THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PURCHASE
There are several stages or phases manifested by the buyer in the mental
process which results in a purchase. While it is difficult to state a
hard and fast rule regarding the same, because of the variety of
temperament, tendencies and mental habits possessed in several degrees
by different individuals, still there are certain principles of feeling
and thought manifested alike by each and every individual buyer, and a
certain logical sequence is followed by all men in each and every
original purchase. It follows, of course, that these principles, and
this sequence, will be found to be operative in each and every original
purchase, whether that purchase be the result of an advertisement,
display of goods, recommendation, or the efforts of a salesman. The
principle is the same in each and every case, and the sequence of the
mental states is the same in each and every instance. Let us now
consider these several mental states in their usual sequence.
The several mental states manifested by every buyer in an original
purchase are given below in the order of sequence in which they are
usually manifested:--
I. Involuntary Attention.
II. First Impression.
III. Curiosity.
IV. Associated Interest.
V. Consideration.
VI. Imagination.
VII. Inclination.
VIII. Deliberation.
IX. Decision.
X. Action.
We use the term "_original_ purchase" in this connection in order to
distinguish the original purchase from a repeated order or subsequent
purchase of the same article, in which latter instance the mental
process is far more simple and which consists merely in recognizing the
inclination, or habit, and ordering the goods, without repeating the
original complex mental operation. Let us now proceed to a consideration
of the several mental stages of the original purchase, in logical
sequence:--
I. _Involuntary Attention._ This mental state is the elementary phase of
attention. Attention is not a faculty of the mind, but is instead the
focusing of the consciousness upon one object to the temporary exclusion
of all other objects. It is a turning of the mind on an object. The
object of attention may be either external, such as a person or thing;
or internal, such as a feeling, thought, memory, or idea. Attention may
be either voluntary, that is, directed consciously by the will; or
involuntary, that is, directed unconsciously and instinctively and
apparently independently of the will. Voluntary attention is an acquired
and developed power and is the attribute of the thinker, student and
intellectual individual in all walks of life. Involuntary attention, on
the contrary, is but little more than a reflex action, or a nervous
response to some stimulus. As Halleck says: "Many persons scarcely get
beyond the reflex stage. Any chance stimulus will take their attention
away from their studies or their business." Sir William Hamilton made a
still finer distinction, which is, however, generally overlooked by
writers on the subject, but which is scientifically correct and which we
shall follow in this book. He holds that there are three degrees or
kinds of attention: (1) the reflex or involuntary, which is instinctive
in nature; (2) that determined by desire or feeling, which partakes of
both the involuntary and voluntary nature, and which although partly
instinctive may be resisted by the will under the influence of the
judgment; and (3) that determined by deliberate volition in response to
reason, as in study, scientific games, rational deliberation, etc.
The first mental step of the purchase undoubtedly consists of
involuntary or reflex attention, such as is aroused by a sudden sound,
sight, or other sensation. The degree of this involuntary attention
depends upon the intensity, suddenness, novelty, or movement of the
object to which it responds. All persons respond to the stimuli arousing
this form of attention, but in different degrees depending upon the
preoccupation or concentration of the individual at the time. The
striking or novel appearance of an advertisement; the window-display of
goods; the appearance of the salesman--all these things instinctively
arouse the involuntary attention, and the buyer "turns his mind on"
them. But this turning the mind on belongs to Hamilton's first
class--that of the instinctive response to the sight or sound, and not
that aroused by desire or deliberate thought. It is the most elemental
form of attention or mental effort, and to the salesman means simply:
"Well, I _see_ you!" Sometimes the prospect is so preoccupied or
concentrated on other things that he barely "sees" the salesman until an
added stimulus is given by a direct remark.
II. _First Impression._ This mental state is the hasty generalization
resulting from the first impression of the object of attention--the
advertisement, suggestion, display of goods, or the Salesman--depending
in the last case upon the general appearance, action, manner, etc., as
interpreted in the light of experience or association. In other words,
the prospect forms a hasty general idea of the thing or person, either
favorable or unfavorable, almost instinctively and unconsciously. The
thing or person is associated or classed with others resembling it in
the experience and memory of the prospect, and the result is either a
good, bad or indifferent impression resulting from the suggestion of
association. For this reason the ad. man and the window dresser endeavor
to awaken favorable and pleasing associated memories and suggestions,
and "puts his best foot foremost." The Salesman endeavors to do the
same, and seeks to "put up a good front" in his Approach, in order to
secure this valuable favorable first impression. People are influenced
more than they will admit by these "first impressions," or suggestions,
of appearance, manner, etc., and the man who understands psychology
places great importance upon them. A favorable first impression smooths
the way for the successful awakening of the later mental states. An
unfavorable first impression, while it may be removed and remedied
later, nevertheless is a handicap which the Salesman should avoid.
(_Note_: The mental process of the purchase now passes from the stage of
_involuntary attention_, to that of attention inspired by desire and
feeling which partakes of _both the voluntary and involuntary elements_.
The first two stages of this form of attention are known as Curiosity
and Associated Interest, respectively. In some cases Curiosity precedes,
in others Associated Interest takes the lead, as we shall see. In other
cases the manifestation of the two is almost simultaneous.)
III. _Curiosity._ This mental state is really a form of Interest, but is
more elemental than Associated Interest, being merely the interest of
novelty. It is the strongest item of interest in the primitive races, in
children, and in many adults of elemental development and habits of
thought. Curiosity is the form of Interest which is almost instinctive,
and which impels one to turn the attention to strange and novel things.
All animals possess it to a marked degree, as trappers have found out to
their profit. Monkeys possess it to an inordinate degree, and the less
developed individuals of the human race also manifest it to a high
degree. It is connected in some way with the primitive conditions of
living things, and is probably a heritage from earlier and less secure
conditions of living, where inquisitiveness regarding new, novel and
strange sights and sounds was a virtue and the only means of acquiring
experience and education. At any rate, there is certainly in human
nature a decided instinctive tendency to explore the unknown and
strange--the attraction of the mysterious; the lure of the secret
things; the tantalizing call of the puzzle; the fascination of the
riddle.
The Salesman who can introduce something in his opening talk that will
arouse Curiosity in the prospect has done much to arouse his attention
and interest. The street-corner fakir, and the "barker" for the
amusement-park show, understand this principle in human nature, and
appeal largely to it. They will blindfold a boy or girl, or will make
strange motions or sounds, in order to arouse the curiosity of the crowd
and to cause them to gather around--all this before the actual appeal to
interest is made. In some buyers Curiosity precedes Associated
Interest--the interest in the unknown and novel precedes the practical
interest. In others the Associated Interest--the practical interest
inspired by experience and association--precedes Curiosity, the latter
manifesting simply as inquisitiveness regarding the details of the
object which has aroused Associated Interest. In other cases, Curiosity
and Associated Interest are so blended and shaded into each other that
they act almost as one and simultaneously. On the whole, though,
Curiosity is more elemental and crude than Associated Interest, and may
readily be distinguished in the majority of cases.
IV. _Associated Interest._ This mental state is a higher form of
interest than Curiosity. It is a practical interest in things relating
to one's interests in life, his weal or woe, loves or hates, instead of
being the mere interest in novelty of Curiosity. It is an acquired
trait, while Curiosity is practically an instinctive trait. Acquired
Interest develops with character, occupation, and education, while
Curiosity manifests strongly in the very beginnings of character, and
before education. Acquired Interest is manifested more strongly in the
man of affairs, education and experience, while Curiosity has its
fullest flower in the monkey, savage, young child and uncultured adult.
Recognizing the relation between the two, it may be said that Curiosity
is the root, and Associated Interest the flower.
Associated Interest depends largely upon the principle of Association or
Apperception, the latter being defined as "that mental process by which
the perceptions or ideas are brought into relation to our previous ideas
and feelings, and thus are given a new clearness, meaning and
application." Apperception is the mental process by which objects and
ideas presented to us are perceived and thought of by us in the light of
our past experience, temperament, tastes, likes and dislikes,
occupation, interest, prejudices, etc., instead of as they actually are.
We see everything through the colored glasses of our own personality and
character. Halleck says of Apperception: "A woman may apperceive a
passing bird as an ornament to her bonnet; a fruit grower, as an insect
killer; a poet, as a songster; an artist, as a fine bit of coloring and
form. The housewife may apperceive old rags as something to be thrown
away; a ragpicker, as something to be gathered up. A carpenter, a
botanist, an ornithologist, a hunter, and a geologist walking through a
forest would not see the same things." The familiar tale of the
text-books illustrates this principle. It relates that a boy climbed up
a tree in a forest and watched the passers-by, and listened to their
conversation. The first man said: "What a fine stick of timber that tree
would make." The boy answered: "Good morning, Mr. Carpenter." The second
man said: "That is fine bark." The boy answered: "Good morning, Mr.
Tanner." The third man said: "I'll bet there's squirrels in that tree."
The boy answered: "Good morning, Mr. Hunter." Each and every one of the
men saw the tree in the light of his personal Apperception or Associated
Interest.
Psychologists designate by the term "the apperceptive mass" the
accumulated previous experiences, prejudices, temperament, inclination
and desires which serve to modify the new perception or idea. The
"apperceptive mass" is really the "character" or "human nature" of the
individual. It necessarily differs in each individual, by reason of the
great variety of experiences, temperament, education, etc., among
individuals. Upon a man's "apperceptive mass," or character, depends the
nature and degree of his interest, and the objects which serve to
inspire and excite it.
It follows then that in order to arouse, induce and hold this Associated
Interest of the prospect, the Salesman must present things, ideas or
suggestions which will appeal directly to the imagination and feelings
of the man before him, and which are associated with his desires,
thoughts and habits. If we may be pardoned for the circular definition
we would say that one's Associated Interest is aroused only by
interesting things; and that the interesting things are those things
which concern his interests. A man's interests always interest him--and
his interests are usually those things which concern his advantage,
success, personal well-being--in short his pocketbook, social position,
hobbies, tastes, and satisfaction of his desires. Therefore the
Salesman who can throw the mental spot-light on these interesting
things, may secure and hold one's Associated Interest. Hence the
psychology of the repeated statement: "I can save you money;" "I can
increase your sales;" "I can reduce your expenses;" "I have something
very choice;" or "I can give you a special advantage," etc.
It may as well be conceded that business interest is selfish interest,
and not altruistic. In order to interest a man in a business proposition
he must be shown how it will benefit him in some way. He is not running
a philanthropic institution, or a Salesman's Relief Fund, nor is he in
business for his health--he is there to make money, and in order to
interest him you must show him something to his advantage. And the first
appeal of Associated Interest is to his feeling of Self Interest. It
must be in the nature of the mention of "rats!" to a terrier, or
"candy!" to a child. It must awaken pleasant associations in his mind,
and pleasing images in his memory. If this effect is produced, he can be
speedily moved to the succeeding phases of Imagination and Inclination.
As Halleck says: "All feeling tends to excite desire. * * * A
representative image of the thing desired is the necessary antecedent to
desire. If the child had never seen or heard of _peaches_ he would have
no desire for them." And, following this same figure, we may say that if
the child has a taste for peaches he will be _interested_ in the idea of
peaches. And so when you say "peaches!" to him you have his Associated
Interest, which will result in a mental image of the fruit followed by a
_desire_ to possess it, and he will listen to your talk regarding the
subject of "peaches."
The following are the general psychological rules regarding Associated
Interests:
I. Associated Interest attaches only to interesting things--that is to
things associated with one's general desires and ideas.
II. Associated Interest will decline in force and effect unless some new
attributes or features are presented--it requires variety in
presentation of its object.
Macbain says: "One of the old time salesmen who used to sell the trade
in the Middle West, beginning some thirty years ago, and following that
vocation for several decades, used as his motto, 'I am here to do you
good.' He did not make his statement general, either, in telling his
customers how he could do it. He got right down to the vital affairs
which touched his customers. He demonstrated it to them, and this
personal demonstration is the kind that makes the sales."
Remember, always, that the phase of Associated Interest in a purchase is
not the same as the phase of Demonstration and Proof. It is the "warming
up" process, preceding the actual selling talk. It is the stage of
"thawing out" the prospect and melting the icy covering of prejudice,
caution and reluctance which encases him. Warm up your prospect by
_general statements_ of Associated Interest, and blow the coals by
positive, brief, pointed confident statements of the good things you
have in store for him. And, finally, remember that the sole purpose of
your efforts at this state is to arouse in him the mental state of
INTERESTED EXPECTANT ATTENTION! Keep blowing away at this spark until
you obtain the blaze of Imagination and the heat of Desire.
V. _Consideration._ This mental state is defined as: "An examination,
inquiry, or investigation into anything." It is the stage following
Curiosity and Associated Interest, and tends toward an inquiry into the
thing which has excited these feelings. Consideration, of course, must
be preceded and accompanied by Interest. It calls for the phase of
Attention excited by feeling, but a degree of voluntary attention is
also manifested therewith. It is the "I think I will look into this
matter" stage of the mental process of purchase. It is usually evidenced
by a disposition to ask questions regarding the proposition, and to "see
what there is to it, anyway." In Salesmanship, this stage of
Consideration marks the passing from the stage of Approach on the
Salesman's part, to that of the Demonstration. It marks the passage from
Passive Interest to Active Interest--from the stage of being "merely
interested" in a thing, to that of "interested investigation." Here is
where the real selling work of the salesman begins. Here is where he
begins to describe his proposition in detail, laying stress upon its
desirable points. In the case of an advertisement, or a window display,
the mental operation goes on in the buyer's mind in the same way, but
without the assistance of the salesman. The "selling talk" of the
advertisement must be stated or suggested by its text. If the
Consideration is favorable and reveals sufficiently strong attractive
qualities in the proposition or article, the mind of the buyer passes on
to the next stage of the process which is known as:
VI. _Imagination._ This mental state is defined as: "The exercise of
that power or faculty of the mind by which it conceives and forms ideal
pictures of things communicated to it by the organs of sense." In the
mental process of a purchase, the faculty of imagination takes up the
idea of the object in which the Associated Interest has been aroused,
and which has been made the subject of Consideration, and endeavors to
picture the object in use and being employed in different ways, or as in
possession of the buyer. One must use his imagination in order to
realize what good a thing will be to him; how he may use it; how it
will look; how it will sell; how it will serve its purpose; how it will
"work out" or "make good" when purchased. A woman gazing at a hat will
use her imagination to picture how she will look in it. The man looking
at the book will use his imagination in picturing its uses and the
pleasure to be derived therefrom. The business man will use his
imagination to picture the probable sale of the goods, their display,
their adaptability to his trade, etc. Another will picture himself
enjoying the gains from his purchase. Imagination plays an important
part in the psychology of the sale. It is the direct inciter of desire
and inclination. The successful salesman realizes this, and feeds the
flame of the imagination with the oil of Suggestion. In fact, Suggestion
receives its power through the Imagination. The Imagination is the
channel through which Suggestion reaches the mind. Salesmen and ad.
writers strive to arouse the imagination of their prospective customers
by clever word-painting. The Imagination is the "direct wire" to Desire.
From Imagination it is a short step to the next mental stage which is
called:
VII. _Inclination._ This mental state is defined as: "A leaning or bent
of the mind or will; desire; propensity." It is the "want to" feeling.
It is the mental state of which Desire is an advanced stage. Inclination
has many degrees. From a faint inclination or bent in a certain
direction, it rises in the scale until it becomes an imperious demand,
brooking no obstacle or hindrance. Many terms are employed to designate
the various stages of Inclination, as for instance: Desire, wish, want,
need, inclination, leaning, bent, predilection, propensity, penchant,
liking, love, fondness, relish, longing, hankering, aspiration,
ambition, appetite, hunger, passion, craving, lust, etc.
Desire is a strange mental quality, and one very difficult to define
strictly. It is linked with feeling on one side, and with will on the
other. Feeling rises to desire, and desire rises to the phase of will
and endeavors to express itself in action. Halleck says of Desire: "_It
has for its object something which will bring pleasure or get rid of
pain, immediate or remote, for the individual or for some one in whom
he is interested. Aversion, or a striving to get away from something, is
merely the negative aspect of desire._" Inclination in its various
stages is aroused through the appeals to the feelings through the
imagination. The feelings related to the several faculties are excited
into action by a direct appeal to them through the imagination, and
inclination or desired results. Appeal to Acquisitiveness will result in
a feeling which will rise to inclination and desire for gain. Appeal to
Approbativeness will act likewise in its own field. And so on through
the list, each well-developed faculty being excited to feeling by the
appropriate appeal through the imagination, and thus giving rise to
Inclination which in turn strives to express itself in action through
the will.
In short, every man is a bundle of general desires, the nature and
extent of which are indicated by his several faculties, and which result
from heredity, environment, training, experience, etc. These desires may
be excited toward a definite object by the proper emotional appeal
through the imagination, and by suggestion. Desire _must_ be created or
aroused before action can be had, or the will manifest in action. For,
at the last, we do things only because we "want to," directly or
indirectly. Therefore, the important aim of the Salesman is to make his
prospect "want to." And in order to make him "want to" he must make him
see that his proposition is calculated to "bring pleasure, or get rid of
pain, immediate or remote, for the individual or for someone else in
whom he is interested." In business, the words "profit and loss" may be
substituted for "pleasure and pain," although really, they are but forms
of the latter. But even when the prospect is brought to the stage of
strong inclination or desire, he does not always move to gratify the
same. Why is this? What other mental process interferes? Let us see as
we pass on to the next stage of the purchase, known as:
VIII. _Deliberation._ This mental state is defined as: "The act of
deliberating and weighing facts and arguments in the mind, calmly and
carefully." Here is manifested the action of thought and reason--the
mental process of weighing and balancing facts, feelings, and
inclinations. For it is not only _facts_ and _proofs_ which are weighed
in the mental balance, but also feelings, desires, and fears. Pure
logical reasoning inclines to strict logical processes based upon
irrefragible facts, it is true--but there is but little pure logical
reasoning. The majority of people are governed more by their feelings
and inclinations--their loves and their fears--than by logic. It has
been said: "People seek not _reasons_, but _excuses for following their
feelings_." The real deliberation, in the majority of cases, is the
weighing of probable advantages and disadvantages--of various likes and
dislikes--of hopes and fears.
It is said that our minds are controlled by _motives_--and the strongest
motive wins. We often find that when we think we desire a thing
ardently, we then find that we also like something else better, or
perhaps fear something else more than we desire the first thing. In such
case, the strongest or most pressing feeling wins the day. The faculties
here exert their different influences. Caution opposes Acquisitiveness.
Acquisitiveness opposes Conscientiousness. Fear opposes Firmness. And
so on. The deliberation is not only the weighing of facts, but also the
weighing of feelings.
The process of Deliberation--the weighing of desires--the play and
counterplay of motives--is well illustrated by a scene in a classical
French comedy. "Jeppe," one of the characters, has been given money by
his wife to buy her a cake of soap. He prefers to buy a drink with the
coin, for his inclinations tend in that direction. But he knows that his
wife will beat him if he so squanders the money. He deliberates over the
pleasure to be derived from the drink, and the pain which would arise
from the beating. "My stomach says drink--my back says soap," says
Jeppe. He deliberates further. Then: "My stomach says Yes! My back says
No!" cries the poor wight. The conflict between back and stomach rages
still more fiercely. Then comes the deciding point: "Is not my stomach
more to me than my back? Sure, it is! I say _Yes_!" cries Jeppe. And
away to the tavern he marches. It has been remarked that if the active
suggestion of the distant sight of his wife armed with the cudgel, had
been added to the situation, Jeppe would have bought the soap. Or, if
the tavern had not been so handy, the result might have been different.
Sometimes a mental straw tips the scale. The above illustration contains
the entire philosophy of the action of the mind in the process of
Deliberation. The salesman will do well to remember it.
Halleck thus well states the immediate and remote factors in choice:
"The immediate factors are * * * (1) a preceding process of desire; (2)
the presence in consciousness of more than one represented object or
end, to offer an alternative course of action; (3) deliberation
concerning the respective merits of these objects; (4) the voluntary
fiat of decision, which seems to embody most the very essence of will.
The remote factors are extremely difficult to select. The sum total of
the man is felt more in choice than anywhere else. * * * Before a second
person could approximate the outcome, he would have to know certain
remote factors, the principal being: (1) heredity; (2) environment; (3)
education; (4) individual peculiarities." This eminent authority might
well have added an additional element--a most important one--as
follows: (5) SUGGESTION.
The Salesman watching carefully the shifting scale of Deliberation,
injects a telling argument or suggestion into the scale, which gives
weight to his side at a critical stage. He does this in many ways. He
may neutralize an objection by a counter-fact. He adds another proof or
fact here--a little more desire and feeling there, until he brings down
the scale to a decision. It must be remembered that this Deliberation is
_not regarding_ the desirability of the proposition--the prospect has
admitted his desire, either directly or indirectly, and is now engaged
in trying to justify his desire by reason and expediency. He is seeking
for reasons or "excuses" to back up his desire, or perhaps, is
endeavoring to strike a balance of his conflicting desires and feelings.
His mental debate is not over the question of desiring the goods, but
over the expediency and probable result of buying them. It is the "to
buy or not to buy" stage. This is a delicate part of the process of the
purchase, and many prospects act like "see-saws" during the process. The
clever Salesman must be ready with the right argument at the right
place. To him this is the Argumentive Stage. Finally, if the Salesman's
efforts are successful, the balance drops, and the process passes to the
next stage, known as--
IX. _Decision._ This mental stage is defined as: "The mental act of
deciding, determining, or settling any point, question, difference, or
contest." It is the act of the _will_, settling the dispute between the
warring faculties, feelings, ideas, desires and fears. It is will acting
upon reason, or (alas! too often, upon mere feeling). Without entering
into a metaphysical discussion, let us remind you that the practical
psychology of the day holds that "the strongest motive _at the moment_
wins the choice." This strongest motive may be of reason or of feeling;
conscious or unconscious; but _strongest_ at that moment it must be, or
it would not win. And this strongest motive is strongest merely because
of our character or "nature" as manifested at that particular moment, in
that particular environment, under the particular circumstances, and
subject to the particular suggestions. The choice depends more upon
association than we generally realize, and association is awakened by
suggestion. As Halleck says: "It is not the business of the psychologist
to state what power the association of ideas ought to have. It is for
him to ascertain what power it does have." And as Ziehen says: "We
cannot think as we will, but we must think just as those associations
which happen to be present prescribe." This being the case, the Salesman
must realize that the Decision is based always upon (1) the mental
states of the man at that moment; plus (2) the added motives supplied by
the Salesman. It is "up to" the Salesman to supply those motives,
whether they be facts, proofs, appeals to reason, or excitement of
feeling. Hope, fear, like, dislike--these are the potent motives in most
cases. In business, these things are known as "profit or loss." All the
faculties of the mind supply motives which aroused may be thrown into
the balance affecting decision. This is what argument, demonstration and
appeal seek to do--supply motives.
(_Note_:--It might naturally be supposed that when the final stage of
Decision has been reached, the mental process of purchase is at an end.
But, not so. Will has three phases: Desire, Decision, and Action. We
have passed through the first two, but Action still is unperformed. A
familiar example is that of the man in bed in the morning. He ponders
over the question of rising, and finally decides to get up. But action
does not necessarily result. The trigger of Action has not been pulled,
and the spring released. So thus we have another mental state, known
as:--)
X. _Action._ This mental state is defined as: "Volition carried into
effect." Mill says: "Now what is an action? Not one, but a series of two
things: the state of mind called a volition, followed by an effect. The
volition or intention to produce the effect is one thing; the effect
produced in consequence of the intention is another thing; the two
together constitute the action." Halleck says: "For a completed act of
will, there must be action along the line of the decision. Many a
decision has not aroused the motor centers to action, nor quickened the
attention, for any length of time. There are persons who can frame a
dozen decisions in the course of a morning, and never carry out one of
them. Sitting in a comfortable chair, it may take one but a very short
time to form a decision that will require months of hard work. * * *
Some persons can never seem to understand that resolving to do a thing
is not the same as doing it. * * * There may be desire, deliberation,
and decision; but if these do not result in action along the indicated
line, the process of will is practically incomplete." Many a person
decides to do a thing but lacks the something necessary to release the
motive impulses. They tend to procrastinate, and delay the final act.
These people are sources of great care and work to the Salesman. Some
men can get their prospects to the deciding point, but fail to get them
to act. Others seem specially adapted to "closing" these cases. It
requires a peculiar knack to "close"--the effort is entirely
psychological. We shall consider it in a subsequent chapter under the
head of "Closing." To be a good "closer" is the ambition of every
Salesman, for it is the best paid branch of his profession. It depends
largely upon the scientific application of suggestion. To lead a
prospect to Action, is to pull the trigger of his will. To this end all
the previous work has been directed. Its psychology is subtle. What
makes you finally get out of bed in the morning, after having "decided
to" several times without resulting action? To understand this, is to
understand the process of the final Action in the mind of the buyer. Is
it not worth learning?
In the succeeding chapters we shall consider the several stages of the
"Salesman's Progress" toward a sale--the Approach, the Demonstration,
and the Closing. In these stages of the Salesman, we shall see the
action and reaction upon the Mind of the Buyer, along the lines of the
Psychology of the Purchase. In the Sale-Purchase the minds of the
Salesman and the Buyer meet. The result is the Signed Order. The
psychological process of the Sale is akin to the progress of a game of
chess or checkers. And neither is the result of chance--well defined
principles underlie each, and established methods are laid down for the
student.