Save Money by Finding a Knowledgeable and Fair Sales Person

It all started when we needed computer paper. My wife and I scoured all the ads and saw that Office Max had the best deal that weekend. In addition, they offered a $30 rebate in OfficePerks dollars (or whatever they call them -- basically a $30 gift card) when we bought a case of paper. So we drove down, got our paper, signed up for the program, and headed home.

So then I have a $30 gift card that I need to spend, so we go to Office Max a couple times over the next few weeks. We need several things they carry (wireless mouse, router, phone), so we not only check out their price and selection, but we ask opinions of their sales staff to gather knowledge about our upcoming purchases.

While there, I meet Bill. He's the assistant manager and is very knowledgeable about a wide range of products. By his answers to my questions, I can tell that he both uses the technology and has the same you-don't-need-the-latest-gizmo-at-the-highest-price-to-get-the-job-done attitude that I have. We hit it off and talk each of the few times I'm in the store.

The last time I was there, I decide to buy my router from Bill. They have a variety of options and are competitively priced (I checked other stores as well as online) and they're a no-brainer purchase with my gift card. So I ask Bill a few more questions about routers and we start discussing two that are on sale (one is $20 off and the other is $30 off.) He asks me a few questions about my set-up, what I want to accomplish, etc. then says: "You can buy either of these two routers if you like, and they'll do the job for you. But if you want to save some money, here's one for $20 cheaper than the other two and it will do the job you want done as well as the others would. I have a similar set-up in my home and this router works fine for me."

Sold. I bought the router he recommended for $59 versus the model for $79 (on sale) that would have given me similar performance (according to him -- they were both rated the same "letter"). I took it home, installed it, and it works like a dream -- just like he said it would.

As you might imagine, I love Bill. He's a great guy -- knowledgeable, fair, and willing to help save me some money. I'll be back to buy from him over and over again. I may pay more on occasion, but I'll likely save a good deal here and there as well, and he'll also reduce my shopping/return time by recommending things that actually do what I want them to do. I wish I had a Bill where I shop for clothes, at the bike shop, at the hardware store, etc. It sure would make my shopping much, much easier. ;-)

So here's my money saving tip for today: find a knowledgeable and fair sales person and develop a relationship with him/her. Doing so will save you both time and money and help make your shopping trips much more productive and enjoyable.

Comments

[SmartSecurityPeople.com]

A "Bill" is harder and harder to find now-a-days in the world of big box stores. It sounds as though you have found someone that takes pride in what they do and really goes the extra mile to help customers.

I have a similar experience every time I go to a local small town hardware store. I know that their prices are going to be a little bit more but the direct service and genuine nicety of these people can not be paralleled. This little store still allows you to put stuff on account(big paper ledger) and they bill you at the end of each month. Once a Lowe's or Home Depot makes their way into that town, I imagine this little hardware shop will probably become something of the past.

[Foobarista]

One irony of bigger cities is because there are more employment opportunities, you get less talented people working in low-end service jobs. In most areas, someone who knows about networking gear can find a more high-paying job than working the floor at Office Max. But in more "out of the way" parts of the country, you will find talented people working in such places.

A quick test of general economic activity I sometimes use is whether most employees at fast-food places are native speakers of English. If they are, the local economy sucks and probably has for a long time.

[Matt Jabs]

My "Bill" is my auto mechanic Sam Postema. He has been great over the last few years. I trust him immensely and have actually had him over to my house to watch a few UofM football games!

Being an IT guy, I know how easy it is to take advantage of people if they simply do not know a trade but need the work done. It is the same way with an auto mechanic and I am glad to have Sam.

Good tip...I'll focus on getting a "Sam" in all my ignorant areas!

[Salad Girl]

My "Bill" is the produce manager at the local supermarket. I always make seek out his advice on what is particularly fresh each week. He gives me tips on cooking fruits and veggies I've never tried before. He also pays attention to the things I want to buy - like beets with their greens on - and makes sure to point them out when they are available. It's not a farmers market, but it's pretty close.