The Double Talk of Salespeople: How to Spot Contradictory Sales Pitches
Salespeople often tailor their stories to fit your situation, but what happens when those stories clash? Learn how to spot these sales tactics and protect yourself from misleading pitches.
Salespeople are skilled at tailoring their sales pitch based on who they’re talking to, often sharing different stories with different people to close a sale quickly. The trick is that sometimes these stories are contradictory, and unless buyers compare notes, they might not realize it.
For example, if you have a property that’s a bit outdated, a real estate agent might tell you, "Sell it as is! Buyers prefer to renovate to their taste, especially those in the trades who have the skills and connections." But when talking to someone with a freshly renovated home, the same agent might say, "Sell it now! Buyers are too busy to renovate and will pay top dollar for a move-in-ready property."
While these two stories completely contradict each other, the salesperson’s goal is to push for a quick sale, no matter what they have to say. And as they pitch, they’ll often try to come across as personable and trustworthy because it’s easier to sell to someone who likes you. There’s an old saying: "People don’t buy products; they buy people."
The key takeaway? Be cautious of how much you trust salespeople, especially when they seem likable. Their story might be tailored to what they know about you, not necessarily what’s in your best interest. Always take what they say with a grain of salt and be mindful that what sounds like expert advice could just be a strategy to close the deal.
Key Points:
- Salespeople often tell different stories depending on who they're selling to.
- Contradictory pitches are common — don't take every story at face value.
- Being liked is a salesperson's best tool to make a sale, but it can lead to manipulation.
- Not all salespeople are dishonest, but it's wise to stay cautious and well-informed.
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