razl
Stylish Dinosaur
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2009
- Messages
- 11,231
- Reaction score
- 3,268
I understand the economy is tough, and everyone's trying to make a sale. I also understand that, to varying degrees, salespeople are rewarded on some sort of commission structure (either personally, or through team/store goals, etc.) I'm aware of it, I get it, and - to the extent that I can - I make sure to revisit salespeople who treat me well.
But I am sick of, nay almost hate, being approached - sometimes multiple times in the same store - by salespeople attempting to initiate a sales relationship usually through some basic/inane conversation that always ends in "I'm so-and-so and if you have any questions please let me know". Every single retail store now seems to do this relentlessly.
I've been told I have a friendlier than usual demeanor, so maybe I strike salespeople as easier to strike up a conversation with (or, heck, maybe I just look like a sucker). But I swear, I'm going to start wearing a F'-off face to get this to stop. Every store is the same thing - there is no enter and browse without having to endure some back-and-forth with an associate and trying to brush them off politely and I am getting sick of it. I was out this this weekend and didn't browse some stores because I was tired of dealing with the hassle.
A simple hello is sufficient (if necessary). And, yes, customers will need help and assistance - train your associates to pay attention to browsers and be ready when they are needed. If I have a question, I'll ask. Don't preemptively accost me when I'm just coming in to look around - you're not building a relationship, you're frustrating me from the get go. This probably goes against manager's instincts, but you have to think about it in the context of a shopper visiting multiple stores, not just yours.
I've said this before about retailers - don't make me be the jerk. I don't want to be a jerk, I hate being the jerk, but I hate it even more when you make me be one because of your practices. Usually that only happens in service situations after the sale, but now it's encroaching on just browsing. I, for one, am getting sick of it.
Ok, rant over.
But I am sick of, nay almost hate, being approached - sometimes multiple times in the same store - by salespeople attempting to initiate a sales relationship usually through some basic/inane conversation that always ends in "I'm so-and-so and if you have any questions please let me know". Every single retail store now seems to do this relentlessly.
I've been told I have a friendlier than usual demeanor, so maybe I strike salespeople as easier to strike up a conversation with (or, heck, maybe I just look like a sucker). But I swear, I'm going to start wearing a F'-off face to get this to stop. Every store is the same thing - there is no enter and browse without having to endure some back-and-forth with an associate and trying to brush them off politely and I am getting sick of it. I was out this this weekend and didn't browse some stores because I was tired of dealing with the hassle.
A simple hello is sufficient (if necessary). And, yes, customers will need help and assistance - train your associates to pay attention to browsers and be ready when they are needed. If I have a question, I'll ask. Don't preemptively accost me when I'm just coming in to look around - you're not building a relationship, you're frustrating me from the get go. This probably goes against manager's instincts, but you have to think about it in the context of a shopper visiting multiple stores, not just yours.
I've said this before about retailers - don't make me be the jerk. I don't want to be a jerk, I hate being the jerk, but I hate it even more when you make me be one because of your practices. Usually that only happens in service situations after the sale, but now it's encroaching on just browsing. I, for one, am getting sick of it.
Ok, rant over.