by JennM

Created on: July 18, 2009

Being in a Human Resource position for work I get constant calls from recruiting firms and companies trying to sell human resource software and manuals. I just has a call last week from a salesman trying to "help" us with employee tardiness. During the conversation, I'm thinking, "you don't know anything about our employee tardiness," but I listen to his spill anyway. He asked for my address so he could send me some information. I gave it to him because I figured it wouldn't hurt to look at it at least. Then he asks if I would be available for him to stop by next week to discuss the options and asked if next Wednesday would be okay. I told him I wasn't sure because I was in the process of scheduling interviews for a position I was trying to fill. He made some comment about being busy and that he understands, but would 1:00 or 3:00 be a better time for me. I again said I didn't know until that day arrived. I really could have scheduled something but did not want to. He continued to say the time could be changed if needed so which time would be better. I was really annoyed by this time and said I don't want to meet with you until I get the information in the mail and decide I would like more information on it. He then said have a good day and hung up. I know I will never get that information in the mail....as I never do when the conversation ends like that.

The way I see it is if a salesperson is really set on selling a product or service and the person wants information on it but not a face to face meeting or demonstration then the salesperson should send the information through the mail. That way at least the product or service has been introduced to the person and they can decide to call the salesperson back.

I have found that usually when a salesperson will not send information through the mail and only want to meet in person, they turn out to be a bit shady. They are basically just out to make a buck and their product or service is not good.

My suggestions for dealing with a pushy salesman is to not listen to their entire spill if you really aren't interested. Be firm with them and do not hesitate when speaking. If the salesman hears hesitation in your voice they are more likely to try to continue pressuring you into buying their product or service. If necessary, be short with them and politely say, "I'm not interested, but thank you and have a nice day." And then hang up the phone or shut the door.

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