How to deal with Pushy Salespeople

The majority of us have faced the general Salespeople in stores of all types.  They usually won’t push for something because they have a job to do (which isn’t selling to you) and they don’t get paid by the items sold.  They will offer help and race to the back room as soon as you tell them you can handle it.  They are relatively harmless. 

The ones you need to worry about are the ones who go door to door, or sell large items like homes, appliances and vehicles.  Even those in different stores who have been hired to ‘demonstrate’ an item and try to convince you to buy it can be (and usually are) pushy.  Electronic Salespeople are pushy too, especially when they are in a big store that specializes in electronic items, because they get a percentage of what they sell.  Carnival Salespeople need to sell their items in order to make a profit after the booth fees and food is paid, so they will do anything for a sale.  And, keep your eye on the people who smile demurely and quietly and politely offer you something.  Before you are done dealing with them, you will probably have paid off their mortgage for them.

Most of you will do a bit of research before you make a big purchase; however the research is usually nothing more than features and abilities.  You might check a price or two, to get an idea, but you don’t usually research the item fully.  That is very bad.  When you are planning a large purchase, do your homework!  Check on local prices and prices in neighboring cities to see which is cheaper (would it pay to use the gas to go get the item, or can it be delivered).  Check for features and find out what items are considered standard (in all items) and what are considered extras (cost more to have).  For instance:  Many Vehicle Salespeople will fail to tell you that the items you are paying hundreds of dollars for are actually standard in all their vehicles, but if you don’t argue, you will pay for them. 

Check with Consumer Reports to see what the rating for the item is and check to see if the item comes in different sizes, shapes, applications, etc. and what the difference in the cost might be.  An important item to check is repair costs and breakdown records.  Don’t be afraid to write down what you find and where you find it.  Don’t be afraid to discuss your findings with the Salesperson.  Don’t be afraid to point out things they are doing differently than what you found in your research.  And be sure to write down all offers, changes, prices, add-ons, etc. so that you know what they were offering for what items.  Don’t let them squeeze in extra charges and double talk to you about it either.

Tell them exactly what you are looking for and what you would like to get with it.  For Instance:  “I’m looking for the new flat screen TV with HD and Wi-Fi options.  What do you have in stock that you could show me?”  Don’t be afraid to be the pushy one.  You are the one paying for this item, so you should get what you want, not what they want to sell you.  Also, be sure to ask lots of questions about the item.  If the Salesperson tells you something that doesn’t jive with your research, you should tell them you might be back after you have done some more research--the chances are they will correct their “error” right there and continue to try to sell to you. 

Listen to their approach and offers, then tell them you will think about it-and then leave!  First, because you should check the item and price at more than one store or location and second because you never allow them to sell you the item the first time you are there.  This goes for homes, cars, and any large ticket items you might purchase.  Never buy the day you look because they will give you double talk and try to con you into believing that this is the best offer.  There is one exception that is described below. 

Unless you have already researched the item before you found it, you can’t be certain about it; however you can be sure the price they are charging can be reduced.  So, your gut feeling might tell you that the item is probably overpriced and that you could probably get a brand new one for the same price--pass it on to the Seller.  Your gut felling might tell you that the item will cost a great deal to repair, more than it is worth.  Tell the Seller that.  Your gut feeling says the item isn’t what you want and is more than you can afford.  Tell the Seller that and walk away!  Don’t let them continue to try to convince you to purchase.  If it seems too good to be true and/or you don’t really need it, then don’t get it.  It is that simple.  Another tactic is to walk away from it and check out other Sellers.  Think about the purchase.  If you really want it you can go back later and see if it is still there.  If you go back later and the item is still there, the Seller is probably more than willing to lower the price to make the sale.

The taxes, local fees, schools if you need them, surrounding homes and how they look, what the police and fire department are like, how old the appliances are and how old the house-roof-furnace-and hot water heater are.  Older homes and/or appliances may break down early; and, because of a large mortgage payment, you may not be able to repair them.  Also, is the area family friendly?  Where do you park your car?  Is there a land dispute?  Is the title clear?  You need to know if you are getting a good deal or a list of problems when you sign on the dotted line and take on 30 years of payments.  The National Association of Realtors can help you ensure the Realtor you are using is a good one.

Look at things like upholstery, carpets, are items all working well, is the radio 'pin locked' (you will have to look in the manual for that), is there a spare tire, is there a jack, what do the tires look like, what does the interior smell like, and ask for a repair history of the vehicle, especially if it is used.  Ask to have a mechanic look at it.  Check to see if all safety items are working (lights-turn signals-brakes-seat belts-etc.).  And check to see if there are any warning lights on the dash when the car is running.  Also, does it make funny noises when you drive it?  You don’t want it to break down as you drive off the lot because the dealer won’t fix it for free once you have signed on the dotted line.  Most dealers will provide you with a free repair report on a used vehicle, but if you aren't buying from a dealer try Car Fax, it costs a bit, but it will give you the information you need.  All you need is the VIN number of the vehicle in question.

Salespeople who boast about the better appliances (and thus expensive ones) rather than spend too much time talking about the lesser ones; however, most of the expensive ones have features that you simply will never use.  Ask questions about the features and what they do before you choose the one you want.  Also, a basic appliance, with things you need, is much cheaper than the ones with fancy buttons, knobs, and extras.  Don’t be fooled into believing that the extras will save you money in the long run, because they won’t.  In fact, the chances are they will cost you more to run because there is more on it.  Remember that you are probably also paying for the brand name, so check out the secondary brands-their products are generally just as good and much cheaper.  You can check the Better Business Bureau to ensure the company is legitimate.

The Salesperson will try to get you to buy the absolute most expensive piece in the store because they will get a mucho bonus.  Again, check features, check extras, and check to see if you need, or just want, the extras.  Yes, it would be incredible to have a surround sound system that you can control from a single remote anywhere in the house, but how much will all that cost?  Will it be worth the money you will pay?  Will it be worth the electric energy you will use?  Will it ever be used (except to show off to friends who will grow tired of your boasting soon enough)?  The incredible set ups don’t pay for your meals, they only fill your ears (and perhaps eyes) with sound and motion.  Don’t be fooled by the excitement of the moment.  If you’ve done your homework, you already know what you want and how much you can afford.  Stick to that and you will be much happier.

Insurance people are extremely fast talkers and will try to convince you that you can afford what they are offering because you will be saving on other things that the insurance will do for you, etc.  Don’t believe it.  They are simply trying to sell you everything possible because that is how they get paid.  Yes, you might need insurance of some type, but did you really need to insure the cemetery stone sitting on your dog’s old grave site; or the boat in the back yard that doesn’t run because there is no motor?  Okay, so I was exaggerating a bit, but they are that good.  While they are making their speech to you about all that you will save and how much peace of mind you will get, take notes.  And then, once they are gone, think about the things they said and the amount it will cost.

Never count money that you supposedly will save until you are actually saving it--life is never that easy.  So, with what you are paying right now out of pocket, can you afford the insurance he is offering?  Be honest with yourself.  If the answer is no, then you shouldn’t do it.  And, if you decide to go with a cheaper insurance and the Salesperson gives you a hard time about it, tell them you have changed your mind and no longer wish to deal with them.  Also, once an insurance salesperson gets your signature on something, they have you.  Don’t sign anything unless you have read it, understand it, and agree with it.  Oh yes, and don’t accept their explanation of what the paper says, because it probably doesn’t really say that.  And especially don’t sign anything with blank spaces!