How Would You Sell Me This Bottle of Water?
From anticipating objections to conveying emotional imagery, here are eight answers to the question, "How would you answer the interview question, 'Sell me this bottle of water?'"
- Anticipate and Address Potential Objections
- Help Them Understand Product Usefulness
- Point Out the Uniqueness
- Display Quickness, Confidence, and Adaptability
- Focus on the Convenience
- Identify the Customer's Needs
- Show You Know Sales, Ask the Right Questions
- Use Emotional Imagery
Anticipate and Address Potential Objections
Anticipating and addressing potential objections is an important aspect of a successful sales pitch. To effectively address objections, we have to pay close attention to the questions and concerns raised by the potential customer and acknowledge the possible interviewer or customer's concern.
For example, you could say, "I understand that you may have concerns about the value of this bottle of water compared to others you can easily obtain. However, let me assure you that this bottle offers unique benefits that set it apart."
In the end, we have to answer and provide the solution to the potential objection by highlighting the product features such as, "It's made of BPA-free plastic, environmentally friendly, and not only are you getting a high-quality product, but you're also making a positive impact on the environment.
Georgi Todorov
Founder, ThriveMyWay
Help Them Understand Product Usefulness
How well can you whistle? That's the first question you should ask. If someone says they can or can't, urge them to try. After they do so, pass them the bottle of water and ask them to take a swig and try again.
There is a good chance they'll notice a difference after taking that sip of water. If you're selling someone a product, make them understand as best you can how useful that product is to them. Induce them to try the product so that they can see for themselves the benefits of it.
Point Out the Uniqueness
This water bottle is not just a typical bottle of water. To ensure the finest quality and flavor, it is filtered and bottled under the strictest standards.
Its small size makes it simple to transport, making it the first choice when on the move, going on the go, or going on a hike. Additionally, purchasing this water contributes to reducing single-use plastic and environmentally responsible behaviors.
Its price is comparable to others available on the market, so you lose nothing and can only experience exceptional taste and quality. Would you be willing to try it out?
Nina Paczka
Community Manager, Resume Now
Display Quickness, Confidence, and Adaptability
Despite what the question itself asks, being asked to sell a pen or water bottle on the spot has extremely little to do with your actual ability to sell that item. What this question is really looking for is your ability to be flexible, think on your feet, and find an advantage in a difficult situation—skills that are critical for good salespeople.
You could always espouse the pen's features, use it to scribble on their shirt, and then sell them dry cleaning, asking for their signature—it doesn't matter what you do. What's important is that you do it quickly, you do it confidently, and you roll with their responses.
Kate Kandefer
CEO, SEOwind
Focus on the Convenience
Selling a bottle of water may seem like a straightforward task, but it requires some thought and creativity.
I would start by highlighting the benefits of drinking water, and the importance of staying hydrated. I would then point out the convenience of having a bottle of water readily available, whether you are on the go or simply need a quick refreshment.
The quality of the water is also important, and I would explain that this particular brand of water is purified and has a crisp, refreshing taste. Finally, I would like to mention the eco-friendly aspect of the bottle, as it can be reused and helps reduce plastic waste.
Overall, I would make a compelling argument that this bottle of water is not just a simple purchase but a smart investment in your health, convenience, and the environment.
Isabella Meyer
Editor, Art in Context
Identify the Customer's Needs
If I were answering the question "Can you sell me this bottle of water?", I would first try to identify the customer's needs; then, go over the benefits of the product, and focus specifically on things that I believed the person would find the most appealing. I would finish by encouraging the customer to buy the water bottle. For example:
“Of course! Let me ask you a quick question. Are you in need of a refreshing drink? Do you want to stay hydrated and feel good throughout the day? If so, then this bottle of water is perfect for you. It's made from premium, purified water and enriched with minerals that are essential for your health and well-being. Plus, the bottle itself is made from eco-friendly materials, so you can feel good about your purchase and its impact on the environment. Would you like to purchase it now?”
Samuel Johns
CPRW and Career Counselor, Resume Genius
Show You Know Sales, Ask the Right Questions
Instead of just going at it and talking about how amazing the bottle of water is, start asking questions.
If you're applying for a more technical sales job, your responsibility isn't to hype up the product—it's to understand the customer's needs, and THEN explain how your product solves their problems.
Ask questions like:
- How much water do you drink per day?
- Are you aware of the health benefits of drinking more water?
- Where do you source your water today? Do you have any problems with the provider?
Nick Zviadadze
Founder, MintSEO
Use Emotional Imagery
For example:
“I lost 2 lbs last week, and I didn't feel hungry once…do you know how I did it? All day at work, I made sure I always had a bottle of water nearby.
Every time I wanted a snack, a soda, or a coffee, I just drank water instead! It's easy to do and even easier if your bottled water has a secret additive that helps keep you feeling full. Like this one does.
Want this one? It's my last one, though.”
Dave Pedley
Owner and Founder, KnowSheets
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