For those of you in sales...

[hooker4186]

I've got a question - how do those of you who are clothing salespeople view folks who come into your store and try things on, ask questions, and for help/opinions but don't buy anything?

For example - today I went into the Ralph Lauren in Philadelphia, and tried on a couple RLBL jackets. I've heard a lot about the line and wanted to see how the line fits me. The sales guy was great, really nice, answered a bunch of my questions and offered some opinions. I was there for about fifteen minutes, tried on a few coats, thanked him, and left.

I knew going in I didn't have the cash to buy a suit, and probably would need to budget/save for a while if I was going to. As a salesperson, do you view what I did of scouting out a particular line/fit with no intention of making a purchase in the near future a waste of your time, or do you view it as an investment in a prospective future customer/purchase six months or a year down the line?

 

[nonissue]

I generally don't mind, I guess it depends how busy we are. For the most part I just like informing people/sharing knowledge, and I don't expect everybody to find something they like every time they shop. I know how picky I am, so it's really not a big deal. But if it's a busy day and you come in with no intention of buying and yet badger me with questions, it's going to be frustrating.

 

[rjmaiorano]

No issue at all. Its in the best interest of the sales associate to take care of that customer for potential future purchases and to also take care of them for the reputation of the store.

 

[fcuknu]

I have worked in sales before and it really matters. If the person is very time consuming and has you running around going crazy it can by annoying. But if the person is nice, why not? Usually I dont mind if the person is younger. As I am a student, I know how it can be.

 

[freefinancialadvice]

I usually let them know when I walk in that I am browsing. Even when I'm not.

That way, the pressure is off, and there won't be a sales guy right up your ass every minute.

It's not like they aren't going to answer any questions you have. and, you won't distract them from getting a real sale if you don't buy.

 

[beau nash]

I agree. I worked in clothing sales while an undergraduate. It was a small shop but sold Oxxford, Ike Behar and Talbott, among others. I never minded when people said they were just shopping and asked questions. I did mind when they acted like they were going to buy and then made some lame excuse.

 

[DGstyles]

Continuing off of freefinancialadvice's post...after one states that they are only browsing, good sales people typically will still engage you to help you find something. Having worked sales before, it can be slightly frustrating to have helped a potential customer for a large amount of time but not sell a single item to them. In the end, though, I always felt pretty good for spreading my knowledge even if it doesn't lead to the cash register. I have found that customers will remember and return to a place of business based on their experience with the salespeople more often than not.

 

[cwh812]

Originally Posted by freefinancialadvice

I usually let them know when I walk in that I am browsing. Even when I'm not.

That way, the pressure is off, and there won't be a sales guy right up your ass every minute.

It's not like they aren't going to answer any questions you have. and, you won't distract them from getting a real sale if you don't buy.

I do the same thing, however, one time I said that and the salesperson left me alone and went to help other people. When I did find some items I liked (I wasn't expecting to) I asked the closest salesperson to help me. As I was checking out Salesperson #2 asks me did Salesperson #1 ask if he could help you and I of course responded yes. Salesperson #2 responded, oh, because we work on commission and he is pissed at me. It was awkward and I felt bad. Now I just try to find the first person that approached me when I decide to by something.

As for trying stuff on w/ no intention to buy - if I ask a lot of questions or I take a lot of time trying stuff on I try to be up front with them and let them know I'm shopping around or I try to buy something small from the store.

 

[JFKJean]

Originally Posted by rjmaiorano

No issue at all. Its in the best interest of the sales associate to take care of that customer for potential future purchases and to also take care of them for the reputation of the store.



+1. You never know if that customer can be a future client, or even better a returning client so you've gotta treat those situations all the same. I try to be cordial with customers who are "just looking"....unless I know their tourists so you can proceed and treat them like the turd on the bottom of your trousers

 

[CharlestonBows]

Originally Posted by rjmaiorano

No issue at all. Its in the best interest of the sales associate to take care of that customer for potential future purchases and to also take care of them for the reputation of the store.

I agree, the sales associate should be helpful whether or not you buy that day, but also YOU should be be a gentleman and not take up an hour of their time, make demands, or have him bring out the entire stock room.

 

[meauounji]

Originally Posted by cwh812

I do the same thing, however, one time I said that and the salesperson left me alone and went to help other people. When I did find some items I liked (I wasn't expecting to) I asked the closest salesperson to help me. As I was checking out Salesperson #2 asks me did Salesperson #1 ask if he could help you and I of course responded yes. Salesperson #2 responded, oh, because we work on commission and he is pissed at me. It was awkward and I felt bad. Now I just try to find the first person that approached me when I decide to by something.

IMO this is very distasteful and class-less of salesman#1... and partly #2 for telling you. The customer shouldn't know or care whether you work off commission or not. Resolve your issue with your co-worker away from the customer, please!

 

[Philip1978]

Originally Posted by CharlestonBows

I agree, the sales associate should be helpful whether or not you buy that day, but also YOU should be be a gentleman and not take up an hour of their time, make demands, or have him bring out the entire stock room.

+1

 

[dfagdfsh]

it's not a big deal at all, and I'm happy to help. it does get kind of annoying though when people try to haggle with you.

 

[Jayhawk1412]

It's not that big of a deal as long as you don't take up a bunch of the salespersons time. I've worked in sales for a long time, and I don't mind helping someone out.

Just make sure you let the salesperson know that you don't intend to buy anything today, but you will buy from him/her in the future. Then, don't keep that salesperson from talking to other customers, encourage it, so you don't waste their time.

Most salespeople work on commission, so if you waste their time, you are also costing them money. But at the same time, it is their job to help the customer no matter what.

 

[West24]

15 minutes is nothing. you find in high end retail stores some customers just come in for a form of therapy. theyre messed up and just need someone to talk to. they take up tons of time and never buy anything.