No Thanks, I'm Just Looking: Sales Techniques for Turning Shoppers into Buyers

Dear friends, good evening! I am Tom Niklas, a seasoned writer and reviewer. 😁 Welcome everyone to the ReadVault club, join us in reading 52 books a year together!

Today I wish to recommend to you all an exceptionally marvelous bestselling book titled "No Thanks, I'm Just Looking: Sales Techniques for Turning Shoppers into Buyers" authored by the world-renowned retail consultant and trainer Harry J. Friedman. He possesses over 50 years of retail experience, having previously been a record-breaking salesman and shop owner of two chain stores. Presently, he is recognized as one of the foremost thought leaders and pioneers in the retail domain.

Many may ponder, why impart sales techniques to all? In my view, even if you aren't a professional salesperson, you would still be persuaded by others in stores. Thus, upon completing this book, I was distinctly cognizant of how I was previously swayed in shops. Consequently, I heartily recommend this book to all my companions, as I believe everyone ought to learn from it. From another vantage point, we are always selling these things to others in life, such as our affability and relationships. Essentially, learning some sales skills can greatly improve our interpersonal relationships.

Firstly, I wish to emphasize the "sales preparation stage" highlighted in the book, which is frequently neglected by salespeople. The author stresses that before formally commencing sales, salespeople must undertake sufficient groundwork and provides abundant concrete suggestions.

• Foremost, salespeople need to cultivate their communication aptitudes and product knowledge in the long run. This necessitates utilizing spare time on weekends and holidays to recharge. For instance, attending professional training, reading more books, becoming conversant with product information, et cetera. Just as we prepare speeches, practice enunciation and gestures when participating in speech contests, correct? Selling is also a skill requiring deliberate practice to hone.

• Additionally, salespeople need to undertake specific preparatory tasks daily before work. These seemingly trivial matters can greatly enhance salespeople's professionalism and self-confidence. The book enumerates 15 very concrete daily preparation tasks, allow me to share a few.

For example, salespeople should peruse the store conditions before work daily, checking for maintenance needs; memorize key product prices to avoid stammering when customers inquire; stay alert to competitors' latest promotions, which aids in setting sales targets. You see, the more thorough the preparation, the more composed we would be during sales, leaving customers with better impressions.

Let me cite an interesting example. Once, a female salesperson just promoted from logistics to sales. Seeing a customer bending down peering at the counter jewelry, she eagerly went over and said "I see our decorations interest you a lot!". Turns out the customer was a carpenter repairing the glass cabinet... Had she checked the store conditions beforehand, such awkwardness could have been avoided.

Thus, these seemingly trivial preparations can greatly benefit our sales. They help us avoid mistakes during sales and inspire stronger professionalism and confidence. I strongly advise you all to value the preparation stage and undertake these preparatory tasks to lay the foundation for subsequent sales.

I previously emphasized the "sales preparation stage" which establishes the basis for later sales. Next, I shall delve into the complete seven sales steps proposed in the book. These seven steps encompass the entire sales process and are highly instructive.