Sunday, December 5, 2010

On giving Face "面子是別人給的"

Today I met the ex-schoolmate cum insurance salesman again. Prior to this, he already sent me a few quotations and given me his probably well-intentioned recommendations. Too bad I have already make up my mind of what I wanted, precisely.

Never mind that he kept sending quotations of additional insurance benefits and riders which I did not request at all, bear in mind that I have informed him clearly of the kind of coverage I want in the first place. But there is something he said that irked me.

I guess he was expecting me to sign on the dotted line today after he presented the product write-up. But I didnt because I needed to check on certain detail on the term and conditions. Appeared flustered, he said I have been delaying for quite some time and the policy is not really that expensive.

I can understand if he is desperate to fulfill his monthly quota or for closing purposes. But certainly this cannot be the kind of customer service expected in the 21st century? Since this concerns cash that you have to fork out on a repetitive basis, surely you cannot be too careful with all those wickedly written terms and conditions? Is it not the right of the client to fully understand the policy before signing up? Are you prepared to be sued by your client later on because you did not explain clearly the policy or you did not bother to clear up whatever doubts your clients have in their mind?

That was what I answered him, but of course in a less sarcastic manner... Like the chinese saying "面子是别人给的,脸是自己丢的" meaning respect or honour towards you is granted by others (sorry I do not know better way of translating this). Something similar happened while I was applying for housing loan whereby the salesgirl was busy hardselling and urging me to sign up without bothering to explain her product details. Im not obligated to even listen to their persuasions, let alone to sign up their offer, do I?

Customers are not always right. On the other hand, it is wrong to enforce your personal biased perspective on your clients. Let them do their own informed decision. At least they won't blame you if things do not go their way.

Ohh..and the expensive or cheap part? Thats my call to decide, im afraid :)

Happy Sunday everyone!

8 comments:

SynchingZincInc said...

Good thing you didn't mash him up XD

Helix

Anonymous said...

i have no patience listening to insurance sales:)

shane said...

make your decision and let loose the poker face hehe^^

Byron Kadum said...

I have made kind of half way in making up my mind.. I know.. those agents most of the time have the propensity to be quite coercive in their approach to convince you that the insurance that they are selling is the best for you.. *sigh* i guess they are just doing their job.. LOL!!

Anyhoo.. how's your work / life? Hahaha.. I am now enjoying my rare free weekend.. I hope you are enjoying yours as well Mr. Dr! ^.^

blue said...

@Helix: well i dont normally mash people up unless im at my tolerance limit or in PMS haha..

@3quarks: unless the person is good looking hor? LOL.

@shane: its done...and i don't have a poker face...only 'tu-lan' face when get irritated :P

@byronmc: Yeah i understand thats their job nature...weekend is ok for me..didnt go anywhere though. So how are you enjoying your rare free weekend? Busy with paktorlogy?

blue said...

@byronmc: just finished the last episode of HK drama...no worry, nothing wrong with being single too. I just back from yumcha session actually :)

Byron Kadum said...

True.. there's nothing wrong of being single.. in fact it would be hard to find someone who could fit in with my schedule.. I presume you are single as well? I was trying to get my cousin to go out and have a drink with me but he had to work over the weekend..

byronmc said...

True.. there's nothing wrong of being single.. in fact it would be hard to find someone who could fit in with my schedule.. I presume you are single as well? I was trying to get my cousin to go out and have a drink with me but he had to work over the weekend..