When Dre & I were newlyweds we walked into Sleep Number in search of a bed (that store is amazing). We walked in there and a sweet lady showed us around. She took us to every bed and explained how each one worked and answered any questions we had. After spending a good amount of time with us she left us alone to venture around and test things out on our own. She gave us her card and said, “It was great to meet you both. If you have any questions or need anything else give me a call”. Although we were in love with Sleep Number, we wanted to look at all our options. We went down the road to Mattress King. There were three gentlemen there, all eager to make a sale. They showed us the beds they thought would be a good fit and pretended to leave us but instead watched our every move. The head guy would continuously point out something about each bed we went to. He even mentioned how he was having a “sale” (keep in mind these guys didn’t leave us alone). They asked what our budget was and offered to knock down the price if we would by a bed right then and there. We repeatedly said, “We are just looking and that we have to talk about big financial decisions before purchasing today”. The guy got snippy with us and basically implied that he couldn’t understand why we would come if we weren’t going to buy a bed. My jaw hit the floor and we basically left.
HERE IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO COMPANIES AND WHO WILL GET OUR MONEY
Sleep Number was beyond personable and super kind. They took the opportunity to get to know us and then they explained their product. Not only did they explain their product but they were CONFIDENT in what they were selling. They DID NOT pressure us or continuously hassle us to buy from them. They knew their product was great and that we would try out the competitors and realize they were the best. Lastly, they weren’t upset if we didn’t buy from them.
Mattress King continuously pressured us from the beginning to buy a bed. They did not give us space, and they were extremely rude at the end. Shoot . . .they were rude the whole time! They didn’t care about us they just wanted to make a sale.
Our goal is to eventually purchase the Sleep Number bed. The experience has sold us. Yes the product is AMAZING but it was that lady in the store who encouraged us to look around. She gave us space. She did all she could with us and then just LET US BE. I feel as photographers we have to remember that not every client is going to be right for us. Once you have had your first initial meeting and gave it 100% with a genuine heart, then that is all you can do. Follow up a week later and let it be. The continuous hassling is going to kill your business. Encourage people to find the right fit, after all it IS the biggest day of their life. If they found someone else thats great! It wasn’t meant to be and that date is just waiting for your ideal client. Continue to be confident in your business and the right person will come a long who wants you for you.