[entwisi]

I too prefer a passive approach. Normally I've done all my research before i go near a shop/etc so I tend to know exactly what I want. A salesman that allows me time to make the final choice will be teh one who gets my business everytime.

When I worked in Romers selling HiFi/TVs and video cameras we worked on the same principle. I wasn't paid commision on any sales so it made absolutely no difference if I sold a £500 or £5000 hi fi. What we did work on was giving the best service we could knowing that when the customer wanted a new TV or camera they would come back to us. Likewise they would also tell their friends and we got a lot of repeat business that way. I also saw it as my job to find out what the customer wanted even if they didn't really know. I was often asked which speakers sounded best, I always explained that as we all hear slightly differently and have difference preference for how music should sound what was best for me may sound horrible to them. I also made sure I explained how difference descriptions could change how you felt about something. e.g. some speakers have more responsive sounds at high frequency. I could describe it as 'tinny' and it sounds rubbish, Describing it as 'bright' made it sound more appealing. Its all in the way you sell it. Its quite hard to be helpful but without putting your own influence on it. I also encouraged customers to go away and think about it. Theres nothing better than a good nights sleep to make a fully informed choice. It also made people feel like we weren't just after their money