Venting... "Why Are People so Mean... and Strange"?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around a participant's frustrating experience with a customer who was perceived as rude and dishonest. Participants share their reactions to the situation and express empathy, while also discussing the challenges of dealing with difficult individuals in the business context.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares a negative experience with a customer who was uncooperative and left a rude note.
  • Another participant expresses sympathy and suggests that some people are inherently difficult to please.
  • Several users mention the idea of "bless and release" as a way to cope with negative interactions.
  • One participant reflects on the cruelty of people and doubts the legitimacy of the customer's claim about placing a large order.
  • Another participant notes inconsistencies in the customer's story regarding the catalogs.
  • Some participants agree that the experience is a learning opportunity and emphasize the importance of moving on from difficult customers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges of dealing with rude customers and the need to move on from such experiences. There is no clear consensus on the best approach to handling similar situations, as some express curiosity about contacting the main office for verification.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and emotional responses to customer interactions within the context of a consulting business. Participants share their feelings and coping mechanisms without implying any official guidance.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be of interest to consultants who encounter difficult customer interactions and seek validation or shared experiences from peers in the community.

M
micocina
Gold Member
Messages
375
I'm so frustrated with a lady that called requesting a catalog. I had been trying to follow up with her for the last couple of weeks and she had been giving me the run around, faking to be someone else answering her cell phone. Since she is bilingual I decided to call her this Friday and instead of saying hello when she answered I said "Hola, como estas Maria"? and she said "yes, who's this"? I said, "Hi this is Rosa with PC, how are you"? She hesitantly said fine. I asked her if she had had anytime to look over the books (SHE requested one in Eng and one in Spa). She denied ever receiving two and that her daughter had taken "the catalog". I asked if I could pick up the book on my way to a Cooking Show the next morning and she said she'd leave it under the doormat. Well, I didn't go yesterday like I told her, but went today instead. When I got to her door I asked for her, but she told the teen that answered the door that the "books" were on top of the mailbox in a bag. I took the bag and told the teen to thank her mom for me and left. When I got home there was a large sheet of paper in the bag with the books that said, "My "daughter" is studying to be a chef and she really liked the products. She had shared the catalog with some friends and she had collected 5 orders, but since you were so rude on the phone, we've decided to call the main office and place an order directly. You need to change your tone of voice... Here are your "2" books". I was in complete shock! I was so upset, but I kept my cool. I immediatly called her and said that I was sorry that she had gotten such an impression of me, but that it wasn't my intention. She then changed her story and said that it was her "neice" that was studying to be a chef and that they had already called HO and placed a $1500 order, I wish you lots of success with your PC business... Have a Nice Day!!! and hung up.

Can you believe that? What a liar! I was so upset I was shaking. How could people be so mean?
 
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That sucks! Sorry to hear that. There are just some people out there that you can never please. Reminds me of my host for tomorrow who answered her phone one day "I cannot talk right now" instead of the normal "Hello?" Um, what did I do to you? Bless and release, maybe she'll contact you down the road. You never know the truth from her mouth anyway, you may have not wanted to work with her.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Thanks for your words. "Bless and release" that's exactly what I need to do. I definitely do not want to deal with her... ever! I wish I would have met her in person just so I can avoid any type of contact with her being that we live so close by. We just can not please everyone and I guess we'll always come across looneys like this.

Thanks again!
 
It's hard, there are just some people out there who you cannot please.
 
Oh geez, that's terrible!!! I'm sorry you had to go through that. Definitely be glad you don't have to deal with her further. Some people just need to find fault in everything to make themselves feel better for some reason. Bless and release!!!
 
{{{hugs}}} Rosa. The note was simply mean and vindictive....and more a reflection of her state of mind (and heart) than anything else. To consciously wish you emotional distress and then hang-up on you indicates she has her own struggles. Bless, release, and go hug someone you love. :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
You guys just made me cry... and my husband wonders why I visit this forum so much. You're all a blessing!
 
How terrible Rosa {{hugs}}. I can't believe how mean and terrible people can be.
 
Sorry about that Rosa and don't believe for a SECOND that the lady placed a $1500 order. I HIGHLY doubt that - she is just trying to be mean.
 
...and funny how she denied receiving 2 then gave 2 back... Odd people...bless and release it right...
 
I'm so sorry she did that to you! WOW!! People can be cruel! Be glad you won't have to work with her anymore! And I agree with Janet, I highly doubt she really placed an order that big, or at all for that matter! There are so many holes in her stories it's ridiculous!
 
People can be cruel.....

Could you not call HO and see if someone by her name placed a order? I'm a newbie so I don't know if that is possiable.

Also, I have a question... Why did you ask for the books back? :confused: I always assume that once a catalog is in their hands it is theirs. Then I call a few times, and if I get no reply I'll send a post card with the special on it and tell them to be sure and contact me when they are ready to order.

Carol
 
pamperedbecky said:
Some people just need to find fault in everything to make themselves feel better for some reason. Bless and release!!!
Click to expand...
This is so true! Some people just aren't happy unless everything's wrong in their life. (which makes no sense!)
Just move on to your next great customer--there's far more nice ones that nasty ones!:)
 
{{HUGS}} That was so mean and rude! I don't get some people. They call themselves adults...sheesh!

I agree, I highly doubt she placed $1500 in an order. That would have been foolish on her part as she could have submitted it as a catalog order and gotten a ton of free stuff. Oh well.

BLESS AND RELEASE!
 
cwinter474 said:
People can be cruel.....

Could you not call HO and see if someone by her name placed a order? I'm a newbie so I don't know if that is possiable.

Also, I have a question... Why did you ask for the books back? :confused: I always assume that once a catalog is in their hands it is theirs. Then I call a few times, and if I get no reply I'll send a post card with the special on it and tell them to be sure and contact me when they are ready to order.

Carol
Click to expand...

IMO, not even worth the attempt!!!! Best to ignore it and move on.
 
vwpamperedchef said:
{{HUGS}} That was so mean and rude! I don't get some people. They call themselves adults...sheesh!

I agree, I highly doubt she placed $1500 in an order. That would have been foolish on her part as she could have submitted it as a catalog order and gotten a ton of free stuff. Oh well.

BLESS AND RELEASE!
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I was thinking!
 
Wow that is just plain rude!! I agree bless and release and you are better for not getting pulled into her web!
 
janetupnorth said:
Sorry about that Rosa and don't believe for a SECOND that the lady placed a $1500 order. I HIGHLY doubt that - she is just trying to be mean.
Click to expand...
My thoughts exactly! She is just Rude Rude Rude! You are so much better off without this one in your life.
 
pamperedlinda said:
You are so much better off without this one in your life.
Click to expand...

Amen sister! I believe we all want customers but NOBODY is worth that much trouble. Just chalk it up as a learning experience and move on.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Venting... Why Are People so Mean... and Strange" refer to in the context of direct sales?

"Venting... Why Are People so Mean... and Strange" typically refers to the frustrations and challenges that direct sales consultants face when dealing with customers, peers, or even friends and family. It highlights the emotional toll that negative interactions can have on individuals in the direct sales industry.

Why do some people act negatively towards direct sales consultants?

Negative behavior towards direct sales consultants can stem from various factors, including misconceptions about the industry, past negative experiences, or personal insecurities. Some individuals may also feel uncomfortable with sales tactics or perceive direct sales as intrusive.

How can direct sales consultants handle mean or strange behavior from others?

Consultants can handle negative behavior by maintaining professionalism, setting clear boundaries, and focusing on positive interactions. It's also helpful to practice empathy and understand that others' reactions may not be personal but rather a reflection of their own experiences.

Is it common for direct sales consultants to experience negativity?

Yes, it is quite common for direct sales consultants to encounter negativity. The nature of direct sales often involves reaching out to a wide audience, which can lead to a mix of positive and negative responses. Building resilience and a supportive network can help consultants navigate these challenges.

What strategies can help foster a more positive environment in direct sales?

To foster a more positive environment, consultants can focus on building genuine relationships, providing value to their customers, and creating a supportive community among peers. Encouraging open communication and celebrating successes can also help cultivate positivity within the direct sales space.

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