When my partner and I went car shopping, I told the salesman that we were both looking for a new car and that we were both looking to spend $15K. My car was to be for short trips around the suburbs and my partners would be for long commutes.
When he realized that the only car my partner was interested in was 50% above his price range he said, "Here's an idea. Why don't we spend more on your (my partner's car) and less on the lady's car? After all, you need to be comfortable on your commute."
What he failed to take into account was that my partner and I have both been married before and we keep our money separate.
Let's just say I made my displeasure known (and recommended DEI training), while my partner fell about laughing.
But what about couples who have a joint account? How hard it must be for the partner in line for the crappy car to speak up for themself?
We didn't buy anything from that salesman, and we won't ever go back to that car yard either.
Such a helpful reminder that in sales, good discovery helps set the stage for a great sale. The salesperson could have easily asked first, why you both wanted to spend $15K each before making a proposal -- we can avoid the food-in-mouth situations best when you have more context.
I also agree that it can be hard to speak up for yourself. Luckily for my husband and me, we have a joint account and we share both of our cars equally. Both cars can be used by either one of us -- we aren't possessive about anything we have unless it comes to clothes and shoes, but that's more of a practical matter than an emotional one (hehe).
I keep thinking about how this can be applied to selling people on an idea/culture or a technology shift. Changing norms and shifting ideology can be even harder than selling a car :-)
Selling an idea, a cultural change or technology shift is different because it can be less tangible and it might be something that most people won't even be able to visualize.
That said, if you focus on needs and benefits -- you can sometimes help them visualize and see what the change will do for them.
In the end, all anyone cares about is the impact to them -- and if you can convey that, you can get folks on board -- and sell as a service.
When my partner and I went car shopping, I told the salesman that we were both looking for a new car and that we were both looking to spend $15K. My car was to be for short trips around the suburbs and my partners would be for long commutes.
When he realized that the only car my partner was interested in was 50% above his price range he said, "Here's an idea. Why don't we spend more on your (my partner's car) and less on the lady's car? After all, you need to be comfortable on your commute."
What he failed to take into account was that my partner and I have both been married before and we keep our money separate.
Let's just say I made my displeasure known (and recommended DEI training), while my partner fell about laughing.
But what about couples who have a joint account? How hard it must be for the partner in line for the crappy car to speak up for themself?
We didn't buy anything from that salesman, and we won't ever go back to that car yard either.
Thanks for sharing that story, Wendy!
Such a helpful reminder that in sales, good discovery helps set the stage for a great sale. The salesperson could have easily asked first, why you both wanted to spend $15K each before making a proposal -- we can avoid the food-in-mouth situations best when you have more context.
I also agree that it can be hard to speak up for yourself. Luckily for my husband and me, we have a joint account and we share both of our cars equally. Both cars can be used by either one of us -- we aren't possessive about anything we have unless it comes to clothes and shoes, but that's more of a practical matter than an emotional one (hehe).
Spot on. I was particularly annoyed because I was the one who explained what we were both looking for.
In my marriage, everything was joint, but I think it's different in a second relationship for many reasons.
I keep thinking about how this can be applied to selling people on an idea/culture or a technology shift. Changing norms and shifting ideology can be even harder than selling a car :-)
That's a wonderful question, Adam!
Selling an idea, a cultural change or technology shift is different because it can be less tangible and it might be something that most people won't even be able to visualize.
That said, if you focus on needs and benefits -- you can sometimes help them visualize and see what the change will do for them.
In the end, all anyone cares about is the impact to them -- and if you can convey that, you can get folks on board -- and sell as a service.
Great writing Kathy! And I didn't realize it's been 4 years since you've moved!
Thanks so much, Linh! I'm so happy you liked it. And I agree - the time is just flying by!