10 Things Customers Should Never Say to Salespeople
Working in sales can put us in some unexpected situations, many of which are the result of interactions with customers. People are unpredictable, and there’s really no way to get around the day to day dealings with others that we find ourselves in when selling to businesses or consumers.
But sometimes customers say things to salespeople that shouldn’t be said. Anyone who’s worked in sales knows this, and many of the following make us cringe when we hear them. Here are the ten things customers should never say to salespeople:
1. “I’ll definitely call you back” (when you won’t)
People are so inherently scared of confrontation that they would rather lie about getting back to a salesperson than to come right out and say that they’re not interested. If you surveyed a million salespeople, nearly all would say that they’d rather hear a “no” than to be led on.
2. “Why don’t you get a real job?”
There are people out there who truly don’t consider working in sales to be a real job, and those people are known as “idiots.” Nothing happens in the business world until someone sells something, so in almost all cases, salespeople are responsible for everyone else staying employed.
3. “I’d be great at sales!”
Sales looks easy to some people who have never tried it, especially those who are outgoing or have big personalities. In reality, the day to day of sales crushes certain people within a matter of weeks, oftentimes the very people who swear up and down that they’re natural-born salespeople. Don’t say you’d be good at it if you’ve never tried.
4. “I know you can give me a discount”
How exactly do you “know” that? There’s a common misconception out there that salespeople are in control of the price of their product or service and can magically wave a wand and discount the price whenever they feel like it. In reality, salespeople are usually constrained by their company’s policies, and their need to make a living. Consider that the next time you ask for a discount.
5. “Do you have any idea who I am?”
There are few people out there who speak like this, but the ones who do are the most insufferable people on the planet. Bragging about how important you are a sure sign that dealing with you as a customer is going to be more trouble than you’re worth. No, I don’t have any idea who you are, and would like to keep it that way.
6. “Are you in this just for the commission?”
Don’t try to make your salesperson feel guilty. Salespeople work hard to provide for their families just like everyone else, and questioning someone about their intentions when trying to sell you a product is a crappy way to approach a business transaction.
7. “How much commission will you be making off me?”
This is another intrusive question, akin to asking someone how much money they make. This question also puts salespeople in an uncomfortable position where they need to justify their income to a potential customer, or be embarrassed if the commission is very low. It’s best to avoid this topic.
8. “I’d like to speak to your manager”
Unless a salesperson has done something wildly inappropriate, there’s no reason to speak to the manager. Most people think that if they escalate to a manager that they can get a bigger discount. But any great sales leader will have their salesperson’s back, and if likely to say the same thing to a customer that the salesperson did.
9. “Sales seems so easy”
Does it? Don’t minimize people’s work, especially not a job as grueling as sales. Salespeople deal with more rejection and stress on a daily basis than nearly all other white collar jobs, with the exception of maybe lawyers or social workers. And if you think it’s easy, you should try it – you’ll quickly change your mind.
10. “You’re such a great salesperson”
The bizarre thing about this is the people who say this almost always say it before they say that they’re not going to move forward. It’s like a consolation prize that prospects think will take the sting out of their rejection. In any case, it’s just patronizing and does nothing to make anyone feel better. If you’re not moving forward, that’s fine, but don’t offer a vapid compliment instead.
