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Buy from me or get out of my car!

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX of Naperville

Buy from me or get out of my car!

 

During the last buyers market (late 80's early 90's) I spent a lot of time driving people around. When I was really new.. I would take them around until they would "buy or die" (die - figuratively...)

As I was learning to take better control of my business I had the good fortune to see Steve Stewart speak and at that time he really struck a chord with me. The one thing that I really remember from his seminar though, was the round red button that said "Buy From Me or Get Out Of My Car!"

I put it on the passenger side visor and it changed my life.

A mixture of reactions followed, most were pretty accepting and it opened up the communication between the buyer and myself. The button helped communicate that while I enjoy what I do, it is my profession. 

My favorite was when I was taking a couple out for the first time, a couple of blocks from the office... the husband looks up and notices the button. He started to fidget and got stone cold quiet, so after a bit I said "Oh, I see you noticed my button" He replied with a gruff "What if I don't want to buy from you?" I answered with "Could you give me a little warning so that I can get really far away from the office before you have to get out?" At which point his wife burst into laughter... broke the ice and they bought the second time out.

He mentioned at the closing that he didn't take the buttons message so well at first, but it made him look at me differently.

Personally, I just thought it was fun. I wish that I knew what happened to that button... it just disappeared one day.

 

Deb Salkeld
Diversified Data Solutions, L.L.C. - Macomb, MI
Your Real Estate Virtual Assistant
I had to laugh - I can just picture the man! A good way to make the point - it seems almost mean - but then you gotta love it!
Nov 21, 2006 11:52 AM
Angus in Naperville IL
RE/MAX of Naperville - Naperville, IL

TLW - You got me there! OK, Blank Person!

Christine - Thanks for the comments - we were doing this prior to Buyer Agency. But even today, in Illinois very few people get BA agreements signed. Buyer Agency is organic here, Buyer's are represented unless there is a different agreement in writing. I lose such a small percentage of people that it just hasn't seemed necessary.

Deb -  I promise, I wasn't mean... I try to keep it light... of course there is potential that I will have the mischievous smile mistaken for a malevolent one...

 

Nov 21, 2006 02:21 PM
"The Lovely Wife" The One And Only TLW.
President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Kissimmee, FL
Once again...LOL...SEE...:0)...TLW...ROAR!
Nov 21, 2006 11:30 PM
Michael Jordan
Tarbell, REALTORS - Murrieta, CA
Great story Angus, my wife has a button making machine, think I'll ask her to make up a few for me. Also loved your response to the husband, and his wifes response. This also made me remember the  bumper sticker from the 60's or 70's:  Gas, Grass, or A**, nobody rides for free.
Nov 23, 2006 05:19 PM
Robert Hammerstein -
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Hey Angus,

I've always loved that saying!  My husband and I joke about it now and then as we are both full time Realtors that sometimes get pretty well frustrated sometimes.  But to actually say it to someone!  Well, I'd say you found the perfect way to utilize it with humor.  Good job!

Best,

Lisa & Bob Hammerstein

Nov 26, 2006 02:01 AM
Angus in Naperville IL
RE/MAX of Naperville - Naperville, IL

TLW - Always have to get the last word in..eh?

Michael - Hitch-hiking was certainly interesting back then...  :)

Thanks Lisa (and Bob) - you can get away with a lot if you smile the right way when you say it! (although it's best to avoid the evil grin with bad news)

 

Nov 27, 2006 10:27 AM
"The Lovely Wife" The One And Only TLW.
President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Kissimmee, FL

Why, yes. I am a Lady. Having the last word is my job!! Were you expecting something different? :0)...TLW...ROAR!

 

 

Nov 27, 2006 10:33 AM
Angus in Naperville IL
RE/MAX of Naperville - Naperville, IL

TLW _ I am perfectly content for you to have the last word... not many people end their posts with a ROAR!

Moo!

Nov 27, 2006 11:44 PM
Leo Namiot - LeoLends.com
Canopy Mortgage - Leo Namiot - Saint Augustine, FL
More than just great rates
That is great!   I love the idea and what a good ice breaker to get a chuckle out of the buyer(s) or maybe a way to get rid of the tire kickers.
Dec 04, 2006 06:46 AM
Angus in Naperville IL
RE/MAX of Naperville - Naperville, IL

Thanks for the comments Leo, Linda Davis had a spare button that she sent me and here is the story:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/24615/I-ve-been-Active

 

Moo

Dec 05, 2006 10:30 AM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I have a cartoon with that in my buyers book that I give every buyer before we go out together for the first time.

Todd

Mar 15, 2007 02:33 PM
Duayne Weir
Investment Realities LLC/MarketLink Realty - Ham Lake, MN
Minnesota Real Estate Agent

Angus,

This is a cool story, and funny, thanks for the laugh!!

Good Day!! have a cup of java and a smile on me :)

Mar 17, 2007 04:03 PM
Roberta Lee
Century 21 Olde Tyme - Norco, CA
Norco Corona Riversid Homes For Sale

Angus,

Gee didn't want to tell  you I have the red button! :)  Very funny but makes a point loud and clear!  Loved it.

Mar 17, 2007 06:06 PM
Matthew J Blum - (retired from the business)
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Great story! I can see that... It puts everything in perspective.
Mar 18, 2007 12:40 AM
Angus in Naperville IL
RE/MAX of Naperville - Naperville, IL

I just made an update to this post here

Todd - Thanks for the comment.. it's always great to set the stage for your client.

Duane - It's always good to get our laughs in...

Roberta - My original one was red.. but my new one is blue... amazingly they seem to work the same way.

Matthew - In perspective.. with a grin (hopefully) of course it is sometimes disappointing when they don't even notice the button!

Mar 18, 2007 01:32 AM
Dan Allred
Allred Realty - Thousand Oaks, CA
DRE#01761967
Great post and one we all should consider using
Mar 20, 2007 06:47 PM
Shane Sarae
Honolulu, HI
Thank you very much for sharing, I need to pass this idea on.
Aug 11, 2007 01:32 PM
Anonymous
Kieran Loughman

Hi Angus

I guess it was a good post 88 replies. I haven't said anything in advance of a trip. At the end I have said "you are guilty of realtor abuse I also will turn to my wife and so loudly enough to be heard It's getting dark. Won't they ever go home? It's funny but it doesn't get me anywhere. Thank you for reminding me my time is important

Kieran

Nov 06, 2008 09:21 PM
#88
Debra Kukulski, Broker Associate
RE/MAX Suburban - Cary, IL
SRES;SFR,CDPE;GRI;ABR;e-PRO Realtor, Northern IL

Great story, Angus and I love the button...LOL

Jul 22, 2009 11:24 PM
The Rains Team
Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners - Hoschton, GA
A higher standard in real estate

Hey Angus...I really need one of those buttons!

Have a great day,

Anne Rains

Jul 23, 2009 02:11 AM