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Aneth Ng-Lim

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/172102507062320201223-covid-taguig-malls-JC--8.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="People shopping at a mall in Taguig on December 23, 2020. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">People shopping at a mall in Taguig on December 23, 2020. <em id="isPasted">Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>Most people are uncomfortable when approached by a salesperson.  In malls, we can spot them with their product samples and flyers waiting to make eye contact, so you try and walk the other way or veer to the left or right.  But sometimes, you may be trapped and have to, at least, listen.  </p><p>Maybe while getting a haircut at a salon and your attendant offers hair products, or while lying down for a skin care treatment and kept getting asked to sign up for a package. There are also targeted calls to your mobile number, or home phone, and constant emails pushing one service after another.</p><p>Unfortunately, some people can’t say no and regret their impulsive yes when the bills start coming.  For your wallet’s sake, you have to spot the signs of an aggressive sales offer headed your way, and save your potential savings.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>#1 Be honest<br/></strong></div><p>No need to give excuses, and just be honest.  Say you want to try the treatment first, and will come back if you like the results the next day or the next week.  They can’t argue with time so chances are you will be able to walk away.  You can also say you don’t have the budget for it right now but will consider it later.  If offered new groundbreaking products or services, feel free to say you don’t know enough to decide if you need one.  Take samples only if absolutely free, and be careful when signing up for free trials.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>#2 Keep your credit card in your wallet</strong></div><p>Many consumers have complained to their credit card companies when they saw charges on their bills that they said they “did not make”.  Turns out, they were approached for a free chance to win a prize, and when they “won”, they had to swipe their credit card to complete the claim.  But the “prize” actually came with another product that had to be paid, hence the ask for the credit card.  Maybe the dopamine from “winning” drowned out the discussion of the terms and conditions, but these people found themselves owning water filters, air fryers, massage chairs and more, and paying for them too without remembering for sure how the sale happened.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>#3 Installment still needs payment<br/></strong></div><p>Those who have fallen into the trap of saying yes when they should have said no explained that they got hooked with offers of zero percent installment.  But even with no interest, remember that installment schemes still need payment.  If you are already carrying a balance on your credit card, chances are you would also end up paying interest once you miss fully paying even just one installment.  So when sales people come after you with 0% installment or low interest or low monthly payment offers, you can argue back that your credit card limit is almost used up.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FexPzNspKKo?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>#4 Drown out the noise<br/></strong></div><p>A friend who hates getting the sales talks while enjoying a facial or doing his gym routine always starts the treatment or exercise by wearing earbuds.   Not only can these help you relax and get into the zone, but you are also drowning out the sales noise that can come from your dermatologist or trainer.  It’s not rude if you explain at the start that you like to listen to music during the procedure or routine.  You can do the same with emails and calls – contact your bank, or credit card company, or your favorite retail stores and restaurants to opt out of marketing communication.  The less offers you know, the safer your wallet.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>#5 Say no politely and give hope if you can<br/></strong></div><p>You can say no without being rude or hurting the other person.  Did you know that in the United States alone, a study showed that Americans spent nearly $400 million on unused gym memberships?  That’s a steep price to pay just because you cannot say no.  When you get an unscheduled sales call, say it’s not a good time for you to talk.  If someone hands you a sample and invites you into their store, say you are in a rush.  When getting a sales pitch from your favorite retail store, or salon, you can say no but explain that you would like an offer when it’s about something that interests you.  This way, you are giving them hope, and you also get a chance to say yes or no to an offer that you would actually like and find useful.</p><div><br/></div><p>Now let me say that not all aggressive sales offers are bad.  Some may actually be a good deal for you.  But the important thing is that you as the buyer remain in control of the conversation.  </p><p>You should not feel that you have to say yes because they came to your house and gave a free demonstration.  Or because they are nice or because it is a limited offer.  Only say yes if you need it, or want it and can afford it.  Otherwise, just say no nicely.</p>

Say no and walk away from aggressive sales offers

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Say no and walk away from aggressive sales offers

Aneth Ng-Lim

Published July 15, 2024 02:48 PM PHT

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Updated July 15, 2024 03:03 PM PHT

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