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So I went to Sam Ash today...
- Thread starter organworthyplayer337
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It always cracks me up when guys hit on my wife. It's even funnier when women hit on her.
The sad part is, the salesman could have had some valid points in his talk, but the way he presented it ruined everything for him. He missed one key point and that is asking questions. When you asked about the 350, he should have immediately checked his computer and then engaged you in questions about your cab, bass, pedals, etc... after all, what bass player does NOT like to talk (or brag) about his gear. He would then be able to have a more informed conversation with you on the benefits to the 500. Maybe, just maybe he could have talked you into the 500, if not, then I bet you would have been more inclined to let you order the 350 for him.
Sales 101
Sales 101
I wonder if SA or GC even give their employees Sales training.
Ahahaha, reminds me of a Louis CK bit where he talks about how bad customer service is in chain stores like BestBuy, where you ask a question and the employee says "Here, let me read the box like you could have."
I asked at Best Buy if they had any wireless printers that could connect to a 5 GigaHertz network.
The guys says, "That doesn't even exist yet. The best we have is 4G!".
The guys says, "That doesn't even exist yet. The best we have is 4G!".
I just pull a Ron Swanson and tell them "I know more than you do" and walk away.
have these weiners ever been to a Sales Meeting . ?? you never ever put down another product ... period
This has happened to me before and not just with gear but other stuff too. I don't like it when it happens and when the salesperson goes into their rant, I usually just try to move on without a hassle. If I get offered a persons card, or they make a point of telling me something like "my name is John Doe be sure and ask for me" bla, bla, bla. I take the card or if no card, I at least get their name.
Then the first thing I do when I get home is start the email or phone call routine. I skip the location's local manager and start looking for contact numbers or emails for corporate departments. I also do the same for the manufacturer of the product I was interested in.
Once I have the contact information, I email or call them. I tell them flat out what happened. I list names, dates, times, and the product I was interested in. If I bought elsewhere I make sure to let the retailer know that I went somewhere else to buy because of the way (insert employee name here) treated me. I'll tell them I didn't even bother to talk to the local store manager because I didn't like the way I was treated, so I left. It's also very important to let the manufacturer know that one of their "authorized retailers" has employees who bad mouth their product and try to upsell a customer to another brand or to something they don't need. Which usually leads to a lost sale for the product.
I do this because I've had a strong background in retail sales of musical and other products for many years. I KNOW what true customer service is. Your job as a retail sales associate is to provide products and services to customers. Making sure they are happy, satisfied, and most importantly, making sure they become return customers.
I would have handled the OP's shopping like this. When asked about the Aggie 350, I'd have stated that I didn't have it in stock but was available to order. Then politely asked if there was interest in another brand (provided I had equivalent wattage amp in stock), or also asked about a possible higher wattage unit. If the customer showed some interest in alternatives, I'd have directed them over to the amps letting them know to jam away as long as they liked. While telling them I'd check stock at other locations to see about the Aggie 350. Then I'd duck away and check on the 350 also taking time to get with the manager, explain the situation, and see what kind of a discount or deal (if any) I could offer on an in stock item to possibly make a sale right then. Or possibly the store eating the charges on express shipping to get the 350 in fast. Then get with the customer, explain the options and let them make the decision.
Maybe I get a sale and maybe I don't. That's the way it is in retail. I'm betting I get the sale because I treated the customer right and they are making the decision not me forcing something on them.
You will notice that nowhere in my explanation of how I would handle the customer did it say anything about being an opinionated dick or trashing a product. Sorry a real salesperson doesn't do that.
Keep Low
Better yet, is when the sales person is asking you tech questions about their own, in store gear, i tell them, i don't work on commission.
I notice how in these threads, no one ever asks if the salesperson was right as if their attitude completely invalidates their point. So, was the salesperson right? Looks to me as if the OP never had any intention of buying from SA regardless, they were there only to try before buying...which will ultimately be the downfall of brick and mortar retailers.
Yep so true. Never slam the competitor's product, just show the customer why yours is way better.
Hopkins
Commercial User
I wouldn't have been able to resist correcting him about the nonsense of an under powered amp will damage your cab. I would have told him he has no idea what he is talking about and would have made it a point to to let him know I had no intention of buying from him.
You can't spell SAM ASH without ASS HAM...
...if that's any consolation to the time wasted shopping there.
...if that's any consolation to the time wasted shopping there.
When I get guys like that if I'm just poking around I usually just try to brush them off and get rid of them as quickly as possible. If I'm actually there to make a major purchase, I would probably tell him off and then go tell the manager he's got a completely clueless employee who is killing sales. It's fine if you're not a super expert in everything, but if you're not, don't pretend to be.
lol,.. i took my truck to a small car audio shop to get the antenna repaired and this guy starts giving me a lecture on "Ohm's Law" like he had just learned it. i was hardly even a little amused and then he says, "there, ya learned somethin' today", with an attitude.i guess the "
" look on my face pissed him off a bit.
i turned around and left, shaking my head. btw, the guy owned the shop!
anyway,.. my sympathies to you young lady. you appear to be very wise in your ways and make good decisions. it's sad when your salesperson has a script.
Is this Ohm's law?
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I would have asked why the 350 would damage my setup? Underpowering cabs is a myth. Is my 100watt v4b damaging my 8x10? I dont think so!
Hmmm... I now have a new invention! SnackChat! (tm)
SnackChat is ONLY for pictures of food, which then disappear in 5 minutes or less. (the food, not the pictures... if it takes longer than 5 minutes it wasn't really a snack, now was it?)
