Sales people and following up

[Dennis422]

Recently I purchase new cutter, Graphtec FC8600-130.
OK, I understand that is pretty pricey piece of machinery and that the sales people will be all over you trying to convince you to buy it from them.
I worked with a few companies and looked at the few different models and makes.
I settled down on Graphtec and I had quotes from 4-5 different sign supply companies. Everybody was on top of their game, calling, emailing, texting....
The time came to make a decision where to buy. I made it not only depending on pricing, but also on location of the company (Warehouses) and their reputation and support availability.

After I told other sales people that I went with someone else (Yes I made that courtesy call to thank them for their time and effort), one of them basically hanged up on me, the other one could not be reached so I send an email, never got the response even after I told them that I will be looking for a new printer pretty soon and that I like something they have and other people do not. I only had one call/text back from the third sales guy and he told me that he will stop by at my place to discuss my other needs and to see if I need any help starting out.

I just do not understand how they do not understand how another 30 seconds of their time and simple "No problem. Good luck with you new cutter and let me know if you need anything else" will probably get them a sale on something else, I hope that this will not be my last machinery purchase.

I just do not understand it, I always follow up, even if I loose the sale in case they need me in the future or for something else.

I guess it enough of me ranting That is it for today

 

[Jackpine]

Dennis, I have had a recent experience with "after the sale" not much different than yours. It is about courteous treatment. Mine was from the vendor I bought the item. My sales rep got it worked out and I've moved on. He is very responsive. I still do business with the company when I need what they offer. It takes so little to be polite and respectful. Graphtec is a good product. It is a "dog eat dog " situation sometimes.... I just don't to engage......it usually works out.

 

[Locals Find!]

What you have just described it what makes the difference between a "salesperson" and an "order taker". The salesperson called you back, the order takers moved on.

 

[Ditchmiester]

I had the same experience when Ied purchased my new HP L26500. I really want buy it from my standard vendor but they couldn't come close to a different vendor in price. I hate to buy specifically off of price but I called the other vendor to explain the situation and that I still wanted them to supply ink and material and he completely understood and knew that I was still in the market for a future flatbed printer and was very understanding of the situation. He is still my go to salesmen and I will contact him about information on the new FC8600. Those couple of minutes he stayed on the phone with me after the purchase most likely got him the sale on a piece of equipment that is 5 times the cost of the HP.

 

[HulkSmash]

all that for a cutter? lol

 

[royster13]

You shopped 5 dealers for a cutter?....I can see why they did not waste any more time on you.....

 

[Suz]

Dennis, I'm like you as far as shopping for equipment. If it's a piece of equipment I know nothing about, I do check with different Dealers to get a feel for who is the most knowledgeable about the product, it's not all about price. Service after the Sale is very important to me and I'm a loyal buyer. I have Customers like that and I want to be that kind of Customer when I get the Service after the Sale.

 

[Dennis422]

You shopped 5 dealers for a cutter?....I can see why they did not waste any more time on you.....

Yup, saved $1500 from the first initial quote and did not buy the one with the lowest quote.

BTW, I contacted 3, other two followed up from the trade show where I was looking at the printer and they gave me a quote for the cutter.

And yes, I'll shop different dealer for something that has $6995.00 MSRP.

 

[binki]

We had great followup from some vendors when we purchased our Graphtec and it was a genuine inquiry as to why we didn't go with the other vendor.

Our problem now is we are wanting a laser cutter and getting someone to follow up with us beyond a mailing is tough.

 

[WildWestDesigns]

I never had a followup when I bought my Roland, but I also didn't really expect it either.

Now, Barudan has been stellar with following up rather it was for the C01 (mine has an extra attachment or two on it, so it isn't the base one) or the couple of C11s (6 head) that I have.

 

[Dennis422]

Dennis, I'm like you as far as shopping for equipment. If it's a piece of equipment I know nothing about, I do check with different Dealers to get a feel for who is the most knowledgeable about the product, it's not all about price. Service after the Sale is very important to me and I'm a loyal buyer. I have Customers like that and I want to be that kind of Customer when I get the Service after the Sale.

Exactly. I bought the cutter from Grimco and they just earned another sale from me. Bought Onyx RIP center from them.
The main reason I went with them:
Local, they have office 30 miles away.
Support up to 8PM my time (Techs on the west coast)
Sales rep gave me his cell in case I ever needed something after hours.
They work directly with Graphtec if there are any issues with the cutter.
Will go back and buy material from them.

I like to test the dealers to see how flexible they are and to see what they will do to earn my business.

Maybe that is not something you do up North

 

[Suz]

Grimco in WA State has a Salesman whose name is James. James is a great guy, always gets back to me. I chose not buy my wide format printer from them, but James has been wonderful to purchase materials from. I never forget James when he might be able to sell me something I need for a job, I check with him first. He always gets back to me on things. Sometimes he has what I need, sometimes he doesn't. Great Service and Grimco gets my orders because of James.

 

[Charlie J]

What's the difference between the FC-8000 & FC-8600?

 

[P Wagner]

What's the difference between the FC-8000 & FC-8600?

FC 8600 comes with network interface standard, in addition to USB.