Dealing with the buyer question?

[Can-coctions]

We've been trying to get in to see a buyer for some time now. We've sent samples. Everytime we call, we get their voicemail. We leave a message and they never return our calls. At this point, I feel we have done everything right and possible. It is one of the bigger guys and I know they are hard to meet with. I've heard this happens alot. We have moved on, but I would have appreciated a "no" or answer. Personally just leaving it up in the air ain't right..

My question is should we expect no phone returns and voicemail everytime from the bigger corporations? What are you experiences? How do you get into see them?

Thanks,

Val

[richrf]

We've been trying to get in to see a buyer for some time now. We've sent samples. Everytime we call, we get their voicemail. We leave a message and they never return our calls. At this point, I feel we have done everything right and possible. It is one of the bigger guys and I know they are hard to meet with. I've heard this happens alot. We have moved on, but I would have appreciated a "no" or answer. Personally just leaving it up in the air ain't right..

My question is should we expect no phone returns and voicemail everytime from the bigger corporations? What are you experiences? How do you get into see them?

Thanks,

Val

Yes, it is quite common. They get so much correspondence, that they rarely return any communication unless they are interested.

Rich

[Can-coctions]

Thanks Rich. Good to know for the future. Still don't make it right. I can handle a no and a little common courtesy would be nice too.

[richrf]

Hi there,

The business world can get tough. Rarely do you find courtesy. You're more more likely to run into someone who wants to steal your ideas, before you run into someone who wants to work with your on your ideas. Not returning your communication. Anyway, the thirst for money does strange things to people, and managers are too busy trying to make the next buck and don't have enough time to return communications. It wasn't always like this, but that is the way it is today.

Rich

[The Stealthy One]

Val,

Did you think about stopping by their physical office? That would have a much greater impact than a phone call.

[ltressel]

We've been trying to get in to see a buyer for some time now. We've sent samples. Everytime we call, we get their voicemail. We leave a message and they never return our calls. At this point, I feel we have done everything right and possible. It is one of the bigger guys and I know they are hard to meet with. I've heard this happens alot. We have moved on, but I would have appreciated a "no" or answer. Personally just leaving it up in the air ain't right..

My question is should we expect no phone returns and voicemail everytime from the bigger corporations? What are you experiences? How do you get into see them?

Thanks,

Val

Val,

Few things to remember:

1) Make sure that your info receiver is who you really want. A lot of times, people send information not realizing that it's actually going into the wrong department.

2) If you're only reaching voicemails be prepared to be sitting on the chopping block already. Go back to the switchboard, be nice, and ask the right questions.
For example:

Wondering if you can route me to the right person in charge of __________?
Tell them nature of your call. More than likely you would get the assistant.

________, the switchboard routed me to you. Wondering if I am at the right department. Tell them the nature of your business.

You either got the main person or you need to go the chain of command. Someone below that person.


It's a tedious process to find your right guy but it's called research and persistence. You would find that by doing this, you will have a good roster of staff that will drop the names of the people you need to talk to.

This process has worked for me may not be for some. It's a skill and combined with a good sales background can open doors of opportunities. Some folks here might disagree but when you think you got something hot to offer, you have to present the idea to as many people as possible.

There would be many NO's before you can get one YES. Don't be easily disappointed by hang-ups, dead ends, and voicemails. Like I said, it's possible that you are pitching the wrong department.

I hope this helps---


LT

[Can-coctions]

Thanks for all the insight information guys. We did show up at their door and all arrows still pointed to the same person, who has our samples (I want those back by the way). The funny thing was that they don't take cold calls and the receptionist (who didn't have to) called the buyer, low and behold he picked the phone right up (that dang caller id). Told her he was buried and to have us get ahold of his assistant, a new number to leave voicemails at? Yeehaa

Well just by chance we called....voicemail again...now we have 2 people to leave voicemails to, not really a game I want to play. I can think of alot more valuable things to do with my time than be given another phone number to leave voicemails at. I hope I don't sound like I'm upset or complaining, I'm just wanting to learn the "Contact the buyer" ropes for the first time and expectations. We've been blessed to get our product in some other stores and I'm thrilled.

Val

[Can-coctions]

Hi there,

The business world can get tough. Rarely do you find courtesy. You're more more likely to run into someone who wants to steal your ideas, before you run into someone who wants to work with your on your ideas. Not returning your communication. Anyway, the thirst for money does strange things to people, and managers are too busy trying to make the next buck and don't have enough time to return communications. It wasn't always like this, but that is the way it is today.

Rich

Rich

Unfortunately I'm learning this. Thank goodness for humor, it's my survival. Oh the good old days where did they go?

So what's the best way to protect yourself and your company? other than legal patents, trademarks, insurance, etc? Just curious?

Val