When was it the last time that someone failed to sell you something? Why did he fail?

[MikeS]

Recently, I have seen a post on the Facebook from @Fox about how someone has failed to sell him a personal training.

I thought it was interesting and realized that it could be a great idea to turn it into a thread on this forum. We can all learn from the mistakes of others.

So tell me:
When was it the last time that someone failed to sell you something?
Why did he/she fail? Why wasn't the offer interesting enough?

 

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[Fox]

Thanks - glad you got some value from that post.

For context...

 

[ZF Lee]

Good thread idea!

Lemme see:

STORY 1: 'I WANT NOODLES'
I was standing outside an Indian food stall in my university.

I had went there a few times before because the food was prime.

I saw one of the servers there, so I ordered a plate of fried instant noodles, Indian-style.

He looked at me, and I thought that he looked unconfident and whiffy.

Then he started mumbling about 'food not ready' or 'come back later' or something.
Which didn't make sense because it was already lunch hour.

I struggled to make him understand I wanted noodles, and even rephrased my query several times, but he just kept mumbling.

I still haven't come back to that food stall.

TBH I don't think he was an Indian. Must be one of those foreign workers....my country has issues with them. And yes, any employee on the forefront IS a salesman as long he or she provides the customer experience.

Terrible for regular employees to think otherwise.

STORY 2:'

I was looking for clients to write copy for.

One stood out, requesting for copy aimed towards a Facebook audience to promote an upcoming webinar.
I'm not going to name this client and his business.

I decided to check out his online personal development biz and social media pages.
The personal development space is grossly overcrowded, so I went to see if he had specific offerings, such as masterminds with renowned experts or books or multiple-day plans.

None of that.

I just saw a membership and consultation scheme. So I looked at the copy write-up. It was basically just a cut-and-copy ramble on how he helped so many people be happy and smiley.

What do you offer?

Are you cut and dry? No-nonsense? Do you have intense online discussions? Tony Robbins fire-walking? How?

I still didn't know after reading the copy.

And why are you doing this? What's your back story? Did you fail in your past 4 years of business? What industry did you do? Did you hate your 9-5? Did you saw your broke parents struggle with a living?

No backstory. Zilch. Zero. The copy just bounded into, 'I am a famous, well known entrepreneur who helps people overcome life barriers and achieve success.'

How in the F*ck do I write copy for that, when I don't know who you are and what do you stand for?

The reviews left much to be desired as well.

'Mr .X inspired me to go beyond my dreams!'

'He's given me new meaning to my life!'

I'm like:



What do you offer?

I wouldn't buy from this guy.