Voicemail

Sales negotiation - how to best handle this type of question?

I have been evaluating a variety of VERY expensive software solutions for our company. I got a voicemail from one of the sales reps that says "I wanted to get an idea of the pricing that you were looking to get". To me, this is a weak, lazy way to work with a potential client. If they have a product that they have sold to ANYONE in the past, they should attempt to "coach" me (the client) through the process of the pricing structure. I understand the tactic, he wants me to reveal the budget or money I plan to spend. He will then come up with the best way he can justify how his product will cost that much to fit my budget. What I'm looking for - how should I come back to this guy? What should I respond to him with? Should I say "Well what ya sellin' it for?"

Public Comments

1. Tell him it is an inappropriate question (basically unethical), and that he should give you the best price available for the product that he is selling. Most sales people will ask the question to see the response, but you are under no obligation to respond. Good luck, D
2. Tell him you are checking around to get the best price and he is the first one you have contacted. Put the ball back in his court.