OrangeGuy
Gold Member
Many years ago I participated in an executive two-week course at Wharton on developing negotiation skills. One of first things taught was to take control of the negotiations by "framing" the discussion. An example of framing might be ... I ask $10,000 for a tractor I know is worth $7,500. The buyer who was going to offer $5,000 immediately adjusts his offer upward. I just framed the discussion in my favor.
Now on to the JD dealer. When brands that the JD dealer considered lesser brands was brought up, he immediately "framed" the discussion by noting that these other brands did not have the long history and resale value of the JD products. As much as we would like to think all buyers have the sophistication to go toe-to-toe with an experienced salesman and have researched all brands till the cows come home, most have not. The JD salesman's framing of the discussions/negotiations has more times than not enhanced his negotiating position. When you are selling the top or near to the top product, it becomes a fine line between arrogance and mastery of his trade. Some salesmen do it better than others.
Now on to the JD dealer. When brands that the JD dealer considered lesser brands was brought up, he immediately "framed" the discussion by noting that these other brands did not have the long history and resale value of the JD products. As much as we would like to think all buyers have the sophistication to go toe-to-toe with an experienced salesman and have researched all brands till the cows come home, most have not. The JD salesman's framing of the discussions/negotiations has more times than not enhanced his negotiating position. When you are selling the top or near to the top product, it becomes a fine line between arrogance and mastery of his trade. Some salesmen do it better than others.