My husband and I had to go shopping for a new television last weekend. The old one was about to die - its channel guide was getting fuzzy and my eyesight is already "bat-like". We researched our options online, found one we wanted, then set out for a reconnaissance mission to Sears, Best Buy and yes, Sam's, at my Hubby's insistence.
Right away, at our first store, Sear's, there was our new flatscreen- and it was a lot less expensive than the internet price! I got really excited. The on-duty salesman, Lee, came over and quietly introduced himself to ask if we needed any help. My husband asked if it the t.v. had built-in speakers, and Lee said "Yes". Hubby didn't give signals to talk further (being an engineer), so Lee said to call him if we needed more help.
My husband and I walked up and down the aisles but I already KNEW it was the t.v. we wanted (OK-- " I" wanted). Hubby and I whispered ...."I really want it, let's get it now!" I said. My husband agreed.
I called Lee over and we said "We'll take it". He said he would have to check their inventory (sigh). Sadly, there were none in stock, but if we ordered it then, we could have it in three days. Hubby and I looked at each other. I said "Let's order it", but my husband wanted to finish our mission and go to the other stores.
Before we left, I asked the salesman, Lee, "Are you commission sales?"
" Yes" , he responded.
"Then I want you to get credit for the sale if we call or come back to order the t.v. I am a salesperson, too, so I respect that."
Lee then filled out a customer-finder form so we could let any of the other Sears salespeople know we were "his" customers.
Hubby and I completed our research at the other stores. Sears was the best price by far. I sent Hubby to get the t.v. the next day. "Make sure you give the on-duty salesperson Lee's card so he gets credit!" I instructed.
"Why?" he asked innocently, being an engineer, "He didn't do any work. He answered one question."
"Honey", I said, " If someone called me up because they found a house, then grabbed me to write an offer, would I not deserve a commission? Some deals are easy, some are hard. That's just the way it is. Lee might have killed himself with the previous three customers. They might not have bought, or maybe they did not give his card so he didn't got credit when they did buy. Yes, we were ‘easy', but not all sales have to be ‘difficult' to make the salesman deserving."
Hubby went back to the store, and there was a different salesperson there, not Lee. He did a lot of work to take the order from my husband. I asked Hubby what he said when he gave him Lee's card... He said....
"He would have done the same for me."
It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Destin FL
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Sometimes we hardly do anything to earn our commissions and other times we overcome the impossible. It all averages out after a while. It was good of you to take care of the Sears guy.
How about the times we work like hell and make nothing. My wife makes the salesman give all sorts of information and then does not buy. You win some and you lose some.
Think about all the background work we do, previewing, office meetings, CE, and just living and breathing RE. We are working all the time to have the knowledge and expertise we have. Good for you for being so considerate of the salesman.
Hi Wendy~ I especially like the other sales persons response that "he would have done the same for me" How awesome is that! Now that's teamwork!
We are always very concerned when we deal with commissioned people. When they deserve the deal I like to make sure they get it. If they don't I'm equally committed! I guess 30 years in commissioned sales has an effect on one!
Wendy- I love this story. It is always the first question I ask, do you get paid on commission? If they say yes, I always make sure they get the credit. It is the way I would want to be treated. Commission sales is hard work and can be very rewarding also. There is no other way to work IMHO. Love that you did this for him.
Wendy-Oh, BTW- I would make this a public post so that consumers can see how you treat salespeople and also how you want to be treated:)
Hello Wendy, Good one. Lee will never forget you. Good luck with your new tv
I hope hubby gave your card to the guy to give to Lee so he thinks of you for real estate! My husband is an engineer too and just doesn't get it!
And for the record, I've NEVER had an "easy" one.
I do this all the time...ask the commission question. Sometimes we work REALLY, REALLY hard and sometimes we just work. Lee didn't try to "sell" you, he was there if you needed him...I totally respect the guy who said "he would do the same' because he is right! Lee is clearly a good guy or his colleagues wouldn't say as much...great job!
Bill - We salespeople need to take care of each other.
Kenneth - A lot of the public is not aware, even our spouses, sometimes.
Sandra - That's what I told Hubby, too.
Vickie - I loved that, too.
Lisa - Me, too!
Katerina - Thank you- I will do it :)
Suma - I hope so, he deserves it. And I love the t.v.!
Donna - Then you appreciate what I go through :)
SarahGray - You're right.
I have had an easy one & appreciate them because of the hard ones. Thanks for sharing the story, I enjoyed the sales guy's looking out for each other. I wonder how much a commission is on a flat screen????
Great story Wendy. I hope you slipped Lee your business card too. One good turn deserves another!
NICE post. I appreciate that you made sure the 'procuring cause' of your TV got paid.
I doubly appreciate that the 'order taker' was willing to do some teamwork.
As far as real estate deals go, they balance each other out really.
We all forget that simple lesson you gave us today. Thanks for reminding us
Wendy...
I am always conscious of people that work for tips too. We have to rely on the "honor" system quite often in life!
Hi Wendy...Lot's of good things in this story. By everyone doing the "right" thing it proved to be a good experience for both you and the initial salesperson that helped you. Hopefully the other salesperson will benefit in the same way many times over. He had a great attitude.
Kate
Wendy what a great real life story. I especially like that fact that the other salesman said.....he'd do the same for me. That's the attitude we have in our office. It's a win-win-win all the way around.
PS How are you enjoying the new TV?
Great reminder, and great story!
Kristin - I don't know, but every dollar counts!
Ellie - I too often forget to do that.
Candice - Karmic.
Russ - You're welcome.
Richard - We do
Kate - The other cool thing is I left the old t.v. at the street, because it still worked. A young lady who needed a t.v. came by and was thrilled to get it!
Anna - The t.v. kicks butt!.
Wonderful! Everyone deserves to be paid, even commission people. We just need to really educate our people better.
I have a wonderful client who is a commission sales person in the travel industry. She was very proactive in looking for a home here in north San Diego county. She would drive neighborhoods, interview neighbors about the neighborhood and call on signs to find out the status before calling me to show it.
She ran into very agressive agents in our area who would tell her, on more than one occassion, that the only way they would sell their listing to her was for them to write the contract. Being a very loyal client she always told them upfront that she was already working with me.
The would continue to try to get her to let them write the contracts. She was steadfast in her determination to use me. They would after some time tell her that they would give me a referral fee..
This wonderful lady, called them out and told them that she would never do business with them and that they were completely unethical in their behavior.
This happened with more than one agent and more than one company.
When I get buyer calls and they tell me they are working with someone, I always back off. Lately, I've been getting alot of frustrated buyer calls because our inventory is so small. They are frustrated that their offer never gets accepted due to the competition of so many buyer and not enough good properties. I always tell them, it's not their agents fault. It's just the current market and it's frustrating for us all.
We are all trying to make a living but there are good ways to conduct business.
Wendy, keeping track of commissions in appliance sales has got to be harder even than real estate. I like your caring attitude though.
Wendy,
Not everyone is as understanding as you are.
However, when I add up the hard ones and the easy ones, it's not even.
The hard ones outnumber the easy ones at least 2 to 1.
Brian Madigan
Loyalty is wonderful.....all sales are not easy....the majority for me usually has a snag. Your set a great example for others to follow.
My husband worked as a commissioned salesman in a retail setting for a company where he was required to lie to customers and tell them that their original salesperson would get credit. Needless to say he did not stay there long. Seems in this small family owned business the sale manager got tired of commission disputes so he made it so that there were none. Whomever was there to take the order got the commission. You can imagine what this did to morale. Thanks for posting this story - it's a great one!
Hmmm. Good story, great morale booster, and a definite lesson to be learned. I haven't had the opportunity to encounter anyone like, this, but when I do, I'll be certain to rmember this.
Barbara - If I get a call from someone else's client I immediately direct them back to their agent. Most agents do not want them calling others....
Gary - It might be - but it was awfully quiet at Sears.
Brian - I have the same count - especially recently.
Thanks, Kay, Becky, William and Shoshana!
Wendy, you reap what you sow. I liked this so much I reblogged you!! This type of behavior will help our economy grow, and helps us grow as human beings, too.
Do what's right. You can't go wrong with that!
I'm so glad you didn't say, "If we come back and buy this TV from you, how much of your commission will you give us back?"
Great story. Great to see buyer loyalty. I do the exact same thing with any salesman that I feel helped me in the purchase of a product.
Wendy, you've gotten a lot of positive feedback about looking out for another sales person. And, with good reason.
I, too, think the other sales person's attitude of team work with Lee demonstrates some good team work.
Alas, we don't all live in such a world.
But, it's nice to know it's possible.
Great story.
If we would all "Do unto others".
What a great compliment.......
Thats nice you did that. It will come back to you soon for doing it!
What a great message and inspiring story. I'm glad this got featured.
Thank you for bringing this subject up...many times my wife rolls her eyes when i ask the Do you work commission question. I always ask it because they deserve it...just as we deserve it.
I do believe that it evens out and I also believe that we answer later on for whether we were honest and honored someone elses wishes or "stole" their client. I like money but I like honesty and integrity more!!
Mike McCann Broker 308-627-3700
Wendy, This is a great example. Also as a new agent, it makes me feel better to hear from others that 'easy' deals are not the norm. When things are going smoothly it feels as though I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop...and lately it usually does.
Wendy,
I do the same thing and the salesmen are always thankful. :)
So well put Wendy, I'm going to tell this little story at my monthly office meeting, I think it is good for all my agents to hear!
Connie Wildasinn - Broker
WGA Real Estate - Los Angeles/Orange Coutnies
562-824-4846
Wendy, what a lovely post! I'm still waiting for the easy one!
Thanks for the info. I don't always ask about retail salesman commission but I will from now on. Haven't been to Sears in a while, but sounds like they have great salesmen.
Mary Lou Cherry
What a feel good post to read! You were great to take care of Lee, and remember his offer to help...had you been ready, I am sure he would have been glad to do all of the work right then.
Wendy - What comes around goes around, and you've got some good stuff coming your way! ~Julia
Wendy, thanks for sharing this story. I love it. If the public only knew what we had to deal with. I've had some easy ones, but I have had some VERY difficult ones. I've had some difficult ones to where I hardly made anything at all or sacrificed commission just to make the deal work. Since being in real estate, I have had a whole new respect for commssioned sales people.
I'm so glad you didn't say, "If we come back and buy this TV from you, how much of your commission will you give us back?"
LOL, Damon! That reminds me of a scumbag mortgage broker I met in Tampa about three years ago at a trade show. We were trading business cards and he told me if I wanted his business he'd need a little something out of each appraisal fee. Besides being unethical and illegal, I was thinking to myself, "Well, let's see: you make about $3,500 on an average deal (at that time) and I make $350. Just how much more do you need???" Jeez --- some people!
Great post wendy
I am a believer in "What goes around, comes around." That is the way the cookie crumbles... sometimes we work our butts off and someone grabs our sale at the last minute. They pick our brains and write offer with a hairdresser. Sometimes we make easy money, and more often than not we don't. I still try to be loyal, and give credit where it is due.
I had a similar experience with a sales guy at Sears when I was shopping for washer/dryer a long tim ago. Over the years, he has always called me with the special deals - he has helped furnish several clients' houses with amazing appliance pricing, and he is always there, ready with the answers. Repeat business for both of us - he tells his friends about me, too!
I love this post! Sales people get it. Like other have said, we as Realtors do all of the background research, take classes, work late, etc. Oh, did I mention take on the legal responsibility?? I sincerely believe in karma! Thank you for sharing!
Dawn Thomas
http://www.TheDawnThomasTeam.com
As noted above, we have all had the easy ones and the hard ones. At least this guy answered a question for you! I've done some deals where the other agent didn't even do that for the buyer!
Hi wendy,
Great post! I always do this - even before I was a Realtor. It's the right thing to do! I'm glad that you put that out there and will make it Public. As someone else said, "do unto others..." this world would be a happier place, no doubt.
Many people don't understand how we Realtors or any commission sales rep get paid. Great story.
Wendy - I would have done the same thing. It seems only fair and equitable. Not eveyrone feels that way, of course. The commission is not just about how hard or easy a transaction is.
Jeff
Dear Wendy:
What a wonderful post! Love it, Wishing you lots of easy ones!
Alexandra Seigel
www.napaconsultants.com
Sometimes you get paid for your work, sometimes you don't. If only they were all easy!
Great post, thank you for sharing. It takes a lot of effort to stay current with all the new technology choices we now have. So even though Lee answered just one easy question he well deserves his commissions.
I am in home remodeling, when I see a real craftsman working it is such a pleasure. It looks easy and effortless, but in reality, it takes years of practice to make it look this way.
When Auguste Rodin was asked how do you make a marble sculpture, he replied “I choose a block of marble and chop off whatever I don't need.”
This is what true professionals do, in any industry.
As a few people mentioned before me, I find it easier to work with sales professionals. We understand each other.
Only those of us that work on commission truly understand how it works, and how hard it is to make it, yes there are few that are very easy, but the great majority are hard, and it does get harder at times like these, helping each other is how we will all make it! Good reminder Wendy.
Antonio
It's true. Some deals are easy and some are hard.
I've done the same thing, asking the salesperson if he's on commission so I can go back to him later if I buy there.
Before I was a realtor I was a loan agent. Most loan agents think they are the center of the universe because without their financing there cannot be a deal. And most think that realtors just take people out, show them a few homes and then filled in a couple of blanks on a pre-printed contract and waited to collect their commission check. How wrong I was...Now that I am a realtor I can see how wrong I was. Actually being a loan officer is the easy part and being the realtor is the hard part. I had it backwards all those years. Sometimes I yearn for the easy days of loans, but I think those days are gone too with all the changes in the loan market. Suffice it to say, we all work hard for our commissions and some deals are easier then others, but at the end of the day it is work. I don't know anyone who goes on vacation to play realtor.
Great post Wendy. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent post. They should have a Buyer-Broker Agreement that you can fill out at Sears. :)
There might be times where you don't deserve the commission but you end up earning the commission.
When we make a large purchase, whether it's a car or furniture, unless there is someone who has helped us in the past, I always go to the manager and ask to be given a salesperson that needs the sale. We always pay cash and the purchases end up in the thousands of dollars. For some reason I get a real warm fuzzy when I see someone that makes a nice commission by doing nothing more than being there, being a good person and needing a sale. I've gotten the best service from sales people in those situations and usually end up getting a future salesperson on other purchases. Did those people deserve the sale more than others? I'm not sure but I like to think that sale helped them out.
Hi Wendy,
Your article grabbed my attention because the title suggests that people who earn commission have it easy. You did a great job of explaining that the contrary is often the case! In any form of sales where commission is the method of income, the salesperson receiving payment depends greatly on the actions of the buyer. Of course other factors are important as well - including the salesperson's impression on the customer, timing, price, etc. I think it all boils down to being in the right place at the right time! Thanks for a great article!
Paul Franciskato
It takes a similar mind to understand the commission, Wendy. Luckily for Lee, you understand his. My husband and I happened to wander over to the men's fragrance counter at Macy's a few weekends ago (we were actually there buying a present for his cousin's wedding, but happened to make our way over to the fragrance counter for some reason or another). After two hours (yes, I said TWO HOURS) of this wonderful saleslady asking my husband what kinds of fragrances he liked, which ones he owned, what smells he liked best and spraying just about every fragrance on a sampler available, my husband (not in sales at all) announced that he had decided not to buy any of them and that we were just going to be on our merry way (to my great embarrassment). I said, "Oh no. You do not waste this woman's time for two hours and decide not to buy anything. If you didn't plan on buying anything, you shouldn't have come here in the first place." At that point, I pulled out my card and bought the fragrance I liked on him the best. He couldn't understand why it was such a big deal since he was only one of three customers there during those two hours. I said, "They work on commission. She took very good care of you, listening to what you wanted and were looking for. There was no way I was gonna let you leave without buying something." He didn't understand the commission thing and now he smells really good, too. Win, win.
The world would be a better place if all sales people (and customer services representatives, for that matter) were on straight commission.
Great post. Wish all clients had the same ethic. BTW-I had almost the exact same experience, also at Sears. They seem to work as a team most often, which makes it nice to shop there. Aloha ~ Yvonne
I just had this same converstion with a friend whose house sold after three showings (in another state, so I had no interest in it). My friend said she said she (her agent) just listed and it sold,she did no work for the money. I explained to her how splits work and that some homes do sell faster than others.
Wendy: What a great post. I do agree with what you did. Another place this applies... is New Home Sales. I have worked for six major builders, and if we (the salespeople) did not work the way you describe, our jobs would be absolute hell. We took care of each other, and took care of each other's customers, too. If we didn't, we would NEVER be relaxed on our days off... fearing that one of our customers from last week might come in on our day off, and we would lose a sale.
Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you... what a great way to live, and to sell, too. Thanks so much for sharing...
Wendy-Another thought- Nestor has always been in sales. He would tell the managers when they would threaten to chop up territories that the salespeople are who the company needs. The sales people come back with the feedback from customers as to what the company should produce, not the other way around! Also, without sales people no product would move in the world. People say often, I am not a salesperson. I love to say, of course you are. Everyone one is. A child is a salesperson when he wants his mom to buy him a toy. The husband and wife are selling, when one wants to eat Chinese and the other Italian. Sales happen all the time everywhere even when people don't want to admit it. :)
Hi Wendy,
You're right, he does deserve his commission. I have to say though, I can't remember the last time I had an easy sale either.
Aloha Wendy,
I read your blog and I just want to say hurray for such being such areasonable human being. To be aware and conscious enough to see how it all balances out and that we ourselves should not be the judge of who is deserving and not deserving. I just thought it was well written. We have a tendency when we know someone is depending on us to determine whether they shall get a commission or not to be quite judgemental. As if they should work for every penny- but you are so eloquent in putting in a such a real and grateful perspective. Thank you or Mahalo in Hawaaiian. (emailing you from our wonderful Island of Maui).
Jeannie Kong
Love the number and tone of responses that you got from posting your story - nice.
Wendy: I'm surprised your husband didn't ask the salesman some kind of a rebate. . like a cut from their commission? like that other TV store ZIP REALTY?
I was at the AT&T store twice last week, deciding on how to add in my daughter's first cell phone to my plan the first visit, and then bringing her with me on the second visit, where she picked out the phone, the color, the phone number, and I got a new blackberry while I was there, as the changes were going to renew the plan again, etc. I made sure to schedule the second visit for when the wonderful salesperson from the first visit was there (I'd asked for his hours over the upcoming week) and he very patiently and knowledgeably and spent a great deal of time with us - A good TWO HOURS!! I have already handed his card out to two other friends and clients, and will continue to do so. (He also has my cards as well!)
There will always be value in helpful, caring, professionals, guiding others in making choices (from phones to homes)!
Best regards, Gretchen
Wendy... Great story. Thank you for blogging about it. What goes around, comes around. I'm sure the associate *would* do the same thing for Lee. We all work hard... sometimes hard than others, but we all deserve recognition.
I've always wondered why realtors make so much and in fact didn't feel like they earned their commission until we sold our last home at the beginning of this down cycle. It took 15 months to sell the house, and our buyer didn't show up until we were evaluating tenants to rent to.
As we go through life, sometimes things go our way and then other times its just not in the cards...Just to bad that not everyone thinks the way you do Wendy...
Duane
We are paid for what we know, not what we do. Our years of experience prepares us to answer questions with a minimum of stress for our customers or clients. That's why we occasionally sell a home with little time or work apparently involved. The very fact that we are in a position to benefit from the "easy sale" is only because we have prepared ourselves to "be there" and offer our help to the consumer who just wants answers.
Wendy, I'll bet I bought the same TV last Christmas. ;-)
I went to Sears knowing exactly which model I wanted, so my "Lee" barely had to sell me. So what if the transaction took all of 15 minutes. That's what he's busting his buns for ... sometimes for the person who makes it easy for him. For a change.
Great story Wendy! and a good reminder to all of us as commissioned sales people to aspire to help others in our industry and profession. I hope I can aspire to be that person who helped Lee make that sale!
One question - was Lee not there when your husband went back to buy or would he have asked for Lee to help with his purchase?
Congratulations on another featured post Wendy. I hope you are enjoying your TV!
Good job Wendy...we are also "commission conscious"....not had too many homes sold on the first showing or listed cuz you drove past....easy is hard to come by and well rewarded...great blog !
Wendy,
Lenn said it all. It is all about the groundwork we lay early in our career.
This post really hit the nail on the head Wendy. In fact you said it so well, it became my FIRST EVER, re-blog. Thank you for sharing...
I'll never understand why some people feel that since we are paid on commission that we should somehow jump through hoops.
There is a principle involved here not to mention, "we reap what we sow!"
Wendy -
That is what makes working on commission so fun and challenging! Sometimes it is those little deals that are the most difficult and then you will get a big one that just falls into your lap.
Edie
Great post and a good illustration of how and why we get paid. Glad your hubby learned something about the way you work!
Hi Wendy....Excellent story! I am always careful whether it is on the phone or in person, to make sure that person gets the credit. If they are not nice to me, I also have no qualms about changing to a more friendly person as well. What I liked most about your story is that the salesperson so took the final order, trusted that his fellow colleague would do the same for him. That was great! Best--Kathleen
Awesome article, Wendy!
Excellent article Wendy! When I work with someone on commission, I make sure to get their name and card also especially when they are very helpful.
Thank you.
Exactly - some sales are more difficult, some are a piece of cake! It all evens out in the Universe -the Sales Universe!
Great Post Wendy, I would have done the same. My husband alsways asks why do we work for free. Last weekend I answered a cal the client called 5 other Realtors no one answered there phones. She say you happen to be Johnny on the spot. I have 2 homes Idid like to see tomorow at 9am and I'm flying out at noon. So of course I ask myself is she for real? Why would you wait till the last minute. My gut told me just do it you never know.
I showed the 2 homes and she made an offer on one, the second is her back up in case this one doesn't go.
I've worked my butt off the last 6 months and have to say this was the easiest client i've had. Already knew what she wanted did the research on her own (like Wendy). So I guess I feel like Lee.
I love it! Thanks for that.
Thanks for sharing this great story. It goes without saying for many of us but always a good thing to remember when circulating outside our "real" estate world. :-)
Great post. We all have a story or two...I think Damon touched on it. The is one I get more often than not from a buyer "...this was an easy sale for you...therefore you should give back some of your commission..."
To which I always respond...If you were paying my commission I would be more than happy to negotiate it with you and further, I take issue with your point that this was an "easy sale". You really have no idea what's involved making a successful transaction and protecting your interests which I presume you want me to do for you using my professional knowledge, experience, and tools available to me. Right?
Only once did i give up $500 (customer asked for $2,000!) in the name of goodwill. At the end of the day, there was no good will. The customer felt they got a bad deal anyhow and I vowed never to give up a nickel again at the customer's request. Since then, I have several times because I thought it was the right thing to do and those instances paid back in spades.
As I've said for years, sometimes you don't need to be good...but you must be THERE. The salesman was THERE and in many cases that is more than enough. Knowing the TV had speakers wasn't a big deal, but being there to answer the question was a big enough deal.
Sometimes we pay for the pizza, sometimes we pay for it to be delivered. From my racing days there is a saying; "to finish first you first must finish." Agents need to be THERE more: answer the %$^&* phone, return emails, be approachable in an open house, contacts FSBOs, call all your past clients. Be THERE.
Tell Lee he is my go to guy for TV and you are the go to agent for Real Estate in Destin..
Congrads on the feature blog
You do the right thing in life and it pays off! Great example of being a GO-GIVER! I just wrote an offer on a home that has been on the market 2 days....the sellers may say the same thing about their agent...well he didnt have to do much, it sold in 2 days!! Sad thing is some of those sellers believe that!
Mary Jamison
www.list2buync.com
Some deals are easy, some are hard. That's just the way it is. Lee might have killed himself with the previous three customers.
Love this post! Because "that's just the way it is" in the sales industry.. many times, very challenging sales while some sales simply handed to you but it's part of the job when commission is part of your thriving & surviving. The public sees Realtors as writing a contract and getting paid but not the good & bad in between of each & every deal.
All the great compliments, it seems I have a disagreement. Wendy writes, "If someone called me up because they found a house, then grabbed me to write an offer, would I not deserve a commission?" Maybe no! There's not enough facts to reach judgement.
Briefly, how did the someone 'find' the house? Was there another Realtor involved with the find? If yes, how? Perhaps that Realtor deserves the commission? Is a commission deserved simply because someone 'grabbed' you to write an offer?
Not all sales are easy and Realtors should cooperate with one another; but we all know there are times a Realtor doesn't deserve the commission.
Great post, Wendy. I've found myself buying things in the past because I respected the effort the salesperson had put into the sale, because I know where they're coming from. Of course, my girlfriend is rather upset with some of those purchases, but. . . . It is nice to see people get recognized for the effort they put into things.
Dan
Morning Wendy, What a terrific example not only of the lack of understanding on the part of the public but also the " averaging " effect of our daily jobs. Well done.
Great post!! I am like you, if a salesperson assisting me is on commission, and I am not purchasing at that very moment, I make sure they get the credit for the sale. I am with several of the other post in saying "kudos" need to go to the other sales person for his team work. You do not always get that kind of teamwork at all establishments or from all salespeople. Our office is one in which we share information and help each other so that we all can be successful.
Heather - Sometimes we have to "school" our husbands, don't we?
Brenda - Correct, Lee was not there, and believe me, my husband would have asked for him!
Thomas - Example was for Hubby's benefit - to illustrate "easy" sale, I was not building a detailed background story for him:) One of the questions my team asks buyers is if they are working with another agent. If they are - they must go back!
Thank you everyone for sharing your sales stories here and spreading the word, too!
Thomas,
You said that "Not all sales are easy and Realtors should cooperate with one another; but we all know there are times a Realtor doesn't deserve the commission."
I assume you mean the amount of commision. Every Realtor does deserve A commission. We got a license for that one purpose. Maybe the level should proportionate to the amount of time and effort spent on getting the closing but I think you are suggesting we Realtors are just taking advantage of people.
If you get an easy deal and you do not think you deserve the commission, you can always rebate the client. Or you could share it with us Realtors who have more hard deals than easy ones.
Hi Wendy,
I too have experienced the easy and hard sales - Love the fact that you took care of the sales person at Sears and that the sales agent covered for his associate - I always try and take care of the salesperson now that I know how hard it sometimes is when you work on commission only.
Wendy,
I applaud you! I make it a habit to ask each salesperson (on large purchases) if they're commissioned; they truly seem to appreciate that I care and give super service! Once when buying a large ,expensive refrig for which the SALEMAN went out of his way to be helpful, the deliveryman (not commissioned/not caring!)came hours BEFORE we had agreed upon. And no one was home! I called and cancelled the order if it wasn't delivered THAT DAY! The salesman hopped on the truck and got it delivered THAT NIGHT! He had seen HIS hard earned commission going to his competitor! Besides getting a tip, he got a punching bag (no longer punched at my house!) that he admired! It was a win-win situation!
Kathy Opatka
Great story and it sure does apply to all salespersons that work on a commission bases. I was in Chico's one day and one lady spent a lot of time with me. She then left as her time was up. When I got to the counter to pay for the items I purchased, I told them who had helped me. They said it was okay because they do not work on commission. I just wanted to make sure she was taken care of in case they do.
I always like to see the person that worked hard for me get the credit. I leave good tips too. The harder I work on commission the more important I realize these things are to others.
I really liked the 2nd salesman's response- shows great integrity! That's the way to earn customer loyalty in my book.
Wendy, thanks so much for this post! I wish this kind of attitude could be shared with all consumers! I have buyers I have been working with about a month. We've been looking at houses, even verbally tried to negotiate an offer. Now, they found a FSBO and looked at it on their own because they knew the person and those sellers "don't want a Realtor involved" because one of them works at an attorney's office and can take care of everything. Frustrating that I've spent time, gas, effort, etc. to help them find a house and now to no avail. I guess that's the name of the game but we have families to feed as well. Sometimes I wish there was a better understanding of what life is like as a commission-only salesperson. Thank you for being an understanding consumer when the shoe is on the other foot and thanks for sharing!
Good story Wendy! I always like to give my fellow salesmen the commision as well.
Wendy,
I like to think that you exhibited what is known as "common courtesy". You thought about the other person before you thought of yourself. And in doing that, I know you are exactly the kind of Realtor I would love to make a referral to.
Michael
Wendy, I am glad you "made" your husband do the right thing. It is often difficult for people who work outside commission based sales to understand how they get paid.
My real estate partner's dad used to work for HH Greg and he was 100% commission- meaning no sales = $0.
Great post, we salespeople have to stick up for one another!
I had a thought (no comments, please): How about if EVERYONE worked on commission? I mean, not every engineer I know puts in a full 8-hour day, but they get paid for one! I put in a minimum 10-hour day as do most of you, if not more, and get paid when I produce something. If I don't produce, I don't get paid. Why do former restaurant workers always tip well when they go out to dinner? They know how hard the job is and appreciate the effort. Until you've worked as a commissioned salesperson you don't have a clue. Good job respecting and standing up for your fellow salesperson.
Wendy,
I once had a client in a lower income group and I was really committed to helping her. I ended up showing her over 30 homes, (More than I've ever done before or since), because she just wasn't liking anything for resale and refused to look at builders models. (For all the helpful people out there I'm a professional Buyer's Agent, do a consult and use an Exclusive Agency Agreement - But this lady was different). She ended up walking into a model home center without me and buying a house from a builder who did not cooperate with Realtors! Sure, I could have caused a fuss and sued her and blah, blah, blah, but I never believed that kind of negative energy was worth while.
Conversely, an acquaintance from Church called me one afternoon. Someone I knew and they had one of my business cards, however I had never done any work for them. He asked me to give a Builders Rep my information over the phone and handed the guy his cell phone. He said he had already located a home he wanted to buy, but he informed the Builders Rep that I was his agent and he wouldn't do the deal if I wasn't being compensated. With 5 minutes of effort to fill out a form and fax it back, (plus reviewing the contract and attending closing) I earned $10,000! Sometimes there is a little justice out there!
What a great story and congrats for honoring the hardworking sales people. Would love to have a blog on how to work with an engineer. Maybe from your husband's perspective! Gina
It's true that some deals are easy while others are difficult; and, some never result in a sale at all, even though your efforts could have played a part in the buyer's decision to purchase.
Im the same way when I go shopping for something and if someone is on commission and were very helpful, I make sure that I go back to them. Even though its not as big as buying a home, there's that sense of loyalty there. They took the time to help me, I shouldn't go behind their back and cheat them out of their pay. Obviously, I've had that done to me. still am trying to decide to take him to the board on it...
Excellent!
We had the same thing happen to us.(with a washer / dryer).
My wife (a registred nruse) also did not understand why he should get the commision.
Of course, I also gave the saleman one of my business cards (follow your money...)
Geno
This is a fabulous post, Wendy. I love everything about the story! The comments are terrific too!
"I'm so glad you didn't say, "If we come back and buy this TV from you, how much of your commission will you give us back?" " Damon, that's hilarious! It's amazing that from Las Vegas to New Jersey, buyers have the same crummy dialogue!
Loved Heather's comment (#65). Hubby "didn't understand the commission thing and now he smells really good, too."
I was going to quote David Knox and mention how important "Being There" is, but David did it himself! (#100)
You tell 'em , Wendy! What goes around comes around. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (It's in the Bible, everyone, remember??????)
Your husband needs to spend a year as a commission sales person and come back in one year to tell the tale. Besides, like retail, the commission vomes from the seller, not the buyer. Lee's commission was coming from Sears, NOT from your husband's pocket.
Lee was instrumental in you and your husband getting the TV you wanted. Period. Whether he worked for 5 minutes or 5 hours. Like you said some deals are easy and some hard. And he definitely would have done the same for you.
And, once again, that little "Do unto others" phrase? It's in jthe BIBLE.....and it works!
This was a great story...thanks for sharing!!! I am so glad your set your hubby straight. I know I almost feel guilty when I have an easy deal and obviously I shouldn't as most are quite difficult now days! Thanks Wendy!
Great message there, thanks for sharing it. What goes around, does indeed, come back around.
Thanks for the enlightenment. This so true. What a great way to look at it
I do love your blogs.
What strikes me is that your husband doesn't understand the world of commission sales. I do not think any of our spouses or friends that are hourly or salary employees have a true understanding of how we (commissioned salespeople) make a living.
This is a perfect example of how we should better explain our right to compensation for the work we do. Thanks for a good story!
There is a place in town my husband I love to eat. They have "servers" and "servers assistants", I only know this because my daughter worked there in high school. The SAs get a small cut of the waitresses tips for the night and the server takes the order and goes away and sa does the rest of the work, delivers food, keeps drinks full, steak sauce, extra napkins, do you want coffee and dessert. So we pay our bill and put 15% tip on the table, then I quietly go and slip another 5% into the SA's pocket as we leave and thank them. My husband understands and my friends question this practice only if they are not also on commission.
My husband and I have always respected the commission based sales associates at stores/dealerships/etc. Funny how we, as Real Estate Agents, don't get the same respect or appreciation most of the time.
Thanks for the story. It will stay with me for some time.
Laura
Hi Wendy
Yes we do need to take care of each other for sure, my other thing is to try to use as many local small businesses as possible so that they can make a living and stay afloat ...
enjoy the TV
Wendy,
You set a great example! So few people demonstrate respect for each other any more...you are a jewel. Thanks for the post!
Wendy that's a great story! That is what I do and I have to kick the hubby about sticking with the same guy we talked with so he gets the credit (or commission). In our line of work I just think it is important and I believe what goes around comes around.
Wendy,
Being in various sales positions I totally agree with you, some are easy and some are very hard and they do balance out I wish a lot more people would think and act that way!
I always do the same thing, asking if they are on commission. I've been amazed in the past how many are not. I would think those that are would be more inclined to make the sale happen. We all work far too hard not to be mindful of others doing the same.
Great story!
Wendy ... Thanks for this post and reminder that we as RE sales persons need to take care of our customers and clients, and our Realtor friends, especially for protection of their clients relationships and commissions deserved and earned.
Great story Wendy. Thanks!
Wendy you and I are on the same page here. In fact I have been in this same situation on a few occasions and done exactly the same thing. It is great when someone recognizes how a commission based business works. It is too bad more people did not think this way.
I agree too. Sales is a hard job and nice that yu reward someone that helps you first.
I worked most of my life for a salary and had never seriously thought how life would be living on commission or even considered how life could be without a guaranteed stream of money coming in.
I am now since several years in the real estate business as a realtor and owner ,but not necessarely depending on my real estate income.
The word "commission" is now something I understand and have seen the impact on people.
To be honest I am glad that I did not have to support my family on commission ,it causes too much stress and uncertainty, as well as an irregular life style, based on spend it when you have it, and borrow when needed and pray that things get better soon , like many realtors are doing now.
I believe that many new real estate agents are lured in the business on false promisses and don't understand what is waiting for them. This is ofcourse the same for many other sales persons and that is why many give up very quickly.
In my former company sales persons had a fixed salary that could be enhanced by bonusses.This bonus system was also inplace for other managers ,but it was always stressed never to live assuming you will get the bonus.
I agree that the general public has no understanding or sympathy for commission based sales people,they are seen as greedy and pushy ,not necessarely as desperate earners who have to support their family,and who need our support and loyaltee.
Wonderful Post, in sales as in life we will have to watch out for each other. Every hard working sales person deserves a easy sale now and then in this market climate.
It would be nice if people who did not work on commission went through it for one day to understand the frustrations of not getting paid when you think you should.
I got accused by a client a couple months ago of not really working to earn the money. He was buying the home he lived in (he was on a lease purchase of a home that was foreclosed on) The bank was easy to work with and this should have been a slam dunk deal. BUT NO - 60 days nothing but problems. Becoming one of my hardest deals in a long time. Would love to be able to express how difficult this became - but of course I am the professional and I handled every detail to get it closed!!
Good karma works, eh? There must have been something you liked about the salesman.ku
Hi Wendy...I like this post, thanks :-)
And may this TV bring you many years of trouble free viewing!
My big question is where are all the "easy" sales these days? Most of the time I end up doing the work of the agent on the other side and the lender as well...But I still haven't found out how to claim their commissions yet! =)
Wendy, When those "easy" ones come along, we feel a tiny bit guilty until we think about so many others. My hubby reminds me of the really difficult transactions. Thanks to Gail Harris for re-blogging this excellent post.
WOW!! How did I miss this one? What a perfect analogy this is. I bet Lee is spreading some pretty good stuff about you Wendy. very fdew people would have given him a secong thought. Very cool.
There's a point that most of the responses seem to miss. Yes it's a great story and the loyalty of the client and coworker are admirable. But how often do we see agents do too much and work themselves right out of a sale. Lee knew when to back off and let the transaction happen. Sometime we need to get out of the way and just let the transaction take place. We are not paid for the amount of work that we put in (which at times can be overwhelming) but we are paid for results.
Wendy, Congratulations on the feature! Lee was fortunate that he was dealing with you and your husband. As many buyers don't take the time nor do they care who gets paid.
Wendy. Sometimes we are just in the right place at the right time. We deserve the commission because we advertised correctly and because we picked up the phone. We DID do something to get the sale though.
Wendy - All I can say is WOW and congrats on the feature!
VB
Wendy: Watch out for the comment above me. It is a spam comment. I have seen perhaps ten of them tonight. Also... I suggest you NOT click on the link... since it is spam... and may lead to some virus or trojan horse. I suggest you DELETE the comment. Take care...