OT: Salespeople and pushy sales tactics - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 09:05:29 pm
content: The person in question is likely to be reading this postDoes it bother anyone else when a company requires you to log in or create an account just to tell you their price? And then when you do it, you get a call from their local sales rep who "will be in the area and wanted to stop by", and if you refuse they "will just drop off their business card"?I hate that shit. Maybe I am turning into a grumpy old codger but I find it quite disingenuous... if you call them out on not giving pricing before giving them your info, they always respond with some BS about how they need to make sure you're getting the right price, etc. If you call them out after you give them your info that they want to stop by, they give you some BS about just wanting to make sure you have their contact info, etc.It's irritating. Who has time to be meeting with freakin' sales people from all the companies you might possibly do business with.It occurred to me that the best relationships I have with any of my suppliers are the ones where there are no salespeople involved. Like Digikey, McMaster, Mouser, etc. The ones who insist on inserting a salesperson in the loop - like Future Electronics, Arrow, Avnet, and the one that I dealt with today - I end up doing WAY less business with, because I don't want to have to deal with a salesperson when I could just order online when it's convenient to me without having to wait for a salesperson to come in and try to snoop around and find out how much $$ they stand to gain from the relationship.How do you folks handle such situations? Are you a pushover and let them come by? Are you firm but polite? Do you let them know you're uphappy with them inserting themselves into an otherwise simple relationship?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 09:15:06 pm
content: Quote from: Corporate666 on January 27, 2014, 09:05:29 pmYep, nothing more annoying in today's e-commerce world.It was annoying before e-commerce.

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 09:22:20 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on January 27, 2014, 09:15:06 pmYou probably deal with it a lot Dave - and you aren't shy (it seems). What do you tell them? I always find myself pissing them off because I am extremely blunt. I'm just trying to save them the hassle of wasting their time, but salespeople seem to thrive on validation through making sales, and being shot down before they even get a word in seems to hurt their egos.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 09:23:24 pm
content: i let reps come round i talk to them honestly. I think its always good to have a friendly relationship with reps and salespeople...you never know when you might need to call them up and ask for a favour, even if it's a company you dont often deal with

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 09:23:43 pm
content: Quote from: Corporate666 on January 27, 2014, 09:22:20 pmEh, it's good for them.

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 09:24:51 pm
content: Yes, firm. NOT polite.Usually give the phone to my kid when those types call.Or if I'm not busy, I'll fake a really bad cell phone connection, which I usually don't have to fake if I go down to the basement, but keep the connection good enough to keep them tied up for awhile.Then start asking really stupid questions about things like inverse deractive impedance quality or the weight of the reciprocating dingle arm.Other than that, I just hang up.Works wonders...

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 12:48:24 am
content: Meh, at my PPOE at least, it was always a good day to talk fancy parts with people. Days range from busy to boring otherwise.Now, actually setting up things when I need parts, yeah, that's a rip.Unfortunately, a lot of big and special purpose parts are still only available through those traditional channels. Oh well.Tim

author: bridgerectifier
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 04:10:15 am
content: Whynothave a rep visit you? One more person to have a cuppa with, and one more friend, potentially. When I did electronic servicing as an apprentice, two very nice TV parts reps would pop in on a regular basis and sit down and have a good chinwag and a cup of tea with us; they were both thoroughly nice peopleIf you're the type of person who is warm and welcoming and befriends people naturally, making them feel welcome, they're highly likely to reciprocate this behaviour.You never know when this rep might offer you some EOL/written off stock cheap... or even FREE! Who knows - you might have spent X amount on some equipment, and this person may just happen to pick one up, destined for landfill, and hand it to you!Don't close yourself off in a lonely nerd cave; it's good to have a break from work, and if you feel pressurised, well guess what - you have a mouth - say "no", firmly.Finally, think of that poor guy racking up tens of thousands of miles ALONE in a car, just to make bread and butter for his wife and children. If for no other reason, have him in to break his monotonous job up a bit; think of someone else - it's wonderful

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 04:58:17 am
content: Quote from: bridgerectifier on January 28, 2014, 04:10:15 amWhen I encounter pushy bastard salesmen I often think there is an even bigger bastard psychopath sales boss pushing him. Like the legendary tenderhearted philanthropist billionare and car salesman Jimmy Pattison:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Pattison?Legendary in these parts (British Columbia) for his policy of automatic firing the lowest performing salesman every month at all his car dealerships, with the rationale that they were'nt suitable for the job and he was doing them a favour.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 06:59:40 am
content: I have put the phone down at work on many a sales person particularly those trying to get information to sell on. My colleagues are starting to find it quite funny they way I bluntly confront them explaining that we could change suppliers daily if we listened to them all and then the people who are trying to get information to sell to these people.Most people I try putting them through to on their request tell me to tell them that they are in a meeting, I tend to just bluntly say they are not interested as they will only ring back wasting ours and their time.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 09:16:46 am
content: I've found that the most annoying sales people tend to work for the companies that should instead spend time and money on improving their general procedures back in the office.Conversely, the companies that have good web sites and are responsive to emails and orders don't seem to pester me much at all - I go to them by choice!

author: ve7xen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 09:23:12 am
content: I give (obviously) bogus information and if I still can't find a price or the information I'm looking for, I move on when I can. When it comes to electronics anyway. In my day job (computers / networking), you won't survive if you pay retail and developing a good relationship with the official supply chain is the only way to pay a reasonable price and it's almost an even bigger jerk move of them to offer the products, but at an absurd price, via more convenient channels.Why big companies operate this way is something I've never been able to fathom. If I know what I want and don't need any sales folks' / distributor assistance, who gains from these extra people for the money to pass through? Fine, for some big-ticket items, they want to know you're getting a product that will work in your application (and try to upsell you), and I'm find with that when I'm spending 6-figures. When it's a product line I use every day though, just let me buy the damn thing at a reasonable price in a painless online process rather than wasting half a day in a lunch meeting with a sales guy where both our salaries are getting pissed away out of the product price.

author: mcinque
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 12:39:18 pm
content: IMO, at least for electronic related things, this is due to the growing population number worldwide: more peoples > more companies, more competitors and more salespersons > more need to sell things (and at a good price) to stay alive > maybe outsourcing in Asia and India to keep good margins > too many offers about the same kind of products = shit sale tactics.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 01:03:48 pm
content: I've worked in companies which were big enough to have a distinct sales force but small enough that any social occasion organised by work was company wide so the engineers and sales reps would be out (usually consuming alcohol) together - management as well.While the reps were probably perfectly OK people it always struck me that almost none of them were the sort of people I'dchooseto socialise with. Much too brash, cocky, over-confident and a tendency to large egos.I suspect that the personailty traits which one encounters in the sales force and the personality traits of the typical engineer are not all that compatible which is why a lot of engineers are not always comfortable with sales reps.However I wouldn't go out of my way to avoid them (well, certain individuals perhaps) - they are a resource like any other and can be helpful. I wouldnothowever be dishonest with them. If you are a hobyist and not likely to generate big orders then say so and they'll probably go away of their own accord.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 01:21:18 pm
content: I had a corker this morning. A company are going to save us 47% on our gas bills by fitting thermal management systems by fitting something that keeps turning the gas off and on and by having thermostats accurate to a degree, Darling, you made the mistake of trying to sell that shit to an engineering company that deals in heat transfer.

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 01:25:29 pm
content: Is that not a PID thermostat ?Go buy a NEST.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 01:30:13 pm
content: Quote from: nowlan on January 28, 2014, 01:25:29 pmWell she totally missed the fact that I kept telling her that as a company with many extractors in its one large factory building any attempt at economy was pointless as we throw heat out nearly as fast as we make it, but of course sales people know more than engineers........

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 01:33:25 pm
content: Can't blame her for trying

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 02:00:07 pm
content: Quote from: grumpydoc on January 28, 2014, 01:33:25 pmWell there is determined and there is obstinate.

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 02:04:11 pm
content: RS used to send round a sales rep who woulda) Call unannouncedb) Tell me he could do nothing on pricec) Demonstrate zero technical knowledgeI've found myself on the dark side too, one of the companies we are distributors for have only one marketing policy and that's face to face. I cringe when their sales guy insists we "just pop in" on various engineers.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 02:10:31 pm
content: Oh I hate the sweet talking idiots that have no clue on the subject. I rarely bother to "chat" or phone RS or farnell as all they do is go through the website the same as i would

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 02:12:02 pm
content: QuoteOh dear, that does sound terminally uselessI _have_ met sales people like this - on one occasion I have actually had to say "you're not explaining this very well - would you like to come back with someone who understands the product". They didn't (nor did they get the sale) but they did get the point.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 04:55:28 pm
content: Thank god the people at Digi-Key know what they are talking about. I needed to ask them something about a specific replacement for a part, and they found something suitable right away. Unlike the script monkeys at Comcast."OK. I want to know the promotional price for your 25Mbps plan""Alright sir, I'm going to need your First name, last name, address, and Social Security""WHAT??? I just wanted the price""I'm sorry, I need that information"*hangs up*

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 06:23:56 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on January 27, 2014, 09:15:06 pmDave, you are being kind. I think it was way beyond "annoying" before e-commerce. Over 10 years ago, I first noticed a trend -billing before selling.Over 10 years ago, I was running an IT department. I start receiving bills first with domain registration and then with other things. A letter from some company we have never do business with: On the letter part was the "Your domain XXXX is due to expire...you may loose the use of this name...please extended as soon as possible..." then a tear-off part payment slip. On the fine print: "payment indicate acceptance to transfer your domain to us and begin our service" (or some similar wording). If I was careless, I might have merely terminated my current service and started a new one with a company I never heard of before.I first notice it with domain registration. I then begin to see similar kind of "bills" for maintenance, subscriptions, and even purchase of equipment! A bill for equipment that we have never considered from an unknown company, and fine print saying: "This is not a bill. Payment indicates acceptance of sells offer."Having also been in charge of procurement for a small-medium shop (software developers numbered in mid 3 digits), I can see careless assistance wanting to avoid the "catastrophe" of account interruption and play it safe: pay first to ensure no catastrophe. I might even have been caught by that and never realized it.Whenever there is an organization (or a job role) wheresuccess is defined by the lack of failures, such "billing before selling" type companies has an opportunity.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 06:43:30 pm
content: I am afraid that governments need to regulate common decency in commerce as these days companies will go to any immoral measure to snatch trade and rip you off and they make sure they follow the letter of the law so as to not get caught.Today I gleefully put the phone down on someone calling from a very important sounding company asking for me to help them update my details, second one in a few days. the last one I actually pointed out to her that we did not need to give her the information she wanted to sell on so that we could get more pointless sales calls.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 09:11:45 pm
content: I had one the other week where the caller wanted to "confirm that appointment you made with me last week, you remember mate?". (was a phone or electricity retailer I think)I told him "No, I didn't make any appointment, not interested, goodbye!" and hung up. I'm not usually that polite with them. lol

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 09:26:29 pm
content: haha, yea we love the ones that ring up so confident wanting to speak to the managing director, the more confident they sound the less interested we are in helping.

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 10:08:29 pm
content: QuoteThere was one going around a while ago from something like the "Data Protection Registration Company" complete with a government type official looking logo. It requested ~£180 to comply with the data protection act and used very slippery wording.I'm usually pretty good at dismissing bs but it got me concerned enough to google it (just in case!).Of course I soon confirmed it as a scam, and promptly posed back their reply slip in a jiffy bag containing various bits from the rubbish bin.... and of course no stamp. Hopefully they paid the £2 or so to the Post Office for a couple of apple cores and a mars bar wrapper.

author: cimmo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2014, 12:44:06 am
content: A few years ago I placed an order with Element14 for about a hundred bucks worth of bits. I clearly indicated my 'hobbyist' status during the order process. But I still had a phone call the next day from one of their sales droids sniffing around hoping that I was going to be a major customer. She seemed so disappointed when I told her that my orders would be small and at best 'sporadic'.Since then, I've gotten just about everything I need from China/ebay.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 29, 2014, 07:00:10 am
content: I never call my customers up and harass them

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 12:49:58 pm
content: Quote from: Corporate666 on January 27, 2014, 09:05:29 pmYes, hate this. It's soo eighties. And then man have to discuss and agree in some dark corner about the price.I want 1 price, for everyone, from the first second on, clearly. Quantity % indicated.Quote from: Corporate666 on January 27, 2014, 09:05:29 pmAaarrgh I also hate them. Fortunately I wasn't the most stupid guy in class, so I don't have to do a sales job.

author: steve30
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 01:23:15 pm
content: Quote from: Rick Law on January 28, 2014, 06:23:56 pmRick, this kind of stuff still happens. I got a letter from 'Domain Renewals Group' a couple of years ago wanting me to transfer my domain to them for an unusually high price. I think Dave had one in a mailbag video once. I wonder how many people fall for it.I've never dealt with sales people when buying electronic components, but then I don't buy that many. These stories sound like the kind of things you hear about stores like PC World.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 02:10:01 pm
content: Well I'm on a hanging up and barring spreeI got a call just over a week ago offering us paint stripping services, I explained that we don't strip paint only put it on.A few days ago the same company call me, I'd forgotten who they were but they claimed to have spoken to a "simon turner"me so I remembered, this time they were offering to clean our painting equipment, so again I explained that unless they wanted to pop down once every few hours to clean our one sprayers gun there really was not much they could do for us.......I expect I'll get another call, probably offering to do the painting for us.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 03:17:27 pm
content: Ik keep getting calls from Oregon. Some company in Beaverton. Trying to find out if i will buy a scope.No idea who it is. Agilent doesn't have an office there.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 03:21:05 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on February 11, 2014, 03:17:27 pm. Danaher has some of the pushiest salespeople out there. Asked for a quote once, keep getting asked to buy a new MDO4000.

author: manticore00
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 04:39:15 pm
content: The best sales people are there when you need them and disappear when you don't... unfortunately most seem to use have got that backwards...

author: jolshefsky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 05:04:04 pm
content: Thinking back to the original poster, my only official work site is out of my home where I assemble all the components manufactured for us. So when some salesperson wants to "stop by", well, there's not really any place for them to go. In my work area/office/storage area, it'sdesignedevolvedinto a one-person-only space. And I don't really want to chat in my living room. Now if I had an office where I could have them in a conference room, maybe it'd be a different story.Nonetheless, in all the years I have been alive, I have yet to encounter a salesperson who recommends a product that I can't believe I didn't know I needed. If I need something, I seek it out and get it. The only thing I have had happen close is when I was at a trade show years ago and learned about a relatively local place that could do assembly-line work. I still haven't called them, though, because the quantities we deal with are low (expensive specialized equipment.)

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 11, 2014, 11:08:15 pm
content: Quote from: jolshefsky on February 11, 2014, 05:04:04 pmThis reminded me of my funniest morbid trade show story. At the trade show where I grabbed the soldering iron (!!), I met a local company who told me they could do all sorts of stuff that we were doing in-house. Like they could make small numbers of wire harnesses (200 at a time, for example) for us at a lower cost than we were paying for just the parts. They told us they could get small numbers of boards assembled, custom LED displays made, etc. In retrospect, the sales guy was just saying "We can do that!" to anything I said, likely hoping to upsell later.So when he finally did come to our office, suddenly all this work had higher minimums and or huge NRE fees and such. It became obvious they wanted a huge $$ commitment and we wanted to spend just a little, so it wasn't going to work out. I am trying to wrap up the meeting gracefully and the guy must have gotten the idea that the sale was slipping away... so he starts getting all emotional and talking about how he's not usually the sales guy... then HE STARTS TO CRY IN MY OFFICE and tells me about "Bob" the salesman who died of a heart attack while visiting a client just a few weeks prior... and how Bob would have wanted him to just get a couple more sales to meet his goal for the year - a portion of his bonus then going to Bob's widow.I am rarely speechless, but that did it. After he left, my biz partner and I looked at each other and realized we were both dumbfounded at the guys behavior.

author: wilheldp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 12:25:22 am
content: Methinks "Bob" never existed, and that the salesman was either really desperate or really dedicated to put on a show like that.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2014, 04:00:04 pm
content: Quote from: manticore00 on February 11, 2014, 04:39:15 pmAgreed. The exact same seems to go for management types.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 04:49:13 am
content: Quote from: mrflibble on February 12, 2014, 04:00:04 pmWell, it depends. Some good sales reps just know what information interests you. I don't know what their company are cooking behind the scenes. I was once invited to a non-disclosure-required product strategy briefing and I was glad to get the information from that briefing.So, I would modify the statement to: "A good sales rep knows what is important to you and what's not and acts accordingly to your benefit even if it is not immediately mutual."