Woman 'pressured' into signing up for $17k worth of beauty packages: Here's how to avoid such hard-sell tactics

The report about a woman who was allegedly pressured into signing $17,000 worth of packages at a beauty salon triggered much reaction among you guys (yes, you, AsiaOne readers).

Some were even so helpful to share their tips on how to escape such a situation:

Thank you, kind souls.

We think the best solution is to pay for the service done that day, walk away and never look back, even if they continue talking to you. But if you're unable to do that, here are a few more excuses from the AsiaOne team to arm yourself with before your next manicure visit:

I'm relocating overseas, so I can't commit.

I'm paying for renovation for my house, so I've used up all my savings.

Karen Lim

I just got sacked.

Rebekah Lee

The outlet is too far from my home and work.
(But double-check if they have other outlets that are nearby.)

Andrea Saadan

Go with someone who is fierce enough to reject them for you.

Tay Hui Zhen

Also look out for these common sales tactics used by salespeople, as highlighted by Gifford Chan, Principal Clinical Psychologist at The Open Nest:

- Reciprocity: "I give you a free trial/free massage/free gift so you feel compelled to give something back to me in return."

- Authority: "I am the expert so the information I give you is accurate. You'd better listen to me."

- Scarcity: Deadline for sales/seasonal products. "If you don't sign today, the price will be back to normal tomorrow."

To handle these tactics, Chan advises consumers to always remain calm. If you think you're being fed any misleading information, don't be afraid to step up and question the "authority" figure. 

huizhen@sph.com.sg