Anonymous wrote:I encountered that when obtaining quotes for window replacement. They are planning on giving you an elaborate pitch and want to do it only once when both homeowners are available. The pitch usually last for few hours. I tend to only invite the ones that do not require both homeowners to be present for an estimate.

OBXbound wrote:
I am not so petrified in my own home that meeting with me and my partner is terrifying to me. Guess it takes all kinds.

OBXbound wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

OBXbound wrote:I think this has mostly run it's course. You'll believe what you are convinced of regardless of actual information to the contrary. Goodness me...we are so tribal these days. Scary times ahead for us a people.

You haven't shared any justification for demanding that both homeowners are present during your pitch. You haven't denied that it's a sales tactic. You also seem to disbelieve that people would get multiple quotes and only then make their decisions. Worse, you've tried to claim there's a legal basis for having to have both homeowners present for the pitch. When it was pointed out that it's the contract that controls, not the pitch, you or a fellow sales person then attacked that posted as a 5 cent Wikipedia lawyer.

More importantly, you haven't addressed the fact that this is generally a phenomenon experienced by women. It's rare to hear of a man running into this issue. Your response isnt that there can't be a sexist component to this practice because some salespersons are women, which is an ineffective defense.

Now, after 6 pages of customers complaining about this practice, about how it's disrespectful, and how it's used as a pressure tactic, you claim we're all just too tribal and things are too scary. In other words, rather than acknowledge you could be wrong, you go on the attack again.

Never claimed that it wasn't part of a sales methodology. Did say that it didn't have to be as part of a "hard call" only close. There is a legal basis to have both persons on the title (if there are multiple) of the home at the meeting and contract signing. Feel free to look up separate vs. community property as illustrated previously. Should be covered in 1L classes.

Can both sign the contract after you leave...absolutely and that would cover the contractor. Most contractors do try to sign the deal when they are there. This doesn't have to be pressure, or because you are charging over market, or any claimed nefarious reason. The reality is that most people get "sold" by someone. And if the contractor leaves the home, the percentages say that they aren't going to get the deal. This isn't like being a lawyer where you get paid, even when you lose or screw your client.

Did mention that in my own observations, appointments with both parties went better and minimized errors. Did deny your claim that it was just about misogyny for the previously stated reasons. Feel free to re-read again. I have met with lesbian couples...by your assertion, that wouldn't be permitted. Much better appointments are had when both parties are there. Commander/Comforter dynamic does translate for in-home sales and the Comforter role (whether male or female) was impactful. Generally speaking, the women were more important to the sit down meeting, further invalidating your claim of misogyny.

And never said "demanded". My previous employer did stress that it was ideal for both to be present. This supported the sales process as well as minimized error. Do some companies use it as a means to a hard call close and to overcome objections...sure.

I am not so petrified in my own home that meeting with me and my partner is terrifying to me. Guess it takes all kinds.

Anonymous wrote:

OBXbound wrote:
I am not so petrified in my own home that meeting with me and my partner is terrifying to me. Guess it takes all kinds.

Nobody is "petrified." We don't want to waste our time by somebody trying to pressure us to make an on the spot decision, when we are not willing to do that. Honestly, this statement makes you sound like a bully who tries embarrass and intimidate people into doing what you want. I've found plenty of contractors who don't need to do that. Glad I know how to avoid the likes of you.

Anonymous wrote:All of these things can be true:

1) Some salespeople/contractors simply want both homeowners there because it makes things easier and they have to spend less time going back and forth on the quote.

2) Some companies run their business using the high-pressure sales tactics so they want an answer during a visit and they don’t want hear “I’ll have to ask my spouse”.

3) There may be a gender component, especially with the old guard, but that is largely fading over time.

OBXbound wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of these things can be true:

1) Some salespeople/contractors simply want both homeowners there because it makes things easier and they have to spend less time going back and forth on the quote.

2) Some companies run their business using the high-pressure sales tactics so they want an answer during a visit and they don’t want hear “I’ll have to ask my spouse”.

3) There may be a gender component, especially with the old guard, but that is largely fading over time.

Appreciate the logical assessment here. Well stated.