Be nice, but firm
Most salesmen (and saleswomen) work on commission. In other words, the more you buy, the more they make. These tips will help ensure they don’t take advantage of you.
It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there. As much as people genuinely enjoy helping others and doing good deeds, we all still have bills to pay, kids to feed and mortgages to make.
Next time you’re confronted with a salesperson, make sure you stand firm, no matter how good they may say you look in those $300 jeans.
Have a plan
Try not to go shopping without a plan or list. Essentially, know what you want before heading to the store to buy it. They say never go to the grocery store hungry, and the same rule applies to any sort of shopping. Shopping when you’re desperate makes you extremely vulnerable and likely to be coaxed into buying things you didn’t come for. Desperate people never get deals.
Do your own research
When looking to buy a product, do your research first before heading to the store. Salesmen can be very helpful when it comes to answering questions, but remember it’s their job to make a sale. They’re good at presenting things in a way that makes you want to buy it. Do your research ahead of time and rely on the salesperson for general advice only.
Remember your budget
Salesmen are generally supposed to “upsell” — if you come for a phone, they try to sell you the premium plan; if you’re looking for shoes, they’ll show you the best designers, and so on and so forth. Decide on a budget beforehand and do everything in your power to stick to it. When you leave the store, you’ll be glad you did.
Check out these tips for shopping on a budget >>
Don’t buy because you feel obligated
Some salesmen have a way of selling something by charming you. Just because he’s friendly or he’s got an irresistible smile doesn’t mean you need to buy from him. Only buy something because you want or need the product and you’ve thought about it beforehand. A salesman is not your friend — he is there to sell.
Be polite, yet firm
Save yourself and the salesperson some time by politely stating you are not interested and walking away. There’s never a need to be rude to the salesperson, but be up front and honest from the get-go. Don’t be ashamed to tell them your budget and let them know you are not able to exceed it. Salesmen respect honesty and appreciate customers who are straightforward.
More on getting what you want
5 Ways to speak your mind
Do high heels make you feel more powerful?
6 Ways to get what you want in the workplace