So I’ve been getting quotes from different HVAC guys to replace a dual split heat pump system in our home. Each guy is giving me a different story and telling me that what I need to do is a different story. Every guy wants to sell me I think way more than I need.
Anyway one of the guys I called to come and give me an estimate was from Sears. He was a Carrier Representative affiliated with Sears. He was the only HVAC contractor to show up on time. He was very organized, neat, and presentable. He looked over the system and opened up his book. Then he showed me a brochure and explained the system.
Then he started to quote the price and explain what it included. After about the 30 minute presentation, he looked expectantly at me. I said “Thank you very much for coming, I greatly appreciate the information and the estimate.”
He says to me “Most people purchase the system. I don’t come out and do estimates usually people are ready to order the product.” I stare at him and say “I’m sorry I am not ready to rush into a decision. I have not discussed this with my husband and I will contact you with my decision. The representative on the phone and the website said there would be a free consultation and estimate.”
His very polite response was “Our products are superior to others out there. I’m sorry you feel that it’s not an adequate system, but most people purchase our system after they learn more about it.” Again I explained “I am not ready to make a decision. I am researching all my options and was interested in recieving the free quote.”
After I repeated myself, he became rather rude and left. I was glad to see him go. I wondered since when do contractors have this pressure tactics? I’ve gotten 3 other quotes and no one has told me that I need to buy the system on the spot. Granted, most of them did not have an estimate ready like the Carrier Sears representative. Most had to “get back” to me.
But seriously I had to wonder, how many people are pressured into sales because it’s Sears and they are “buying” into the hype? I felt as though I was at a car dealership and this guy was trying to sell me a car. Only it was my house and if he had been any more rude I would have kick his behind out faster.
So have you ever been in a pressure driven sales situation? If so what did you do?
7 responses so far ↓
1 Jenna // Oct 13, 2008 at 9:35 am
Honestly? I’d call this guys boss and explain why I wouldn’t be buying from them… as well as why my family, my friends, and more than a few web readers wouldn’t.
Not only is that attitute beyond rude, in this day and age it can be viewed as slightly threatening.
I’ve had this happen once or twice in the past, and I ultimately ended up both calling headquarters and speaking to a manager as well as writing out a letter clearly outlining the issue and mailing it to as many higherups in the company.
I have to wonder how many home alone people have felt threatened into doing what this caveman wants? Call his bosses, if not to deal with your own irritation at his rudeness… then for the shy person to scared to force him to back off.
2 Bradley // Oct 13, 2008 at 9:48 am
I got a quote for windows from Sears 2 years ago and the presentation and follow up were on par with your experience. I told the salesman that he was the first of 3 quotes so I wasn’t prepared to proceed. He then told me Sears wouldn’t be the cheapest but they are the best quality. He then offered me 10% off if I signed right then. I declined and he was pretty irked as he packed up and left.
3 Karen // Oct 13, 2008 at 10:44 am
We’ve had the high-pressure sales pitch from carpet and window salesmen, and it’s really horrible and puts you on the spot!
The window people especially, acted like there was no way they’d come back to the house to sign the contract, so it was then or never.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) I haven’t had to really put my foot down since my husband has always been there with me and we usually only bring them in when we know what we want, but I dread the day…
4 LAL // Oct 13, 2008 at 11:59 am
I hadn’t considered feeling scared about someone in my house, but good point. And yep he wasn’t the only salesman that wanted to sell me the goods.
5 dogatemyfinances // Oct 13, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I had three A/C guys price my A/C and I never felt pressured like that. It would never even occur to me that would happen. I’m guessing I would not be polite.
The closest I came was a pushy dad with some little cub scouts trying to sell flags. Dude would not leave, when he went to grab my dog I flipped. I told him I didn’t buy from bigoted organizations that discriminate against homosexuals. The boys looked confused. He high-tailed it out of there.
6 Rob // Oct 16, 2008 at 9:02 pm
As a worker in a different part of sears for going on 12 years, I must say I’m not surprised at your experience. Ive worked in many different positions in the company over the years and ive come to realize Sears is just getting worse and worse. The whole Kmart merger thing… I say when 2 crappy companies merge it doesnt make one good company it makes one BIG crappy company
7 LivingAlmostLarge // Oct 16, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I’ll remember that about sears/Kmart.
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