Maria asks…

For sales people, I like your thoughts?

I have been in sales for many years, it’s what I do, but maybe do not appear as an arogant do anything for a sale man. I sell swimming pools for 5 years and I am leaving soon the jerks I sell for now as most are mom n pop operations that cheat their own sales people as much or more often than the customer. I trully enjoy selling pools and am good at it. My question is as most sales people know we need to create an urgency close to get the homeowner to buy today. These companies use “rehash” , so if you leave the house it reverts back to the office who can sell it for less than yourself. Most common used is the “showpool” close which in most cases is just a lie to have a good reason to lower the price, to make the deal. You know, a place we could bring a potential pool buyer to see that pool etc.Anyone that knows what I mean and in sales, is there another close you can get the homeowner to buy when you are there,without giving it away at a “par” at cost?

Wize Guy answers:

When I worked in sales, in all its various forms, I found one thing that worked for me. And that was not to use those standardized closes. They nice as guides, but you have to mold for the customer and do what you think is best.

Plus you have to realize that buyers always want to pay less and what they believe is the best deal. However, some salespeople forget that people aren’t stupid and are getting more savvy, which means they can see through a lot of our tricks and gimmics.

The best way to close is to show the buyer a couple of things:

1) Why you need to do it sooner rather than later,
2) Why buy from you and your company vs competitors, and
3) Why spending money for quality is better than spending little and getting what you paid for. In other words, don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.

Buyers who feel pressured to do it now will often react by doing the exact opposite–pushing you away. But if they get the sense that it doesn’t have to be done right this minute, but soon, then they tend to react better.

Think of car salespeople. They always want you to buy right then and there, and they’ll bend over backwards to get you to do it. But smart buyers always wait to consider their decision, and the high pressure sales tactics often backfire.

Same is probably true when it comes to selling pools. It’s a lot of money and I won’t want to spend it immediately unless I’m absolutely convinced it’s the right thing to do. Most would probably want time to think about it. Your main goal should be to keep that time to a minimum, thus putting the buyer’s mind more at ease.

Sandy asks…

unfair job interview?

i recently had an interview for a sales temp job at river island, it was a group interview. when i got there i saw two teenage boys and that was it. one of them knew one of the interviewers and had worked there previously. i found this out as they chatted. already i was very nervous and this didnt help. he was very cocky and only wanted the job for the money as he was training as a plumber.i also found the woman who he was friends with offensive- she made a remark about old people using swimming pools and how she wouldnt share a pool with them because they have flakey skin. needless to say i didnt get the job. but i was smarter, had an actual interest in fashion and interviewed well with the manager.
was it an unfair interview if the interviewer knows the interviewee and they worked there before?
it’s hard not to feel bitter. thanks for all your replies.

Wize Guy answers:

Who is to say what is fair, or even whether that matters? They are entitled to give the job to whoever they wish. The fact is, you didn’t get it so move on and search for another . . .

James asks…

whats more effective in raising the pH in a swimming pool – sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate?

the pool supply store sales sodium carbonate….. everywhere else sales baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). i was told i could use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) instead of the sodium carbonate bought from the pool supply store. ok, i know it will do the same; BUT from a cost perspective. the carbonate sales for $5.86 for 4lbs and baking soda for approx $.69 a pound.
so, how much bicarbonate will it take to equal the effectiveness of the carbonate? for example does it take 2lbs of bicarbonate to equal the effectiveness of 1lb of carbonate? whats the ratio if any.

Wize Guy answers:

Edited : I changed my post.

The sodium carbonate is a MUCH more effective pH increaser than sodium bicarbonate. Not sure what the ratio would be

sodium bicarbonate has pKa of 6.3 and is realtively neutral while sodium carbonate has a very high pKa (pH=11.6 for a 0.1M aqueous solution).

Just get the sodium carbonate, the bicarbonate won’t work

Betty asks…

What would be the pros and cons of a sudden occurence of snow in the Philippines?

Inspired by a question by slickpunk13 earlier.

OK, the temperature drops to minus 4 degrees celsius, there’s 10 cms of snow on the ground… and you’re in Manila! What do you think will happen to society then?

Here’s my take…
- People would rush to Malacanang and chop that place down for firewood.
- Starbucks would see a dramatic fall in the sales of their Frappucino drink line-up… and a sudden boost in their cappucino sales!
- People who repair refrigerators, electic fans and ariconditioning units for a living will be seen along the streets holding “Will work for food” signs.
- Young people who would otherwise wear thick jackets outside just to make a fashion statement, when everybody else is sweating, will be wishing the “good’ol days” back.
- You’ll never have to see the hairy armpits of jeepney drivers as they reach out for your paymment as everybody will be covered in winter clothing.
- Balikbayans at the airport would not be viewed as “mayabang” anymore when they arrive in their thermo-plus bubble jackets.
- Whenever you ask someone if there is any hot water left, they wouldn’t automatically assume that you’re cooking cup-noodles anymore.
- Manila universities would still refuse to remove their “air-con fee” away from their payment breakdowns.
- Ice buko would be a thing of the past, as coconuts would be frozen already when you buy them.
- Rich snobs at Ayala Alabang and Forbes park will use their swimming pools at as ice rinks.
- The number of pregnancies would skyrocket as couples try “interesting” ways to keep themselves warm at night.

Wize Guy answers:

Great question! Realistically, it depends how long that temperature be lingering around. 0 degrees Celsius is freezing, water ice-up. If it last for more than 6 hours at -4 degrees Celsius, and people are not protected and prepared, “it will be a disaster” in the making.
Just to add to your list, here’s a more scary scenario.
-Deaths due to hypothermia, icy driving and walking condition (black ice). We will run out of space in the funeral parlor.
-Plants, animals and food supply) dies. We start eating canned goods.
-Power plant not rated to operate at freezing temps. No heat, even electric stoves or microwaves.
-Water pipes and sewage breakage and spillage. Where are you going to take a sh*t?
-Fires and burn the city just to stay warm. That might erase Manila out of the map.
That’s my 5$ worth. I got some more but it will cost you wooden floor of your house.
On a good tone:
We have shaved ice for days.
Don’t need the fridge.
Candles for light.
We start eating raw again.

Mark asks…

How hard is it going to be to get back into competitive swimming after 6 years?

Hey, I used to be an international swimmer for Wales in late 90′s early 00′s, but had to retire due to an ankle injury and a long term shoulder injury. I am now 24. After seeing the success of the British Swimming Team in the 08 Olympics, I have become overwhelmed with emotion, especially seeing the replays of the 400 free, and 800 free. I keep asking myself what if I continued. Since then I have become emotional during news conferences, and have got to the point, where I dream I am in hard training, and wake up in a sweat and breathless. It appears that my passion has been sucked back in. Over last 6 years, I have done pretty much no exercise, haven’t stepped in a swimming pool, and currently smoke 20 a day, and work full time as a manager in a stressful sales environment. Is it worth it to try and fulfil my earliest dreams of getting to an Olympics, and give it one last shot for 2012? How hard could it be? Thanks

Wize Guy answers:

It would definitely require a lot of effort. You basically would have to sleep, eat, and breathe swimming. But if you are truly serious about it, I don’t think it’s impossible. There have been a lot of olders Olympians that return to accomplish great things. You’re at a bit of a disadvantage that you haven’t been keeping up swimming at least casually in the last 6 years–and I think you will have to quit smoking. But why don’t you go back to the pool, just swim to get the feel of it, and see how your endurance is. If you can build up and improve, maybe there is a local swim team you can join. But remember to ease into it and not be upset when you first return to the water if you are not as good as you were at the peak of your swimming before your injury. Set realistic goals, and work towards them diligently. You might just change your life!

Best of luck, and if you fulfill your dreams I will probably tear up watching your segment of the Olympics on the TV. =)

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