Do you like assistance when you shop or do you like to be left alone?

Question

I really hate to be bothered by salespeople when I shop. I would probably shop more at some stores if their salespeople didn't follow me around offering help. I would like to go into a macys or sephora and try out the makeup testers to find what colors look best on me but usually end up just picking something quickly to get out of the store. I feel cheap if I go in just to look around and try the stuff and don';t buy anything. I usually take the eyeshadow applicator home with me that I have used to try an eyeshadow because I can wash and reuse the applicator again. I see no point in just throwing it away since I am always having to buy more spongy applicators because they don't last long and the ones at the trial spots seem to last longer.

Answer 1

I want to be left alone in a store when I shop. If I want help, I'll ask for it. In fact, if a salesperson comes up to me, I'll usually leave the store.

Answer 2

It depends on what I'm shopping for. If it's for makeup, I'd like someone to at least say "if we can help you select anything, let us know," but not to stand there and watch me try stuff on. Clothes I would rather be left alone to shop for. I mean, don't most women just go to the mall without a clue of what they're looking for? Sometimes we just want to look, and to have someone watching you is really annoying. Though, having had retail jobs before, I can sympathize...mabye the associates are just bored and looking for some excitement. lol

Answer 3

we should have some kind of rally against these sales people! I think they really are just TRYING to be annoying. MY husband and i were going to have two shirts made for us with the words,
"no, thank you.. we are just looking" written on the front and back. we went to so many furniture stores and the sales people wouldnt leave us alone! IS there anything we can DO!!???I mean, when i have a question i ask. i dont need more info on a product if i dont like the price or color. sales people should be banned, their only hope is to work as waitresses

Answer 4

I like to be left alone, but I do like salespeople nearby IF (and only if) I need to ask for help in finding a certain product.

I hate it when they will try to sell you the newest (whatever) the minute you step in the door or follow you around or pop up as you're trying things on to ask you if you like them.

As far as I'm concerned, I'm a happy shopper if they say, "Hi, let me know if I can help you," when I walk in, then ignore me unless I ask for help.

Answer 5

Well... finally someone who feels like I do... I have a perfect example for what I have done in the past with the annoying people. Then, I will give you some ideas on how to keep the pesky sales clerks out of your hair, until you ASK for help.

I went shopping to buy my daughter all new bedroom furniture. I went store to store trying to find a bargain. In 8 of 9 stores, I had the pesky, I am living on a commission clerk. I looked high and low at every furniture store within 30 miles from my home. When I got to the 9th store, the people stayed BEHIND the counter and told me if I need help to let them know. This impressed me very much. I walked back to where I was pointed, and found the GREATEST Ashley bedroom suite. It was more pricey than the other stores furniture, but I thought to myself, that because I had the freedom to lay down on it, and I had the freedom to look it over without someone steaming up my collar, that I should buy it. The last thing I wanted to do was go back to one of the cheaper stores and have to deal with their pesky salesman. So, I did purchase it, and though it was more expensive, (and I had been originally shopping the bargain,) I found that the furniture would grow with her and it would be the ONLY FURNITURE I would have to buy for her until she moves from my home. I explained to the salesman, still behind the counter, that I was buying from there because I had been chased by the relentless sales zombies in every other store I had been to. I thanked them for their "help" by staying behind the counter, until I asked them to come and see what was in stock there.

When I left, I smiled to myself as I thought of ways I would keep the salesman off of me the next time. I think I shall share this with you and those who read this post, so that we may start a way to get them to model their stores after the mom and pop store that I adore. Here are a few of my ideas, and if everyone would do this, we would see less and less of these pests.

1) You can talk to an imaginary little friend on your shoulder. Say something, (while looking at your shoulder,) like this... "No i don't like it when they follow us either... you want me to do what to him/her? I cannot do that... please don't make me do it..."

This will send them back to the right side of the counter cowering...

2) Wipe your face when they start to talk, and tell them if they spit in your face again, you shall have to do something more drastic...

Oh, golly, the threat of something more drastic, leaves the mind wondering WHAT the more drastic really is.

3) Explain that you have just come from a different competitor store from across town, and THEY didn't follow you around, so if it should continue, you will go back there to make your purchases.

The thought of having you go somewhere else will leave them with no other chice but to leave you alone. Tell them the name of the store, even if you really didn't just come from there...

4) Develop a twitch and tell them that pressure causes you to do unimaginable things...

What do I have to say to let you know the reasoning behind this one? LOL.

5) Stick your finger up your nose, pull it out and attempt to shake their hand to introduce yourself...

Eww. Germs are a WONDERFUL deterrant...

Good luck to you on your next shopping trip. If you are feeling their grip, give them one of your own. Hugs and happy shopping!

Answer 6

It doesn't bother me because it's their job. I am in management in retail and it's a requirement in most places to assist the customer, though stalking on the other hand is ridiculous. When I don't want to be bothered I say "I'm really indecisive so I don't want to waste your time. I'll let you know when I am ready to be helped." It's a courteous response that usually works. Also if you really need help, look for the person wearing the most tasteful makeup and let her help you.

Answer 7

Alone I like to move quickly and everyone I know to shop with looks at everything. I hate it when sales people come up to me, I would rather them be available when I need them.

Answer 8

ALONE!
i don't want assistance because if i do, i will surely ask them when i'm ready. there are times i ended up buying what i really don't like because the saleslady is soooo doing the sales talk and for her to stop, i would just buy it and leave the shop. thank goodness, i never got allergic to those... yet!

Answer 9

Definitely left alone. I hate being jumped the minute I walk into a store.

Answer 10

I loke to b left alone. Bcos i've had really weird xperiences with salespeople. They like follow me around the whole place as though i'm a shoplifter or sumthing.But wen dealing with probably medicines or things wich i'm not too familiar with, i accept help gladly!!!!!!!!!!!