Recently, I am rather busy trying to buy an expensive thing. Since it costs quite a lot of money and I am rather inexperience in buying that kind of things, I decided to visit a few more shops to have learned about more about the things that I am trying to buy. In the process, I realize that one of the best ways to learn about selling is to see how other people try to sell to me! Selling skills is essential for financial freedom based on my understanding of the Rich Dad's series by Robert Kiyosaki.



Basically, there are two kinds of lessons that can be learned by acting as a buyer. Firstly, I will learn the correct things that should be done by a salesperson. How do I know they are correct? Well, if I feel happy and satisfied after visiting the shop even though I never buy anything, I know that the service of the salesperson is good. I can really learn to do those things that he has done to make me feel good.

Secondly, I will learn about the incorrect things that should be avoided as a salesperson. How do I know they are incorrect? Well, if I feel unhappy after visiting the shop even though I never buy anything, I know that the service of the salesperson is no good. I should learn to avoid those things that he has done.

What are the things that I have learned from this buying experience?

Firstly, I should be patience enough to share the knowledge about the product or service that I am providing. If I am impatience, I will turn off the customer.

For example, I have visited two different shops to ask about the same kind of product. The salesperson in the first shop is very willing to share with me the knowledge about the product. He is patience enough to answers all my queries. Compare to the salesperson from the second shop, he is not willing to share the knowledge about the product and pass me a booklet to ask me to read myself. If I am a buyer, I will definitely buy from the salesperson in the first shop.

Secondly, I should know my product or service very well. In this way, I will be able to answer all queries and clarify the doubts of potential customers.

For example, I have visited two different shops to ask about the same kind of product. The salesperson in the first shop is able to clarify all my doubts whereas the salesperson in the second shop seems to be unsure of the answers. In this case, I will definitely buy from the salesperson in the first shop.

Thirdly, I should be willing to listen to the concerns raised by the customer. If I listen to him, then he will feel that I am concerned about his needs. Also, I will be able to provide solutions to his needs. In this way, I will be able to build a rapport with him.

For example, I have visited two different shops to ask about the same kind of product. The salesperson in the first shop listens to my concerns about faulty product. He gives me the assurance that there will be one to one exchange within 7 days and 1-year warranty. Thus, I will feel that my needs are being met. Compared to another salesperson from the second shop that does not listen to me, I feel that he does not care about my needs.

Next, I should be suggesting something that is within the budget of the customer. I should not try to sell him something that is out of his budget. Most products that I suggest should be within his budget.

For example, if my budget is $3000 to $4000, then the salesperson should not insists on showing me products that are more than $4000. He can show me maybe one product that is above my budget. But he should not give me the impression that he is trying to sell me something more expensive purposely. Nor should he make me feel bad that I cannot afford such an expensive product.

Then, I should be offering something extra to the customer if possible so as to make him feel special about the deal. For example, if my budget is $3000 and the salesperson gives me a special discount so that I can get the product within my budget, then I will be more than happy to buy the product from him.

As you can see, by simply switching the roles, I am able to learn a lot about selling. Selling is not just able selling products or service. I can be selling myself as potential good friend and build a network. A strong network is essential for financial success based on my understanding of the Rich Dad's series by Robert Kiyosaki.