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In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped?

kenny

kenny

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
Messages
34,350
I like to be left alone to browse in peace.
I try to communicate that with my body language and appreciate when the sales people respect it.

I am much less likely to hang around or buy anything if I am approached with, "May I help you Sir?" "Looking for anything special?" etc.
I especially make a beeline for the door if they wait for me to pick something up and say, "Oh that's a lovely blah blah blah...".

For me this applies to ALL stores.
BTW, I don't mind a quick, "Hello."

I realize it depends on the type of store but overall which are you?

You like to be approached.
or
You like to be left alone.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I like to be left alone. If I need help, I'll ask.

When I did retail one summer I was told I had to be more aggressive with the customers. I just couldn't. I'd ask if they needed help and then if they said NO, I backed off.

I leave a store if the associate is too aggressive, even tho I KNOW they have to be.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

kenny said:
I like to be left alone to browse in peace.
I try to communicate that with my body language and appreciate when the sales people respect it.

I am much less likely to hang around or buy anything if I am approached with, "May I help you Sir?" "Looking for anything special?" etc.
I especially make a beeline for the door if they wait for me to pick something up and say, "Oh that's a lovely blah blah blah...".

For me this applies to ALL stores.
BTW, I don't mind a quick, "Hello."

I realize it depends on the type of store but overall which are you?

You like to be approached.
or
You like to be left alone.
Click to expand...


Kenny,

I feel the same as you on this one. I've actually left a store and gone elsewhere (with a higher price) just because the sales people wouldn't give me any space at the one.

I like time to browse, see the options, think, look again, compare prices/features, maybe pull the laptop out and compare to other stores, etc...


So..... sales people, leave me alone -- if I want help I'll come and ask you!


Oh --- and be AVAILABLE so I can ask
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I prefer to be helped. Not smothered, but I do like them to ask if I'm shopping for anything in particular, or if they can start me a fitting room.

Once I'm in the fitting room, I love places that have somebody stationed at the fitting rooms to go get other clothes. Over the weekend I was at Banana Republic and the girl working in the fitting room ended up bringing me several items that I hadn't picked out but that I ended up buying (or putting on my wish list).

I love really helpful sales staff. But again - I can't handle it if they won't just let me browse once they've given me what information they need to.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I hate being approached when I'm shopping. I just like to shop in peace.

But I also worked in retail for a few years and understand that most of the associates who approach you are doing so as part of their job. We used to get daily feeds of what we were supposed to say when customers walked in the store. They're also required to go around and provide assistance, even when they aren't asked to. Lots of times, what looks like another associate or even store manager standing by is actually the district manager or the divisional VP who is evaluating the customer service.

All that to say that while I hate it, I usually stand there and listen to whatever they are saying or let them "find my size" lol
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I like to be left alone. I have no problem asking people for help when I need it so if I'm confused about something, I'll come find you. I don't like places like Express where I feel like I'm constantly fending off sales people who want to "help" me. Now if I'm frantically rummaging through racks, feel free to ask if I need something but otherwise, I've probably got it covered.

I agree though that the fitting rooms are often a different matter. I don't mind quite as much being asked for help or if I need a different size in anything in the fitting room.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

Before I buy, especially anything expensive, I do TONS of research and am almost always better-informed than the sales staff.
They can usually offer nothing to me except annoyance.

I understand lots of people are not like me and they look to the sales staff as an important source of information for what they are buying.

I do try to give them a break because they have no way of knowing which kind of customer I am.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I don't mind being helped as long as the SA isn't too aggressive. I don't like being hunted down as soon as I walk into a store. I used to work in retail for a few years, and our manager always made us follow the customer to greet them if we hadn't done it as soon as they walked into the store. I hated doing that because it felt so fake.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

Leave me alone unless I ASK for help. I don't mind a quick hello either.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

My ideal approach: "Hello, welcome to our store. May I help you?" Nothng more, please. If I say, I am just browsing, leave me be but keep an eye out so I can ask for help if I need it. If I need help, I will ask.

I also hate pushy salespeople. If I am looking for a basic v necked top, you can show me the scoop neck as well, or a different colour. But don't try to show me an embroidered skirt.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

When I worked in retail during college, I always said "Hi! Anything I can help you find?" If they said no, I said "Okay! Let me know if you need anything!" And then I left them alone. I prefer the same treatment.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I do like to be left alone to shop, but I also like a "hello" and don't mind at all if people ask me if I need help. Generally speaking, I don't need help, but I might chat with the person for a bit too. We are all people after all. I rather like smiling at the person and exchanging a few words. I'd imagine retail can be quite boring. If I don't want to chat, then I will typically say, "ok, I'll let you know if I need anything," and no one hovers.

ETA: I actually find it annoying if I walk into a store, and no one greets me or offers to help (even though I never actually need help.)
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I REALLY like to be left alone.

Yet on the other hand, I can't stand it when I need help, and I look around, walk all over a store, and can't find anyone to help me.
 
Leave me alone...

If I need help, I'll ask for it. Being approached by a sales person causes that unecessary awkwardness.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I like being left alone, thank you... If I need help, I will seek you out. I hate those cheesy salespeople who attack me once I walk in, anything special you are looking for?? OMG kill me now, but I hate that line..

And will walk out upon hearing it...


I worked in a high end jewelry store. I never swarmed, or hovered... I would smile making eye contact and then go about my business..

But was always aware if they needed my attention..

Sales people that are intrusive, drive many away....
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I'm sure they do it because it works - overall.

I read somewhere people do not like to say, "No" and sales people can take advantage of that.
You are deciding whether to buy something.
If you have established contact with someone, who by default wants you to buy something, you are a little more likely to buy something to please that person.
Walking out without buying anything means you are sort of letting someone down, compared to if you had not made any contact at all.

IOW, you are being put in a position where you can either please or disappoint a person you just met.
I'll bet this has a big effect overall.

It's sounds absurd, but it's real.
I think the wimps or the nicest among us will buy more than those who don't care about pleasing anyone.
Stores use psychology.

I think this is why is offends me.
I do not like to be pressured, no matter how subtle it is.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

Leave me alone. Don't spritz me with perfume or shove a flyer in my face. A "Hello, how are you today?" is plenty.

Retail workers are actually told to comment on something you've picked out because it helps prevent shoplifting if the would-be thief has been acknowledged by an employee. It lets them know that someone has made a mental note of them.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I really prefer to be left alone, sales associates that can't take the hint to leave me alone particularly drive me crazy it's why I prefer shopping online.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

Travel Goddess said:
When I worked in retail during college, I always said "Hi! Anything I can help you find?" If they said no, I said "Okay! Let me know if you need anything!" And then I left them alone. I prefer the same treatment.
Click to expand...

this is how I feel too...after all, they're only doing their job...and once in a while I do need help. But for the most part I do like to be left alone after the initial exchange.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

Loves Vintage said:
I do like to be left alone to shop, but I also like a "hello" and don't mind at all if people ask me if I need help. Generally speaking, I don't need help, but I might chat with the person for a bit too. We are all people after all. I rather like smiling at the person and exchanging a few words. I'd imagine retail can be quite boring. If I don't want to chat, then I will typically say, "ok, I'll let you know if I need anything," and no one hovers.

ETA: I actually find it annoying if I walk into a store, and no one greets me or offers to help (even though I never actually need help.)
Click to expand...


LV- Sounds like you and my best girlfriend would get along swimmingly! She talks to everybody, and finds new friends everywhere she goes! :rodent:
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

99% of the time I like to be left alone to browse. If I'm in a rush and I'm looking for a particular product, I will ask someone where it is, or if they have something similar.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I don't mind a "Hello, how are you?" or a "Welcome" or "Is there anything I can do to help you?" because that's just people doing their job.

I dislike it when sales associates follow me around or comment on the things I'm looking at *after* I've already told them I don't need any assistance at the moment. I also dislike it when people say something like "Yo, what's up?" but I think that means I'm either becoming old and cranky, or a stereotypical English teacher, so I'm trying to get over that one.

The one place I usually need someone and can't find them is an electronics store. I went to Best Buy for something and had no idea where to look, and not ONE teenager in a blue polo shirt was to be found!

I worked at Blockbuster for many years in high school and college. At one point they instituted a policy that we had to greet each customer as she walked through the door, and if we missed a customer, it would be recorded by our manager. If we failed to greet three customers, we got some sort of mark on our record. Similarly, for a short period of time we had to thank every customer by name after they went through the rental process at the register. Once a guy freaked out when I said "Thank you and enjoy your movie, Mr. Lawrence" because he felt I was invading his privacy. He screamed something like "Jesus CHRIST! What is wrong with you people! Don't say my f-ing name out loud! For f's sake!" At that point I had already had a couple people complain about us using their names, so I just flat out refused after that.

I also worked in a clothing store during those years, and people were even more unpredictable there. Many stores actually have "greeter" roles that associates have to play, and it can be very hard to do your job when people get irritated just by being greeted upon entering a store.

Customers can be very touchy. The expectations that people have when they enter a store vary so widely, that it's often hard for sales associates to gauge an appropriate way to interact with people. I feel for them. I used to work in retail and it could really be hell at times. I always smile and respond nicely, because that's what I would hope people would do for me, or a friend, or a future child of mine who may have to work retail at some point in her life.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I HATE when a cashier asks for my ZIP code or phone number, like at Radio Shack or at ROSS. :angryfire:

I give a fake one.

...and NO I DON'T WANT TO SIGN UP FOR A ROSS CLUB CARD, OR WHATEVER THE FRACK YOU CALL IT! :evil:
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

You know what really bugs me? When you call a store/restaurant/whatever and are accosted with a barrage of product promotion when all you're calling for are their hours.

"Thank you for calling Mel's Steakhouse, where now on Tuesdays we feature buy one get one wacky watermelon margaritas, can I interest you in a Hoppin Jalapeno Popper appetizer only $7.99 this evening?"

::Click::
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

It depends on the store, for me. If I really hate how a particular store is, I can always shop online. I don't mind being helped when looking for something specific. I also love the customer service at places like Nordstrom.

I see this both ways. As many of you know, I work in a bridal salon. We go by appointment, but often have people come walk though just to look. I'm always happy to let them wander, but I've noticed most times I DO leave them completely alone, they trash the store. They pull a dress out from the rack and don't put it back, get dresses tangled, it's a nightmare. Also, I think a lot of people can be intimidated. If I open up the floor for discussion, ask their wedding date, etc usually the bride/MOB/whoever comes at me with a whole host of questions!

All that being said, I can easily tell when someone would just like to be left alone and I let them browse in peace.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

I worked retail for a long time, and used this approach - greet, let them browse for a moment, ask if they need help, and then help when/if I'm needed.

Once, a friend of my boss stopped in, and later complained to my boss that I was not doing my job of a sales person because I wasn't walking around showing her everything we had/trying to sell her something. I had to explain to my boss that I hate when people do that to me so I can't do it!

So, apparently some people like this?? AGH I can't stand being followed and smothered by people. When it happens I usually stay "ok, thanks so much for your time!" and leave.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

Nashville said:
You know what really bugs me? When you call a store/restaurant/whatever and are accosted with a barrage of product promotion when all you're calling for are their hours.

"Thank you for calling Mel's Steakhouse, where now on Tuesdays we feature buy one get one wacky watermelon margaritas, can I interest you in a Hoppin Jalapeno Popper appetizer only $7.99 this evening?"

::Click::
Click to expand...
Hahaha--This reminds me of two things: 1) The jalapeno poppers guy in Office Space, and 2) the way we had to answer the phone at the dorm when I was a resident advisor:

"It's a Super Sunday (or Marvelous Monday/Terrific Tuesday/Wonderful Weds/Thrilling Thursday/Fabulous Friday/Sensational Saturday) at College Park-Illini Tower, located at fifth and Chalmers in beautiful Champaign, this is Lori how can I help you?" :snore:

Or, at Blockbuster we had to say this for a while:
"Thank you for calling Blockbuster Video at River Bend and 47 in Bison Village, open until midnight every night for your convenience, this is Lori, how can I help you?" :sick:

Man, I had a lot of annoying jobs. I also delivered flowers and sandwiches for Jimmy Johns, but I never had to answer any phones.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

Leave me alone!! If I want help, I will ask, but there is nothing I hate more than a hovering sales associate.
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

i feel uncomfortable if i'm approached and want to leave immediately-- i don't know why... but I just hate being "assisted"
 
Re: In stores do you like to be left alone to shop or helped

Well, it depends. If you're carrying around a bunch of stuff and trying to push a stroller with one hand while the salespeople appear to be doing nothing and don't even get out of your way as you're trying to make it to the dressing room, then that's a service fail. But yes, I hate the overly pushy people too. I just want them to tell me their name, start me a dressing room, and ask if I need help.

At my local Ann Taylor Loft (women's clothing store), there are these super annoying saleswomen who stand in the front loudly talking to each other instead of helping customers. I have several times heard them bashing other associates for "hogging all the customers" instead of, hello, helping customers. Gee, I wonder why she is getting all the sales? How rude that she is nice and helpful!

On the other hand, one time we wanted to buy a GPS so we went to some big box electronics store where this Tom Tom representative attached herself to us like a leach. We wanted to be helped, yes, but by somebody who worked for the store, not a single company. We kept trying to look at other brands and she was physically blocking us from doing so! So we left and bought our Garmin at a competitor's store.
 
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