[maxryde]

Originally Posted by screenman

I would stay away from mention of the damage too much until I have set up some rappore with the customer involved, found out something about them, got some common ground, had a laugh, made them friends and then let them try and say no. Now I know this sounds too simple but it is how I work and it works for me, I am lucky enought to be able to pull it off. It is never easy to cold sell to somebody before you make good personal contact with them, it is easy to say no too complete strangers but you try saying no too friends, it is a lot lot harder. If they say no start begging. The last bit was a joke.

I very much agree with this thought, I find that during the repair process I usually engage in small talk and before the repair is done many customers have become more than acquaintances. I believe that many folks have come to me as the result. When they see us laughing and having a good time it makes it easy to want to be a "part of", I feel the first customer is the "Ice breaker" then it is up to me to make them comfortable, then the conversation and ensuing laughter and smiles tell the passing prospect that this is a "good thing". They sell themselves many times. This works weather in a cold call environment or tent etc...