We have talked a lot about the different techniques and tricks you can use to improve your sales skills. Everything from building rapport to the qualifying process to knowing when to close a deal. But what happens if none of this works? What happens if you have given in 110% and the sale seems to have slipped away like an eel in a stream of cooking oil?

(Special Note - Please See 6th November Update at end of this post)

According to the Daily Mail, one salesman (Carl Birkenshaw) decided that punching the customer was the best option. He did this simply because the customer had spoken to a rival company.

Carl Birkenshaw, 42, allegedly threw a series of punches at George Dixon after accusing him and his wife of wasting his time during a meeting at the couple’s home.

He erupted with rage when Mr Dixon informed him that they had already sought a quote from another firm for new windows to be fitted into their luxury conservatory.

Attacking his rival’s reputation and quality of work he went on to criticise the Dixons for calling him out to their home and repeatedly refused to leave, the court heard.

When Mr Dixon tried to usher him towards the front door Birkenshaw grabbed him by the throat and swung two punches at him, Bedlington magistrates court was told.

Mr Dixon retaliated and punched Birkenshaw on the chin, knocking him back on to the settee.

As Birkenshaw got up Mr Dixon is said to have tripped and fallen backwards onto the floor. Towering over him Birkenshaw then allegedly said: ‘I’ve got you now, you bastard.’

The sales manager leapt on top of Mr Dixon before punching him at least three times in the face whilst his hysterical wife, Evelyn, telephoned the police, the hearing was told.

Mr Dixon managed to get up and heard his wife tell Birkenshaw that the police were on their way. The salesman ran past him, grabbed his briefcase and left the house.

But before driving off in his car he turned furiously to Mr Dixon and said he would bring people round to ’sort him out’.

Mr Dixon, who was left bleeding from his mouth and with injuries to his face and shoulder, was later seen by his GP and prescribed painkillers for the effects of the punches.

The extraordinary fight occurred in February this year after Birkenshaw was invited to the couple’s home in Cramlington, Northumberland, to give them a quote for their conservatory.

When Mr Dixon later informed him that they had also spoken to another company, Birkenshaw, a salesman for Paramount Windows and Conservatories, allegedly lost his temper.

It is people like Carl that are giving this industry a bad name. So if you are struggling to close as many sales as you would like, then bookmark Confessionsofasalesman.co.uk and we will guide you through all the very best sales techniques and tips.

Note: If anyone knows Carl, tell him to visit the site as well, it sounds like he needs a few lessons.

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VERY GOOD NEWS: 6th November 2007

Confessions of A Salesman has just heard that Carl Birkenshaw has been cleared of assaulting customer - please see:
Carl Birkenshaw has been cleared of assaulting customer

In Particular note:

Graham Auld, managing director of Paramount Windows, told magistrates Mr Birkenshaw was an outstanding employee and he had never received a single complaint from a customer about him.

Chairman of the bench, Pam Brown, said they believed Mr Birkenshaw’s version of events and that he acted in self-defence when struck by Mr Dixon.

This is really good news - and even though the original post is now out of date I think the fact that Carl Birkenshaw has been cleared is very important. It is rare for a customer to assult a salesperson - and frankly the media is such that almost always the “Sales Person” will be seen in a bad light. Here at Confessions Of A Salesman we would like to redress that imbalance more often. Carl has no doubt been through a terrible experience - but the fact that his employers have stuck by him and supported him is admirable.

I just trust that all that other media who reported on this when it first came to court will also follow up and give details of the Final Verdict.