Should I do it? (Work question)

[Rufio]

OK. Here is the situation.

I recently started at this new company 3 weeks ago. I am in sales.

Today, a customer called me. He complained about his account representative and he wants to switch over. Basically, the acct rep never calls him back and he wants a new one.

I fixed his screwed up order which the other acct rep didn't fix.

Then he said that I could take his account if I wanted.

OK, here is the deal.

Technically, this account is up for grabs. There hasn't been any activity on it over 75 days, and the rule is that if there is no activity over 75 days, it's a free acct to take.

However, this guy orders a lot of stuff....and the commission on this acct would be killer.

Plus, the guy who originally manages this acct has been w/the company for over 5 years.

So what should I do?

Help me out!

 

[tm37]

This would be a sutuation that you need to discuss with your supervisor.

If the other dude is in fact letting this cust down then you have every right to it, But I would talk to the boss.

 

[masterxfob]

did you really need to ask? take it already

 

[yoda291]

Unless your office politic is different from what I've seen... speak with someone higher up than you to get your arse covered a bit. Try and find someone you are on good terms/the other guy is not on good terms with and lay it out. Odds are that you'll be given the ok and then take it. If you don't get an OK, the other guy can leverage everyone against you and this is not a good way to start.

 

[guapo337]

take it!

 

[Ameesh]

Jack the account ice-t style!

service is number 1 if you can help this guy then help him and earn the killer commision.

 

[Argo]

Talk to your manager. If the guy worked there for 5 years he probably knows a lot of people. Last thing you want is to alienate everybody at your new place.

 

[StageLeft]

Definitely talk to your manager. Ther other account rep is not your concern whatsoever. Don't give him business that he doesn't deserve. Check with manager and if he gives the goahead go for it with zero guilt.

 

[Jzero]

Sales is a rough field. The takers are the ones that win. He would probably jack your account in the same situation. If the rule is 75 days, snarf it up and don't look back.

 

[Rufio]

the main thing is that i don't want to piss everyone off right when i start...because you never know what could happen!

but this is a pretty big account...i checked the history and this guy buys all the new toys the first week they come out ....

i did talk to some of the people at the office and they said that basically to have the customer write an email or letter stating that he wants to change reps....that way i will have more ammo when i go to "battle"

 

[GroundZero]

talk to your supervisor.

 

[cmv]

Let us know what you do and how it works out.

 

[zCypher]

Good idea on the email/letter, I would look into that, it'd definitely help you out. I would go for it. Take some risks. If you're the type of person that does well in sales, then who cares if you lose this, you'll find something else at least as good.

 

[gotsmack]

What do you do exactly?

I would defiantely have the customer write a letter saying he wants to change reps.

 

[oboeguy]

You definitely need to CYA (Cover Your Arse) by appealing to a higher power (your superior).

 

[Apathetic]

Take it. If all somes down to making the customer happy. The customer specifically requested a different rep, why shouldn't it be you?

Dave

 

[rh71]

What's the problem? He said you could take the acct if you wanted and it's past 75 days.

 

[MC]

Have the customer write an email/letter then you go see your supervisor with the written proof.

 

[Rufio]

man i'm at work irght now and posting about this...
i'm scared big brother will see me and i'll get busted!

 

[HamSupLo]

remember at work, always document! it will cover your ass when sh!t hits the fan