My friend & I recently went to a very expensive famous department store. We were looking at shoes, and it seemed like we both got like 4 cards from different salespeople offering to help us (very pushy).
So I went back today & bought shoes from a different lady and one of the first guys (from day before) approached me & greeted me but in a nasty tone & said "oh, so, you found what you are looking for, huh" etc. I didn't see him when I walked in, and also he told me the shoes I wanted weren't available (but they actually were in the back).
Now if I ever go back, who do I go to? I feel like it's a predatory thing where they are all fighting over you & it's so annoying, I just wanted shoes!
What do you do when all these sales people have introduced themselves to you, given you cards, and offered to send you shoes or for you to call them anytime, etc.
I know you're not obligated to 1 person (isn't it your choice?), but what's the etiquette here?
2006-10-27 14:19:19 · 10 answers · asked by kate 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It's proper to ask for the first person that offered to help you, and if someone else offers you a card, tell them that person is already helping you.
If the first person turns out to be too busy to help you, then you get help from card #2, and so on.
If you buy shoes there often, and you liked one particular sales person, call that salesperson in advance and ask her/him to pull some things out for you in your size and make an appointment to try them on.
2006-10-27 14:27:10 · answer #1 · answered by pknutson_sws 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is what I think is right: They should ask you if you need help with anything because that's what they're there for, to assist you if you need it. However, if you say you don't need help or will let them know if you do (which is completely fine) then it should end at that. If they keep bothering you then yeah it's too pushy. Unfortunately this is how some people are trained to do their jobs. It's good that you have an understanding of that. But if it gets too out of hand which it sounds like it is then maybe complain to either a manager or corporate. But try not to single anyone out cause that is how they are all trained. Just to let you know I work in retail and coming from "the other side's" point of view we hate being that way just as much as you as the customers do, believe me. The only thing is, is that if we don't work like that it could cost us our jobs. Also, some people are not like that all the time. I know in my case we are only like that if we are being evaulated by a district manager or what not because they are really strict about that stuff. But I completely agree with you that customers should not be treated like that. They should be offered help, helped if they need it, and left alone if they don't.
2016-05-22 02:04:45 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Trust me, this situation is no better for the people working in it! I say stick with whomever gives you the best, MOST SINCERE service. Not just the one who comes running the fastest when you walk in the door.
These salespeople are under extreme pressure to build their client books, make sales goals and earn commission. I know many places actually give pay CUTS to people who don't meet their goals.
If you find the atmosphere too uncomfortable, find another shoe store. You should also drop the manager or store director a line to let him or her know that the terretorial sales people are making customers uncomfortable. For every customer who speaks up about feeling this way, there are at least ten more.
2006-10-27 21:01:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go with the person who you felt comfortable with. I do it all the time when I go to a store regularly. I ask if that person is in first saying they helped me last time. This way, the friendly people gain more commission, and hopefully the mean ones get the point. If a salesperson gets too pushy, I walk away. If more than one of them tries to give you a card, either politely refuse "Thank-you, but I already have Jane's card" or take it and throw it out later.
2006-10-27 21:03:32 · answer #4 · answered by arcanehex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, it is your choice. However, when ones salary is based on commission and you work your butt off for someone and they decide to take your effort and information to someone else and that someone else gets paid and you don't, it sucks.
It doesn't sound like the first guy gave you the service you needed, so don't feel like you have to apologize for that. You can simply say "you didn't seem to have the time to serve me, so I found someone who could". Another word out of their mouth, go to the boss.
You have to understand when you are making an income based on what you sell, and sometimes you don't even get paid until you have "paid back" your salary it tends to make you very antsy. Alot of people take these jobs because they were promised one thing but in reality the job is something else.
So if someone gives you good service, be loyal to that person. When you go back in, always ask for that person.
2006-10-27 14:28:54 · answer #5 · answered by tjnstlouismo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call the store. ask to speak with owner/supervisor. tell him/her what predatory sales people they have. explain the situation. "i want the shoes, but i want no one getting the commission. if it means i don't get the shoes, that's my tough luck, but i'm not giving my hard earned money to someone who makes me feel like prey".
i'm like that, though. i would have told off the sales people the FIRST day. after the second card i would have said something like "BAT! can't you see a card in my hand? how far behind on your rent are you? can't you go do something else instead of crawling up my arss? you aren't getting my money. go somewhere else, pushy salesperson"
2006-10-28 02:31:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're the customer... Go to the rep who makes you feel most comfortable. They're on commission, they understand it. So, if you didn't have a great experience with any of the salespeople just go in and hope for a decent salesman. If you did have a good experience, ask for the same salesperson everytime your'e there.
2006-10-27 14:27:41 · answer #7 · answered by The Man 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well, don't go back to the nasty guy again! seriously, where commission is concerned, it's an all out death match, unfortunately. it's your decision who you buy from, you could easily just go elsewhere. if you're a loyal type of person, as soon as u get 1 card, don't accept any others. plain and simple. i used to sell shoes on commission basis, and we respected each others clients, for the most part.
2006-10-27 14:32:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It would have been nice to ask for one of the assistants who gave you a card initially, assuming that they were genuinely helpful to you, as opposed to simply smothering you with a bit of greasy charm and handing you a card. However, buying a pair of shoes is simply a commercial transaction, and should not impose a social obligation on you.
2006-10-27 14:26:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
people are so afraid to talk. you can talk your way out of any situation. Just tell them just like this "hey if you dont mind I like to be alone when I look for shoes, if i need any help Ill flag you down. thanks" and turn away. There is nothing she can say to that and she will leave you alone.
2006-10-27 14:24:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋