Response from a Salesperson: Great Comments!

Last week I posted a blog entry, Response From a Salesperson. It contained an email that was sent to me by a particularly disgruntled, and obviously unsuccessful salesman who sells power sports vehicles at a Yamaha dealership. If you read his email, you’ll be amazed at his contempt for the customer, as well as anyone doing a better job (which seems to be everyone).

The good news is that last week I mentioned he represents a small minority of Yamaha dealer salespeople, and now I’m pleased to say I have some proof in the many comments I’ve received on this article. Instead of replying to each one individually in the comment section, I’d like all of you to see them along with my responses.

Warren –

Thanks for your comments. As a Gen Y-er myself, I am disappointed when folks like "Rodm850g" exhibit such hatred toward us young people. It makes me think we’ve got an entire generation that somehow skipped being twenty-somethings. Thanks for sticking up for us.

Jeb Brooks

No problem Jeb. I happen to know a lot of terrific, sharp Gen Yer’s like yourself, including my son Michael, and my web guru Dean, who is responsible for all 4 of my websites, including this one. It’s obvious Resentful Rod (from now on his new name) has a real problem with people who can afford things that he can’t. Maybe he should work a little harder and a lot smarter.

Warren…

It seems pretty obvious that Rodm850g will not be in the power sport business for long. If he doesn’t like his client base that "walks" in then perhaps he needs to take action and "invite" the client type he wants in to the showroom. Doesn’t the client that purchases a performance machine usually brag and show it off to friends? Isn’t that one of the purposes of ownership? He needs to work the referral base of the "qualified" client–bring in the "friends." As a generality that client hangs with like, kind and quality.

So, he is missing more opportunity than just the "prejudged" client.

Rhonda Knudson- Kansas

Rhonda,

You are obviously one of the many successful power sports salespeople I alluded to. As my mother used to say, “From your mouth to God’s ear!"

Rhonda makes some outstanding points, the best of which is, “If he doesn’t like his client base that walks in then perhaps he needs to take action and invite the client type he wants into the showroom.”

Great idea! Why do so many people assume that retail salespeople have to sit around and wait for the door to open? What happens on bad weather days? Obviously people like Resentful Rod starve. Maybe he should go call everyone he’s ever sold (hopefully there are some of these people), ask them for referrals and follow up with a phone call inviting them into the dealership.

Warren,

WOW, it’s hard to believe that salespeople like that can make a living in this competitive power sports business.

This guy needs to go back to school to learn our English language…or at least use spell check for Pete’s sake!

My recommendation for RodM850g is to take the civil service test and go work for the government.

Sean

Great to hear from another excellent power sports salesperson. Don’t worry, I’m sure Resentful Rod is not making much of a living; otherwise he wouldn’t be so resentful of those who are doing better than him.

Did you ever notice how everyone always recommends a government job to those who can’t make it in the private sector? No wonder one of the worst things you can ever hear is, “Hi, we’re from the government, and we’re here to help you.”

Warren & your blog readers,

This Rod person needs to sit down with his manager and/or less frustrated peers and learn how to qualify the showroom visitors better.

A few simple questions upfront might give him clues that certain prospects shouldn’t be led down the path where he is forced to "dazzle with actual product knowledge" or go through the application process.

Also, he should understand that there might be value in talking to disqualified prospects if he can generate the patience to deal with such people.

I try to keep an open mind and not pre-judge accounts that may not seem that qualified upfront, because I will either learn something from those accounts or be pleasantly surprised when they turn into decent prospects.

If Rod cannot learn some new approachs and gain a better attitude, then it’s time to move on to a job that doesn’t involve unfamiliar people.

Mike W

Wow! I’d say Yamaha is in good hands, judging from people like Mike W, Sean and Rhonda and let’s not forget Resentful Rod’s co-worker who saves all my newsletters and uses the ideas.

I’m with Mike. If I was in the same situation, I’d talk to everyone. So what if they don’t qualify! Chances are they just might know someone who does. Just remember one of my favorite expressions: “You never know.” Some of my best and most profitable clients have come from some of the most unlikely places.

Warren,

In agreement with the comments here, especially Mike W. and Rhonda, who are obviously on top of their game.

About 10 years ago, I was lucky enough to have my Dad finance an ATV from a local power sports dealer when I was in high school. The first time I went into the store, the salesperson paid very close attention to me and asked me more questions than I really cared to answer! I just wanted to go in and gawk, but his questions really got me excited about what I wanted, and that week I begged my dad to help me out. My Dad agreed as long as I made good on about 4,500 stipulations! I made good.

It’s true most young people just go in and climb all over everything without a clue of what they’ll need to buy one. But if you engage them and probe you might find you have more of potential client than you thought. And yes the parents help.

Dustin

I hope every salesperson out there read Dustin’s comment, because HE’S THE CUSTOMER!!!! I couldn’t have said it better myself. Resentful Rod’s “customers” are climbing all over the motorcycles because Rod isn’t saying anything worth listening to. Why the heck should they pay attention to him anyhow?

Warren,

This poor guy (I’m being sarcastic here) should never have gone into sales. Besides the fact that he can’t write – and probably can’t speak proper English, he hates his customers. If he thinks they don’t know that, he’s crazy.

It sounds to me like he’s angry at his customers because they can afford something that he can’t. And, if he can’t make enough money selling it to own one, well, I’m repeating myself when I say he’s chosen the wrong profession.

Apparently he was absent the day they taught the notion that it’s the customer who pays you – not your boss.

Guys like him give salespeople a bad name!

Diane Helbig

Yes, but salespeople like you Diane, plus Rhonda, Sean and Mike continually give me hope for the future.

I guess in Resentful Rod’s case it’s easier to tear something down than build it up. Of course it doesn’t pay as well but losers never seem to worry about that until it’s too late.

The feedback was fantastic and came from every side of the table, thanks once again for contributing!