My boyfriend had 2 occasions when he bought 2 used cameras at Ahkihabara (I was with him). We felt that the staffs at 2nd hand electronic shops in Akihabara were not polite at all. There was no greetings when we entered (they could not be bothered) and when my BF wanted to look at and touch the item, they just acted like indifferent robots with NO smiles at all. Even after we paid by credit card, there was NO "THANK YOU / Arigato Goisaimasu" NOR a polite bow to us. The staffs even used 1 hand (not both) to return the credit card. It's downright RUDE!!!
Now why is this so? How can we feedback POOR SERVICE to the management of the shop? It seems like a well-established shop with about 2-3 storeys of items, selling a mixture of new and used items.
Do these staffs treat local Japanese in the same manner? How would a normal Japanese react in our position? Would a local Japanese point out in a straightforward manner to the staff at his impolitness?
2007-12-12 12:21:53 · 6 answers · asked by Lost-Hurt-Disappointed 3 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
We really do not expect such RUDE and POOR service standards in Japan. Everywhere at other shops, we have not seen such service staffs, ONLY at Ahkihabara. WHY? Just because we are buying USED items as compared to NEW ones? But we are still customers who spend at their stores! Why such treatment?
2007-12-12 12:24:56 · update #1
That electronic store is SOFTMAP.
2007-12-12 12:48:08 · update #2
I think I know which Sofmap shop you are refering to as there are only a few Softmap in Akihabara. The ones who have served you must be the older and more experienced Japanese men who are usually full of pride even though they are in the service line. I've encountered similar experiences but I just ignored it.
As a thumb of rule, if they are rude to me, I'll not treat them with respect either. That's what dogs like them should get in return for rudeness. Or else, you give them a hard time. Such pple need to be taught a lesson! Ignore these stupid morons!
2007-12-13 01:02:14 · answer #1 · answered by Spinaround 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋
The second-hand shop of Softmap is something like that. They started the business from junk shop of PC parts and used softwares. I remember the shop was the place only manias get together first. Customer usually knew much about the used products, and the staff did't bother customer, too.
Now their shop chain became huge, and mainly they sell new products. This kind of stores are ok. However, I remember the sec-hand stores doesn't change so much. You can't expect high service in those junk shops in Akihabara. You entered geek's shop. (and lots foreign students like Chinese and Koreans work there. next time you ask them.)
I prefer Yodobashi camera and usually don't go to Softmap,
2007-12-12 21:21:23 · answer #2 · answered by Joriental 6 · 7⤊ 1⤋
I know what you mean..it`s different in Ginza,Shibuya etc..but when i bought my ps3 in Akihabara they done the same with me too..if the ps3 wasn`t such a good price i would have left.
but you also can now maybe see that Japanese are not as polite as people THINK they are..
2007-12-12 21:07:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Unfortunatly japanese people are rude to people unless your rich. They will wait on you hand and foot if you are.
2007-12-13 12:37:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Christ almighty
Did you get your item ok? Was there any problem with the item sold? Did they yell at you? Did they say no foreigners allowed in this store? Did they make you wait in like for half an hour to get something done? Did they shortchange you? Charge you more then you had to?
2007-12-12 21:47:40 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 7⤊ 5⤋
It's hard to get good help these days.
2007-12-12 20:48:56 · answer #6 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋