This week, I am especially happy to share some good news—I closed an order!
For most salespeople, a new order means revenue and numbers, but for me, this deal carried something more: a valuable lesson from the client herself.
The Journey of the Order
The story started quite normally. I was in touch with her by the Canton Fair who had shown interest in our silicone and plastic kitchenware. She asked about prices, MOQ, and designs. From my side, I introduced our background—we are based in Yangjiang, China, and have been producing kitchenware since 1995. I highlighted the brands we had worked with, like Zwilling and Nitori, and also our flexibility in supporting online sellers with factory-direct pricing and smaller order volumes.
At first, the conversation flowed smoothly. She liked the products, asked questions, and we exchanged ideas about what might sell well in the her market. But soon, things became a little more complicated.
She started to negotiate—firmly. She wanted better terms, she asked for extra details, she pushed for pictures, and she challenged some of my initial offers. Sometimes she even sounded like she was walking away, but then she would return, asking again, in a slightly different way.
From my perspective, this was not the easiest communication. There were moments when I thought: “Maybe she is not serious, maybe this won’t work.” But she never gave up.
The Client’s Persistence
What impressed me most was her persistence. She had a very clear goal in mind—getting the best outcome for her business. And she was willing to keep trying until she got it.
- She could set emotions aside. Even if the conversation got a little tense, she would cool down and return later with a new angle.
- She was patient. Instead of forcing a quick “yes,” she kept the door open, step by step.
- She stayed focused on the result. No matter how many times she had to repeat or rephrase, her eyes were always on the final goal.
To be honest, it was almost like watching a negotiation masterclass. She wasn’t aggressive, but she was consistent. She didn’t demand everything at once, but she chipped away little by little. And in the end, she succeeded—she placed the order on her terms.
What I Learned as a Salesperson
From this client, I learned something very valuable: the power of persistence.
As salespeople, we often talk about persistence from our side—following up with clients, not giving up after the first rejection, continuing to build trust. But this time, I experienced it from the other side: persistence from the client.
It taught me three things:
- Negotiation is not about winning or losing—it’s about staying in the game long enough to create a result.
My client didn’t “defeat” me. Instead, her persistence created a space where both of us could reach an agreement. - Emotions don’t close deals—clarity and patience do.
She never let frustration push her into silence, nor excitement rush her into a decision. She was calm, clear, and consistent. - Every order is also a story of character.
Behind the numbers, there’s always a human story. This order reminded me that sales is not just about products or prices—it’s about the mindset of the people involved.
A Happy Ending (and a New Beginning)
In the end, she placed the order. Of course, I was thrilled—another win for our team, more business for our factory. But beyond the numbers, I felt gratitude.
This client showed me that persistence is not just a sales skill—it is a life skill. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, persistence means refusing to give up until you find a way forward.
So today, as I celebrate the order, I also celebrate the lesson it carried. In my sales journey, I want to keep this spirit with me: stay calm, stay clear, stay persistent.
Because sometimes, the most valuable thing you gain from an order is not the revenue, but the wisdom hidden inside the process.
