64. Alan, the Super Salesman

Most salespeople tend to focus just on the transaction, on the selling, but without much care for the emotional connection. However, this was one happy exception.

We were browsing around the kitchen section of a departmental store, looking for a sous-vide machine. The salesperson, Alan, assisted us and demonstrated the following positive traits/skills throughout the interaction:

  1. Strong product knowledge

  2. Interest and care

  3. Anticipatory skills

  4. Attentive listening

Strong product knowledge: Alan demonstrated ready knowledge of the various brands and was able to guide us through the various sizes of each pack/brand, its country of manufacture, the spare parts, warranty, etc. 💖

Interest and care: Alan asked about the types of cuisine we enjoy and recommended dishes that would benefit from using the sous-vide machine. We were also encouraged to try sealing off the vacuum packs on-the-spot so that he could guide us as required. He also showed us how to reduce wastage when using the vacuum seal packs. 💖💖💖

Anticipatory skills: As we would be travelling with the item to Mumbai, Alan gave us the option to pack with or without the box (so that it took up less space in our luggage). He assured that he would wrap it well with bubble-wrap should we decide not to take the box. We decided to do without the box and Alan then suggested for us to take photos of the printed instructions on the box with our handphones. 

Furthermore, he asked if we were going to use the appliance in India and when confirmed so, he confidently assured us that the voltage was compatible. (We had not even thought of this!) 💖💖💖

Attentive listening: He listened to our spoken and unspoken needs and made appropriate recommendation that suit. ðŸ’–

Service Bank: 8 x 💖


Reflective thoughts: Which of the above points come as a "surprise"? How did that make you feel? How can you further impress your guests/customers with unexpected service? 

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