John Hendow

As I described in an earlier article,we we recently had an experience with a window company who attempted to pressure us into the purchase of their product during a four hour in-home demonstration. Mind you, when I set up the appointment with the company, they assured me this entire sales presentation would take between 60 and 90 minutes. I was annoyed that it took such a large portion of my Saturday, but I did learn a lot and enjoyed talking with the salesman. He was smart, really knew his stuff, and was quite pleasant. Unfortunately, his company’s quote for window replacement was shockingly expensive and we informed him we were not interested.

Last night (yes, Halloween night!) the same company called me to make a slightly different offer. Here is a summary of the conversation:

Salesperson: “According to our records, you had an in-home sales presentation last weekend during which you expressed some concerns about the cost of our windows.”
Me: “Yes, I thought your product was well-engineered and of high quality but massively overpriced. I don’t intend to purchase it.”
Salesperson: “We understand of course. You know, we have another line of windows that are just a little less energy-efficient, but substantially less expensive. We don’t usually offer them during the initial in-home presentation, but we were thinking you might be interested in considering them.”
Me: “Oh really? What is the price on these other windows?”
Salesperson: “Someone would need to come out and measure your windows. Then we can give you an estimate.”
Me: “That seems unneccessary. Your salesman was in my home for four hours last weekend and he can provide you with my window measurements.”
Salesperson: “We need to… wait, what? He was there four hours?”
Me: “Four hours. You told me it would take 60 – 90 minutes. He was here long enough that we could have watched ‘Die Walkure’ .”
Salesperson: “Dee who?”
Me: “It’s the second opera from Wagner’s Ring Cycle. Quite a good one. It clocks in around four hours and would be a better use of the time.”
Salesperson: “This appointment will only take 30 minutes.”
Me: “No. Use his measurements then email me a quote.”
Salesperson: “This special price quote needs to be given to you in person by a manager. We cannot give you the price over the phone or email.”
Me: “Fine.”
Salesperson: “Great. So when can we schedule the appointment?”
Me: “No appointment. Either quote me a price or don’t. Your choice.”
Salesperson: “We can only do this in person with a manager present.”
Me: “This conversation is now completed. Thank you for calling. Happy Halloween. Goodbye.”
Salesperson: “…”

Click. End of call. Elapsed time: 5 minutes.

See? I’m learning.