Dear Jacquelyn, The other day, I went to a big retailer and crossed paths with a salesperson who was pushy. After the first couple of tries to excuse myself, I started to feel uncomfortable. I was not interested in the product he was selling and he would not take “No” for an answer. How do you politely tell a persistent salesperson you are not interested?

Dear Reader,

Working in sales is about convincing potential customers they can’t live without a product. You just so happened to encounter an aggressive one who wouldn’t take “No” for an answer. Salespeople know that their persistence can break your resolve.

A common sales strategy is to engage you in conversation, keep you talking. Your savvy salesperson was hoping you might eventually run out of excuses and give in. When you understand basic sales tactics, you can turn the tables and break away easier.

The next time an overly ambitious salesperson frustrates you, remain polite and calm. Be prepared with a basic response, but be firm with your words. Simply say, “No, thank you. Have a good day.”

Seasoned salespeople are also skilled at reading your body language to determine if you are going to buy a product. Send the message that you’re uninterested by not making eye contact, turning and walking away. He or she should get a clear signal that you’re not interested. Remember, if the salesperson senses you’re on the fence, he or she will continue the sales pitch.

Don’t take it personally when you encounter a forceful salesperson. He or she is just doing his or her job, and if the salesperson is doing it right, he or she won’t make you feel like running in the opposite direction.

Respectfully Yours, Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation. All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2019 Jacquelyn Youst