One of the best things about going to sales and exhibitions is the variety of people you get to meet, particularly when you’re on the seller’s side. While the people change each time around, there are some definitive tropes that you’re always sure to spot.
Here are some of the most common ones – which do you fit into?
Even though the price is written in bold letters on the packet and on a placard, they still ask how much each product is for. It’s almost as if they believe that once the price is said out loud, it could somehow magically get reduced. These people are the same who inevitably ask, “No special discount for me? I bought so much!” or “Wasn’t I the first buyer today? Still, no discount?”
“Who makes these products? Does it have sugar? How much? Is it too bitter? How much does it weigh? Which kind of sesame was used in it? Was it plucked from farms or polished in a machine? Will my children eat it? Is it tasty? Or healthy? Or both?” The quiz master wants to know everything – about the product, your organisation, team strength, even what you ate for breakfast last Tuesday – but never ends up buying anything.
The husband/boyfriend/son comes to the stall, asks questions, and realises that not only do they know nothing about the products, they also have no authority to buy anything without asking their wife/girlfriend/mother first. So, after answering all their questions, you have to get on a call with said wife/girlfriend/mother, and do the whole thing all over again.
These can actually be divided into two categories. The first kind is the person who asks the sales representative for at least three recipes that can be made from the products at display. The second kind is the person who shares their own recipes, not only to the sales rep but to anybody who is close enough to hear (luckily, the second type usually helps in selling more products).
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A salesperson’s delight, they’re the ones I hope to see at every sale. They buy each and every product on the shelf, and also listen to recommendations. Life’s good with them. May we attract more of these generous folks.
Long pause, no response, no sale. It’s as simple as that. You can try and talk them into making a purchase, but the talking never really works. They just walk away, taking their long pause to the next stall.
I’m guilty of being this type of person myself. The only things that can draw my attention to a stall, are food samples. And judging by the number of like-minded people I meet at these sales, it is safe to say that if you want to attract more people to your sale, you’ve got to have free food.
