I want to share a selling tip for stun guns I discovered 38 years ago when I sold stun guns at flea markets.
People coming to my booth would have many questions because 37 years ago, not many people knew what a stun gun was. But, there was one question I got more than any other.
“How do I know this works?”
The Finger Test Demonstration
When I would get that question, I would ask them to hold their finger out. I told them I was not going to touch their finger with the stun gun but hold it about 1/4 inch away. I then said to them that I would pull the trigger, and they would see the electricity jump from the stun gun into their finger.
Well, one of two things would happen: they would hold their finger out, or they wouldn’t.
Scenario One: The Brave Customer
If they held their finger out, they would see the blue electrical charge jump into the finger and feel the sting of the hit. They would jerk their finger back. I would tell them to imagine what it would feel like if I had fired it while touching their neck or chest. They were convinced.
The physical experience of feeling even a small portion of the stun gun’s power gave them immediate proof of its effectiveness. The visual component of seeing the bright blue arc of electricity combined with the sensation created an undeniable demonstration. This firsthand experience eliminated any doubt about whether the device would work in a real situation.
Scenario Two: The Hesitant Customer
If they refused to hold their finger out, they were afraid of what it would feel like, and they were also convinced.
Their reluctance to participate in the demonstration actually became the demonstration itself. By refusing to put their finger near the device, they were acknowledging their belief in its power. Fear is often the best indicator of respect for a self-defense tool’s capabilities.
The Psychology Behind the Technique
This demonstration works because it addresses the customer’s skepticism through direct experience or implied threat. People need to believe in the effectiveness of their self-defense tools. Doubt can be dangerous in a real confrontation situation.
The technique also creates an emotional connection to the product. Whether through the shock of feeling the electricity or the anxiety of avoiding it, customers form a memorable association with the stun gun’s power.
Applying This Technique in Various Settings
So, if you sell face-to-face at a gun show, flea market, home party, or show to friends, family, or co-workers, use this technique, and they will be convinced.
Safety Considerations
When performing this demonstration, always maintain the quarter-inch distance to avoid injury while still showing effectiveness. Make sure the customer understands this is just a small sample of the device’s full power. Explain that direct contact delivers significantly more voltage and impact.
Building Confidence in Your Product
This demonstration technique builds trust between seller and customer. You’re showing confidence in your product by being willing to demonstrate it. Customers appreciate sellers who stand behind their products with tangible proof rather than just verbal claims.
The finger test has proven effective for decades because it’s simple, quick, and memorable. It transforms skeptical browsers into confident buyers by removing the guesswork about whether stun guns actually work.
