Under pressure (The cost of being a customer)

Some time ago I was approached with a demonstration for my nephew. This was his new job and he is selling fire alarm systems for homes. This is pretty good stuff I might add.
The demonstration was filled with newsy stuff about the dynamics of a fire and all that happens in the 2 or 3 seconds you have to collect your thoughts and get to action getting out (best bet) or put it out which is not always your best bet.
We agreed we needed the system and promised to purchase one when the time was right.
Well 2 months later we had a fire and all the commotion that followed (see other posts), Then after long last the insurance paid off and we were in the process of getting the Garage rebuilt This is not complete as of yet but we are close.
So my Nephew calls us the other day and asked if we were ready to buy the system ($3,000 worth), “But Uncle you really need this after all you have already had a fire. (National average is one fire in a life time, typically) I am not typical.. by no means! Well I said I did promise to by one but all in good time. I want the house finished before I get this (a big choice was an a/c unit or this).Then the second call came in “But Uncle I have to have my work order in by the end of the week” I asked “ is your boss pushing you? “Sorta”. I told him I would call back.
In discussion with my wife she said we needed the system but we still need to finish the garage. I agreed and called him back “we want to wait about a month” . “But you promised!” I asked “Are they still bugging you?” Now it is the regional manager he replied.
Then came the text messages, the voice mails and only an hour had passed. “ Can we do the paper work and install it now? I can put the application through and you can pay later?” “That would be fine but Credit is something the fire helped to remove from me along with my tolerance for pushy salesmen!
A week passed after I exclaimed “Enough! I will buy when I am DAMN GOOD AND READY!! At a family picnic my nephew was there and the boss showed up. “Hey give him a break, I really didn’t like the way you yelled at him!” “Expletive deleted” Pat! ( This is a family site ya know) I will buy it when I am ready and I still have added expenses with the Garage as it is.” Well we will talk later he said. That reminded me of the little kid in the movies that shakes his fist and says I will get even!
I was at the Grand Fathers Day celebration and sure enough (you guessed it) he was there!
“OKAY!” I will fill out the paper work!, “Oh then you’re ready to install?
NO! Paperwork that’s all! Oh! he said with great disappointment.
“By the way I have to go to a friends house so I can pick Cherries for Grandpa, Want to come with me?”
“Sure”
Some Friend (dare I say Fiend) He takes me to Pats house to pick cherries. While ther the topic of the application came up. I said ok. Then before we left the car was filled with alarms and detectors and a free gift or three. The next day I was once again pressured to fill out the application. “Wait The Bank information is missing!” That’s Right I said (I never intended a credit application to be completed) “But I will get in deep trouble if it isn’t filled out the proper way!” This was his first solo sales gig.
My Nephew was very upset I was feeling pressure from him. His boss and my wife (family thing ya know?) I Exclaimed, “ALRIGHT, DAMN IT!” Her take this check and get out!
I am 3,000 dollars lighter and much relieved that if I have a fire that I have 2 or 3 seconds to get out or put the damn thing out and my homeowners insurance (who ever it will be with) (see posts) will be 25% less!
Ring a ding!
The Frustrating thing is that I succumbed to higher than normal pressure, I Bought the thing not to save my home or save money or protect my home (all the right reasons and was going to happen anyway) but to get them off my back! This was a bad customer move. Note to sales department: use leverage but not pressure.
Use the unfortunate event do not prey upon it and last but not least never do this with a family member.
My Nephew is happy, I am protected, Family is safe and I am a better customer for the experience!
Next week you should see my new Garage! I hope!