Anyone here a salesman for a living?

When salespeople show up unannounced at our office, we tell them to hit the road (nicely). Why do they ask for a business card even after I tell them I'm 100% certain we'll never entertain the idea of doing business with them?

I know -- it's one of the great mysteries of the universe...

They likely have to produce a report at the end of the day listing who they spoke with as a way to prove to their bosses that they are actually trying.
In addition, one "no" is not a reason to quit asking. The info on the card may go to their "outbound calling" group who will still try to get your business from another angle.

I don't understand either. Maybe they think that by asking for the card you will remember them in the future if you find yourself needing their particular service...?

A fellow employee of mine has a saying:

"Some people work for a living. The rest go into sales."

Sorry if that offends anyone, I used to work at a car dealer in a sales department...that'll make anyone dislike salesmen.

I remember one day, we had FOUR different pairs of salesmen from AFLAC show up. Told each of them that they should learn to read, as there was a sign that said "No Soliciting" on the door.

OK, I make my living through cold calls. You don't want to talk, that's OK. If I have your card, that gives me a lot of info for further contacts. Get nasty and blow me off, OK, no biggy, but I will be able to work with the ones that don't treat me like that. Cold call sales is a tough business, not for the weak. But, when you reach the guy that needs what you have, and you present yourself well, payday is close.. I enjoy it.

I sell stainless steel braided metal hoses for a living. Guys do it for what jrw1621 says.

We put our calls into a sales database ACT and then can follow up down the road. In 16 years of me being a hoser, you would be surprised when people say no and things change down the road and they want to buy your products.

And we are trained to walk past that no soliciting sign and act stupid. Sign? I didn't see it. Yeah, right.