How To Punk An Salesperson via Email (and The Best Way To Respond)

If you do any sort of email prospecting for your business, you’ve likely come across a “hard ass” prospect like me who likes to try to have a little fun at your expense. If you encounter such a person, this woman’s response to me is the absolute correct way to handle the situation. Even though I really didn’t have a clue about her and the company she worked for, she definitely earned a bit of my time (and my respect as well).

And, if you have a naughty streak like I do, feel free to try this with your email sales inquiries :.)

—–Original Message—–
From:
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 6:49 AM
To: Todd Mintz
Subject: The beginning of Fall…

Todd,

Hopefully you were able to get some time off from S.R. Clarke, Inc. and fit a little vacation time in as the summer comes to an end. It’s the beginning of fall and I’m currently really busy closing out our quarter. I was hoping to get sometime on your calendar and wondered if you had anytime available the week of October 12th. I will be in your area and figured this was far enough out to get on your calendar (she assumed incorrectly I was in Virginia which is her location).

Let me know of any specific day and time that we can come meet you. I look forward to speaking with you soon and have a great Tuesday!

Cheers,

——————————————————————————–
From: Todd Mintz
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 3:55 PM
To:
Subject: RE: The beginning of Fall…

A pretty interesting message to get from somebody I never communicated with before :.)

—–Original Message—–
From:
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 2:53 PM
To: Todd Mintz
Subject: RE: The beginning of Fall…

Todd,

I have heard worse, I will take interesting!! In all honesty, what do I need to do to get 30 minutes on your calendar? I am sure that you are extremely busy and I’m not looking to waste your time. I am not looking to say why *** is the best and you should remove everyone else for us. I am looking to briefly discuss what we do really well and see if we can help S.R. Clarke. Let me know what your calendar looks like, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Best Regards,

——————————————————————————–
From: Todd Mintz [mailto:tmintz@SRClarke.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 1:34 PM
To:
Subject: RE: The beginning of Fall…

1) Fly to Portland where I live.
2) Buy me lots of drinks and an expensive dinner.

Anyone who does this will get my undivided attention.

Thanks,

Todd
——————————————————————————–
From:
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 10:48 AM
To: Todd Mintz
Subject: RE: The beginning of Fall…

Is that all?

Just kidding, thanks Todd. Next time I am out that way, I will hold you to it.

Best Regards,