PRESSURE TACTICS TO AVOID Here are some common pressure tactics salespeople use to convince customers to buy impulsively. Don't fall for these. Remember, salespeople who use pressure lack confidence in their product, prices or sales pitch. "Can I have your phone number?" Don't give this out unless you want to be hounded and pressured after you leave the store. You need to be free to shop around unencumbered. [said to the female]: "Why don't you leave us alone for a minute to work out some details?" This should be an insult to you and your fiance. Where does a salesperson get off with such an audacious assumption that she's not smart enough to handle a money discussion? This is only done to get the guy alone because pressure works better one-on-one. "This diamond will be gone if you don't buy it right now" This is an overly dramatic sales pitch to create pressure. Don't believe it. "How much do you want to spend?" This can be a legitimate question late in a sales conversation but not as you walk in the door. It gives the salesperson too much information as to how you will be quoted prices. At no time should you be obligated to disclose your financial situation. "Where else do you plan on shopping?" This is none of their business! Usually salespeople want to know this so they can unfairly discredit another store. "If you buy today, I'll give you ($x) off the price." Don't be fooled by this one. That price will still be available later. You are, in fact, more likely to get a lower price by shopping around. Also, if they can offer a lower price why did they start with a higher one? "Promise me you won't make a decision until you call me back" Don't agree to this. You don't owe them anything. Once you find a better price, your promise will put you in an uncomfortable situation. "What can I do to get you to buy this today?" Sounds like a used-car salesman's line. Do some shopping around. "Can you put money on this to hold it?" This is a tactic to ensure that you come back (because you will have to get your money back). It's done so the salesperson gets the last shot at you after you've looked around. Don't commit yourself to returning. Some salespeople will actually have you sign a form which is actually a contract, not a "hold". "Let's get you approved for financing." Whoa. Stop right there. You don't even know if you want to buy there yet. By approving you for a credit line, the salesperson ties up your credit so it is less likely you can be approved elsewhere! "Your first choice is always your best choice." If buying from that store is a good choice it will still be a good choice next week. Take your time. "The sale price on this will be gone Friday." So what? If you shop around you'll most certainly find a better price from jewelers that don't do "sales" (that aren't really sales). "I can't guarantee this price later on." Please...! If they can offer a price now, they can offer it later.