In working at a pharmacy in high school, I was required to sell lottery tickets. When customers came to purchase a ticket, I did not want to encourage them to buy by any means. which I think is a rather unwise use of money, monetarily considering the low chances of even making a profit. Although I was not very conflicted internally, I think is a rather unwise use of money, monetarily considering the low chances of even making a profit. I would just just think of the unfortunate way they were spending their money. My co-workers would often make it a fun experience for the customer, encouraging them to go all out if they wanted. I could not bring myself to give more than a smile, never trying to persuade to buy. Thus, I really forfeited any attempted sales talents in that specific scenario, except for running the transaction for them.
When people do not believe what they are selling is going to solve a customer’s problem, it is impossible for them to genuinely be a salesperson. Selling is all about finding a pain and providing a solution. In regards to the lottery tickets, I could tell the purchasers had a pain of lack of money and/or wanting fulfillment through the excitement of wondering whether they will be winners or not. These customers thought purchasing lottery tickets would get them money and fulfillment through being entertained. I knew the purchase is not going to solve these problems, but is more likely to leave them with less in their pockets and fail to leave them truly fulfilled. Not believing in the product, there would be no way for me to be a genuine salesperson. I can sell them, but to be a genuine salesperson, one must believe their solution will be a problem-solver.
BoweryJE22
I love lottery tickets. I think they are a fun way to lose money. I have never won big, a few bucks here and there, but it keep me coming back for the sole reason the low, low, low possibility you can win big. I really like how you connected lottery tickets and selling. I like this metaphor. Great Job!
I guess it really does all come down to how much you believe in your product. It is very hard to sell something you don’t believe in.
Great article but its ashame how much money people lose on tickets. Such a poor economic choice.
I think that having to sell something you don’t believe in is one of the worst tasks ever. Thanks for sharing a personal example. Next time maybe you could practice the sales habit of asking them questions to understand their motivations!
This post makes me think of what Anna shared in class about not wanting to sell soda to people. You two definitely have a shared experience in terms of disagreeing with people’s choice but having to be a part of them.
I’m sure it wasn’t easy watching people throw away their money on a couple tickets especially having to run the transaction for them. And it’s interesting that your co-worker had the polar opposite opinion about it.