TragicMagic

Who's fault is it? Its neither the customer's or the retailer's fault, in this instance. Sounds like the fault lies with the manufacturer, as they made the product that malfunctioned. I see the point you're trying to make, Del.

If I were a seller, I'd collect all the information I could about what the customer needs and show them the models I have available that fit the bill. Of course, if there are things that the customer hasn't taken into consideration, it would be up to me to shed light on those features/specifications. I'd want my customer to feel as if they've made an informed purchase. If they don't want to spend "X-amount" of dollars, then I'd find something that fits their budget.
If a customer has done their research, and is dead-set on a particular product, then I'd best having pricing that'll ensure a sale.
Case and point, I just purchased a Kenwood Excelon KDC-x696. At the local shop their price was $245. I did my research. East Hamilton Radio, and RadioActive (Burlington) both had this unit, on sale, for $200. I asked the local shop if they'd match the price, and they did. And I'm sure they still made money on that head-unit. And since they were cooperative, I bought a few more items from them. To me, that's how the relationship should go.

DelEllis

I did a seminar in Canada. I ask a woman who attended one of my classes the year before. I asked her did she get anything out of it? She said with tears in her eyes, Del what you taught us changed our lives. We went from the worst store in town to the best store in town. All the best companies want to be in our store now, All the best employees want to work with us now. Then she said something that disturbed me. She said there was over 200 stores there, why don't they get it also? They all heard the same thing but they didn't get it!
Take the best and leave the rest! Whether you know it or not my only agenda is for this industry not to die and at the same time for you to make more money. I did a seminar at MERA this year on "SHOW-ROOMING" It was reported yesterday that up to 35% of all electronic sales are bought on the internet. 20% of the people admit to going to a local retailer first before doing so. B.Bs a multi billion dollar chain store is going down the tubes. They didn't train their employees on how to sale, they are just clerks. What makes you think that you can survive without any type of sales training? Listen whether you get your training for me doesn't matter, what matters is that you get some type of sales training somewhere! There are books, CDs all types of information online. I have been training for over 39 years and I still keep learning today. I guess the saying is not true, you can teach an old dog new tricks. My intent is to train you how to become more profitable. TAKE THE BEST AND LEAVE THE REST!

Dukk

And attacking TragicMagic's username is the first point in overcoming his objections?

Your intent may be to train people how to become more profitable but IMO you have chosen a poor venue, this being a consumer based webboard. I believe you would be more successful by continuing to roll through the 12V.I. crowd. As you are well aware, virtually every independent store, regardless of what they sell, may be full of employees but few have any real trained salespeople. Generally the people working there are/were enthusiasts that found work or started a business in what was their favourite hobby and any consequential sales are almost purely accidental. In fact, I believe that the reason some box retailers are often frowned upon by consumers is it is often the only time they deal with people that have had ANY sort of sales training (as rudimentary as it usually is) and the experience is so foreign that it unnerves them.

In the last 24 years I have worked for independent retailers, box retailers, commercial distributors, and industrial distributors as a professional salesperson. Aside from one box retailer that gives all new employees a week long crash course in sales, I have only ever worked with a single other person that had any formal sales training. Kind of scary really..

DelEllis

Paul,

Thank you for the information. I thought it was for car audio retailers only. Please forgive me for being so passionate about helping others do better. I know the car audio industry is struggling and I know this first hand. If you need any help please let me know and once again I appreciate the advice, I truly do.
Del

Dilatory

iTrader: (1)

This take the best and leave the rest mentality is bullshit.

I want the best, that doesn't mean I can afford to spend $8k+ on what I would want.

I try to inform myself about what I'm getting in to to the best of my ability and buy what I think is the best product in my price range. I don't walk in to a store and let a salesman upsell me, unless I know what I want and what I'm being upsold on is worth close to what I'm going to pay.

DelEllis

Take the best and leave the rest is not on buying something. If you cant afford it, don't buy it. If you have the money get the best. Over the years I have bought things that were cheaper and then didnt do what I wanted them to do and then ate it. Then I ended up buying the right thing anyways. The cost was almost double. Isn't it true that if you spend too much you take a chance on losing a little but if you dont spend enough you take a chance on losing the whole amount?

wasted911

iTrader: (2)

that was the most flawed statement I've ever heard.

TragicMagic

Del, your experience of buying a "cheap" product, then finding that it's insufficient, followed by upgrading said equipment to what you actually need (with a costlier product) is what a lot of people do.

I whole-heartedly agree. So, in this case having to buy a 2nd product is a "loss" for the customer. By that logic, the seller must have the "gain". In the long run you (the customer) spent more money than if they just bought the better product to start with.
So now I have to ask, in which instance does the store make more profit? When the customer buys two products to get the "right one", or when the customer gets it "right" the first time?

To me, the answer is obvious. A good salesman will suggest that the customer spend more money on the product that is sure to work for them, but if they decide to spend less - there's always the chance that they'll be back in the future, as long as you were knowledgeable and helpful...

wasted911

iTrader: (2)

I guess all of us should have bought Ferraris and Lambos.

We'll regret it later....

TragicMagic

I'm in BIG trouble. I've only bought Hyundai cars. 2001 Accent GSi, 2002 Elantra GL, and a Sonata GL. But they're so cheap, I can't resist.