called a guy
to get a quote
to replace
two tiny windows
in my cottage
a national chain
friendly
salesy
schmoozy
trying hard
but
too
too
too
much
song and dance
and
it went on
and on
and on
he made me take a quiz
i just wanted
something
a
step
up
from
saran wrap
and
it didn’t
have to
be
able
to withstand
armageddon
he used
his special
infrared light
to demonstrate
the heat factor
all i wanted
was a clear piece
of glass
to keep out
snow
bugs
flying squirrels
and
large enough
to allow
a
friendly fireman
to
fit through
he had
no
sense of humor
and
was
nervous
and so
next
we
began
the
jumping
on the glass
test
the whole thing
took two hours
he made a series
of fake phone calls
to his office
to get me a
very special deal
and i waited
for his phone
to ring
while he was ‘calling’
then
i thanked him for his time
he packed up his things
headed out
with all
of his equipment
and i kind of
felt for him
called another guy
and
this guy
was
standing
at my door
when i opened it
a couple of days later
a gentle giant
with a smile
and
a handshake
my hand
disappeared
into
his bear claw
of a hand
he came in
sat down
asked me
what i wanted
measured my
two tiny windows
he was calm
told me about his daughter
how proud he was of her
almost a doctor
asked me
about
my own children
we laughed together
he used to build houses
now a window guy
guessed the age of my cottage
more than 100
he was right
gave me the price
a very good price
no frills
no quiz
no jumping
no lights
no calls
he was here for
a half hour
he will be back
to put
my
windows in
very soon
–
it’s about listening first, then selling.
– erik qualman
—
image credits: benderconstruction.com, drip book.com, bilingual monkey.com, izismile.com,mybaycity.com
Oh dear the Shmultz of some sales reps. All the frills and fancy and overly priced, compared to the honest, down to earth. Loved the line about your hand disappearing into his bear claw, just pictured it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
yes, they are out there everywhere – and happy to finally meet one that was bit more genuine –
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a very similar experience to this when I got a quote for my windows. He was here for so long I was almost falling asleep! Glad you got someone much better to do it for you in the end 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
i know your pain, jade. and me too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
love this, it’s so true, and I love the picture of your little cottage!
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks, joan and it’s tiny, but just the right size for me )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! This is fabulous. We have all had that experience for sure. Back in Ferndale, some man came to our house about our roof and sat there for three hours pontificating. I wanted to gouge my own eyes out. I love that “one step above saran wrap” comment. I also love your quote at the end
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
i know exactly what you mean roy, and happy you still have both eyes ) thanks!
LikeLike
Belle
LikeLiked by 1 person
merci )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the “hard sell” doesn’t work with me, either. Just tell me what you’ve got, what it does, what it costs and let’s get it over with. You’re buying windows, not an Italian sports car.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i could not agree more. i am direct and prefer people to be direct with me. in this case, i really just want to know a few things: can you do the job? what will the real cost be? when can you have it complete if i hire you? –
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wouldn’t have had the patience you had with the first guy Beth. You are an angel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yeh, the glass jumping got to be a bit much, paul )
LikeLike
Great ending coming to this transparent tale, I suspect, when the big man installs your tiny windows, Beth. Here’s a sad component to the story, too. Some corporate schmoo somewhere taught the nervous guy all of his moves and likely installed his anxiety in the process, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, mark. it sure seems like it. and yes, you hit on why i felt for him. he was doing what he’d been taught somewhere and wasn’t able to put his own spin on things yet, or to read the customer.
LikeLike
A quiz? Insane!
LikeLiked by 1 person
i hope i passed!
LikeLike
You cracked me up on this one. Fake phone calls? He should have gotten you a sweet deal on a Chevy Nova, too. Sounds like the second guy was the was a “real person.” I’ll take Bachelor #2 please!
LikeLiked by 1 person
me too, kerbey!
LikeLike
I get antsy. I have things to do. Places to go. Hurry up. What’s with all the schmoozing anyway?
😀 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
i know!
LikeLike
I’m also IMpatient. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! The energy you bring to the table matters. I tell my kids that all the time. Recently let go of a very competent cleaning service b/c the owner was so negative. Energy matters. Glad you went with the gentle giant:).
LikeLiked by 1 person
you are so right, kay )
LikeLike
tremendous…loved this!
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks so much, susie )
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love happy endings! Sure sounds like you made the right choice between the two!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, me too russ and i think so )
LikeLike
this is good … I was on the phone just now with a buddy, who was talking about communication, and how frustrating it can be to be misunderstood. My point is that I really enjoyed the way you expressed this whole scenario. You bring a good measure of humor and peace to a situation that stirs up frustration in me … a salesman who is not connecting with who I am / what I need. I smiled when I read about the second gentleman who came and connected with you well, in a shorter amount of time, ready to provide what you wanted. Good job, Beth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, and yes, you are absolutely right. it is all about the communication. the human connection.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sooooooo true.
Two things:
1. What do you want? and
2. Okay, that’s what I’ll do.
Seems simple enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yep, yep.
LikeLike
Excellent piece – funny but so true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, jenni. and isn’t it so true?
LikeLike
So glad you found the right guy to install the windows in this adorable cottage!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks, mimi. me too )
LikeLike
You’re right about the listening skills, Beth. We selected a gardener up north on the same criteria. Grounded. Friendly. Listening. Straight forward. Much better than the tap dancing guy who wanted to create what he wanted – not what I was asking for.
Sounds like you got a true professional. 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
yes, exactly judy. and i think that i chose the right window guy –
LikeLike
Your Gentle Giant needs to be on ‘speed dial’ from now on, Beth! He sounds like someone who is a jack of all trades, so immediately kind and handy! I think this was the best post, showing the different tactics that one business man takes, versus a true, helping honest worker!
LikeLiked by 1 person
will do, robin! yes, very different approaches to the same job )
LikeLike
I’ll take the gentle giant over the fast talker any day. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant. I have missed reading your posts. I have had to drive to the top of the hill to get some internet connection.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks bs (black sheep). go off to a meadow to get your net – welcome back )
LikeLike
Telecom Italia are supposed to be coming to install broadband, but I am not holding my breath
LikeLiked by 1 person
ha! keep me posted. if you can )
LikeLike