How do you feel about the "hard sell" technique?

Question

If it didn't work then why do so many sales people use it? I was in sales for awhile and I hated the guys who used the "hard sell". I was nice and informative to all potential clients but the guys doing the hard sell always out preformed guys like me. I never understood it.

Answer 1

I think the hard sell works since many people are confused about what they want, and want someone to decide for them. Personally, I hate the hard sell and walk away as fast as I can from a "strong-arm" salesperson. I find it insulting that they think I'm an idiot who needs to be told what to do or buy. I usually carefully research what I want, and only need a salesperson when I want to try out the equipment or when I want to buy the equipment, but I want to be able to do both without the bs'ing from the sales staff.

Good luck

Answer 2

I think it's more of an enthusiasm question. The majority of
sales happen for three reasons: Good deal for the money,
necessity, and personal connection with the sales person.
It's up to the sales person to generate an atmosphere of
confidence and excitement and be able to translate that
into a deal. Sometimes the concept of a "hard sell" is
misconstrued. Most people I know that practice this
are genuinely concerned with the buyer's happiness and
satisfaction and can rest easy with the technique. Pushing
someone into a deal they can't really afford is an entirely
different issue. There is also the "hard sell" with a soft
hand, a subtle technique that requires a lot of finesse but
is even more effective if it's done with sincerity. I think that
knowing instinctively when to push and when to back off
is a gift of preception that not every salesperson has.

Answer 3

I was in sales as well. I find the hard sell cheesy. My take on hard sell is this; The harder someone tries to sell me something, the less I want it.