SELLING ethos

Last week I was in Sector 17 accompanying my friend Vineet, who had some stuff to shop. Among the list of things that were on the agenda, he also had to purchase a watch for himself as we walked into this store called, HELIOS. We walked in and since our interests in watches varies to quite a degree, Vineet went over to the formal section displaying Armani and others while I stood still with Casio.

Casio has this series called as PATHFINDER, and I had been intrigued by it ever since I saw it on the wrist of one Special Forces officer of the Indian Army. Quite a watch it is. Knowing me as I am, Vineet declared that despite him having brought me there for his purchase, he might not buy one (thanks to his excessive deciding criterion) but I may end up walking, with a flashing new watch on my wrist. He was right. The sales chicks with their charm didn't do much as I was already convinced with the product, but seeing my interest, this guy at the cash counter walked over to me. Now here was a man who knew his subject, and he knew it well. He knew where this watch was being used, who are the people who use it, exactly why is the pricing of his product so and what the future holds for that particular model of watch. The guy was honest to inform me that, if the same is purchased in USA or UAE, I would end up saving 35% of the cost. I was in no hurry, given the fact that I had been shredded to ground after recent repayment of credit card bill (courtesy YOUR SINGAPORE), I decided to keep the valet on AS IT IS WHERE IT IS basis. I had healthy discussion with the gentleman and as we walked out of the store admiring his ways, Vineet and I concurred that he wont last long in this setup.

I reminisce similar experience I had with a sales guy at the NIKE store couple of months back where I had gone to purchase running shoes. Without indulging into details, the guy was there to serve me and not to impose a sale upon me. So after the HELIOS thing, it was two such experiences, wherein I found the sales guy to be actually listening to the customer, understanding his need and providing him with the best solution. In both cases, it was fun talking with the guys as they had something to speak on and were not regular run of the mill, pampering pushy. The feeling was good, probably such people do exist and so do the ethics, but all said and done...my BHARAT has a long way to go before we even think of being compared to the WEST on similar grounds.