Just had a phone call from a lady who i priced a job for a while back,happy with my quote but a bit concerned about me coming back to sort out any problems in the future(not that i get problems with my work).Told her that the stuff i use has a ten year guarantee and if there ever was a problem,i'd sort it anyway.She then said that the reason she was worried was that she had been advised not to use me,as i was'nt going to be in business much longer,as i'm heading for pastures new,workwise,true hopefully,but not for at least 8 months. So i told her that even if i do move on,i would still sort things for her whatever,i asked her who had told her this and she said it was the salesman from another company who was also quoting her,turns out to be my old employer who i left to go self-employed,still got the job,but think it's a bit underhand to do that.....
Don't get involved mate. Nobody get's anywhere by dissing anybody else, if your old employer is trying to do you down it only tells you that he thinks you're a threat.
Just makes him look a prat when you do a quality job doesn't it.
Cheers Jools ! Ever the voice of reason...!,was going to go down their showroom tomorrow and thank them for getting me the job,lady in question said that the salesman was a slimey piece of work...!.As you say,nice to see myself as a threat,things must be tough when you have to resort to bad mouthing your opposition..
Have been in sales for 25 years and had similar problems myself in the past.
Jools is right on the button
I normally say to the customer that the other supplier produces an excellent product and that I am surprised at the comments as that is not normally how they do business.
Then carry on with the sales visit and do your best to impress. without further comment on the subject.
This makes you look more professional and usually results in an order.