Sales Staff And Forum Shoppers

[HNoperative]

Hi Guys.

Your friendly HN salesman here with a couple of words for shoppers out for a bargain.

-I took a couple of deals on the weekend from people shopping, using this forum as a pricing guide.

-Fact#1 yes, it is true we can see ALL history of Items and their 'go' price. so we can check if bothered.

but if we can do the deal then we will. we are not the enemy, we are just trying to do our job.

so by all means, shop with your price in mind, but don't expect jovial and 'eager-to-please' back up sales. I am in no way condemning the $ shoppers, but you are shopping on price here, not service.

we work on commision not a wage & $14 an hour does not put food on the table.

-I am not going to go out of my way to solve problems ('over the phone hook-up' for eg.) for a customer who left me fighting to lift my G.P back up. thats what the suppliers are there for. I just sell the stuff

and if you've got a warranty issue? who's going to pull strings for you?

[betty boop]

first it was the specialist stores complaining and going under with having to compete on price with the 'box movers'.

now its the 'box movers' complaining about having to compete on price ?

[HNoperative]

first it was the specialist stores complaining and going under with having to compete on price with the 'box movers'.

now its the 'box movers' complaining about having to compete on price ?

Jus tellin it how it is

[jokiin]

No matter where you shop buying on price is what the majority will do, loyalty is a dying breed, and regardless of how cheap something might have been there is still an expectation of decent service.

[betty boop]

Jus tellin it how it is

one day every one will realise competing on price is a self defeating strategy.

rather than live and let live, kill and be killed seems to be more what this industry keeps aiming at.

[HNoperative]

one day every one will realise competing on price is a self defeating strategy.

rather than live and let live, kill and be killed seems to be more what this industry keeps aiming at.

EXACTLY!!!!

I can't condemn it, Jerry started it :ph34r:

and who's goin to finish it?

No matter where you shop buying on price is what the majority will do, loyalty is a dying breed, and regardless of how cheap something might have been there is still an expectation of decent service.

yeah, I'll give decent service. but if no money was made, it will all be 'regulation'.

If I made money, I can make magic happen.

dead pixel? had it a while? "i'll see what I can do.

[Hussla]

HN-Operative, your attitude sucks.

It's a wonder you can get sales and or your prop still keeps you on board, with an attitude like that you really shouldn't be working in retail sorry to say.

I did the HN game for one and a half years, EVERYBODY including myself shops on price most of the time, it's nothing new so get used to it, it's a competitive industry unless you want to go to the dark old monopoly days with high prices and little competition?

Please don't use the forum as a whinging board to whine about your inability to sell and make commission. Don't you known about selling add-ons? warranties? etc.

I went out of my way plenty of times for customers even though it was low GP but you know what in the long run? those people always came back and bought from me.

Seriously I should forward your post to David Ackery, i'm sure he'd appreciate that sort of uncaring "me" attitude from his sales drones.

Guys like you really bring a bad name on the industry.

[HNoperative]

HN-Operative, your attitude sucks.

It's a wonder you can get sales and or your prop still keeps you on board, with an attitude like that you really shouldn't be working in retail sorry to say.

I did the HN game for one and a half years, EVERYBODY including myself shops on price most of the time, it's nothing new so get used to it, it's a competitive industry unless you want to go to the dark old monopoly days with high prices and little competition?

Please don't use the forum as a whinging board to whine about your inability to sell and make commission. Don't you known about selling add-ons? warranties? etc.

I went out of my way plenty of times for customers even though it was low GP but you know what in the long run? those people always came back and bought from me.

Seriously I should forward your post to David Ackery, i'm sure he'd appreciate that sort of uncaring "me" attitude from his sales drones.

Guys like you really bring a bad name on the industry.

um... what long Run? 18 months is not a long run.

and perhaps you should recheck the post, who's whining?

To all viewers, 'shop on price but you are going to get what you pay for' that is a fact

um... what long Run? 18 months is not a long run.

and perhaps you should recheck the post, who's whining?

To all viewers, 'shop on price but you are going to get what you pay for' that is a fact

Yeah... O.k.

I'm Whining a bit

[SDL]

The retailer also can say 'no deal', so why blame the consumer? When I buy a product I try to get the best price I can and expect then to get the same service as everyone - sound selfish? don't think so, you see unlike the retailer I don't see the margin, I am negotiating slightly blind (although I try to do some homework first), the retailer has many advantages and can always ensure they make margin by not going below a certain amount.

Now if a retailer agrees to something below their own margin cutoff that shouldn't mean less service, how did the buyer know that point? End of the day the market economy means you need to compete on both price and service, forget one or other and the buyers will go elsewhere.

What am I trying to say? Well basically don't have a go at consumers for trying to get some basic sharing of pricing so they can come and ask for a deal, after all the retailers have done the same for years. If the price is too cheap don't sell the unit at that price. When I was shopping around several retailers said they can't match a price I got from HN, one said they could. Maybe it is up to HN to review their policy in how they price match, negotiate, and how they manage after sales service.

[TEMPA]

and if you've got a warranty issue? who's going to pull strings for you?

Isn't that what the law and Consumer Affairs is there for?

If it's under warranty it's under warranty. Simple as that.

TEMPA

Oh and by the way - if you don't like your $14 an hour + commision don't work in retail. That's simple too.

I don't care if you don't make a commission. How is that my problem?

[offshore]

Seriously I should forward your post to David Ackery, i'm sure he'd appreciate that sort of uncaring "me" attitude from his sales drones.

That's crap mate. He's allowed to state an opinion and I for one, appreciate a perspective from a different side of the fence.

[paul_c100]

Hi Guys.

Your friendly HN salesman here with a couple of words for shoppers out for a bargain.

-I took a couple of deals on the weekend from people shopping, using this forum as a pricing guide.

-Fact#1 yes, it is true we can see ALL history of Items and their 'go' price. so we can check if bothered.

but if we can do the deal then we will. we are not the enemy, we are just trying to do our job.

so by all means, shop with your price in mind, but don't expect jovial and 'eager-to-please' back up sales. I am in no way condemning the $ shoppers, but you are shopping on price here, not service.

we work on commision not a wage & $14 an hour does not put food on the table.

-I am not going to go out of my way to solve problems ('over the phone hook-up' for eg.) for a customer who left me fighting to lift my G.P back up. thats what the suppliers are there for. I just sell the stuff

and if you've got a warranty issue? who's going to pull strings for you?

While you make a lot of valid points, the fact of the matter is that Harvey Norman Motto is "We Won't Be Beaten On Price" ..

Despite the fact that this is a stupid line because Harvey Norman is usually one of the more expensive retailers, you can't complain about customers who try and get the best price when your commercials INVITE such behaviour .. If you don't like working for a retailer where PRICE is their leading tag, then go and work for a specialist retailer where customer's go for service and not price ..

I don't know this for a fact, but I 'understand' that even products sold at 'cost price' are not really cost price to the retailer thanks to volume discounts, incentive payments and other things. You may not see them, only your head office. So perhaps you should be complaining to your head office about not passing those onto you, rather than beating up the customer who has innocently come into Harvey Norman box movers because they "Won't be Beaten on PRICE".

Cheers

[HNoperative]

While you make a lot of valid points, the fact of the matter is that Harvey Norman Motto is "We Won't Be Beaten On Price" ..

Despite the fact that this is a stupid line because Harvey Norman is usually one of the more expensive retailers, you can't complain about customers who try and get the best price when your commercials INVITE such behaviour .. If you don't like working for a retailer where PRICE is their leading tag, then go and work for a specialist retailer where customer's go for service and not price ..

Cheers

Fair enough paul, good point.

and yes, there is some 'tag' as it is called, some % below what cost i see. but it doesn't help the salesman.

I speak for myself, but I am sure other salespeople will agree:

when there is nothing left for the salesman you move on to another industry. soon enough all the experience and knowledge will have left the sales staff and all that will be left is some 'out of school' order takers.

so these forums will be the only place left to get any constructive comparison between product. we'll go into a shop expecting advice and there'll be a bunch of kids who don't know what to sell you, just what price you can get it for.

Isn't that what the law and Consumer Affairs is there for?

If it's under warranty it's under warranty. Simple as that.

TEMPA

Oh and by the way - if you don't like your $14 an hour + commision don't work in retail. That's simple too.

I don't care if you don't make a commission. How is that my problem?

Tempa - pls see above post.

[TEMPA]

Tempa - pls see above post.

I only want the price when I come into a store. I do all my own research for the items I buy and my mind is made up before I even set foot in the door.

I would never rely on the sales staff to help with comparisons, opinions etc. I only need them to give me the price, and if it is an amount I am happy to pay, do the paperwork.

I would say that only Ma and Pa purchasers these days would rely on anything a sales person would say and so they are the only ones who would potentially suffer if the SP was inexperienced. Give me an order taker anyday.

Then again - caveat emptor...

TEMPA

[JandB]

That's crap mate. He's allowed to state an opinion and I for one, appreciate a perspective from a different side of the fence.

I appreciate his candid comments too. Personally I am prepared to pay a modest amount above 'rock-bottom' price - say about 5% - if I'm receiving good service. But that's about it.

Also I doubt the majority of AV consumers are reading these forums so the proportion of HN sales at rock-bottom price are probably quite low. I think HN salesman should recognise that low-margin sales to Forum members is still worthwhile because:

* Volume is still volume - assists the store with hitting sales volume targets which probably brings more rebates to HN from the suppliers thereby increasing margin further

* Forum members should be more informed to start with = less time required by salesperson to make the sale. If a customer knows what he/she wants then it's just a question of agreeing on price. The while transaction can be over in 5-10 minutes. Easy sale.

[Foggy]

I always have a good chuckle when I hear the ads on television....

"Harvey Norman, your Home Theatre Specialists" ...funniest thing I've heard in years!

[HNoperative]

I always have a good chuckle when I hear the ads on television....

"Harvey Norman, your Home Theatre Specialists" ...funniest thing I've heard in years!

Totally!

[SDL]

I only want the price when I come into a store. I do all my own research for the items I buy and my mind is made up before I even set foot in the door.

I would never rely on the sales staff to help with comparisons, opinions etc. I only need them to give me the price, and if it is an amount I am happy to pay, do the paperwork.

I would say that only Ma and Pa purchasers these days would rely on anything a sales person would say and so they are the only ones who would potentially suffer if the SP was inexperienced. Give me an order taker anyday.

Then again - caveat emptor...

TEMPA

I do the same if I am buying a panel, but as I'm going for upgrading my HT at the moment I am going to ask advice and getting ideas from experienced specialists - this is something I wouldn't go to HN for though, even if I have to pay a bit more I rather go to Tivoli, Frankston Hi-Fi, Intersound etc.

As was rightly said HN are seen as not being beaten on price, they never say not going to be beat on service.

[Whiteman1503560502]

And when you get the lowest price from HN, etc, go compare prices to the US superstores. Why would anyone in their right mind by camera gear, boat electronics, etc, etc from Australia? Just gotta love this global economy!

I did buy my Pana from HN in TSV - best price by a long margin. Just not readily available from overseas.

[HNoperative]

I appreciate his candid comments too. Personally I am prepared to pay a modest amount above 'rock-bottom' price - say about 5% - if I'm receiving good service. But that's about it.

Also I doubt the majority of AV consumers are reading these forums so the proportion of HN sales at rock-bottom price are probably quite low. I think HN salesman should recognise that low-margin sales to Forum members is still worthwhile because:

* Volume is still volume - assists the store with hitting sales volume targets which probably brings more rebates to HN from the suppliers thereby increasing margin further

* Forum members should be more informed to start with = less time required by salesperson to make the sale. If a customer knows what he/she wants then it's just a question of agreeing on price. The while transaction can be over in 5-10 minutes. Easy sale.

Yes, Turnover is good. only for proprietor and head office tho

I only want the price when I come into a store. I do all my own research for the items I buy and my mind is made up before I even set foot in the door.

I would never rely on the sales staff to help with comparisons, opinions etc. I only need them to give me the price, and if it is an amount I am happy to pay, do the paperwork.

I would say that only Ma and Pa purchasers these days would rely on anything a sales person would say and so they are the only ones who would potentially suffer if the SP was inexperienced. Give me an order taker anyday.

Then again - caveat emptor...

TEMPA

Well then... as long as you get what you want, eh tempa?

Screw everone else huh.

[TEMPA]

Yes, Turnover is good. only for proprietor and head office tho

Well then... as long as you get what you want, eh tempa?

Screw everone else huh.

I'll say again. You aren't my problem. If you don't like your job leave. We are all in the same boat it's called freedom of choice.

Why should I pay more for a product to support you? If the situation was reversed would you give a rat's about me?

Come to think of it mate, I'm a bit short this week. Can you flick me a $50? Yeah, I didn't think so....

TEMPA

[HNoperative]

I'll say again. You aren't my problem. If you don't like your job leave. We are all in the same boat it's called freedom of choice.

Why should I pay more for a product to support you? If the situation was reversed would you give a rat's about me?

Come to think of it mate, I'm a bit short this week. Can you flick me a $50? Yeah, I didn't think so....

TEMPA

what are you on today tempa?

this plot has been lost!

Actually, Yes. I Do.

I was buying ann new Golf club recently and the guy at my first stop was very helpful. Took me through them and I decided on the one I liked. The one I came in for too!

Price: $299.

I thanked him and went price hopping. I got $269 locally but couldn't justify the saving for the help I had recieved from him, So I returned and bought off him for $299. True Story.

Some of you may think I'm Mad, or a Liar. I don't care.

The $30 potential saving didn't mean enough to buy off someone who had just walked into my sale.

That is called integrity and appreciation Tempa. something you may be unfamiliar with.

[Foggy]

This type of topic has been done to death on here.

Everyone has different needs, some know exactly what they want and don't want the service component, while others want to feel comfortable that they will get the assistance when required.

I personally don't like seeing dozens of "best price" threads as I don't believe it's in the long term interest of the consumer, but there are others who don't agree with me, which is fine and I've learned to live with it.

I think the message is clear that if you want the lowest possible price, then don't expect any service above or beyond the legally required motions, and some people are happy with that.... until something goes wrong!!

[TEMPA]

what are you on today tempa?

this plot has been lost!

I am not the one who started a thread here whinging about people expecting service and assistance from you when they have managed to purchase a product from you at a price that means you don't get a commission. You did.

It should not matter whether you made a drink or a drip from the customer, they are the customer and your job is to provide them a service. As has been stated previously, your employer advertises the fact that they will not be beaten on price. Don't whinge if you cannot make a dollar there.

Most of us probably don't care...

I am not "on anything" today. I just fail to see the reason for your thread, except to post a woe is me message. Stop posting here and go and sell a TV !!!

TEMPA

EDIT: and my sign of appreciation is a repeat sale. Treat me right and I will return to you in the future. And probably recommend you to others. I do not show appreciation by paying more than I have to for a product. I probably work just as hard as you do to earn my money.

[fawlty99]

Hey give the poor fella from HN a fair go. He needs to feed his family as well. At lease his sig says where is from unlike others who lurk in the forums without revealing that they work for hifi/tv/etc sellers.

These forums do shift the balance somewhat towards the buyer because info is more readily available on where to find the cheapest item and how low to bargain. That being said I don't like (& won't do it myself) people who demo gear at one shop & then buy at another shop to save $50. In that respect HN & Myer who price match but don't set the price are doing the industry a diservice. I should add a disclaimer that I've recently been shopping by phone for the cheapest price on something, but that didn't involve tying up a saleman's time (apart from the phone call).

BTW I never have been & never will be a saleman.