I see this more of a lesson in persistence paying off, and understanding your client, their needs, how to predict and answer their questions, and behave to sell effectively (in this case usage of the environment) - things any entrepreneur in any business needs to know.
Yes, it is a social hack and manipulation to an extent (I don’t agree with bringing the kids in etc., that is low), but these are the same lessons and issues found in most business (merchant wants as much as he can get, client is often reluctant to buy until they see the benefits to them, and in order to reach a deal there is often much bartering and negotiations to be had).
Are some of the people we meet and network with, especially in business conferences and trade-shows, any different? Are price negotiations between the companies we interact with any different?
Simply put, the rug sellers understand what they are selling, what people are willing to pay, and how to sell it to them, and these are things all people in business should know. If win-win can be achieved (client thinks they are getting a bargain and seller is happy with sale price) then all the better. If you buy a rug, are happy with the rug, are happy with the price, what is the problem?
It is really market competition, and in many cases desperation, that is the root of the unethical behaviour. I do not agree with using pressure tactics, misleading "consultative" selling (was what he was teaching them about rugs true or was it tailored to his needs?), inferior goods supplied ("bait-and-switch"), or the multitude of other things that occur. But I see similar behaviour occurring in many high pressure environments, especially in the financial services sector (some stock brokers come to mind).
+1 to you sir.
The author did not think that he was conned or purchased an inferior product or paid too much or even purchased something unnecessary. This is a success story of how to sell a luxury item that both parties agree was an unnecessary item, with the customer being actually satisfied at the end.
The magic of the Turkish Carpet isn't about closing the sale, it's about the sale process accumulating in the fact that you feel good that you've made the purchase. The entire process was really all about the customer receiving attention, trivia, entertainment and respect -- these are all added values to the end product.
A lot of web apps are completely unnecessary : what can we learn from these guys to sell well made but unnecessary stuff?
Yes, it is a social hack and manipulation to an extent (I don’t agree with bringing the kids in etc., that is low), but these are the same lessons and issues found in most business (merchant wants as much as he can get, client is often reluctant to buy until they see the benefits to them, and in order to reach a deal there is often much bartering and negotiations to be had).
Are some of the people we meet and network with, especially in business conferences and trade-shows, any different? Are price negotiations between the companies we interact with any different?
Simply put, the rug sellers understand what they are selling, what people are willing to pay, and how to sell it to them, and these are things all people in business should know. If win-win can be achieved (client thinks they are getting a bargain and seller is happy with sale price) then all the better. If you buy a rug, are happy with the rug, are happy with the price, what is the problem?
It is really market competition, and in many cases desperation, that is the root of the unethical behaviour. I do not agree with using pressure tactics, misleading "consultative" selling (was what he was teaching them about rugs true or was it tailored to his needs?), inferior goods supplied ("bait-and-switch"), or the multitude of other things that occur. But I see similar behaviour occurring in many high pressure environments, especially in the financial services sector (some stock brokers come to mind).