Shopping for big-ticket items

[Twisterdog]

IMO, it doesn't matter what one's profession is, we all have an ethical obligation to tell the truth and help if we can. I think you did the right thing. It's your job to share your knowledge and expertise with others.

[caseysmom]

My sister in law bought pretty much the same sofa about 5 years ago, I thought it was a big mistake but its help up with kids and a dog really well.

[Cookiebaker]

I think there's a hidden fine line in there somewhere. When buying big ticket items, I'm the kind of consumer that does my research and determines ahead of time exactly what I am looking for. So, when a sales person tries to disuade me, I tend to find it a bit insulting. For example, when I was buying my digital camera -- the guy at Staples almost wouldn't sell it to me. He told me it was 'too much camera' and tried to sell me one that I already had. I had done my research, and wanted that one because of the shutter speed. (And for the record, the camera is perfect!)

So, yes, a salesperson should always tell the truth, but not be pushy about it. So, if I was the person trying to buy the white couch, I think I would have responded with something (hopefully nicely) like: "Is this couch for sale? Because this is the one I would like to buy." (Yes, I have pets and I have kids, and I LOVE my white couch!!!)

[Randi]

When buying big ticket items, I'm the kind of consumer that does my research and determines ahead of time exactly what I am looking for.

I am too. Still, I would want to hear what the sales person has to say.

You can still get it wrong though. John and I went to a shop that is known for good quality to buy beds, but I'm not happy at all with it.

[kitten645]

I'm a salesperson and can relate to all sides. I think there are as many types of salespeople as there are consumers. The trick is to make the right match.
Being in sales, when I make a big ticket purchase, I've done my research and would just like to make my purchase. I don't want to be "sold" anything more or different than what I came in for. I work with a girl that can sell ice to eskimos and she would make me crazy if she were selling to me but boy does she sell alot! I'm amazed at how easily lead so many people are. No minds of their own!
Regarding the white couch, I probably would have said "Wow you are brave! That wouldn't be white a nanosecond in my house!" I might suggest how to care for it but that's about it. I wouldn't question their desire/choice but if they were hesitant or REALLY wanted an opinion I'd be glad to chime in.

[Cataholic]

I can tell the difference in a nano second between the person that just wants to sell you something from the person that actually cares what she/he is selling. I prefer the latter.

If I had come in to buy a white couch, and someone said to me what you said to her, I would have thanked you. It might not have been something I thought about. I might still buy the couch, but, I would have felt like I was properly informed.

I had had some work done in my bathroom. I wanted these shelves built in to the wall. The guy told me what he saw as a potential problem with one of them. I thought about it, and decided I could live with it. I appreciated his candor.

[catnapper]

Thanks for your honest input.

In regards to the sofa, she asked my opinion of how that particular leather would fare. I told her. I sell ooodles of white-ish sofas, especially microfiber. In fact, I sell them with confidence in the ability to keep them clean (I had one myself a couple years ago) but I also tell customers what they can expect from their white sofa.... in other words, they know how to maintain them and what to expect.

The leather my customer asked about was one I HATED having on the sales floor. It came in from the warehouse dirty and only collected more dirt the longer it stayed on the floor. This customer also wanted WHITE white, not bone As she was leaving, she admitted she was replacing a ruined white leather sofa. She apparently hated how it showed surface dirt. So she KNEW what to expect but yet wanted me to tell her that our leather wouldn't show the dirt???? Ummm.... no.

So I was glad I told the truth, because I could see her being the kind of person to call in 6 months screaming at me for selling her a white leather sofa... how dare I allow her to buy it when I knew it would stain so easily. Oh yes, I get those calls from other sales people's customers. Funny, I never get those calls from my customers. The other sales people know to pull me in on their customers now when they hear about pets because they know I'll sell them the right fabric and avoid that call in 6 months.

I have to laugh at those people because when what I said would happen, happens, they scream at me for allowing them to make a bad decision. I merely say, "Mrs. Smith, I remember explicitly explaining to you that this would be expected" and they always admit I had.