Top Ten Sneaky Retail Sales Tricks
The retail market is competitive and, at times, deceptive. I’ve worked as a salesperson, and this list of tricks that are used to get you, the customer, to buy are pretty spot on. Generally these are only retail helpers to make it easier to sell, since people hate being sold to. However, many salespeople are quite vindictive in their approach, so don’t fall for the tricks!
10. The “Turn Over” Maneuver – Known on the inside as a “T.O.” or “handoff”, it’s the last ditch attempt to turn a shopper into a buyer by turning you over to someone in higher authority. This person is usually identified as the “store manager”, or “sales manager”, but that may just be a euphemism for a very strong “closer”. Many stores REQUIRE their salespeople to do a “T.O.” if they fail to close the sale. So after trying every close they know, before you leave they may say something like: “Hold on, let me get the store manager to see if we can get you a better deal.” You may be able to negotiate a better price with the “T.O.” man, but it’s more likely that you’ll be subjected to additional pressure to buy right then. When you see the “T.O.” coming, it’s pretty strong evidence that the store’s focus is on selling you, rather than helping you. Caveat Emptor. Latin for “Let the buyer beware.”
That said, you’re not helpless against salespeople, just keep in mind the tricks. And after all, they are people too.
Top Ten Retail Ripoffs Exposed!! – [TrampolineSales]
Tags: 
Loading ...
Comments
Chris Marsden says on February 27th, 2007 at 9:20 am
I don’t doubt that this is true in many places, but as someone who works in sales, my approach is always to help the customer. Returns are a bigger pain and hassle (and costly) than losing a customer. While I don’t have the official position of “sales manager”, my knowledge and experience often puts me in that hand off position. BUT… it is not to close the deal, but make sure we are actually helping people the best way we can.
I, as much as any sales person, love making a good sale. More accessories, more markup equals a happier boss. BUT… the only way our business will grow is if we have genuinely happy customers. It is not about closing the sale as much as it is about creating a positive net for the customer and the community.
Now I admit we may be the exception to the rule, but in our store, at least, if you get handed off to the “closer” it is so that we can get you the best product for the best price, and that might mean selling you nothing and sending you to a competitor.
Just thought people should see the other side before they go running from “the closer” and miss out on some genuinely helpful advice and/or discounts.
persuasion expert kyle says on February 27th, 2007 at 11:53 am
I’ve been teaching skeptism/speech and debate for years. The more people know about this crap, the better. I WILL NOT be wheeled and dealed buy a salesman ever. The problem seems that most people don’t have the guts to say no, even if it means paying money they don’t have.
jr says on September 1st, 2009 at 10:32 am
two words…
ABC Warehouse. hahaha