Can I Help You?One of the things I hate about retail store front shopping is dealing with those pesky sales associates. When you really, no kidding need help finding something or have questions about a product they are never around. In fact, when you approach them they usually pick up the phone or turn their backs and run away as quickly as they can to some back store room you're not allowed to enter.
Today I experienced the other side of the equation. Scytheboy's got money burning a hole in his pocket since his Birthday, and he wanted to spend some time in the store looking around to see what he could see. Anyway...and I'm NOT kidding...within 15 minutes eight - yes EIGHT - different sales associates asked us if they could help us find anything. No, thank you, I don't need any help finding anything, and for the 8th time could you PLEASE just let us look? That poor 8th associate really bore the brunt of our frustration. I truly believe there is a fine line between customer service and customer harrassment. We weren't bothering anyone, it was clear we were just browsing. Could you, would you, PLEASE just let us look?!!!
Perhaps I was a little sensitive in the area of too much help because I am still scarred by an experience I had in a Victoria's Secret store front several years ago.
Yes sir, I had all the "help" I needed - help telling the entire customer population of the store my underwear size, that is. Yes folks, no less than six sales associates asked me very loudly what size I was looking for and after me telling them very quietly what it was, they would say VERY loudly "here's a xxxx." I know they were trying to help but after the sixth time in five minutes of me running away from those "helpers" just so I could look around I ran out of the store without buying a damn thing.
I know, I know. There are a lot of people that like to feel they are getting special, one on one service. I'm not one of them. I don't like to be "helped" at the lingerie store, the electronics store or the car lot. If I need help I'll ask for it. Otherwise, PLEASE leave me alone!
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Comments
There is a fine line. I think that service industries should hire all of those profession poker players to train the staff to read people. I good salesman knows when to come in for the kill.
Posted by: DrinkJack ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://thepeachpit.net/nav-commenters.gif)
on July 22, 2005 09:54 PM
