Strategies for Outsmarting Dishonest Salespeople: How to Get a Good Deal When Dealing with Lies

Introduction

Dealing with a dishonest salesperson can be a frustrating experience. They know exactly what buttons to push, and often they lie about product features, value, or discounts to close the sale. However, there are methods to counteract these tactics and walk away with a good deal.

Recognizing the Dishonesty

It's important to recognize when someone is lying. Dishonest salespeople often exaggerate the value of their products, claim superior features, or offer discounts that are too good to be true. Take the example of a customer dealing with a salesperson who is selling a Pixie II phone. The salesperson tries to convince the customer that the Pixie II is the latest model and offers all the latest enhancements, when in reality, it is being replaced next week and lacks some advertised features. Tackling the problem head-on can be tempting, but it often backfires. Confronting the salesperson only leads to resistance and loss of the sale.

Knowing the Product's Value and Features

The key to handling a dishonest salesperson is understanding the true value and features of the product you are purchasing. This knowledge can be the leverage you need to negotiate a better deal. For instance, if you are buying a Pixie II phone, you should know that it's not the latest model and has fewer features than the upcoming Pixie III. Researching the product thoroughly—including its capabilities, processor, memory, and reviews—helps you identify real value and make informed decisions.

Negotiation Tactics

When you enter the store with knowledge of the product and its features, the salesperson will often assume you're buying into their lies. This is when you have the upper hand. You can use this to your advantage by playing the salesperson's game. Accept the recommendation for the Pixie II and tell the salesperson that you're open to it, but you will need a better price or some additional accessories to seal the deal.

Example dialogue:

Salesperson: You really ought to look at the Pixie II.
Customer: Oh, why is that?
Salesperson: The company just came out with it and so it’s got all the latest enhancements. It's got 128 GB of storage and the latest SnapTel processor.
Customer: Well how about this Delilah 10
Salesperson: Well we’ve had a few returns on that one. Besides, we’ve got a special 300 rebate on the Pixie.
Customer: Sounds like I should consider the Pixie. But you’re going to have to do better on the price or accessories.

Salesperson: How much better?

At this point, the salesperson is mentally ready to seal the deal. Despite knowing the truth, he's already partway through the sale. You can use this momentum to negotiate a better price or additional benefits. Acknowledging the dishonest claims can weaken the salesperson's position, while showing that you're still interested gives you leverage to drive a better deal.

Conclusion

In the age of online reviews and product information, finding a good deal is more manageable. By educating yourself on the product's true worth and playing the salesperson's game, you can navigate through dishonest tactics and emerge with a satisfactory purchase. Remember, in any negotiation, knowing the product and your priorities is key to achieving a fair deal.