Closing Sales

[Arts Cabinets]

Whether people want to admit it or not we are in the business of selling. Even, when you charge T & M you are selling the customer to accept hourly and material prices.

Hit the forum with your best sales approach (technique) or hit the forum with a type of sale that you have difficulty.

Closing sales is the most difficult part of the business. Lets keep in mind the difference between giving the job away at a price the customer cannot refuse and closing a sale to maximize your income.

Jack

[MrsSeatDown]

So Leonard, I must ask. What happened to your insistence of leaving the forum after the 15th? Did you get hooked? Is your wife still out of town?

[westcoastplumber]

So Leonard, I must ask. What happened to your insistence of leaving the forum after the 15th? Did you get hooked? Is your wife still out of town?




Does it matter? Hey Leonard, Pm me, I'll introduce you to a pro's only forum where there isn't any drama, politics or abundance of ego.

[Arts Cabinets]

So Leonard, I must ask. What happened to your insistence of leaving the forum after the 15th? Did you get hooked? Is your wife still out of town?

Victorina is back. Thie girl won't take a break from work. She is sitting next to me right now. I work until about midnight most days. Even though it may appear that I am on the forum all the time, I am only taking breaks short breaks from designing ads, reading, paying bills, payroll, etc.

I'm sort of still here. I guess I will change my log in name. Maybe someone can pick a new log in name. Be nice when choosing, please.

Thank you very much.

Jack.

[MrsSeatDown]

Victorina is back. Thie girl won't take a break from work. She is sitting next to me right now. I work until about midnight most days. Even though it may appear that I am on the forum all the time, I am only taking breaks short breaks from designing ads, reading, paying bills, payroll, etc.


Jack.

HA! That's what they all say! :p

[gear junkie]

Does it matter? Hey Leonard, Pm me, I'll introduce you to a pro's only forum where there isn't any drama, politics or abundance of ego.
Hell yeah it matters. This is just one example where Leonard has lied to the forum. I don't listen liars as I can't trust anything they say. His "Arts Cabinet" name? He got that name when he posed as a customer giving props to his plumbing company. When Devine was here, he pissed off a lot of people because of his issues but he never lied to us and now and then would come up wish some really good advice. But Leonard has lied to the forum time and time again so whatever he says carries a shadow of doubt.

[Josh]

Man.. stick with one login. its not cool to keep coming in here as different people.

Josh

Victorina is back. Thie girl won't take a break from work. She is sitting next to me right now. I work until about midnight most days. Even though it may appear that I am on the forum all the time, I am only taking breaks short breaks from designing ads, reading, paying bills, payroll, etc.

I'm sort of still here. I guess I will change my log in name. Maybe someone can pick a new log in name. Be nice when choosing, please.

Thank you very much.

Jack.

[Devine Plumbing]

Hell yeah it matters. This is just one example where Leonard has lied to the forum. I don't listen liars as I can't trust anything they say. His "Arts Cabinet" name? He got that name when he posed as a customer giving props to his plumbing company. When Devine was here, he pissed off a lot of people because of his issues but he never lied to us and now and then would come up wish some really good advice. But Leonard has lied to the forum time and time again so whatever he says carries a shadow of doubt.

I am still here, just been busy with the new baby. Thanks, I guess. I've been reading some of the old posts and although I don't agree with many of Leonard's business practices, he does ask some thought-provoking questions

[DuckButter]

I like apple pie, a la mode.

[JCsPlumbing]

I like chicken wings. :)

J.C.

[ToUtahNow]

Victorina is back. Thie girl won't take a break from work. She is sitting next to me right now. I work until about midnight most days. Even though it may appear that I am on the forum all the time, I am only taking breaks short breaks from designing ads, reading, paying bills, payroll, etc.

I'm sort of still here. I guess I will change my log in name. Maybe someone can pick a new log in name. Be nice when choosing, please.

Thank you very much.

Jack.

How about PCPlumber?

Mark

[MrsSeatDown]

How about PCPlumber?

Mark

I think that's a good suggestion:idea2:

[PLUMBER RICK]

i like pcplumber too. sounds politically correct:D

rick.

[DuckButter]

Relative to the actual topic, I could sum the biggest trick I know in one word.

Assume.

[ToUtahNow]

I hope you are not really mad and I know I caused a lot of problems. I thought it was only right to change my name from a cabinet maker back to a plumber.

I promise this will be the last time that I change my name. I had a lot to learn about the way the forum works and how to communicate with members. I will admit that I caused a lot of problems.

To give everyone a break, I am going to take off for the week and will not post anything until at least Monday.

My goal as a member is to share, with members, business ideas (secrets) that have been successful. This is not about taking sides, arguing, getting mad, or about trying to prove that I am smarter. It is purely to probe members for ideas and to share experiences that are productive to improve marketing, close more sales, and earn more money.

My real alias business name is Jack and that is the name I will use. There is a short story that goes with that name. I won't bore you.

I am sorry for being a pain.
See you Monday
Jack

I for one welcome your input and while we may not always agree I respect your experience. In time I'm sure the others will come around too.

Mark

[Devine Plumbing]

I am one that will have to second that opinion. I feel there is a lot of valuable information to be gained in regards to sales and the business side of the equation.

[DuckButter]

I for one welcome your input and while we may not always agree I respect your experience. In time I'm sure the others will come around too.

Mark
Couldn't possibly have said it better myself.
Members assumed he was attempting to sell something when he first popped in (software?), he was banned several times, YES..I will say his business practices may (or may not) be questionable, but I for one cannot pass judgement on the fella when I don't really know him personally.
I don't mean to step on anyone elses toes or standards, not by any stretch, but he may have something to offer in terms of experience and has been very tactful in response to adversity.
Can't knock him...not so far at least.

[JCsPlumbing]

I like it when people state who they are and what they are about. Plumber Rick is Plumber Rick. I'm J.C.

Be yourself. LeonardofBestline.

I like most all posts. If we all agreed.... then the activity on the forum would go dramatically down with all of us just reloading the page and looking at it.

My only suggestion is be honest with people and treat them like they are sitting beside you. Don't try to fool them with other names, false stories, or scenarios to get responses.

Stick around. Be open minded to understand that you can be totally wrong and a strong enough person to admit it. I assume that I can learn something from every person participating. I might, however, debate it respectfully (<key word :)).

While I'm sure you feel there are things that you can teach to others on the forum....

What specifically do you feel you can learn from others?

J.C.

[DuckButter]

I like it when people state who they are and what they are about. Plumber Rick is Plumber Rick. I'm J.C.

Be yourself. LeonardofBestline.

I like most all posts. If we all agreed.... then the activity on the forum would go dramatically down with all of us just reloading the page and looking at it.

My only suggestion is be honest with people and treat them like they are sitting beside you. Don't try to fool them with other names, false stories, or scenarios to get responses.

Stick around. Be open minded to understand that you can be totally wrong and a strong enough person to admit it. I assume that I can learn something from every person participating. I might, however, debate it respectfully (<key word :)).

While I'm sure you feel there are things that you can teach to others on the forum....

What specifically do you feel you can learn from others?

J.C.

I strongly disagree.

[JCsPlumbing]

i strongly disagree.

then burn in he**! (thanks gj)

j.c.

[Service Guy]

I strongly disagree.

I disagree with Duck's disagreement with JC's ideas about disagreements. You don't know what you're talking about, you are way off here.:kma:

[ToUtahNow]

I disagree with Duck's disagreement with JC's ideas about disagreements. You don't know what you're talking about, you are way off here.:kma:

Okay boys let's behave.

Mark :killingme:

[Tyman]

I for one welcome your input and while we may not always agree I respect your experience. In time I'm sure the others will come around too.

Mark

Not me.

How a person can mislead others, get banned, be allowed back on the forum under numerous names and then expect members to put credibility into what he says is beyond me.

[aero1]

sometimes you gotta just take the trash out otherwise it just starts to stink:D

[PLUMBER RICK]

Not me.

How a person can mislead others, get banned, be allowed back on the forum under numerous names and then expect members to put credibility into what he says is beyond me.

tyman, i for 1 along with joey actually met leonard/ jack. as you might know from prior post, i was not going for his hocus pocus:D after convincing joey that we can still get to the things we need to do, we'll give him the courtesy to meet him.

leonard is a very well organized business man. not to mention a nice guy when you actual get a chance to talk or meet him.

although most of us don't agree with his original pricing breakdown, he still is a knowledgeable and nice guy. plus his shop is right next door to the "hustler casino":love:

it takes a while to learn the personalities of the regulars. i think leonard is learning what we as a forum can tolerate. he is not in the same league as slyvan was:eek:

too bad he's too far from the majority of the forum. i'm sure he would invite you over to have a 1 on 1 and feed you too:D

i know for a fact that leonard is the real deal and i for one can personally vouch for him;) in fact i had a nice 30 minute talk with him tonight discussing this very matter. as you can see he has responded with the truth and understands the forums concern.

although i've only met him 5 days ago. i know he is good for his word and is the real deal.

leonard don't make me eat my words:nono:

your meatball sandwich, well that's another story:D

rick.

[plumberscrack]

Not me.

How a person can mislead others, get banned, be allowed back on the forum under numerous names and then expect members to put credibility into what he says is beyond me.

:thumbup2:

[DUNBAR]

Those of you following the flock on this guy's sentiment makes a mockery of how procedures are done on an internet forum to prevent disruption.


Getting banned and then forum members to encourage new usernames after the site admin said not to is clearly a malfunction.


I don't care if the guy is queen of sheba, you're fueling the ignorance of the entire situation by promoting this kind of dialogue and opens doors for the next one to give the same sentiment, and buddy buddy will allow it to remain?

This has Sylvan Tieger written all over it, just not as beligerent. At least he disappeared after being told not to come back.

This I believe divides the independent thinkers from the rest in seeing the total picture of agenda.

I for one wouldn't push any product/software for personal gain in an attempt to profit without reward to the place where the activity originates.


Smells like Amway or BNI all the way.

[DuckButter]

Dunbar, valid points...especially on what you smell...I smell it too.

BUT...until I see or hear what I smell, I feel I'm wrong to lash out without proof.
I agree that he may have made a mockery of the banning process, but I suspect his being banned in the first place may have been a bit pre-emptive.
I may have missed something but I think he might have been banned on the suspicion that he was attempting to sell something (software?).

Another member told me in private that I was mistaken to welcome him, I may very well be...but I can't simply pass judgement on someone based on a suspicion.

YES, he's seems a bit too friendly, he may have an agenda beyond mere social interaction & exchange of trade information.
I personally don't feel I have the right to pass judgement on him, not until someone passes word that he tried to enlist them in Amway, sell them a software package, or we discover he has a team of illegal immigrants working for $5 an hour.

Many here will recall the "Johnny Crapper" conundrum...I smelled that smell then too.
I made a statement that I don't like using bidets and he went on to inform me I was practicing bad hygiene, that was when the scale was tipped and I felt right to react in adverse fashion.
Jack (Leonard) has been grilled, roasted, investigated & probed...all to come back with not so much as a hint of irritation.

I'm with Utah Mark on this one, I'm concerned we may be practicing contempt prior to investigation...we're walking a fine line...but again, maybe I missed a detail.

If I have, please tell me.

[ToUtahNow]

So that everyone knows Leonard was banned one time by Josh while he waited for us to meet with Leonard. All of the other bans were by me on Leonard's request as he did not want his company name linked to this site via Google.

I believe Leonard should be kept at an arms length if you are not comfortable with him.

Mark

[spodelee]

I hope you are not really mad and I know I caused a lot of problems. I thought it was only right to change my name from a cabinet maker back to a plumber.

I promise this will be the last time that I change my name. I had a lot to learn about the way the forum works and how to communicate with members. I will admit that I caused a lot of problems.

To give everyone a break, I am going to take off for the week and will not post anything until at least Monday.

My goal as a member is to share, with members, business ideas (secrets) that have been successful. This is not about taking sides, arguing, getting mad, or about trying to prove that I am smarter. It is purely to probe members for ideas and to share experiences that are productive to improve marketing, close more sales, and earn more money.

My real alias business name is Jack and that is the name I will use. There is a short story that goes with that name. I won't bore you.

I am sorry for being a pain.
See you Monday
Jack

Curiousity is killing the cat here. Please tell me, why would you operate your business under another name than your real name?

[Service Guy]

I use a non-pressure approach to closing sales. I make suggestions as to the options available and what would best benefit the customer, and then the decision is in their court. People are comfortable with me that way. I have had quite a few people say "no" or "I'll think about it" and instead of being aggressive and pushy, I say ok and leave my card....so many times, the people have called me back to do the job and I get a customer for life. Which is the best type of all!:grin-loving:

[savant]

I use a non-pressure approach to closing sales. I make suggestions as to the options available and what would best benefit the customer, and then the decision is in their court. People are comfortable with me that way. I have had quite a few people say "no" or "I'll think about it" and instead of being aggressive and pushy, I say ok and leave my card....so many times, the people have called me back to do the job and I get a customer for life. Which is the best type of all!:grin-loving:

I find white-collar professionals are constantly bombarded by people trying to sell them something, because they are so easy to identify as having funds, so low pressure really is refreshing to them. These people have had 8-10 years of schooling after HS, so they kinda know when your only interest is getting their money into your pocket.

[DuckButter]

I use a non-pressure approach to closing sales. I make suggestions as to the options available and what would best benefit the customer, and then the decision is in their court. People are comfortable with me that way. I have had quite a few people say "no" or "I'll think about it" and instead of being aggressive and pushy, I say ok and leave my card....so many times, the people have called me back to do the job and I get a customer for life. Which is the best type of all!:grin-loving:

I'm no guru here, but thats what I do.

Had one customer tell me he picked me over three others because I seemed least interested in pummeling him with flashy terms and rushing him to a decision..he told me one of the other guys was dressed up like a car salesman and acted like one as well.

Another guy I did a boiler for told me I was the most down to earth, he liked having the job done by someone more personable and less focussed on mock professionalism.

That one presented a unique problem though, took waaay too long to finish because I kept getting distracted, hanging out in his garage yakking.

I'll say it again, no guru here...what I do is just be myself...part of the sales process is to pace the outcome or atmosphere of the way the job will go.
Promise them whatever they want, present yourself as super clean cut & perfect and you might get painted into a corner with their expectations.

I've even intentionally over-priced or subtely disuaded my share of potential jobs that seemed to have a bit much tension or hightened expectations figuring they'll either pass on me, or the extra money will cover the extra headaches.

I try to tactfully shoot from the hip, even make a small joke or two and ease tensions to make communications that much easier down the road.

Carl, thank you for reopening the actual topic...it's a good one.

[DuckButter]

I find white-collar professionals are constantly bombarded by people trying to sell them something, because they are so easy to identify as having funds, so low pressure really is refreshing to them. These people have had 8-10 years of schooling after HS, so they kinda know when your only interest is getting their money into your pocket.
I don't think 10 years of school is it, but you're right about that.

[ToUtahNow]

I never tried to "close" a sale I always tried to help my customer make an informed decision. I feel you only need to "close" a sale when it is your only bite at the apple. My business model was to work for them once and become their plumber for life.

Mark

[spodelee]

I find making a good first impression, then looking them in the eye while educating is a basic but effective tactic in closing a sale.

[cpw]

I find white-collar professionals are constantly bombarded by people trying to sell them something, because they are so easy to identify as having funds, so low pressure really is refreshing to them. These people have had 8-10 years of schooling after HS, so they kinda know when your only interest is getting their money into your pocket.
I probably fall into that demographic (6 years of school, 3 for B.S. and 3 more for Ph.D). I hate high pressure sales tactics, and will just walk out on them. I think that if you are making any serious decision, you should always have a few options to choose from; and some time to compare them. If I'm not given that time I would rather not make the decision than come to a potentially bad one; because if you are presented with an offer even if you pass it up, I you reasonably likely to find something similar (maybe not quite as good, but probably not too much worse). On the other hand if you just jump on it without the information, you could be overpaying or not getting the quality that you need.

Some things you can't apply this to, because you just need to fix them now; but how you're treated will influence your future purchasing decisions.

[Josh]

While im not nuts about him switching one last time I do think he'll stick with this name and its a more appropriate login.

As always we'll all keep an eye on what he is all about but I will give him the benefit of the doubt from here on out. Fresh start.

PC, please try to live by these few rules
- do not use this forum for your own gain other than learning
- strive to keep the peace wherever possible
- respect all users in what you write to them both publicly and in PMs

I think ya get it. Welcome to the forum.

Josh

[DUNBAR]

Curiousity is killing the cat here. Please tell me, why would you operate your business under another name than your real name?


I do this intentionally for many reasons.


1. Keeps me at the top of the yellow pages
2. Rhymes with another plumber in the area
3. Can use it in numerous phrases that works quite well for catchy quips
4. My last name really SUCKS and has been hacked to death by anybody and everybody
5. I like being a "second person" "Yeah, that ****ing dunbar dude, he gotta go.
6. My company name is synonymous with an armored services company that goes around picking up $100 dollar bills, just like me. :thud:

[DuckButter]

I do this intentionally for many reasons.


1. Keeps me at the top of the yellow pages
2. Rhymes with another plumber in the area
3. Can use it in numerous phrases that works quite well for catchy quips
4. My last name really SUCKS and has been hacked to death by anybody and everybody
5. I like being a "second person" "Yeah, that ****ing dunbar dude, he gotta go.
6. My company name is synonymous with an armored services company that goes around picking up $100 dollar bills, just like me. :thud:
Huh?

[DUNBAR]

Huh?



Dunbar


Dupont



I get their calls, they probably get my calls.

But I've walked into many jobs where they swore up and down I've been there.....and I say "okay!" even though I know it has to be my competition.

[DuckButter]

Hell yeah it matters. This is just one example where Leonard has lied to the forum. I don't listen liars as I can't trust anything they say. His "Arts Cabinet" name? He got that name when he posed as a customer giving props to his plumbing company. When Devine was here, he pissed off a lot of people because of his issues but he never lied to us and now and then would come up wish some really good advice. But Leonard has lied to the forum time and time again so whatever he says carries a shadow of doubt.

I looked it up and you're right, he was deceptive, but not for the sake of promoting his company (I think).
Post # 16:
Humming pipes - RIDGID Plumbing Forum, Woodworking Forum, Power Tool Forum (http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=157253#post157253)

What I don't get is why he's posing as a customer who's NOT happy with Bestl-ne price...?
Maybe he was attempting to guage other plumbers replies?
It doesn't look like he was trying to promote his company, at least not the way it seems to read...makes no sense at all.