I learned the many things while I was in China. However probably the most impressive thing I noted was the systematic and persistent sales people. It was absolutely amazing to watch. Being in sales I appreciate a good sales presentation probably more then most. However, the sales presentations I observed were simply masterful! Let me give you an example. One day we toured a Tea plantation. Now I know nothing about tea but I do know I didn't come to China to buy green tea. However, by the end of the sales pitch I watched people in my group literally jumping up to pay roughly $60-$100 for a pound or two of tea. Are you kidding me? The sales presentation was QVC on steroids! It was amazing to watch. It hit on all the elements of a sales pitch, included a good dose of humor, and started with a free sample. Then went on to discuss the exclusive nature of the product, health benefits, special offer for the day available for us, etc. Like a car salesman that will only talk monthly payments the sales girl even broke the price down to a price per cup not focusing on the overall price. Watching others jump to buy added to the excitement. In the end you almost felt stupid for not capitalizing on the opportunity! Then you need to step back and look at the big picture. $60-$100 for tea? This is town that sells Rolex knock offs 2 for $1 on the streets! If there is one thing China has an abundance of it is labor and land. The Tea should have been a fraction of the asking price in my humble opinion but the girls couldn't ring up the sales fast enough. This was a well trained sales girl in a state run facility.
The second sales incident that impressed me was a street vendor selling a friend of mine a Knock off North Face jacket. The vendor following us on foot for a couple hundred feet. When we jumped in Rickshaws he jumped on his bike and followed us trying to do the deal as we rode! We stopped for probably a 45 minute lunch and he was waiting for us when we came out! He followed us back in the rickshaws again, still trying to close the deal. When we stopped he was apparently not in an area where he should be. I watched him get smacked by a reported state security agent right in front of us! Yet he still kept following us. After following us on the rickshaws and investing an afternoon in a sale my friend finally bought the jacket for $20. It was amazing to see this vendor work so hard for such a small profit.
The bottom line is something I already knew. Preparation and persistence pay off. However, the Chinese have taken it to a whole new level!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank You!
Sincerely,
Kevin Clancy
518-861-7016
kevin@clancyrealestate.com
http://www.clancyrealestate.com
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