Personal Finance Advice

As retail clerks quickly evolve from being helpful salespeople into aggressive marketers of credit products, shoppers must be on the offensive to make sure they do not find themselves getting talked into opening credit accounts that they don’t really need or want. Salespeople are trained to try to sell store credit cards as much (if not more so) as they are trained to sell the retail products in their store. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself getting pressured to buy a sweater and open a credit card all in the same shopping trip.

Some people have a hard time saying “no.” It is far easier for some people to toss a random solicitation from the mail into the trash or to hang up on a telemarketer than it is for them to tell someone “no” face to face. This can be especially true when factors start to mount up that make you feel a temporary bond with the salesperson. Imagine you take up a great deal of a salesperson’s time while searching for a particular product. The salesperson not only jumps through hoops to get the exact product you need into your hands, but is also very friendly and personable while doing so. He builds up a rapport with you that makes you feel at ease. By the time you get to the register to make your final purchase, you feel as though you have thoroughly enjoyed your shopping experience. This is when your salesperson springs the question on you: “Do you want to apply for a credit card?” You’re told it will only take a minute and you will get a nice discount on your purchase if your application is approved.

Don’t feel silly if you actually feel compelled to agree just because the salesperson was so nice. It’s not easy for most people to inconvenience someone who remains so cordial, but then turn around and say “no.” This is especially true if you have a personality that, for one reason or another, makes you want to be a people-pleaser. Saying “no” to someone can seem downright rude.

Although it may be difficult for you to say ”no,” you have to learn to do so unless you either want to have a ton of unnecessary credit cards in your wallet (which is never a good financial move) or you want to quit shopping in stores altogether. Save yourself the grief and learn to say no.

It helps when you know what to expect. Even the most aggressive salespeople follow a similar formula:

1. The salesperson asks you to open an account, promising a discount and sounding very excited about the whole thing.

2.  If you say no, the salesperson asks you if you are sure and then tells you something else positive about the card or the process of applying.

3. If you still say no, the salesperson may react in a way that makes you feel as though maybe you really are missing out on something great. At this point, some salespeople turn a little sour.

You will have an easier time saying “no” if you go into the store expecting to have to say ”no.” In other words, rehearse the scenario in you mind. Imagine the clerk asking you to open an account, and you saying ”no.” Of course, not all people have to use imagery in preparation of declining an invitation of credit. This system is for people who feel uncomfortable in general when saying “no” to something.

Get used to saying “no.” You don’t have to be rude, but be firm. Never apply for a credit card that you haven’t first researched and decided to apply for ahead of time.