08MAR09 Salespeople ©
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WELCOME!!! glad you could visit us, OUR TOPIC: "SALESPEOPLE, how are you dealing with it?" THIS CHAT WILL PROBABLY BE COPIED TO www.funeralserviceprofessional.com FOR ANYONE TO ENJOY LATER. Just a few rules for everyone: 1. USE ONLY PLAIN BLACK TEXT 2 DO NOT USE COMPANY NAMES 3 DISCRIMINATION IS NOT ALLOWED. If you would like chat reminders please send to: LOWELLMA@AOL.COM
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Host_John: hello fluid
fluidpusher: good evening, John, how are things in Mass? Very rainy and flooded here in Ohio
Host_John: we are expecting rain here to snow overnight
Host_John: salespeople seem to be disapearing
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fluidpusher: we're getting many more automated phone calls rather than personal visits
Host_John: I prefer they give me a heads up via e-mail or post card
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Host_John: I do love to hear about new products and what is selling better
Host_John: how do salespeople get in to see you?
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fluidpusher: I answer the door many times and meet them at the door
fluidpusher: Other times my secretary will greet them and check with me to see if I have time to see them
fluidpusher: Most don't call ahead, although a few do
Host_John: what do you prefer Fluid?
Ray_V.: That's my biggest gripe...they just show up and expect you to drop whatever you are doing...
fluidpusher: I prefer a heads up phone call to see if I am busy, could save them time
Host_John: I like the heads up so I can see what we need and if we are busy when s/he gets here I can just say send us XYZ sorry we are too busy to chat today, or make time to see him or her
Host_John: Dmcph what do you prefer?
fluidpusher: be right back
Ray_V.: Clearly the internet is making salesmen (women) obsolete...you can find whatever you need online these days...saves time & money
Host_John: the internet does help with shopping
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Dmcphee: I'm not the funeral person, my Dad is. he doesn't do computers so I bop on and report back to what the topic is and what you all are saying. But I am sure he prefers a phone call.
Host_John: yet caskets are not easy to examine nor prep room needs
Host_John: Thanks Dmcpee
Host_John: Ray do you see any salespeople
Dmcphee: But I am a field rep sales person and I can say from my end, sometimes we are in the neighborhood, know we might not be able to see you, but still come in. Leave material and such.
Host_John: I don't see salespeople in the afternoon
Host_John: I prefer an appointment or a heads up they are coming on a certain morning
Host_John: we are fully staffed right up to lunch time then the staff is on task often off site
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Ray_V.: Most casket companies have the same pictures online that the saleman has in his portfolio...either way, you look at a picture. I have only a few come by...and usually it is more of a social visit. I remember back in the early 80's when I first got in, there were lots more salesmen coming by.
Host_John: up my way there are still a dozen or so salespeople all men, wondering why there are few women salespeople
fluidpusher: back now
Dmcphee: Old Boys club (?) just a thought...................
Ray_V.: We order stuff when we need it. Rarely do we order things when someone walks in..with two locations, we just don't know what we need on a minutes notice....
Host_John: could be or a jeliousy issue with fd's spouses
fluidpusher: A certain bankrupt preneed insurance company had all female sales reps, most very good looking, too.....
Ray_V.: Absolutely, John....i appreciate that
Dmcphee: No, business is business
Host_John: we order often when the rep gives us a heads up, we give a quick check of product before rep's visit
Ray_V.: There was a certain company, with a farm in Indiana and a fleet of C-5 jets that made quite a bit of money with pretty salesgirls...
fluidpusher: I rarely order anything during a sales reps visit. I just call when I need something, or order online.
Host_John: to me women are the decision makers on many funeral arrangemetns, I think I would prefer more women in our industy to sell what women prefer
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harper: hello
fluidpusher: hello harper
Host_John: hello harper
Host_John: and wj
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Host_John: I do prefer a rep know what is turning over and what is effective
harper: I don't mind salespeople, I hate the phone calls
fluidpusher: I don't always trust a rep's recommendation on what sells, many don't care if I sell it, they just want me to buy it from them
Host_John: I prefer e-mail then we can check stock and make an agreement when we can see the rep or just re-order
Host_John: fluid I agree but most reps will take back what does not move
Host_John: caskets especially
Ray_V.: Speaking of caskets. Who on here gets their showroom consigned and pays up front?
wjaehnig1: hi john, sorry i missed it earlier
Host_John: we own our caskets
fluidpusher: I own my inventory
Host_John: we do have a "red sox" casket
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Host_John: soon it will be foot ball teams too
fluidpusher: does it sell often, John?
Ray_V.: Ok, I am all consigned at both locations. What do you see as te benefit to owning?
Host_John: not sold yet but a lot of folks love to see it
harper: we stock no caskets and have next day delivery and the casket co. put in the cuts as no charge
wghoagland: Consigned
Host_John: I can buy from all the companies Ray
Tom has joined. fluidpusher: Aren't most consignment deals made with the condition that you buy all from that one company?
fluidpusher: Or a vast majority?
Host_John: consigment usually restricts me to one providor or product
Host_John: we get to buy from all providors and work to get their lowest price
Ray_V.: I suppose there are some regional differences. I have a total of 30 on site with a computer that personalizes www.designacasket.com and get same day delivery...it is painless.
fluidpusher: I do not let any casket reps into my showroom, No One
fluidpusher: They may know what I buy, but they don't know what is on my floor
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Host_John: why not Fluid?
funeralethics: If you can sell all from a catalog or computer screen, they won't know squat, will they?
fluidpusher: I just don't want them in there, I know there probably is no harm there, but it is just the way I feel, it is not their business where else I buy
Ray_V.: We only use one company. it is easier and they provide exceptional service to us. Anyone is welcome in my room. My response is that if it's not broke, don't break it.
Host_John: info on casket made in USA is received well
Host_John: I am surprised how many sales people don't say where their caskets are from
Host_John: I have always been astounded that salespeople don't know what is popular in their own line
harper: any is welcome in my room even my competition
Ray_V.: The Usa thing is important, for sure, but when someone s spending over $11,000 for a funeral, they probably want to save anywhere they can. All my units are Usa shells, but I sell mostly pretty, 20 gauge's
Host_John: the Red Sox casket is made in China
fluidpusher: For 11,000 Ray?
fluidpusher: for a 20 ga?
Host_John: Please do not use prices
Host_John: or company names
Host_John: Thank you
Host_John: OPEN FORUM FUNERAL CHATTER UNTIL THE TOP OF THE HOUR
Ray_V.: No..total services....not just the casket. Sorry John, I was just tring to make the point of saving where you can.
Host_John: I understand Ray
Host_John: some would say we are attempting to price fix
Host_John: that is the reason I'd rather not see prices listed here
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Ray_V.: We have a casket store in the next town over that has been in business about ten years and our caskets are priced competitively. Understood, John
fluidpusher: I have thought that putting a casket store in a flower shop would be a good way to compete with the other casket store
Host_John: I have always thought that "some" families grandchildren go home and surf the internet to see if they were over charged
Host_John: BRB
harper: I made arrangement today on a deceased husband and when she saw my vault display she stated that she payed the cemetery more, consumer do not know what funeral items cost
Ray_V.: That is the point. I have never heard anyone say they were charged too much for embalming...it s always, "they screwed us on the box"
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Ray_V.: Cemeteries in our area charge twice what we do for Obcs We hear that alot from folks
funeralethics: If funeral homes had low-cost caskets, who would complain?
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Ray_V.: I wasn't referring to my firm. I was referring to stories I have heard from folks at my cremation society
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Ray_V.: Btw...i wn a very traditional Fh and a very non-traditional cremation society
daveb: ray what is Obcs?
funeralethics: outer burial container, Dave
Ray_V.: Oter Burial Containers...a term made popular by the Ftc
daveb: thank you
harper: commerical cemeteries in our area charge more for opening a grave than we do for embalming a body
daveb: then we need to go up
fluidpusher: And that grave is dug by a high school drop out on a backhoe
harper: think about that
Ray_V.: Then raise your emblaming charge?
daveb: not many people embalm
daveb: the we need to go up
funeralethics: Harper, I've gotten a lot of complaints about that kind of thing lately, even when they already own the plot. I tell people to go check the cost of a plot in a small-town cemetery nearby.
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fluidpusher: Problem is, once the cemetery gets Mom buried, they know Dad will be buried there, too, and probably the kids, too
hrbeckham: good evening all
funeralethics: Hi, beck
hrbeckham: howdy
harper: yes I agree, but these people were presold
daveb: in Mass i think you need hoisting license to operate backhoe
funeralethics: People are now getting skeptical enough to change plans even if prepaid, even if some of it they have to wash as a loss.
Ray_V.: Gotta go and pick up my daughter, Y'all..see ya next week.
daveb: take care
funeralethics: nite ray
fluidpusher: so long
funeralethics: I'm outta here, too.
fluidpusher: farewell
harper: anyone had a green burial
hrbeckham: good night
fluidpusher: No green cemeteries in my area
daveb: no no dogs dug them up yet
funeralethics: Ooops, should have asked if anyone was from Co?
hrbeckham: no push for green here in our area of Florida so far
daveb: they would float there
harper: I think its coming
fluidpusher: No real problem, I would just do what the family wants anyway
hrbeckham: most likely here too, float that is
fluidpusher: It's the cemeteries that restrict things, like requiring outer containers
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funeralethics: Cofda has made a fool of themselves with the legislation they had a newbie legislator introduce.
daveb: what is that sir?
fluidpusher: what is it?
hrbeckham: what was it?
harper: google it and see what pops up
hrbeckham: google cofda
hrbeckham: ??
harper: gogle green burial
funeralethics: The Cofda wants 4,000 hours internship for embalmers or 50 bodies embalmed.
funeralethics: If an embalming takes two hours, what are interns supposed to do for the other 3,900 hours?
funeralethics: It goes down hill from there.
fluidpusher: That sounds like a two year internship
funeralethics: yep
hrbeckham: we have to do 40 embalmed bodies in 1 year internship in Fla
fluidpusher: 25 in one year in Ohio
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funeralethics: Do you have a choice of 25 bodies or one year?
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fluidpusher: Maybe standards need tightening in Colorado, they have no laws there you know
funeralethics: 40 bodies or one year?
hrbeckham: but they do have a license in colorado do they?
CCowan: Hi, Everyone
hrbeckham: hello
funeralethics: No license, beck
fluidpusher: Nothing in Colorado at all
fluidpusher: Anyone can hang out a shingle and embalm
hrbeckham: so what is with the "requirement"????
funeralethics: They are trying to license facilities, and the wording on that is *terrible*.
harper: bye
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hrbeckham: the law makers here are not any better about making laws pertaining to our business
funeralethics: The bill that's been introduced says the director of regulations should consult with Cofda before making any rules or ruling on a complaint.
funeralethics: No consumer input at all.
funeralethics: Want to guess how Cofda feels about discounters?
daveb: Ftc after 10 years dis not tighten up on other suppliers_____ Jeeesh
funeralethics: Agreed, Dave. Hoping that will change with new administration, but I'm not holding my breath at the moment.
daveb: dont get me going on that--- we are all goeing to be 1984 people soon Orwellings and all the same -- wealthwise
funeralethics: Gotta go. Night, guys.
fluidpusher: bye
CCowan: later, fe
daveb: socialism is around the corner why be in bisiness
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daveb: get on the dole quick
CCowan: You ain't lyin' on that one, daveb
daveb: hi john wondered wher you wre hiding
hrbeckham: what an incentive form those that work to those who won't
daveb: yep
Host_John: was on telephone
Host_John: eating too
hrbeckham: from those that work to those who won't
daveb: welcome back
Host_John: headding out to CA to see Jay Leno in a couple of weeks
daveb: cool
CCowan: that's cool, John
CCowan: He's a real character
daveb: are you on stage or in audience hehehe
Host_John: My Brother has connections so he will unfold the whole thing
Host_John: Ill just tag along
daveb: aha a surprise
CCowan: Hhmmm
hrbeckham: we will not have to worry about fighting a foreign army...heck they will just repocess our country from us
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CCowan: you mean reposess
daveb: you dont think they have alreay done that??? we have been infilrated by the Democrats
Host_John: the economy is not stable, many are in hybernation mode when it comes to spending money
Host_John: driving older cars
CCowan: I've seen this socialist thing coming for yrs
Host_John: the stores are empty
Host_John: the restaurants are doing great!
brud: I'm waiting for my piece of the 800 billion stimulus
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Host_John: how you gonna get it Brud?
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brud: I'm getting it all right --- look at every paycheck and I can see what I have to do to pay for it
daveb: gosh the Dems just left the house?
daveb: sorry
brud: Host John is still here daveb
daveb: you are right
Host_John: BACK ON TOPIC NOW SALESPEOPLE
brud: heat got to him ..... =)
daveb: who are they?
daveb: havent seen any for years
Host_John: I am told each american man women and child owes 38 grand in the deficit
brud: $38 grand is cheap - I thought it would be more than that
CCowan: yeah, John I read that somewhere the other day
CCowan: it's crazy
brud: Octo-mama is going to really have to cough up the dough
daveb: well family of 5 means______????
Host_John: salesman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
daveb: oh no she drank the cool aid she found the way my friends
Host_John: what do you prefer
daveb: as i said John who are they ?
Host_John: so you never see a saleperson Dave?
daveb: very rarely
Host_John: you do a nice business, how do you get your products?
brud: you never talk to them - or they never come by
Host_John: how do you know what is new or popular
daveb: Dan Thompson retires 10 years ago never saw a slaeman after that-- then this new guy shows up only because he got fired fron Dam Thompsson position and say he is on hi sown now-- he was ther for ten years and i never saw him
Host_John: as I said in the previous hour, I prefer a heads up that the rep is coming, heads up via e-mail, snail mail or a telephone call
daveb: sorry for the typing or lack of it
Host_John: dave would you want to see a rep?
daveb: sometimes
brud: Thompson - didn't he used to sell register books?
Host_John: the reps tell me they have a hard time getting in to see fd's
Host_John: the don't answer the door
Host_John: cold call is they way they have practiced for years
daveb: oh peek out the curtains? i got better thing to do
brud: it's too easy for the customer to say "No" over the phone - so they cold call
Host_John: cold call is not what works
daveb: yes dan worked for Dk company-- John - i did not say the name
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Host_John: these guys cant immagine how bothersome it is to get taken off task out of the blue and sit with them and tantilize their ideas
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daveb: Ther is a better way--- email
hrbeckham: I love to see salespeople if I have the time. What becomes a problem is when they want to hang out and talk until they get an order. I am not always going to give them an order, but like to get an update on new offerings and what is going on around the area
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hrbeckham: if i am busy, I just have to come right out and tell some, I just do not have the time today...leave your info, and I will look it over
hrbeckham: some seem put out by this...the old timers seem to take it in stride
Host_John: Howard the operate in a rather rude form
daveb: well I digress it always becomes a gossip tourney about who is buyin whom and who is doing the number and who is not--- what a waste of time
hrbeckham: what's that John?
Host_John: what matters to me is we have the right product
hrbeckham: you have to limit your time it is true
brud: define the right product
Host_John: I want to know what is popular and be sure to have it available when I need it
hrbeckham: that is the key John
Host_John: brud, the right product is caskets that are poplar in my area
Host_John: popular
daveb: a casket is a casket is a casket
Host_John: fluids that a eco friendly and effective
Host_John: not to me dave
daveb: check the one one's from Ghana --- Those are casket!!!!!
Host_John: the engraving that can be done on caskets is nice to know about
Host_John: same for cremation urns
Host_John: photograph vault covers
daveb: I guess i am too old and too tired for all of this
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Host_John: if I dont' see salesreps how would I know what is out there?
daveb: trade mags emails from companies if they pay attention
Host_John: Id' rather have the product in my mind if not on the floor to offer it if requested
Host_John: I depend on my reps to keep me up to date on their companies offerings
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daveb: then wher are they???
Host_John: Dave if you call your supplier and request a visit they will come
hrbeckham: knowledge is power. often a saleman can give you information or offer a product that will will allow you not to just offer a good service, but a memoriable service for the family
daveb: it goes by the wayside--- Matthews
Host_John: you may be on a "Do not call" list enabeling the sales manager to keep the commision on the sales for your firm
daveb: ahhhhh another rub--- if you have no salesman that shows why should he get a commission?
hrbeckham: good night all.....time for bed very busy week ahead. God bless and keep you all!
Host_John: seeing salesmen does get old, many will tell me, you seen one casket you have seen them all, yet he will brag about the trim on is new car or television
Host_John: Night Howard
hrbeckham: good night
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daveb: have a good night all
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funeraldude: whats the hot topic of the nite?
brud: it was you
brud: but now you are here
funeraldude: was?
Host_John: salespeople is our topic!
funeraldude: outside vendors or preneed staff?
Host_John: both
Host_John: thus far we have only discussed outside vendors
funeraldude: always barging in without and apt
Host_John: that is the complaint we keep on hearing, barging in
Host_John: what would you appreciate the reps doing Funeraldude?
funeraldude: all vendors should fire every salesperson
funeraldude: nothing but an expense and they cost the company more money than they generate
funeraldude: too politcal and gossipy
Host_John: the guys I see are on task, showing their products
Host_John: the fluid guy is a joke
funeraldude: waste of time
Host_John: the others are on task
funeraldude: task my foot
Host_John: so I take it you do not see salespeople funeral dude?
funeraldude: they turn more potential buyers away than generate new clients people that the company might have had without a salesperson
funeraldude: i talk to most of them if im free otherwise theyre turned away
funeraldude: the 50s are over with the whole shoe salesperson knocking at the door routine
Host_John: I tell them what I want and they usually comply
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Host_John: LOL you are right there funeral dude
funeraldude: look at the major casket companies with their 12% increase this year simply fire the sales staff and problem fixed
Host_John: the fluid guys should leave their car running they can't get out of there quick enough
funeraldude: lol
Host_John: so sure of their business that they don't want to screw it up
bowtieundertaker: I wonder how many of them are nice to everyone and not just the owner or decision maker. We have a few salespeople who take time for everyone. They are the smarter ones who realize someone else might get to make a decision someday....
funeraldude: true ive wondered the same thing
bowtieundertaker: Fluid guys should be able to pack some chemical in their trunk like the good ole days.
brud: It's been an interesting conversation tonight - and I come to it from the other side of the fence that you guys do
funeraldude: lol whatd you want a drink of it? just kidding
Host_John: I remeber when I became the buyer, there were a few salesmen that got the boot, because they only wanted to see the boss!
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Host_John: OPEN FORUM FUNERAL CHATTER UNTIL NEXT TIME
bowtieundertaker: What's fun to do is when you are the boss and they don't know it!
Host_John: END RECORDING