From: jgrimm@TorreyPinesCA.ncr.com (Jeffrey Grimmett 9999)
Subject: Re: A1200 and LD vs HD (marketing? what marketing?)
Organization: NCR (Torrey Pines Development Center)
Disclaimer: This posting does not necessarily reflect the opinions of NCR.
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 92 23:21:13 GMT

Quoth charlet@hubcap.clemson.edu (Charles E "Rick" Taylor IV):
]> 
]> >Sorry, but been there, done that.  I spent quite some time in the trenches
]> >locally.  Decided RIGHT AWAY that there was no real need to try to sell
]> >someone something they didn't want.  It leads to more headaches than it's
]> >worth.  The bottom line with me is that if they are more interested in
]> >minute details like the floppy drive, it's a lost cause.  If you want to
]> >sell the computer, SELL THE COMPUTER.
]> 
]> He's absolutely right, though.  If treated in an insulting manner, I'd go
]> to the Better Business Bureau, the local + state Chambers Of Commerce, and
]> call the companies for whom you were a dealer and tell them what I thought 
]> of your services in no kind terms.

Well, of the three you mentioned exactly ONE would be effective.  I'm not going
into BBB politics in this newsgrp, however.

Now, I'd like to point out one thing:  You and a lot of people are under the
impression that I'd make rude noises and call your mother names if you had
the temerity to ask about the size of the floppy in the machine.  I used extreme
examples, assuming most wouldn't take it literally (what WAS I thinking about?),
so let me reduce this down a little.

In this particular scenario we have some dealer who is probably soon to be
out of business more or less trying to claim he can't sell Amigas based on
what kind of drivve is in it.  

Let's walk through it briefly:  you just demo'd a 1200, shown what the latest
version of BLAZEMONGER does under AGA, and we end up at the hard drive question:

"OK, so what kind of floppy drive is that?"

(first of all, I find it unlikely that anyone's going to first ask about the
floppy after seeing BM in action, but let's assume so for the sake of argument).

One answers, I hope, truthfully.  What comes next depends on the customer:

"880K?.  Can it be upgraded?"  is an honest question and of course I'd have
no problems with this.  On the other hand:

"880K?  GEEZ!  That's pretty lame!"  is a potential problem child in the making,and may not (depending on a few other ffactors) be worth pursuing.  Of corse,
it's up to the salesperson, but if getting walked on by someone is your
idea of making a living, have at it.  I for one would (and have) referred
such troublesome shoppers elsewhere.

Once again, I'm looking down the road with this person, too.  If afterr all
the sales pitch that person is hung up on details like that, the 1200 is not
for them, and one should acknowledge that and move on.

]> So, if the person asks if the computer comes with a high-density drive and 
]> if not could it be fitted with one, the best course of action is *not* to
]> insult him/her.  It could come back to haunt you later.

Insulting a customer (BTW, I didn't see any inults in there -- just very
sarcastic possible questions.  If I call you ugly, that's an insult) is
not a good idea.  Offending someone who really has no intention of being
a customer in my opinion is not.  If they have so little regard for your
time as to take you away from folks who ARE good customers, they don't
deserve the respect of the shopkeeper.

I know, I know.. the customer is GOD.  You're right.  99% of everyone
that I dealt with was treated extremely well.  The other 1% take away from
the service to the REAL customers.

Remember:  most stores I've been in bear the disclaimer "we reserve the
right to refuse service etc."

]> >Otherwise, maintain good relations with one or two good peecee dealers, and
]> >route them to these dealers.  At least they won't go around claiming you
]> >ripped them off...
]> 
]> Good point.  Or try selling them an Amiga that comes with an HD drive.

Yep, sorry, missed that one :-)

]> >Sears selling 500's in direct competition to thier dealers, at a lower
]> > price than they could afford.
]> 
]> I haven't seen Sears selling Amigas ... maybe that's a regional thing.

You must not have kids :-)  Two years ago it was in the Sears Wish Book
for Xmas.  I haven't checked any of the past ones, but didn't hear any
different.


-- 
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Jeff Grimmett [SuperBitMap BBS]          * fido!1:202/1401.0 [619-460-7290]
jeff_grimmett@f1401.n202.z1.fidonet.org  * jgrimm@TorreyPinesCA.ncr.com
 The opinions expressed in this message are thoughtful, reasoned, and logical.
      	It goes without saying that they are not those of my employer.
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Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.hardware