I am ashamed. So very ashamed. I have been working in the food service for a number of years and yet I haven’t made a sale with common sense advertising. Last week I went to the market to buy some food for the three gods who were to judge me on my execution day- they will not let me through the sacred gates if I didn’t please them with my food. Whatever that “execution” was, too dangerous to disclose in the blogsphere… but it did judgment to my being a huntress. Also because of the preparation for that “execution” rite I was intensely busy this page went into dormancy for a few days.
Anyway, passing by the fruit stalls, I was taken aback by these smart fruit mongers and came across the ads that will not really make necessary the billboards on the highway: “Mango, Super Tamis (Super Sweet)” “Fresh Golden Pears- Very Sweet and Crunchy!” “Seedless Grapes Very Sweet & Fresh from USA” Look at that!
Because chefs are supposed to be friendly to fishmongers, butchers, bakers and vendors (consider shifting careers if you’re not), I always make it a point to talk to them- all the time.
“Is this mango really sweet?”
“Yes, ma’m, as sweet as your smile.” Ok, Filipinos, like Italians (according to an American celebrity) are some of the most amorous people on the planet- so expect those lines from a humble market man. Then he will start choosing for you the best of his pack -as though you were some celestial apparition.
You smile. Then that smile bursts into an easy laughter. Subconsciously, you shove your hand in your pocket and get a hundred peso bill.
“Ok, one kilo from you.”
Why pay millions for advertising fees? The fruit vendor strategy to selling is: no supermodels, no visual effects- cardboard and permanent marker and – with a smile, treat the customer like some god – and you hit more than the day’s quota.
Anyway, passing by the fruit stalls, I was taken aback by these smart fruit mongers and came across the ads that will not really make necessary the billboards on the highway: “Mango, Super Tamis (Super Sweet)” “Fresh Golden Pears- Very Sweet and Crunchy!” “Seedless Grapes Very Sweet & Fresh from USA” Look at that!
Because chefs are supposed to be friendly to fishmongers, butchers, bakers and vendors (consider shifting careers if you’re not), I always make it a point to talk to them- all the time.
“Is this mango really sweet?”
“Yes, ma’m, as sweet as your smile.” Ok, Filipinos, like Italians (according to an American celebrity) are some of the most amorous people on the planet- so expect those lines from a humble market man. Then he will start choosing for you the best of his pack -as though you were some celestial apparition.
You smile. Then that smile bursts into an easy laughter. Subconsciously, you shove your hand in your pocket and get a hundred peso bill.
“Ok, one kilo from you.”
Why pay millions for advertising fees? The fruit vendor strategy to selling is: no supermodels, no visual effects- cardboard and permanent marker and – with a smile, treat the customer like some god – and you hit more than the day’s quota.
7 comments:
I could not agree more with you! Sales techniques are worth learning from the street vendor
so how was the "execution"? can't wait to hear about it. i might not be back till ... i dont know. maybe in time for ur birthday.
I want to hear about the execution too... oh I'm so nosy! Haha.
Fresh grapes from the U.S, huh? The ones we get here are from Chile. Go figure! :-)
I'm with you on the smile 'strategy'. There's no better way to make a sale and keep customers coming back. Same with your blog, it smiles at me so I keep coming back! ;-)
Coco! We learn from everywhere :)
Elay, the 'execution' was fine... Flying colors. Heehaw!
Zen Chef- You're my resident blog reader- the Mad Hatter smile draws you :) Ok, the execution went like this: imagine three chefs about to dress a live chicken and it got away - and the feathers went flying... :)
Filipinos have been known for their advertising innovation. Their personal touch to making a sale is quite exemplary. I miss the long drives in the countryside where you see endless rows of stalls selling produce. Where the judges kind to you?
schumey, the judges were nice - to the food. But I am still alive! Thanks.
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