Guess I'm not much of a salesman

Johnny Smith · August 10, 2016, 08:37:16 PM

I've been trying all day to finalize a deal to ship 2000 spinnerbaits to Israel, just can't seem to get it done. I've complied with every request they have made and even got them to agree to put up a $1500 deposit before I start building their baits but I can't seem to get any response from them now.

So Far:
I've worked up a quote that they easily accepted! Check

I've contacted their choice of shipping companies (even though they can't be found online and don't seem to have a phone number) and they easily accepted the $2932.14 shipping quote as reasonable! Check

I've invoiced them for the $1500 deposit and let them know that the final bill and shipping would be invoiced separately (I have not told them that I would forward the shipping invoice for them to pay)! Check

I've tried a couple of times to let them know that the deposit needs paid in a timely manner as my busy season is fast approaching and I would not be able to guarantee delivery in 2 weeks if the order is not finalized soon! Check

I guess I've spent way too much time on the water or in the woods and now wish I knew more about this "big" sales world that I've gotten myself in to so if anyone has any advise for me, it would be greatly appreciated!
I could sure use the $1500 to get my Musky line of baits off the ground

Bud Kennedy · August 10, 2016, 09:21:02 PM

Johnny, just some words from someone who has done business in that part of the world. As a new business you are on soft ground with this sale. Unless you have an agent in country to help you through the red tape and payment hoops, I would advise that you might want to spend your time back in the good ol USA. This is not a part of the world to rush into and especially not as a solo endeavor. Take some time to understand who are registered agents that can facilitate sales like this. Don't get too greedy, business is business. Stand your ground on the payment deal and don't trust anyone. You will find it might just be better to walk away. If your proposed buyer is really serious they will have a U.S. Based rep contact you but they will expect a fee for their services. A letter of credit through a U.S. Bank is the best way to go.

cd1 · August 10, 2016, 09:23:41 PM

I've been in sales for the past 19 years. I sell investments to banks. It's a high pressure, cut throat industry. If there is one thing I can tell you to be...it's persistent. You'd be surprised how many times you may have to call someone who wants to do business with you. Sometimes people get busy, they still want to do the deal, they just have a lot of things going on. I can't tell you how many times a guy has seemingly "gone cold" only to reappear out of the blue and drop an order on me. If you're polite and persistent I think you'll get it done. That will never change either, in sales you will always have to be persistent.

I'd call them every two or three days to check in and see if you can get them to move. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Johnny Smith · August 10, 2016, 09:38:57 PM

Sorry guys, I thought I had posted that to where anyone would see "Scam"

Their shipping company not having a phone or website and wanting over $2900 to ship a 70 pound box of spinnerbaits pretty much says it all to me.

Bud Kennedy · August 10, 2016, 09:52:18 PM

I think if you examine our posts. We believed it to be a scam as well. We were just being polite and did not want to say you were a damn fool.

Besides you have better things to do like making sure you send some cash to that Nigerian Prince.

Johnny Smith · August 10, 2016, 10:18:46 PM

Quote from: Bud Kennedy on August 10, 2016, 09:52:18 PM
I think if you examine our posts. We believed it to be a scam as well. We were just being polite and did not want to say you were a damn fool.

Besides you have better things to do like making sure you send some cash to that Nigerian Prince.

Too much work and not enough play makes Johnny a dull boy

I've always said "You've got to have your fun wherever you find it" so I think I'll keep stringing them along for a while but don't worry, the Nigerian Prince wont be getting any $$$$ from me

LgMouthGambler · August 11, 2016, 04:54:12 AM

I was reading this as scam too.

<")))>{

flowerjohn · August 11, 2016, 07:05:23 AM

100% prepaid before the order can be processed. I order custom international for my business frequently and I am happy to pay in advance because I need the material. If they need the product they will gladly pay up front. If not, tell them to take a hike! Just my two pennies.

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Bigwrench · August 11, 2016, 07:17:35 AM

I just won the Ugandan national lottery and I am 180,000,000,000 richer now ! As soon as they deposit my winnings into my Swiss bank account I will help you fund your project

flowerjohn · August 11, 2016, 07:43:51 AM

Are there even any bass in Israel??

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Johnny Smith · August 11, 2016, 08:19:40 AM

Quote from: Bigwrench on August 11, 2016, 07:17:35 AM
I just won the Ugandan national lottery and I am 180,000,000,000 richer now ! As soon as they deposit my winnings into my Swiss bank account I will help you fund your project

Awesome!!

Any chance that you might be interested in ordering 2000 1/4oz white spinnerbaits

Johnny Smith · August 11, 2016, 08:25:46 AM

Quote from: flowerjohn on August 11, 2016, 07:43:51 AM
Are there even any bass in Israel??

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Not sure about that but I would assume that they have some type of fish that would hit a spinnerbait.

When I started getting hits on my website from that region, I did figure it was servicemen stationed there though.

Pacific NW Ron · August 11, 2016, 10:04:03 AM

Very seldom to we export any thing. Occasionally we will if it's a customer that has purchased from us before and he happens to be out of the country.
Just to much risk with fraud on exports. The first indicator I see with what your describing is when they want to use "their shipping company" That right there would be a huge turn off for us. When we get a request like that we stop all communication with them. We have been selling on line for over twelve years and our General rule with internet sales is we control the terms, not your customer.
In twelve years we have only been burned one time. That was about eleven years ago.
My advice, Be very cautious with this one.
Ron

flowerjohn · August 11, 2016, 05:53:25 PM

The Muskie line. Now that is interesting to me!!

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Johnny Smith · August 11, 2016, 07:49:41 PM

Quote from: flowerjohn on August 11, 2016, 05:53:25 PM
The Muskie line. Now that is interesting to me!!

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There are a few people trying to get me to build the BHO series in a Musky size bait. Just about got it all ironed out, just need to invest in tinsel and larger blades........ well that and stretch a few more hours out of each day

I will get that line finished this winter!!

Johnny Smith · August 12, 2016, 05:14:50 PM

Game is back on

After 2 days of no contact, they have finally replied again!

For whatever reason, their credit card can not be processed through PayPal so they are wondering if there are other options..... luckily, I have other options! Of coarse, I did not tell them that I could fix up the same invoice on PayPal Here and enter the card info for them

I wonder if they are starting to think that they could still end up with a $1400 profit or is there some way they can cancel a payment if ran through some other processor besides PayPal?