Group Forums >> The Cutoff Seat (Texas Hold Em) >> What was the most embarrassing sales close you ever had?
What was the most embarrassing sales close you ever had?
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Posted 4 months ago As for me its hard to say after 20+ years of selling. But this one always comes to mind. When I was selling for Gossett Jeep Eagle in Memphis early on in my career, I had a customer who was the CEO of a well known franchise restaurant. The guy made more money in a month than I made in a year. So I didn't want to blow it. He gave us an offer of half of the $1197.00 dealer addendum over MSRP. I couldn't believe it. I told myself to maintain my composure and not to act like i was jumping for joy on the inside. It was going to be the biggest commission I have every made. Well, I took the offer to my sales manager and he made me go back and bump the guy for a lousey hundred more dollars. I wanted to kill the guy. I told him are you ^%##^*& crazey? He told me to just do it. God help me. I just knew this guy would be insulted and leave no matter how hard I would try to convience him to stay and do business. When I showed him our counter offer, he looked up at our sales manager with a stern look I couldn't even begin to describe. The sales manager had this big grim on his face. I thought thats it. I am going to have to kill that guy. Well, my customer shook his head and signed the deal. I felt so bad that I bought him about a hundred dollars worth of car care products to give him at delivery. That sales manager was gone in about a month from that day. Moral of the story. Maintain composure at all times. Everytime is show time. And pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered.
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| Posted 4 months ago Thanks for sharing. I sold some sports advertising for $150.00. The clilent called several days later, had recived a bill and (imagine my susrprise) wanted to know why they were charged $200.00!!??? I had no idea. AND when I asked I got 2 different stories. How stupid did that make me look???? They did pay the full $200.00 but that to me was just wrong. harriet HarrietAlison
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| Posted 4 months ago Don't you hate when that happens! One time I was at lunch with a client and we were negotiating the terms of the deal....we were at Barney's, a hamburger joint and I was eating french fries. We are in the middle of this hard nosed negotiation and all of the sudden a huge glob of ketchup falls on my blouse. I was so embarrassed, but I pretended that nothing had happened. Worst nightmare! |
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| Posted 4 months ago In past years it would have to be how unprepared I went into sales meetings thinking charm ,wit could carry me to the finish line.Often times I won but won the very minimum.Now add on sales are the key to my success I am here to learn and help others in search of information.With everyone having a common goal we should be able to help one another grow in our professional and personal lives. |
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| Posted 4 months ago One time I was closing a deal, but before we got down to business we were doing some small talk. The client lived in Boston so I assumed he was a big Celtics/Red Sox fan. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, so I have always been a big Lakers fan. When we small talked, I mentioned how I lived in boston for a few years and was a loyal celtics fan. We chatted about the team for a while, then got down to business and I closed him in the hotel lobby. Just after we wrapped everything up, An old friend from la ran into me in front of the client. He started talking about "our lakers" and how much Boston was going down....well you can guess what happened next.... so embarrassing.... |
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| Posted 4 months ago
It was like a boat load of sailors had had beans for dinner or a 5.5 earthquake had just happen. His face turned an apple red; she looked like a tomato ready for picking. I, well I just wanted a breath of fresh air. I sat there for a second or two then said, I understand; if the featurers and benefits make you do that; please be warned, you're going to S__t on yourself when I give you the price. Well laughter broke out, they looked at each other and went on and finalized the deal. Most embarrassing? I don't know; but being able to think on your feet is everything. |
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| Posted 4 months ago saleschick says ...
Thats hilarious! I read an article on this site about "what not to eat" during a sales meeting!!!! I guess your story is a good example! |
O.k., you asked. The summer of 92; it was about 95 degrees that day. I had a middle aged couple expecting their first child; she was due yesterday or it looked that way. They were looking for for a Lexus. We had just returned from a test drive, they had some concerns. I had finished explaining the features and benefits of the vehicle; when all of a sudden she let out one.