Do Some People Put Too Much Pressure on Buyers?

**sumopanda** · 08-20-2005, 07:28 AM

I started to notice that a lot of the folks in artist alleys at cons are getting just a little bit more pushy than they used to. This isn't directed at anyone in particular, it's just an observation. See, I can understand trying to get your book out there to people, trying to be noticed, all that jazz. That's absolutely understandable, after all that's what everyone who is working on a comic wants. I know I would want a piece of the pie, too, if I was there.

In chicago is when I saw it the worst, but that's most definitely not the first place I saw it. A lot of people wouldn't take no for an answer, and in most cases I had to be rude walk away from their booth with them in mid-overzealous-sales-pitch. Does anyone else notice how hard people seem to be sending out that sales pitch? It felt like I wasn't allowed to browse unless I was going to buy. I didn't like that feeling. Especially because I like to shop around before I buy things, usually on the first day. Second day is for buying.

I've quite possibly turned artist alley shy, because as much as i'd like to find some cool new books to read, a lot of people are turning into hardcore salespeople who make me feel like I can't say no, even if I really don't want what they've got. I'm still good at saying no (because i'm not made of money to throw everywhere), but I always feel so pressured and then guilty through a lot of these exchanges

. I try not to take it too seriously, and I always take a minute to look at it from the other side of the situation. I thought it might be an interesting discussion though. I'd like to see if anyone else has experienced this, or not.

It doesn't make me dislike cons in any way, and it most definitely doesn't make me dislike indie comics either

Maybe I just look like a sucker and bring out that side of people

Damn this tattoo on my face that says 'sucker who will buy anything'... it was college, and I was young and stupid!

**Bervda** · 08-20-2005, 07:30 AM

I noticed this at Baltimore. It made me very uncomfortable.

**Pat Loika** · 08-20-2005, 07:32 AM

I try not to give people a guilt trip when they stop by my table. All I would normally do is give them my pitch, and offer for them to flip through the book. I want people to pick up my book because they want to, not because they would feel bad if they don't.

P.

**CraigM** · 08-20-2005, 07:33 AM

I personally didn't see it, but then again, I didn't walk around AA as much as you did probably in Chicago. I think at times I turned into hardcore salesperson, but more than anything, I want to get the story into a person's hand so they can read it. In Philly, I probably gave away 100 free issues of stuff, and here, I think I gave a few away.

I have this money-back gaurantee though as well that if you don't like it, then you can have your money back. That's how passionate I feel about my stories and that's how badly I want people to read the story to hopefully walk away feeling like they've got a good story. And the way I see it, you either walk away with a story you love or you get your money back.

But, I also think that with so many other Artists and Companies there, there's that pressure to sell and make people buy your books.

Craig

**citizenDave** · 08-20-2005, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by Pat Loika

I try not to give people a guilt trip when they stop by my table. All I would normally do is give them my pitch, and offer for them to flip through the book. I want people to pick up my book because they want to, not because they would feel bad if they don't.

P.

Pat and I have had some fun experiences with these kind of vendors.

Pushy car salesman-like tactics are a pet peeve of mine. Not only does it turn off a lot of potential customers but, it makes it harder for everyone else who is trying to promote their book. People become table-shy, in that, they actually avoid approaching tables because they are afraid of getting sucked into an obnoxious pitch or guilt trip, often a combination of both. It's especially bad for a seller who is parked next to one of these jerks. If a customer is running from the pushy guy, they run right past a couple of tables to do this.

**AAlgar** · 08-20-2005, 07:44 AM

I threatened to smack anyone who bought my book. In fact, I wasn't even at my table for most of the con.

**CraigM** · 08-20-2005, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by AAlgar

I threatened to smack anyone who bought my book. In fact, I wasn't even at my table for most of the con.

Yeah, seriously!

And where the fuck WAS your table?

Craig

**CraigM** · 08-20-2005, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by citizenDave

Pat and I have had some fun experiences with these kind of vendors.

Pushy car salesman-like tactics are a pet peeve of mine. Not only does it turn off a lot of potential customers but, it makes it harder for everyone else who is trying to promote their book. People become table-shy, in that, they actually avoid approaching tables because they are afraid of getting sucked into an obnoxious pitch or guilt trip, often a combination of both. It's especially bad for a seller who is parked next to one of these jerks. If a customer is running from the pushy guy, they run right past a couple of tables to do this.

Just in case anyone wondered...

He's talking about me.

Craig

**AAlgar** · 08-20-2005, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by CraigM

Yeah, seriously!

And where the fuck WAS your table?

Craig

I was back in the small press area, completely on the opposite end from all of you guys.

And I swear, if you go back in time now to buy my book, I'm gonna smack you.