What’s the Opposite of “Upselling?”
Jeff Bezos didn’t grow up in Minneapolis.
Or if he did, he certainly didn’t work at a local hardware store (yes, they still exist in the Twin Cities; amongst other things, it’s where lots of local youth get their first job).
I know that because twice in two weeks now, at two different hardware stores, the (too?) helpful sales clerk has talked me out of buying the thing(s) I came in to buy — but only after telling me about a better, cheaper (or free!) way to accomplish my goal(s).
Better Solution (Literally), or, “Pouring Salt in the Wound”
Like, instead of using chemicals to kill the stump of a volunteer tree growing too close to my house, drill holes in the stump, then put salt in the holes.
Or, instead of replacing a torn bathroom shade (for $25 – $50), buy a plastic grip (cost: $1.49), then use that to cover up the tear.
Works for me!
Lost Business? Hardly
Won’t that kind of candor hurt the store’s bottom line? (you ask).
Maybe today, by a (very) small amount.
But, the loyalty it creates pays dividends two ways: 1) it cements me as a long-term, repeat customer (I am); and 2) it makes me willing to pay a premium for superior service (I happily do).
Hear that, Home Depot!?!
P.S.: So, what IS the opposite of “Upselling?”
Search me.
The best I’ve got are “unselling” and “anti-selling” (or I suppose “downselling,” in the case of suggesting a much cheaper alternative).
See also, “There’s No Place Like Home: Garrison Keillor’s Homage to the Twin Cities in National Geographic“; “True Minnesotan,” Defined“; and “Winter Humor: Minnesota vs. Tampa Bay (& Elsewhere)”;
And: “True Minnesotan” — Summer Edition“; “After the Harvest, Before Winter*: The Connection Between Oct. 15 and November 3 (at least in Minnesota)”; and “Top Ten” Things I Like About the Twin Cities.”
