Do sales reps get on your nerves?

[optigirliegirl]

I have been an optician for over 15 years and I am now a sales rep in the industry. Please let me know what you like and dislike about your sales reps and how I can do a better job. I really appreciate your time!!!! Thanks all!

[Jacqui]

I really wish they would schedule an appointment instead of just dropping in.

[MarcE]

I have been in this industry for a short time. But, by observing the good and bad reps, I think I could be a good one. Here is what you should do
1. Show up (I'm surprised that some never do)
2. Have my sales sheet (Again, come armed with info)
3. Do an inventory (Many are lazy)
4. Ask "Can I replace these good sellers for you?"
Bingo, you just made your first sale.

I think the Viva reps are pretty good. They all seem to have the same story and approach. Maybe that is why they occupy so much boardspace.

One of my reps does get on my nerves. She talks too long and wedged into a conversation I was having with patient having trouble with a progressive.

[Snitgirl]

1. Know your product when asked what the frame is made of and how it's designed. Please don't say, "good question, I will need to get back to you on that"

2. If you are going to be late, please call. Don't think you're the only one with a schedule.

3. Don't come in the office smelling like a cigarette.

4. Don't "just" splash yourself with colonge or perfume. <--people do have
sensitivities.

5. Turn off your cell phone!

6. No dogs! Even though it can sit in one of those dog baggy thingys, no DOGS... :D

I know this is all common sense, BUT... believe me, there's a few reps out there that boggle my mind. :hammer:

[HarryChiling]

Snitgirl, I have to ask. Which rep brings in their dog?

[Chris Ryser]

I really wish they would schedule an appointment instead of just dropping in.


Sure...............if the call you will tell them that you need nothing and don't want to see them and have no time.

However when they drop in you have a little harder time doing above while having eye contact with them. Cold calls are not easy but if a rep succeds to show you samples he or she has succeded in the way of approach.

[LENNY]

[quote=HarryChiling;161976]Snitgirl, I have to ask. Which rep brings in their dog?[/quote

The blind one!

[EyeFitWell]

Even though I also prefer no cold calls, its the only way they can get into a store that doesn't currently carry the product. If you cold call, please drop off a catalog and a card, then leave. Do not bring in a bag of frames unless I ask to see them. This way, you get your foot in the door without taking up too much time.
Always leave a copy of the order. At least half my reps don't write out the order until they get home, and it's funny how it grows between the time they leave and the time they place the order. I know what I ordered, but I'd like a copy of your order...just to make sure we're on the same page...
Oh, here's one...if you pull out a tray and put it on the table and it sits there for a while and I don't turn one over, take the hint. Some of my reps leave it there for five or ten minutes until I say, I don't want any of these. Others are smoother, removing them after a few seconds of no interest. It makes the meeting go faster, and it feels like less pressure.
Check your messages OFTEN. Like, several times a day.
Being a rep is tough, DH tried it for a while. I'd say to just stick with it as long as you can...the payoff is there, but you've got to get yourself established first. Reps I've had that were opticians are always fabulous, so I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job!

[chip anderson]

1) Sales reps. that come in without an appointment.
2) Sales reps that stay for hours and visit with the office personell or the owner or the buyer.
3) Sales reps that don't bring the customary fifth of Canadian Club at Christmas.
4) Sales reps that pad the order.
5) Sales reps that spread gossip.
6) Sales reps that don't have a clue about thier company or product.
7) Sales reps that are of no help when a particular product or part is needed or on back order.
8) Sales reps that won't straighten out a problem with the company when the "duh people" on the company phone line won't help or warehouse search.
9) Sales reps that will not report our complaint (as a good selling quality product that is or is about to be discontinued or a crummy product that needs to be improved).

Chip:angry:

[optigirliegirl]

These are all great responses. Does your opinion change at all when it comes to a Lab rep?

[OPTIDONN]

These are all great responses. Does your opinion change at all when it comes to a Lab rep?

I've always been very fond of leb reps. They tend to be very easy going. They come in drop off some information say hello (even if we don't have an account with them) then are gone. When they are easy going I tend to keep the info on file and most likely end up doing some sort of business with them.

[Fezz]

Does your opinion change at all when it comes to a Lab rep?


Yes!!!! How come I seem to know more than any lab rep I have ever seen? I am not great, but I get, and stay informed. I visit wonderful web sites such as Optiboard, I read the trade rags, I talk with other like minded opticians, and basically...I care and want to be the best I can be. I hate having to educate the lab reps. Sore subject with me.:angry:

PS. If I stump you on a product question and you say that you will get back to me...GET BACK TO ME!!!!! Please don't make me leave you a voice mail with my answer to my own question to embarass your pathetic uneducated, unmotivated sloth of a sorry lab rep buttocks!

Ok...rant over, now back to your regularly scheduled thread...

[OptiJim]

I have been an optician for over 15 years and I am now a sales rep in the industry. Please let me know what you like and dislike about your sales reps and how I can do a better job. I really appreciate your time!!!! Thanks all!

What type of product will you be representating? Frames, labs, supplies, etc...?

I think each type of rep is viewed in a different light.

Off the subject a little, my reps love it when an account calls customer service and requests to see a rep that they want to see the frames and place an order, the rep calls the account and sets a meeting time and is punctual. Then the account doesn't order one piece. My reps love that one.

Just remember you are representating product "X". Don't take it personal if they don't like the product or don't buy. Move on. Also remember how you treated reps. I think you have a head start being an optician for so long.

[Johns]

[quote=HarryChiling;161976]Snitgirl, I have to ask. Which rep brings in their dog?[/quote

The blind one!

You so funny! :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

[ziggy]

For me the fact that you know what a lens/frame is puts you one up on a lot of reps. I hate having to explain why this frame or that one is a piece of junk. A rep, (frame, lens or contact) should be an optician.

[FVCCHRIS]

AND what doesn't! Make your appointments before the office opens if possible. I have always felt it not a very good thing to be working with a frame rep. with patients in the office. Also, in our office, we expect the reps to remove from the boards any frames left from their lines and review with the Optician they are seeing which frames can stay and what has to be returned. It should be a reps responsibility to help the Optician make sure the slow/no movers get the boot! They should become well informed exactly what will more likely sell in this office so that returns are kept to a minimum. We have let our reps manage the boards for us 4-5 years now and it seems to work well. If we tell reps not to ship an order until the Dr. has reviewed it for approval DON'T. And if we see an unauthorized order shipped by a rep. on the 29th or 30th of the month(so it will count on their check that month) guess what? YOU'RE GONE! :cry: I do think like others have said, being an Optician puts you at a great advantage. Remember, do unto others.......the way a good rep should and you will do well. Good Luck! Chris..

[Snitgirl]

Snitgirl, I have to ask. Which rep brings in their dog?

LOL, I am not one to gossip my dear Harry..... :D Company = * * * *
They no longer work for that company.

[Snitgirl]

[quote=HarryChiling;161976]Snitgirl, I have to ask. Which rep brings in their dog?[/quote

The blind one!


Good one lenny, good one!

[FVCCHRIS]

What if they're just training an unattractive co-worker?? huh? What then?:shiner:

[optigrrl]

Don't come into my lab and take up my time talking about your life.

Come in with a great attitude.

Don't try to buy my business.

Know your product line, technical specs and targeted demographics.

[LKahn]

A good sales rep is a great source of product, technical and marketing info. A good sales rep helps you understand where the action is and what products to focus on. They can also tell you what your competition is marketing so you can focus on different products. A good sales rep makes you smarter.

[Fezz]

A good sales rep makes you smarter.


I wish there were more "good" sale reps! I truly am beginning to despise the whole bunch of 'em.

[Barry Santini]

For me the fact that you know what a lens/frame is puts you one up on a lot of reps. I hate having to explain why this frame or that one is a piece of junk. A rep, (frame, lens or contact) should be an optician.

OH NO! A rep should NEVER be an optician....

Then that'll make two of us that are p/o about poor frame design/quality.

One is enough...thank you!

Barry

[optigirliegirl]

that was so helpful. I will try to keep all of that in mind while doing my sales calls. I try to be brief and just let you know about new product releases and promos. Thanks again!

[Audiyoda]

Gotta add my $.02:

-I don't mind the cold calls - leave your card and catalog. But I have other things to do.
-Never, and I mean NEVER bring up your quotas or sales goals. You'll never see the inside of my office again.
-Always hand write your order in front of me and give me a copy. if you pad the order even once, you'll never see the inside of my office again.
-Never ask for more board space - I know the trends in my office much better than you do - if you product is selling and something else isn't, I will have already considered giving you more board space before your came in for your appointment. After all, it's my job.
-Board management works for some, but don't expect to board manage with me - and don't tell me that's how your company does business. I approve every frame that comes into this office - if you don't like that, the door's to the right.
-Don't knock the competition - I have their product for a reason. You may not like it, but my patients do.
-Opticians don't make a whole lot - you were one of us and know this very well. We like the occasional gift/spif/freebie/acknowledgement of a job well done.

Good luck with your new gig - and have fun!

[cocoisland58]

If they got on my nerves they would not be invited back. I have been buying stock for over 20 years and I am loyal to my reps not the frame lines. If they get the boot I switch lines. The reps know this so are very loyal to me. I go where they go, they go where I go. I currently deal with 7 reps and that is enough. I schedule a rep once every other Thursday and they rotate about every three months. I love product and want to see what is available but my time is limited so they move along quickly for me. What I expect from my reps is simple. Customer service is the key. If I need a frame that is on back order, they find it. If I need a frame from an exclusive line that I don't carry but is part of the distributer's lines, I get it. If I want to exchange the whole line and put in something new, they do it. I don't pay shipping charges and if I am denied a credit, they take care of it. They take care of me and I take care of them.

[Cherry Optical]

Yes!!!! How come I seem to know more than any lab rep I have ever seen?

Please don't make me leave you a voice mail with my answer to my own question to embarass your pathetic uneducated, unmotivated sloth of a sorry lab rep buttocks!

Have you ever considered opening up your own lab? I would imagine with your vast knowledge you would be able to easily dominate the competition.

Adam

[Fezz]

Adam,

I may be wrong, but your reply seems a bit like a personal jab at me? If it is, I take offense. Maybe you should go back and re-read my post. Maybe I came off as a know-it-all, which is surely not the case. I am sure that you could agree that there are many uneducated, and unmotivated lab reps out on the streets. I feel unfortunate that I have not had the pleasure of meeting any lab reps that truly knew what there were talking about. The only lab rep that truly knew anything was an owner, who I didn't consider as a rep.

Again, I am not sure how to take your post. If it was not ment as a sarcastic jab, than I apologize. If it was, I would appreciate a discussion off line as to why you would post something like that. I am open to private message conversation.

[Cherry Optical]

Adam,

I may be wrong, but your reply seems a bit like a personal jab at me?

It was a bit of a jab. I clearly understand your point, that yes, there are many inadequote laboratory representatives out there. One thing I know we can agree on is that we do not know it all, that is why we are both here... to continue learning from our peers.

Adam