For all the good salesmen (and saleswomen) out there, please forgive me. But I've found over time, particularly when dealing with machines like these, salesmen just don't bother to take the time to learn the product.
I wonder how much of this has to do with as of a year ago and back, people would come, ask if zero percent financing, if answer was yes, they'd sign on the dotted line without doing a whole lot of homework themselves, therefore, the salesman was nothing more than a rubber stamp. Probably the same deal for mortgage salesmen and the like.
Another problem I find with sales is turn over, I rarely see the same face twice. Which would lead one to question the compensation model and other practices that are lacking in order to retain good help.
Funny, but real estate brokers are going the way of the travel agent, people are finding out that there is a not a whole lot to it, search the web, find a house, get it inspected, hire a lawyer for a few hundred bucks to take care of the legal stuff and you are done.
I for one definately feel as though there is more opportunity now than ever for good salespeople who are expert in their field.
I go to my tire guy because I trust him, he's a good salesman, he knows his product, his pricing is consistent (althought not the lowest) and his service is excellent. Just last Thursday I sent a coworker to him for a complete set of tires, no brainer, I knew he'd treat her professionally, not take advantage of her and they both would win.
The problem today is, with all the information out there, a crappy salesperson is real easy to see.
Bottom line, service in general in this country is crap and those who are good at service stand out, Rick is one of them.
Joel
