View Full Version : A step too far or normal protocal??
Kate Moss
15-02-10, 04:06 PM
At work I am responsible for stationary contracts, consumables etc. Had a phone call today from a company trying to get our business. They said they had just secured a deal with Cadbury and so are sending out 1kg chocolate to all people on there database, that happens to be me!
He asked if he should send it to my home address?...I said no, work is fine! (Why would i want to give out personal details?!)
He then continued to make conversation, I presume to build a rapour in order to try and make me use their company. He gave me "a great deal" on an ink cartridge. The company I already use is cheaper and told him so, so he some how managed to do the same cartridge for £2 cheaper!
Anyway...he says he visits all customers and asked would it be ok to take me out to lunch at his boss's expense. :eek:
...umm NO!!
So instead he will bring biscuits etc! He then makes small talk asking if i had a nice Valentines and asked if I was hungover?? (Baring in mind I work in a rehab, I find that a little inapropriate!)
He also said he gives 2 weeks notice before he visits and said jokingly " so you'l have time to do your hair and make-up" WTF??
He clarified some company details with me, his respons; due to the fact that he had the correct details was "Kate, I love you, I've got ticks in all my boxes"
What's going on? A step too far in trying to secure future business?
the_lone_wolf
15-02-10, 04:07 PM
Sorry about that...
I'd had a lot to drink at lunch time
:shaking:
Kate Moss
15-02-10, 04:08 PM
:rolleyes: haha
I'm scared now that perhaps he is a member on this site!!
CoolGirl
15-02-10, 04:09 PM
sounds at least over familair, at worst completely inapproprite to me. I'd get your boss to ring his boss.
(btw, I'd have thought someone in your line of business knew what stationary means;))
fizzwheel
15-02-10, 04:14 PM
What's going on? A step too far in trying to secure future business?
Some of the salesmen I used to work with would quite often employ similar techniques in order to gain a foot in the door. In fact once they had got their foot in the door invariably they would cross the lnie of what even I thought was appropriate behaviour. But some girls seemed to respond to it well or it just have been the salesmens ego bigging up their nightime exploits.
Some of the things they used to say made me cringe, but TBH it just abotu summed up the unprofessional attitude that the management had that ran the company.
Personally if you dont feel comfortable with how he spoke to you / how he acted then yes its gonig to far.
If he's made you feel uncomfortable then leave instructions with reception that he is not be allowed in. Alternatively when he rings to confirm the appointment, just tell him that because of his previous attitude you dont want to deal with him or his company.
TBH he sounds like a complete tw*t... but there you go...
the_lone_wolf
15-02-10, 04:14 PM
:rolleyes: haha
I'm scared now that perhaps he is a member on this site!!
I wouldn't let it worry you too much... If he calls again and says anything that you think is at all inappropriate just say so and stress that if he contacts you it has to be on business only... If he carries on explain to your boss that you're not happy with what's going on and that you'd like him to speak to the guy's boss at the other company
If all that fails just tell him you know a bunch of bikers throughout the UK who could pay him a visit...;)
Bluepete
15-02-10, 04:17 PM
It sounds like a sales technique.
I don't like overly familiar sales peeps, there's a trend at the moment i door to door sales to be laughing and joking at the door, calling the potential customer "mate" and "pal" etc.
It never fails to annoy me and I, in turn, get very rude back.
Pete ;)
Phil been ringing from work again has he :lol:
plowsie
15-02-10, 04:21 PM
That's overly flirty banter for a stationary salesperson. We used to have one that would call me babe all the time 'you haven't seen me' was always my reply.
Kate Moss
15-02-10, 04:21 PM
Well, it didn't bother me as in I will lose sleep over it etc, just stunned at the approach really.
Hopefully our current supplier will match the cheaper price and then I wont have to deal with Mr Sleeze at all!
plowsie
15-02-10, 04:22 PM
Phil been ringing from work again has he :lol:
Well done, shopped them on his latest fantasy, the overly friendly salesman!
Kate Moss
15-02-10, 04:26 PM
Phil been ringing from work again has he :lol:
Haha, definatly wasn't Phil, have you ever spoken to him?! He doesn't talk to me like that!
That's overly flirty banter for a stationary salesperson. We used to have one that would call me babe all the time 'you haven't seen me' was always my reply.
Why in Gods name would I want to go to lunch with him for, what would we talk about? Ink cartidges?! Wow sounds fun :rolleyes:
I do need to respond in a strictly business fashion and if that don't work, il direct him through to you shall I stu!
as we have a switchboard at work we can sometimes avoid calls like this.... however on the chance that they get though, and they are over friendly, calling me sweety and darling I have two ways of dealing with it.
1. put the phone down, not business like I know, however then call the switchboard let them know, they make up some BS about us having line problems and that I am now in a meeting when they call back!
2. I become really cold on the call, and they get 1 or 2 word answers, I can't stand over friendly phone calls from people i haven't dealt with before. With my normal contacts I talk to we have good banter on the phone, but thats after a business relationship has been formed!
Kate Moss
15-02-10, 04:27 PM
Well done, shopped them on his latest fantasy, the overly friendly salesman!
HAHA
"yes dear, you be the salesman and il be the receptionist!" ROFL!
At work I am responsible for stationary contracts, consumables etc. Had a phone call today from a company trying to get our business. They said they had just secured a deal with Cadbury and so are sending out 1kg chocolate to all people on there database, that happens to be me!
He asked if he should send it to my home address?...I said no, work is fine! (Why would i want to give out personal details?!)
He then continued to make conversation, I presume to build a rapour in order to try and make me use their company. He gave me "a great deal" on an ink cartridge. The company I already use is cheaper and told him so, so he some how managed to do the same cartridge for £2 cheaper!
Anyway...he says he visits all customers and asked would it be ok to take me out to lunch at his boss's expense. :eek:
...umm NO!!
So instead he will bring biscuits etc! He then makes small talk asking if i had a nice Valentines and asked if I was hungover?? (Baring in mind I work in a rehab, I find that a little inapropriate!)
He also said he gives 2 weeks notice before he visits and said jokingly " so you'l have time to do your hair and make-up" WTF??
He clarified some company details with me, his respons; due to the fact that he had the correct details was "Kate, I love you, I've got ticks in all my boxes"
What's going on? A step too far in trying to secure future business?Yeah he phoned me this afternoon with exactly the same same patter! (I also work with staionary and consumables!)
Sounds a little to creepy even for the normal everyday sales person and a little to familiar. If youa re not happy, phone the company back and let them know. I really hate pushy sales people. I work for Xerox and i get epople trying to sell me Xerox cartridges "Hello, Mr Vine, i understand that you use Xerox products?" "i do, yes" "Can we quote you?" "Yes, but i bet you can not beat the price i pay" "We'll see about that" "Ok, give me a price on a 6060 magenta cart" "Hmmm, tap tap tap, We can do them for £123 delivered" "Excellent i say, still too expensive, can you beat that" "Tap Tap Tap, best price £103 delivered" "Not bad but still a lot more than i pay" "Can i ask what you pay" " Of course, Nothing, they are included in the service agreement as this is a Xerox run site, Goodbye!"
Kate Moss
15-02-10, 04:29 PM
as we have a switchboard at work we can sometimes avoid calls like this.... however on the chance that they get though, and they are over friendly, calling me sweety and darling I have two ways of dealing with it.
1. put the phone down, not business like I know, however then call the switchboard let them know, they make up some BS about us having line problems and that I am now in a meeting when they call back!
2. I become really cold on the call, and they get 1 or 2 word answers, I can't stand over friendly phone calls from people i haven't dealt with before. With my normal contacts I talk to we have good banter on the phone, but thats after a business relationship has been formed!
Lil I wish I had responded differently, I was completly shocked by the call! Il get my assistant to speak to him if he calls again and she can tell him I have left the company! He wont get very far with her, if he tries it on!
Yeah he phoned me this afternoon with exactly the same same patter! (I also work with staionery and consumables!)
I get told off a lot for writing the wrong one :-(
Yeh Kate this dude sounds really creepy. I'l let you line manager know if i were you
fizzwheel
15-02-10, 04:34 PM
I do need to respond in a strictly business fashion
Actually I'd say you dont need to respond to him at all. Just say
Thank you, but no thank you and then end the call.
The more you talk to him the more he'll be able to use that as leverage and then he'll just keep being over familiar towards you.
As said one or two word answers, and then end the call as quickly as possible. Or if he is just getting on your nerves, put the phone down.
Take a note of his number and then screen your calls. I'm assuming that the number he is calling from comes up on your phone display though.
I do this alot with cold callers. If its important they can leave a voicemail otherwise b*gger off and stop wasting my time.
Rai, to this day and even after 20 years in the business, i still, as you can see, write the wrong one! :lol:
Kate Moss
15-02-10, 04:37 PM
Actually I'd say you dont need to respond to him at all. Just say
Thank you, but no thank you and then end the call.
The more you talk to him the more he'll be able to use that as leverage and then he'll just keep being over familiar towards you.
As said one or two word answers, and then end the call as quickly as possible. Or if he is just getting on your nerves, put the phone down.
Take a note of his number and then screen your calls. I'm assuming that the number he is calling from comes up on your phone display though.
I do this alot with cold callers. If its important they can leave a voicemail otherwise b*gger off and stop wasting my time.
Our phones don't display the phone number of the caller.
What if their prices are god though?!
Rai, to this day and even after 20 years in the business, i still, as you can see, write the wrong one! :lol:
Lol thank god its not just me. The 63 Year old woman i work with throws pens at me everytime i get it wrong....i guess its working tho :D
fizzwheel
15-02-10, 04:39 PM
What if their prices are god though?!
Nobodies prices are worth having to put up with a sleazy pushy salesman for.
Haha, definatly wasn't Phil, have you ever spoken to him?! He doesn't talk to me like that!
!
lol maybe he was trying something new
Kate Moss
15-02-10, 04:40 PM
lol maybe he was trying something new
Well the Northern accent put me off! :p
Littlepeahead
15-02-10, 04:41 PM
We recently had an official email to say that we were not to be friendly or informal in emails. We were not to start emails 'Hi' or 'Hello' but 'Dear Mr/Mrs'.
This was after a member of staff got so friendly with a supplier that when there was a payment dispute we struggled to fight it legally as the language in the emails between them was so informal.
But in my PR role the journalists, media contacts and especially players will address me verbally and in writing in very informal tones. When I forward an email on that starts 'Oi Scrumptious' or 'Darling sexy thing' I do wonder what the boss thinks, but at least these are men I have worked with for ages and it is not meant in a leery way. They are the same ones that give you a big hug when they see you without you feeling uncomfortable.
But if I got that from a sales person I'd never met I'd tell them to get lost!
Our phones don't display the phone number of the caller.
What if their prices are god though?!
Kate I can get our car leases a couple of pounds cheaper via this one company, but i don't as I don't like the way our "relationship manager" talks to me.
I ignored his calls, however I do talk to his boss when she calls, explained my problem and we now have a new relationship manager.
As fizz has said nobodies prices are that good! And they are normally only that good for the first order!
Wideboy
15-02-10, 06:15 PM
i would say it was girth or the ideal job for him...... but then again he wouldn't waste time with sweet talk, just get straight down to the nitty gritty
just tell him a fake address ect, I'm constantly getting some indian bloke from BT (i think) calling me on my work mobile, when he gives me a price i simply explain that im getting a better deal with "carrier pigeon"........... either he's trained to be polite of he just doesn't get it :-k....... if it carry's on i sometimes put teh phone next to the spindle, switch it on and leave it, usually hangs up after a while
Specialone
15-02-10, 06:28 PM
Kate, personally i think he's overstepped the boundary there, if my wife worked in that environment i wouldnt appreciate a strange sales person talking to her like that (albiet she would tell him herself)
Tell him to f**k off in a nice way, say your busy and also you get loyalty discounts from your current vendor which your not prepared to discuss with him.
Biker Biggles
15-02-10, 06:30 PM
Id arrange a meet and get Phil to turn up and punch his lights out.Next time he would be much more polite and show some respect.
Milky Bar Kid
15-02-10, 06:40 PM
HOLD ON JUST ONE COTTON PICKING MINUTE!
We have all forgot the important bit....
WAIT TIL YOU GET THE 1KG BAR OF CHOCOLATE BEFORE YOU TELL HIM WHERE TO SHOVE HIS CARTRIDGE....
i have no patience for cold callers, normally becasue i get about 3-5 a day.
thats guy sounds weird, i wouldnt take no food of him, who knows whats in there. :confused:
metalangel
16-02-10, 07:39 AM
Cold callers can f right off. Especially ones that don't speak English! Do you really think anyone is going to do business with you if you've got (not being racialist, bruv) Sanjay calling up asking 'have you got a broadband?'
I had a cold call from a guy trying to sell IT courses that would help me get a job. I was really not convinced but the guy was persistant and eventually outright asked for my switch card number! *click*
TBH I think the OP's guy is being a bit overfamiliar. I don't really care for sales staff: I used to work in an office full of them (I wasn't one, I was admin) and they just sit at their desk all day talking like tw*ts to customers and being all smug and cocky... and then come off the phone and talk like tw*ts to everyone else and are all smug and cocky! Oh yes, I sold 50 motherboards, that'll pay my payments on my new BMW, and I'm only 22. GET ME! Now let's go out to the pub so we can talk more about how great I am, you MUPPET!
*grinds teeth*
Id arrange a meet and get Phil to turn up and punch his lights out.Next time he would be much more polite and show some respect.
your knuckles seem to be dragging on the floor there fella, careful.
Kate, he's a pillock, dont waste your time thinking about people like him. next time he calls, which of course he will just to make usure you got the chocolate, be short and curt with him and he'll get the message.
anybody who's worth their salt in sales will try any technique to get a sale, beit smarmy, flirty, over chummy best mate style, anyway they think they can. you don't have to tell him to back off nor tell his supervisor via your supervisor (you can bet a pound to a penny his supervisor is aware of what he's doing and wouldnt even speak to him about it), for every ten of you who dislike it there will be one or two ladies who enjoy the banter.
in summary, when he rings you are busy!
Quiff Wichard
16-02-10, 08:49 AM
sounds at least over familair, at worst completely inapproprite to me. I'd get your boss to ring his boss.
(btw, I'd have thought someone in your line of business knew what stationary means;))
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D I got it Debs.
speedplay
16-02-10, 09:31 AM
Theres a lot of people out there desperatley looking for new leads in business at the moment.
I get quite a few agencies calling me, offering me "Great rates" and some drop by the site with a bag of goodies (biscuits, chocolate, stationary etc).
Some of them come across as over friendly, trying to be your best mate just to get in with you.
If you sound approachable and friendly on the phone (which I'm guessing you do), then he may (probably) got the wrong idea about you.
Take the goodies, turn down the dinner and tell him your partner likes to pull the limbs off people that get overly friendly with you ;)
keith_d
16-02-10, 10:24 AM
If the prices are that good, they shouldn't need Mr Sleaseball to try and push you into ordering with them.
Sounds like he's trying to use your feeling of obligation to pressure you into ordering with them. He probably deals with a lot of young administrators who can be manipulated that way, but it's guaranteed to pi** me off when people try tactics like that.
If he calls again you could ask if he's got a motorbike. If so, suggest he might like a ride with your boyfriend and his mates... :smt077
Keith.
Paul the 6th
16-02-10, 10:26 AM
That's overly flirty banter for a stationary salesperson. We used to have one that would call me babe all the time 'you haven't seen me' was always my reply.
"Ere love, I'm a right munter"
"Ere love, I'm a right munter"
Don't be so hard on yourself Paul :p
Paul the 6th
16-02-10, 10:32 AM
honestly it works bob :) the other one is to make a joke about personal problems and then go on a massive rant about everything which is wrong in your life... Turn it into a bit of a free counselling session.
"You'd like to know how much I'm paying for broadband? My ex always used to ask me about that.... then we broke up and she left and took everything and now I have nothing and I hate everything because I have nothing bleh bleh etc"
tends to freak 'em right out :)
Kate Moss
16-02-10, 11:29 AM
I'm no good at telling people to F off! But for him, I will give it a go!
another one, is to ask them what is wrote next on their script! But you need to have a lot of front.....I use to witness that when I lived at home. Dad would keep asking them what they had to say next, or guess at it and ask if he was right! They ended up hanging up on him!
yorkie_chris
16-02-10, 11:37 AM
(Baring in mind I work in a rehab, I find that a little inapropriate!)
but it made me giggle. You should have broke down crying and tell him about how you hit rock bottom then admitted you had problem... got your life back on track etc.
then ask him if he ever feels suicidal about the fact that the ball point pens he sells are the closest thing he knows to a friend.
I do need to respond in a strictly business fashion and if that don't work, il direct him through to you shall I stu!
Pass the call to someone with a very deep voice who can ask him if he wants a cuddle, maybe tell him he sounds just like the "special friend" he had when he was "inside". :laughat:
Damn Girl, you've been talking to Leroy Brown...
http://www.filmdope.com/Gallery/ActorsD/5062-4108.gif
get him to say things louder, as the speaker phone is on and all the girls want to hear !!!!!!
he'll either shut and fxxx off or start speaking properly.:laughat:
Sir Trev
16-02-10, 12:32 PM
There were lots of unsubstantiated rumours at a former employers about at least one of the female sales team sleeping with clients to close a deal. Probably jeallousy as she was quite pretty, but if true :o
Tell Mr Sleaze you're too busy to talk whenever he calls - he'll get fed up soon enough. Shame the Mormons don't though... Every three months they knock on my door. I had just taken the first mouthfull of dinner last night so when I said I was busy and closed the door in their face I was actually telling the truth for a change!
Oh, and check your ethics/conduct policy KM before accepting the chocolate or anything else. We're not allowed to accept foodstuffs of any kind, dinner is completely verbotten, but the odd plain biro is OK.
Miss Alpinestarhero
16-02-10, 03:01 PM
Hmm..it does sound slightly over friendly and Im not suprised you felt a bit taken by suprise! If he calls back in the future, avoiding the call probably wont do much so you could just respond in one word answers or say "thanks but no thanks" and put the phone down. Or just tell him you are happy with your current supplier and will not be discussing it further and simply hang up.
wyrdness
16-02-10, 03:59 PM
There were lots of unsubstantiated rumours at a former employers about at least one of the female sales team sleeping with clients to close a deal. Probably jeallousy as she was quite pretty, but if true :o
What if it was true? Win-win situation. She's happy because she got the sale, client is happy because he got a shag with a pretty girl.
What if it was true? Win-win situation. She's happy because she got the sale, client is happy because he got a shag with a pretty girl.
It's a bit corrupt tho init? Products should be sold on price or merit, not who bundles it with free sex.
Gabriel2k
16-02-10, 04:09 PM
I dont know where you guys work but this is very common practice in what I do, generally have a different rep take me out for lunch at least once a week, bottles of wine/whiskey/hampers at Christmas, if they are in the area visiting another consultant then they pop their head in with some biscuits.
Also had a couple of go-karting events for free through reps and they keep hassling me to go play golf, colleagues that I work with have even been taken abroad to look at their factories which basically means for a **** up.
As long as you dont let these "inducements" effect who you specify/buy from it doesnt matter, some of the more generous ones ive never even bothered looking in their product catalogue.
He might have been a bit overly familiar for you personally on the phone but I think you are over-reacting somewhat, it is standard sales tactics to build a rapour with a client.
why don't just tell him that his manner is not appropriate and you will take it higher in both companies if he does not adapt his technique.
Like many others with those that I have developed a relationship with it becomes informal (calling the Superintedent a wee star i think is a highlight) However even to me that would make my skin crawl a little too much.
Garry has had reps take him out to lunch and corporate hospitality at sporting events and I've tagged along and there have been a few stories to tell from them. I know he has a good rappart will the 'stationery bird' as he calls her but these things have died off death lately
everyone is different and for a first call I know I wouldn't be too happy with it
CoolGirl
16-02-10, 04:32 PM
misses the point
:rolleyes:
Gabriel2k
16-02-10, 08:07 PM
Misses the point how? The post is called "a step too far or normal protocol?" I am simply saying it is normal practice.
maviczap
16-02-10, 08:15 PM
i would say it was girth or the ideal job for him...... but then again he wouldn't waste time with sweet talk, just get straight down to the nitty gritty
just tell him a fake address ect, I'm constantly getting some indian bloke from BT (i think) calling me on my work mobile, when he gives me a price i simply explain that im getting a better deal with "carrier pigeon"........... either he's trained to be polite of he just doesn't get it :-k....... if it carry's on i sometimes put teh phone next to the spindle, switch it on and leave it, usually hangs up after a while
+1 this the way I deal with cold callers at home, sometimes I'll speak German to them, or put the phone next to the Tv, or pretend to mis-hear what they're selling, so I'll say' No, I'm afraid I don't want a helicopter today' :p Confuses the hell out of them
Guy sounds like a sleaze ball and would probably do better by being a bit more proffesional :thumbdown:
CoolGirl
16-02-10, 08:25 PM
Misses the point how? The post is called "a step too far or normal protocol?" I am simply saying it is normal practice.
:?
a. offering potential clients incentives - yes, fairly normal practice. I've been taken out to lunch a few times by suppliers myself.
b. being over-familiar and suggestive on a cold call - well, if you've been following the thread, you'll have picked up that the vast majority of resondents don't think that behaviour's normal or acceptable.
That's how you missed the point.:D
Cold callers to home or work are told politely that we're not interested.
Dave20046
16-02-10, 08:37 PM
I'd say he over stepped the mark with the 'time to do your hair and makeup'.
Wideboy
16-02-10, 08:39 PM
+1 this the way I deal with cold callers at home, sometimes I'll speak German to them, or put the phone next to the Tv, or pretend to mis-hear what they're selling, so I'll say' No, I'm afraid I don't want a helicopter today' :p Confuses the hell out of them
lol, never thought of that, i'll try that one :D
maviczap
16-02-10, 08:42 PM
lol, never thought of that, i'll try that one :D
Sure is fun, make up what you want
Wideboy
16-02-10, 09:02 PM
well the carrier pigeon conversation takes alot of concentration to keep going, i only ever get calls about phone bills ect, how they got my number i dont know
I've only read the first post, but what a legend...if only I had that confidence lol! :)
Bit weird for you though, but a deal is a deal, so maybe you could act like you are responding to his advances to get the best deal.
Kate Moss
16-02-10, 09:25 PM
I'd say he over stepped the mark with the 'time to do your hair and makeup'.
This is what bothered me! Is he assuming I shall want to look my best to impress him?:confused:
This is the first time i have encountered such forward sales techniques.
Why would I want to go to lunch with him, even if he is a supplier?
What would we discuss? Ink cartridges? Because I sure as hell wouldn't talk about my private life to someone who I would have no interest in involving in my life.
If they get my business it would be because they supply at good prices, not because he has an expense account and can make small talk over lunch!
Dave20046
16-02-10, 09:29 PM
He's opened himself up to potential accusations of sexism with that line imo (and sounds like a slimey ****), the sort of thing I steer well clear of in the workplace.
Weirdo, if the price is the best go for it but I'd ask to swap account managers!
phil24_7
16-02-10, 11:25 PM
At work I am responsible for stationary contracts, consumables etc. Had a phone call today from a company trying to get our business. They said they had just secured a deal with Cadbury and so are sending out 1kg chocolate to all people on there database, that happens to be me!
He asked if he should send it to my home address?...I said no, work is fine! (Why would i want to give out personal details?!)
He then continued to make conversation, I presume to build a rapour in order to try and make me use their company. He gave me "a great deal" on an ink cartridge. The company I already use is cheaper and told him so, so he some how managed to do the same cartridge for £2 cheaper!
Anyway...he says he visits all customers and asked would it be ok to take me out to lunch at his boss's expense. :eek:
...umm NO!!
So instead he will bring biscuits etc! He then makes small talk asking if i had a nice Valentines and asked if I was hungover?? (Baring in mind I work in a rehab, I find that a little inapropriate!)
He also said he gives 2 weeks notice before he visits and said jokingly " so you'l have time to do your hair and make-up" WTF??
He clarified some company details with me, his respons; due to the fact that he had the correct details was "Kate, I love you, I've got ticks in all my boxes"
What's going on? A step too far in trying to secure future business?
Can I have his number please? I can guarantee he wont bother you again.:smt027
Yuk! I hate that sort of Sales patter, and I would be tempted to tell him where to go. But if the price is right ask him to email the quotes thro' and you'll do business that way - also with quotes you can ask your current supplier if they can 'price match'.
Kate Moss
17-02-10, 10:55 AM
So, had a call today from a courier for said company, confirming the address for delivery of chocolate and 2 cartridges at £? each. I informed him that I had not requested 2 cartridges. My understanding was these were being sent free of charge as an insentive. The "courier" then proceeded to ask me how much I currently pay for my cartridges? Now why would he need to know that. I explained I had already discussed this with the salesman.
I have since emailed Mr Sleeze, informing him of the call with the courier and also that his overly friendly sales techniques were innapropriate and unnecessary.
Wonder if i will get a reply.
Sir Trev
17-02-10, 12:45 PM
I dont know where you guys work but this is very common practice in what I do, generally have a different rep take me out for lunch at least once a week, bottles of wine/whiskey/hampers at Christmas, if they are in the area visiting another consultant then they pop their head in with some biscuits.
Also had a couple of go-karting events for free through reps and they keep hassling me to go play golf, colleagues that I work with have even been taken abroad to look at their factories which basically means for a **** up.
As long as you dont let these "inducements" effect who you specify/buy from it doesnt matter, some of the more generous ones ive never even bothered looking in their product catalogue.
He might have been a bit overly familiar for you personally on the phone but I think you are over-reacting somewhat, it is standard sales tactics to build a rapour with a client.
I assume you don't work for an American company then? We have to abide by the Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act where inducements like this are completely banned in case you get sued for winning a deal "unfairly".
You may be happy to get treated in the way that KM was but it seems you're in the minority.
Biker Biggles
17-02-10, 01:05 PM
Can I have his number please? I can guarantee he wont bother you again.:smt027
I refer the honourable gentleman to my post several pages ago.:D
Unleash hell:smt093
arenalife
17-02-10, 02:10 PM
I know someone who built a prolific and consistent shagging career from working in sales and seducing over the phone at work. It was a woman by the way.
Milky Bar Kid
17-02-10, 02:11 PM
Kate, if you don't want the chocolate I shall PM you my address!
the_lone_wolf
17-02-10, 02:16 PM
Kate, if you don't want the chocolate I shall PM you my address!
What's this?
Me?
The 13th Duke of Wybourne?
Kate?
And MBK?
Involving a kilogram of chocolate you say?
With my reputation??
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fastshow/characters/images/13thduke.jpg
Oh well...
;)
Kate Moss
17-02-10, 02:19 PM
Now I never said I didn't want the chocolate! But if I want some that badly i'd either buy it myself or get Phil to get me some! Or Rai86 owes me a toffee crisp :p
I did how ever say in my email to please send, a brochure only. I don't want to encourage the guy![-X
Milky Bar Kid
17-02-10, 02:19 PM
What's this?
Me?
The 13th Duke of Wybourne?
Kate?
And MBK?
Involving a kilogram of chocolate you say?
With my reputation??
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/fastshow/characters/images/13thduke.jpg
Oh well...
;)
HAHA!!! :smt050
Gabriel2k
17-02-10, 02:23 PM
I assume you don't work for an American company then? We have to abide by the Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act where inducements like this are completely banned in case you get sued for winning a deal "unfairly".
You may be happy to get treated in the way that KM was but it seems you're in the minority.
Yes it does appear that I am in the minority here, I guess no one else who has commented works in the Construction industry where it is considered normal practice that if you want somebody to listen to your sales pitch you take them out for lunch or whatever.
I would personally never specificy somebody simply because they offered me "incentives" although they are more than welcome to try, in addition all of my specifications go out with a "or equivalent" clause so if a Contractor has an alternative that will do the same job just as well but is cheaper they can go ahead and use that.
Also if the situations were reversed and a female rep rang me up and said they "loved me" cos I had allowed them to tick all of the boxes on their checklist I wouldnt mind at all, I would view it simply as the banter that it was rather than taking offence.
Oh and by the way if somebody caused me offence on the phone or I didnt want to talk to them because they were a cold caller I would simply put the phone down on them.
Kate Moss
17-02-10, 02:46 PM
Yes it does appear that I am in the minority here, I guess no one else who has commented works in the Construction industry where it is considered normal practice that if you want somebody to listen to your sales pitch you take them out for lunch or whatever.
I would personally never specificy somebody simply because they offered me "incentives" although they are more than welcome to try, in addition all of my specifications go out with a "or equivalent" clause so if a Contractor has an alternative that will do the same job just as well but is cheaper they can go ahead and use that.
Also if the situations were reversed and a female rep rang me up and said they "loved me" cos I had allowed them to tick all of the boxes on their checklist I wouldnt mind at all, I would view it simply as the banter that it was rather than taking offence.
Oh and by the way if somebody caused me offence on the phone or I didnt want to talk to them because they were a cold caller I would simply put the phone down on them.
Perhaps the contract they may get with you is worthy of more of a sales pitch and discussion over lunch, but for the sake of the odd ink cartridge or pack of biro's I think it is too much!
Do any of your suppliers offer to send things to your home address?
I was just shocked as I have never come across this before.
shonadoll
17-02-10, 04:11 PM
I think the fact you have posted about it shows you aren't comfortable, and I wouldn't be either. I regularly have a bit of banter at work, but unless I know someone, I'm not a fan of the forced intimacy stuff.
454697819
17-02-10, 05:00 PM
sends stuff to home address? we have suppliers offering us stuff for our houses lol.
but thats the corrupt industry for you.. oooh look freee stuff
phil24_7
17-02-10, 07:30 PM
454697819 - I need a garage built if ya get an offer of one! lol
Gabriel2k
18-02-10, 09:50 AM
I do get offers of free "samples" i.e. light fittings, extract fans etc so that I can "evaluate" them at home, but I always turn these down as its going that bit too far.
I guess I am probably a bit blase about it all now as its happened to me so much.
Balky001
20-02-10, 09:24 AM
The guy needs to work on his approach. If he wasn't getting banter back then he should have realised he needed to be more formal to get the business.
I don't think most people would agree to lunch without a formal meeting or without opening the invitation to your boss etc, safety in numbers. Never give out personal address until you know the sale guy. But I think this guy is a poorly trained or came from a different industry.
I certainly would take offence to this though. How you receive and react is down to you and remember you are in control as the client. If you didn't like his banter you should have said get to the point and stop calling me dear or whatever he was calling you, told him you don't like smarmy sickly salesmen or held out for another £2 off ;)
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