A step too far or normal protocal??

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.
...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]

Sorry about that...

I'd had a lot to drink at lunch time

haha


I'm scared now that perhaps he is a member on this site!!

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]

Originally Posted by Kate Moss

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]

Originally Posted by Kate Moss

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]

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

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.

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!