Getting sick of salespeople in retail - Page 12

^^^ Mind reading would be ideal, but alas... I had to convert 35 feed into meters and that is a little extreme, as long as it's not directly over my shoulder. We've stretched the waiter analogy to breaking point but I'd say it would be more like being continuously asked throughout the meal if I was ready to order dessert and then not ordering any. But in reality it would depend on the sales person's attitude when asking, some men often look quite lost in a clothing store. I don't know how hard it is to provide such service, all I know is that I have received such service, and aspects of it from time to time, so it can't be impossible.

I hate salespeople. I can't browse a store's merchandise unmolested for even thirty seconds. I'm considering reusing a tactic from last time I bought a car: take my father along, and sic him on the first salesman who tries to approach me. While they converse, I am free to look around

My strategy is quite simple. Upon strolling into an establishment I make eye contact with a sales associate. He or she comes up and says "hello" or something akin to "hello". I reply with "what's up, motherfucker?" I walk away before they're able to reply.

I'm sure your mother is so proud of you.

I hope he is not shopping in Compton or South Philadelphia.

im sorry, this thread was very long so i skimmed it. however, i feel that i would much rather a salesperson be attentive to me (even if i feel they are being too attentive) than totally ignore me. I have only had one real instance of being totally ignored in the polo section at bloomingdales roosevelt field that left me feeling like such an unwelcomed guest i put the merchandise down and walked away without purchasing a thing. Im no big timer but i do purchase from there a fair amount.

that actually is a fairly legitimate (and non hostile) greeting in Compton

Just want to correct you...South Philadelphia is fine, it is just a very Italian neighborhood. North Philadelphia and to a lesser extend, West Philadelphia is where the sales associate will likely pull out his glock and respond with his version of what's up motherfucker?

Cheers for the info...

My SF colleagues gave me the wrong impression of South Philadelphia.

+1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

Without reading through all 12 pages, I'm not sure if we've degenerated into a new topic, mock thread, etc. But I will say I agree with the OP. I just can't enjoy brick and mortar shopping sometimes. Walking in to an empty Banana Republic is akin to having a target on your head. "Looking for something in particular? I'm Erica. Let me know if you need anything." "Found anything you like yet?" "What kind of styles are you into?" It's very easy to tell which stores pay commission. These sales associates are essentially used car salesmen. LEAVE ME ALONE and if I have a question you'll be the first person I ask. I HAVE been on the other side of this equation, having worked in retail (clothing included) for about 5 years. I always maintained a balance between effective and aggressive. As a retail salesperson you either have it or you don't. Most don't. That said, I won't treat this as if it's a new phenomena. Gotten worse with the economy, however.

+1. this was what i have been saying here all along. i dont mind sales people bothering me. it just them doing their job. i like to converse and express my opinions on things. it's fun.

ive done that too, when i want to buy something, they ignore me? sure, i will put it down. it's not like i really need it anyways. i'll go try another location next time.

oh, and of course, you pick something up and looks like youre going to buy something? theyll come right up to you with a smile "can i help you?"
uh, no. i'll go purchase these over at customer service (at nordstrom). bye bye.

I think that a key to making the most out of brick and mortar retail is to establish connections with the sales associates. Establishing friendship/liking is a valuable tool that all too many "classy" men let slip under the radar. I rarely go into a place without saying hello to the people in my immediate surroundings, even if it's in a public bathroom or at a water fountain.

Having read half of the first page only, I am just going to give my opinion from a sales perspective and from a consumer perspective. From a sales perspective, you get more positive feedback through the day just by greeting people. A lot of negative feedback given from customers to retail stores usually started with "no one said hello or even bothered to check in on me/us." It does get repetitive, but to show customers that you know they exist and that you were willing to check on them goes a longer way than knowing that the next customer is going to give you a "f-off" look. Half the time, those people would actually need help looking for something and guess what...they went looking for me to help them. From a consumer perspective, it is nice to get a check in from the sales reps, even if I am in a "f-off" mood. Having been on the other side may give me a bit of bias but some reps can be a bit annoying. A rep with a good sense of humor starting off their greeting is always welcome too. In the end, that is their job and we should all respect that, but they should also respect us in return.

Let me get this straight, there are people on SF that can spend 12 hrs reading, debating, and posting about some guy's lapel roll...

but "Hi, can I help you?" and "Ok, well let me know if I can help" is somehow unbearable?