Thursday, May 11, 2006

The Mattress

We went shopping for a mattress for Maxfiled’s new toddler bed. There were three stores in the shopping center that all sold mattresses. Lauren and I were going to go to each on to see where we could get the best value and best price.

I work in sales. Electronics. Not the appliance type stuff but more of the internal circuit board type stuff. I always give sales people a shot. I have been hung up on, told “No” to, and really work hard at winning customers over to no avail, that I sympathize, empathize and always give salespeople the benefit of the doubt. I will even give telemarketers a chance to sell me their goods. But with that being said it was quite entertaining having the mattress salesmen try and give me the hard sale.

When we walked into the store, I told him we were looking for a twin mattress for Max. I pointed to Max who, basically thought he was in trampoline heaven and explained that he was two so I did not need anything too expensive.

The salesperson, Kevin, said, “Well, how comfortable do you want him to be? Comfort is important.”

“I agree. But like I said he is two. He sleeps in his car seat, his booster seat I think he will be comfortable wherever. Besides he is only going to pee, poop, throw up and spill drinks on the mattress so I don’t want to spend too much on a mattress.”

“But isn’t his comfort important?” Kevin responded.

“So is his college education so I need to be able to save for that.”

Kevin showed Lauren what was available, while I chased Max around the store. Lauren and I spoke and decided on a mattress and agreed that we would go to the other stores in the shopping center to see what they had. I told Kevin that we would be back if we did not find something else.

Kevin said, “Why do you want to go somewhere else? We are Mattress Giant. We have been in business for 20 years with over 300 locations. We guarantee our product. You won’t get the same deal anywhere else.”

“I understand that. But I want to see if the other stores have the same thing cheaper.”

“But we have what you want right now, in stock. Why do you want to shop around?”

I kind of laughed and said, “If you saw twenty bucks sitting on the curb, would you pick it up?”

“Yes.”

“Why? Because it is 20 bucks. I am going to the place next door to see if if I can save 20 bucks.”
Kevin gave me a bit of an attitude, which I didn’t like at first, but then realized he was just sticking up for his product. Lauren, Max and I went to the other places but did not find anything worthwhile so we went back to see Kevin.

I told him the mattress we wanted and we walked over to write up the sale. As he was punching the information into his computer he asked, “Will you be needing protection for the mattress?”

“Do you mean like bodyguards? Or are you talking about protection from STD’s?”

He didn’t get the joke.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

i'm surprised kevin didn't pee, poop, throw up, and spill drinks on your new mattress in the back of the store before bringing it out to you. ;) glad you got what you needed at the best price, though!

jen said...

Hahaha that's great! I want to go shopping with you and Lauren! What a trip!

ieatcrayonz said...

You are a riot.

Anonymous said...

Only we "get" you, Bill. Once again, you had me cracking up with the protection joke. Too bad we can't say the same for Kevin.

Odd Mix said...

I have major issues with sales people like Kevin. I would probably have spent more (within reason) at another store rather than buy from him.

And my first thought was maybe Kevin's dad should have used protection.

Kate Giovinco Photography said...

LOL! I dont think Kevin had a very good sense of humor!

Just Jan said...

LOL...I'll have to refrain from dtinking my soda while reading your blog....I think I spewed my sprite all over the keyboard at your protection joke...lol. I would have loved to see "Kevin's" face.

that girl said...

oh, i get it! pick me, pick me! hahaha! what a dork! hee-hee!

Anonymous said...

I would pay money just to follow you around for a day and hear the one-liners. Love it.

Anonymous said...

I would have told Kevin to kiss off. I'm in sales and I believe in the products I sell, but if I give someone an attitude, they aren't going to buy crap from me. You are absolutely too much of a softy. You need to grow a set and stop being Mr. nice guy.

Effie said...

so what does maxfield think of his new bed?

that kevin must live off of commissions....

Nature Girl said...

OMGosh...You are the Bomb! Kevin simply had no sense of humor. I could have used you as a diversion while I was at the furniture store the other day, does Lauren lend you out? Sweet dreams Maxfield! Stacie

Anonymous said...

LOL! You are so funny and you're right....no sense of humor! He's lucky you came back and bought it off him.

Tallyflute said...

What the heck is mattress protection anyway?

Anonymous said...

Hi -- Just delurking toinvite you to add your supermom trading card to the mom'd day salute and help spread the word Info- http://hlb.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Wow. I'm in sales (real estate) and stand behind what I'm selling but I respect my client and assume they will look elsewhere. I then TRUST they will come back and work with me. If I *ever* gave them attitude for exercising their right to shop around, I would never see them again. I can't believe you went back. Glad you saved money, of course, but I'd like to kick Kevin in the unprotected nads.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love the reference to Unprotected Nads. Samantha, That is funny.

kimmyk said...

So how high can you guys jump on the new bed?
Cause I'm sure you're right there with Max jumpin...am I right?

kittenpie said...

Yeah, I hate the pressure tactic too. I totally have the right to walk out, shop around, think it over, and - if you have the best thing going, I'll be back. (and yeah - what DID he mean?)

But next time you go shopping - swing by and pick me up. I can always use a good laugh!

Anonymous said...

LOL.

You sound like you'd be a blast to be around. *Grin*

-n

Unknown said...

No sense of humor at all. I am in sales too, and I do exactly the opposite of you...I expect my sales people to be as good as I am. If they don't know their product, I bail.