Ah, I need to get this off my chest now. Working on a Production account for more than two years.
Did the demo for the client (almost two years ago), followed up and had some meetings over those two years. In fact had a meeting last month where the client agreed to have the C7200 installed on Presidents Day. I had to get the docs ready prepped (so many options) and had to email them for the final review. At least a few times he state, "be patient once the existing lease expires you will get the order".
Hey, I never assumed that I had the order, because you don't until you have the documents. However every step of the way was getting us closer to the end.
After a month of hearing that he is sick, his press guy is sick, his building needs to be inspected. he told me he would call me today to "review".
So, early today he calls my cell to tell me that he bought the C7200 from Ricoh Direct. I asked why, he stated pricing was similar however he felt more comfortable with Ricoh Direct service.
I'm sorry but this is one of the few times that I went off and read him the riot act. He stated the new system was being delivered tomorrow and with that I asked why he was stringing me along the entire time. Especially when he did promise the order to me, and WTF maybe call me and tell me you're thinking about Direct. I can then tell you all of the pitfalls of Direct.
Customers wonder why sales people are so jaded. The main reason is because many customers don't give a frak if they lie to you (you're just a salesperson).
But God forbid if we should every fib to customer, client or prospect.
I also know what Ricoh Direct did. They threw us under the bus and stated why would you buy this device from a dealer our support is so much better.
I don't want to wish anyone bad things. But this guy takes the cake!