In China, we got out of school around 4 and my home was only a block away. It only took me one minute to get to my classroom if I was sprinting. I usually went to school unguarded since I lived so close. That’s the background.
Throwback to a Friday, 2008. The school ended just on time and there were already lot of salespeople from cram schools trying get kids like me to sign up at the main school entrance. It was crowded at the entrance. For those who do not know what cram school is, it is like a interested oriented test-prep tutoring session.
But I did not know who they were. I was taught to not talk to strangers growing up. So to me, they were strangers and most likely dangerous. I did not want get stuck inside the crowd and I somehow managed to get out of it. Then, I got stopped by this person.
He approached me with politeness. He quickly introduced himself and his cram school and asked me if I was interested in learning English, to which I answer “sort of” even though I did not want to continue the conversation. Then he asked me for my name and contact information. At this point, I was a little scared because I have never had a conversation with an adult stranger and I just really wanted to go home, so I lied about my name, thinking that he would let me go now. However, he continued to ask for my contact information. I was like “I already told one lie. That’s enough lie for today. But I really do not feel comfortable giving away my contact information”, so just stood there and remained silent. He was like “It’s okay kiddo, you can trust me, we are not bad guys.”
Now, I was somehow convinced that he was trying to stall me so his “accomplices” can get me from behind. I was scared. However, I did not just took off because I thought it would be rude to him (What if I was wrong? What if he is just doing his job?). After like 5 minutes, a security came and told him to let me go.
Moral of the story: Do not lie to salespersons. Be honest with them because they will not give up unless you tell them its a hard no. Treat them with respect so they do not screw you on deals. Most importantly, know your customers. If one shows lack of interest, move on to the next one. He probably could have gotten a few more to sign up if he was not stalled with me.
BoweryJE22
Wow! Interesting story! I like how you said to show them respect and not lie. I think sometimes they get stereotyped and that is an unfair judgement to make. It is better as you said not to lie and just show them that you are not interested and hopefully they will move on.
Interesting story. Thank you for sharing!