When you’re talking to salespeople, it’s easy to want to trust everything they say. But not every phrase or promise is worth believing. Knowing which things to be cautious about can save you time and help you make better decisions.
This article will help you spot seven common things salespeople say that you shouldn’t trust, so you can stay sharp and avoid getting misled. Understanding this can make your buying experience smoother and less stressful.
“Trust me.” – instant red flag.
When a salesperson says “Trust me,” you should pause. It often feels like they’re trying to cover up something or rushing you to believe without proof.
The people you can really trust don’t need to say it. Their actions and facts do the talking.
If you hear it too much, treat it as a warning. It might mean the person knows you have reason to doubt them.
“You’d like to save time and money, wouldn’t you?” – manipulative question alert
This question sounds harmless, but it’s designed to push you toward a quick yes. It assumes you want both without considering if the offer actually saves you anything.
Salespeople use it to make you feel like saying no is unreasonable. Take a moment to think about your real needs before agreeing.
“Honestly,” – makes you question their honesty.
When a salesperson starts with “Honestly,” it might feel like they’re trying extra hard to convince you. It can actually have the opposite effect, making you wonder why they felt the need to add that word.
If they were being straightforward all along, they wouldn’t need to flag it as “honest.” Instead, it might hint that they’re about to say something you should take with caution. You deserve clear, genuine communication without the extra sales spin.
Talking over your head with jargon – confusing, not convincing
When salespeople hit you with jargon, it can feel like they’re trying to confuse you rather than help. You want clear answers, not a vocabulary test.
Jargon doesn’t make the message stronger; it just makes it harder to follow. If you find yourself asking, “What does that even mean?” you’re not alone.
A good salesperson should speak your language, not theirs. If they can’t explain things simply, it’s okay to ask for clarity or reconsider their pitch.
Having their phone on during the meeting – disrespectful and unprofessional
When a salesperson keeps their phone out during a meeting, it sends a clear message: you’re not their priority. It feels disrespectful and can make you question their focus and commitment.
If they constantly check messages or notifications, it shows they value distractions over your time. This behavior also comes off as unprofessional and can hurt trust in the conversation.
You deserve full attention when discussing important matters, so watch for this habit. It’s a red flag that they might not be fully engaged or honest with you.
“So I assume…” – stop guessing what you think I want.
When a salesperson says, “So I assume you want this,” they’re skipping the important step of actually asking you.
You don’t like it when someone decides for you without checking in first. It feels pushy and lazy.
Instead of guessing your needs, they should be listening and learning what you really want. You deserve that much.
Premature selling before understanding needs
You might feel tempted to jump straight into your pitch when talking to a potential buyer. But if you start selling before really knowing what they need, you risk missing the mark entirely.
When you rush to present solutions, it can come off as pushy or out of touch. Instead, take a step back and ask questions first. Understanding their situation helps you tailor your approach and builds trust.
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