said "por acaso pedi batatas fritas (did I ask for fries)?" the poor clerk just looked at him for a few minutes and then gave him the Big Mac with no fries....I gathered these McClerks are trained to offer fries no matter what *nodding*."
ROFL. ROFL. ROFL. ROFL. I LOVE 'McClerks.' ROFL. Holding stomach. ROFL. I feel a little sorry for the McClerks. They look so innocent. They push those buttons all day. Did you hear about the woman who was angry that McDonald’s was out of Chicken McNuggets, and she called 911 (emergency) three times to report the fast food “emergency.” She told dispatchers that if she would have known they didn’t have McNuggets, she wouldn’t have given them her money.
"Hell No Warranty Cheers"
Oh no Max, I won't be able to stop laughing today. You are too funny.
Funny Cheers.
Hi Lady A,
"Continuing the lyrics..."
Depeche mode has had always fabulous lyrics!! Love them!
"Head bopping up and down. Singing to myself."
Head bopping up and down along with you...singing...
"No kidding. I guess that is the pay off for having a full warranty."
For real. I guess...
"I like that aspect of honesty. Here if you book an airline ticket, they will give you the price and then say plus sales tax, landing fees, airport taxes, 911 fees, homeland security fees and whatever else they have added. They won't give you the total, they will pretend that the price is the first one they gave you."
:O all those fees? It is a silly marketing stunt *nodding*. They say it is part of psychology of selling - rubbish.
"Exactly. Maybe I should send my mother and sister to Africa to learn how to haggle. LOL."
LOL LOL LOL they could end up liking it LOL...
"Then they have to listen to the upsell pitch first."
Damn!!
"ROFL. ROFL. ROFL. ROFL. I LOVE 'McClerks.' ROFL. Holding stomach. ROFL. I feel a little sorry for the McClerks. They look so innocent. They push those buttons all day. Did you hear about the woman who was angry that McDonald’s was out of Chicken McNuggets, and she called 911 (emergency) three times to report the fast food “emergency.” She told dispatchers that if she would have known they didn’t have McNuggets, she wouldn’t have given them her money."
LOL LOL LOL I thought you'd like it lol. I feel sorry for them too, because they are trained to do exactly that, and then (sometimes) they have to put up with nasty people who don't understand this *nodding*.
ROFL she did what? ROFL ROFL ROFL...ok, now I have heard of everything! LOL couldn't she just ask for her money back?
"Oh no Max, I won't be able to stop laughing today. You are too funny."
LOL I hope you have stopped now, otherwise you'll have stomach cramps, girl lol. Me?? What about you?
Double Funny Cheers
"I got the cashier to stop talking for free." lol..I love it.
I don't buy extended warranties either. Though I can't say I've had sale people be as pushy about it as you described. In your case, it would be a "what part of no, do you not understand." :)
Hi Max,
"Depeche mode has had always fabulous lyrics!! Love them!"
They do.
"Head bopping up and down along with you...singing..."
Music ^5.
":O all those fees? It is a silly marketing stunt *nodding*. They say it is part of psychology of selling - rubbish."
I am surprised they don't charge us for talking to them. (Not yet)
"[Africa] LOL LOL LOL they could end up liking it LOL..."
Maybe?
"LOL LOL LOL I thought you'd like it lol."
You were right. LOL.
"I feel sorry for them too, because they are trained to do exactly that, and then (sometimes) they have to put up with nasty people who don't understand this *nodding*."
Once a guy just wanted change for a dollar bill and they didn't know how to do it because there was no button for it. All of the buttons have pictures of the food.
"ROFL she did what? ROFL ROFL ROFL...ok, now I have heard of everything! LOL couldn't she just ask for her money back?"
She asked for it back and they refused to give it to her. One woman even pulled a gun on an employee because her fries were cold. Then there is the woman who sued Mc Donald's because her coffee was too hot. :-o
"LOL I hope you have stopped now, otherwise you'll have stomach cramps, girl lol. Me?? What about you?"
Yes, my side starts to hurt. That's why they call laughter side-splitting.
Side-splitting Stomach Cramps Cheers!
Hi Lea,
I am glad that I'm not the only one who doesn't give in to those salespeople. More power to us and people like us.
Apparently the word 'No' does not sink in with them.
Thanks for adding your thoughts. Please drop by again.
Hey Lady A,
"Music ^5."
Music ^5!
"I am surprised they don't charge us for talking to them. (Not yet)"
LOL LOL LOL you know?
"Maybe?"
Maybe...
"Once a guy just wanted change for a dollar bill and they didn't know how to do it because there was no button for it. All of the buttons have pictures of the food."
LOL really? LOL LOL oh God...
"She asked for it back and they refused to give it to her. One woman even pulled a gun on an employee because her fries were cold. Then there is the woman who sued Mc Donald's because her coffee was too hot. :-o"
:O! You kid me not?
"Yes, my side starts to hurt. That's why they call laughter side-splitting."
ROFL ROFL ROFL I love that "Laughter side-splitting" LOL LOL LOL ^5!
LOL Side-splitting Stomach Cramps Cheers
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