Things that make me go hmmmm

Viking's TruSear Grill

What made me think about starting a blog was the lack of consumer information about Viking's TruSear grill feature on the web.  I just could not find any Google hit that did not have to do with buying the product or sites that price compare.  Pretty sad.  My dilemma was do I give up normal grill area for a high heat searing grill.  The only real info I have to go one was the Viking site and the three sales people I spoke to.  Each of the three sales people said they would not sell a grill without it.  Seems that Viking training classes included each salesperson cooking their lunch (a steak) on a grill that includes the TruSear feature.  So yesterday when I purchased my 41" Viking Grill from Barbeques Galore I ordered it with the TruSear option.  More to come.

Wow do I like service

I was a bit discouraged after my disappointing experience with Pacific Sales.  Still determined to see the Viking Grills in person I looked for other retailers in the area.  I was surprised to see Barbeques Galore returned from Viking's retail locater tool.  At this point I had read everything about Viking's outdoor appliances from the Viking website so I was pretty well educated.  I walked into the Glendale BBQs Galore store.  Andy walked right on over and started talking grills with me.  He knew the Viking product line up and down.  Andy knew the differences between the models, series and even accessories.  I loved that he knew the product he was selling so well.  But more than that, Andy had a passion for grills.  He seemed to really take in interest in teaching me (and not just selling me) about grills.  Over the next few weeks of deciding what Viking appliances would be most useful (and which would fit) I spoke to several more Barbeques Galore sales people (Andre, Jarad, etc).  They all knew the product they sold and were all high-energy people who enjoyed selling grills.  So damn refreshing.  Other retailers could learn a lesson from BBQs Galore.  When selling premiere product that is price controlled (as Viking is), it is all about service.

Pacific Sales = Pathetic Sales

My next step in researching Viking Grills was to see them in person. I drove to a high-end Southern California chain called Pacific Sales. There are about 20 stores in SoCal and I went to the Burbank location. I walked in and started looking at the Viking Grills. After about 15 minutes no one had approached me. It was early Friday afternoon and there were not many customers in the store. There were however quite a few sales people. Some were waiting on customers, some were talking to each other and others were watching the big screen televisions. So I decided to ask the woman at the customer service desk for help. She said "see the man with his head in his hands sitting on the stool"? She pointed out a gentleman who looked like life has kicked him in the groin. I said yes. "He can help you with grills". I thanked her and walk over. I said hello. He said hello back. I was surprised that he did not get off his stool. I asked him to tell me a little bit about Viking Grills. It was pretty obvious that he did not want to be bothered. He became almost indignant. I asked him to explain the difference between the T-series and E-series. He said he didn't know. I asked him about features of the Viking Grills. He handed me a brochure. I felt like I was bothering him from whatever he was doing. All this without leaving the comfort of his stool. I just could not believe it. I was ready to spend $15K. All he needed to do is show a little interest and he could have closed the deal. I am not a hard sell. I turned around and walked out of the Burbank Pacific Sales store. I will never step in a Pacific Sales Store again. They should be ashamed. If you don't like your job, move on. I just can not stand lazy people.