It’s strange how our brains recall the sales we didn’t get faster than the orders that were successfully completed.
There’s no doubt that psychologists know why that happens, but the bottom line is that we play scenarios over and over again, reminding ourselves of how sales fell through.
Now think about this: if you gained those sales, what baggage would have come along with it?
Here are three situations designers I’ve spoken to have found themselves in after agreeing to sales that, in their gut, didn’t seem right.
1. “A good client vouched for a prospect who promised to pay later.” That customer ended up owing the designer $500 for one year before the designer marched into the client’s office, along with the town’s sheriff and court order demanding that the designer be paid on the spot.
2. “My headache always began after Thanksgiving because I knew she’d call me.” This client was stressful, going over the top with expectations for $10 and $15 gifts. The designer finally decided to send the client a “you’re fired” letter from Top 10 Letters. Only after the designer threatened to file harassment charges did the ex-client stop calling.
3. “I’m so glad I called to confirm the order, because it turned out to be fraud.” The designer spoke with the client by phone to document the $210 order. The credit card was approved, but she forgot to verify one delivery address. When the designer called the client, the credit card owner said he didn’t order anything, so she canceled the order and never heard from the fraudulent person.
These three stories are exceptions within our businesses, but these situations exist and provide reflection when you want orders so badly that you don’t take precautions.
What situation has happened in your business that makes you wish you declined the order?
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