Oops. I did it again!
By The Horse
@TheHorse (220275)
Walnut Creek, California
June 2, 2021 6:53pm CST
I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'm not a sales type, but that I'm good at selling guitars.
It happened again today, before I even saw my first student. Two teenage girls were looking for an inexpensive guitar for their daddy's birthday.
I found a decent Yamaha for $199, tuned it up, and played it for them. I described its tone accurately ("a tad bright, but with good, solid bass"), and asked them if they thought he'd like the look.
They said yes, complimented my playing, and headed up toward the counter with the guitar.
I resisted the temptation to tell them NOT to get the "extended warranty" (I teach about up-selling in my college classes) and went to teach my first student.
Just another day in the corporate world.
20 people like this
19 responses
@FourWalls (69033)
• United States
3 Jun 21
Did you get a commission for that??? I can just see it now: “Our part-time guitar teacher is the salesman of the month.” 
6 people like this
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
3 Jun 21
@TheHorse I would definitely ask for a commission even if I don't need money. Anything extra will come in handy someday.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137602)
• United States
3 Jun 21
You're being nice to the customers... even though it isn't your job. 
4 people like this
@xander6464 (44422)
• Wapello, Iowa
3 Jun 21
I hope he continues the experiment with niceness because I want to see if it really makes people more likely to buy more.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137602)
• United States
3 Jun 21
@xander6464 I can guarantee it does.
2 people like this
@xander6464 (44422)
• Wapello, Iowa
3 Jun 21
The corporate world is very lucky to have you. Are you getting a commission yet? When you sell to older girls, do you get phone numbers?
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (80784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Jun 21
Way to go you made a sale, I am sure the girls appreciated your help,
4 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47677)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
3 Jun 21
I didn't see this post before I used the same title for my post today. Great minds, and all that, I guess.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41752)
• United States
3 Jun 21
Congrats! Your boss should appreciate your sales. With a bonus.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121729)
• Gainesville, Florida
4 Jun 21
I have always been good at selling, not because I am good at BS, but because I am honest with customers. They don't get that much these days, so they seem to appreciate when someone is forthcoming with them about the pros and cons of various products. I also think I'm good at selling because selling is not my job, and I don't get commissions for it. So there's no pressure on me at all, and I can just relax and take my time with customers.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121729)
• Gainesville, Florida
6 Jun 21
@TheHorse Probably, because you would then be under pressure to sell.
@DocAndersen (54402)
• United States
3 Jun 21
sales gets such a bad rap. but you sold that guitar the way I love to sell, you share your love of the instrument with them. well done! virtual carrot for the horse!
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (71804)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Jun 21
The things we do without trying. You do have a unique style that I think most enjoy. Nothing wrong with that.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181735)
• United States
3 Jun 21
Where's your commission? :-) Congrats!
1 person likes this
@Butterfingers (66583)
• India
3 Jun 21
Glad to know that. It's a great skill if one can master it
1 person likes this
