Sales Secrets from my Grandfather

My grandfather was not perfect but at least, when I was young, he was fit-for-purpose and made our childhood memorable. He was the best salesman in the neighborhood and I had receipts for that.

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Tatay was the best salesman in the neighborhood

Photo by Giordano Rossoni on Unsplash

My grandfather was not perfect, seldom did things right in the eyes of my grandmother. With a disability that prevented him from taking an active business life or a trades job, he had to be the ‘literal’ man in the house, who took care of us, the little ones who were growing like weeds. Despite his limitations, he had a keen business sense. When money was tight and there was a need to buy a school supply or for some field trips that were always out of the budget, with the right prodding of Nanay, Tatay, would don his shoes and cane, and walk a few kilometers to his favorite Rosario Street to peddle anything and everything he can. From mosquito net, to teddy bear, steamed corn, anchovy paste, and the aratiles fruits, he was the best salesperson in the neighborhood. He seldom came home empty-handed.

Secrets to a Successful Sale

No social media account, flyers, leaflets, and nice deck slides, only product demo.

“Tatay, what’s your secret? How come you always get the sale?”

“Day, there is no secret. I just talk to people and I listen to their problems. Have a great conversation with them. And then they ask me about the items I’m selling and then they buy. Simple as that.” He always came home with a happy feeling, having spent the whole afternoon with his so-called friends, which he called privately as “customers.”

Relationship First

That helps put into perspective what Tatay was all about. He was into the relationship and the selling came later when trust and confidence were established into the equation. How long was this relationship-building? For one-to-one interaction, Tatay visited each house, ala Fuller Brush Man, and spent a few hours or so with each, dealt with 2-5 families a week, at least twice a month. Tatay became part of their lives. Unknown to us, his popularity soared in the late 80s once he got to know almost all families in the street. Sometimes, even without a product, he visited these families just to chat and catch up. Have a cup of coffee with them and talk about the politics of the day and the host’s children.

Photo by David Sinclair on Unsplash