Every once in a while, I get the urge to purge all of my current pet peeves into one “Things that Bug” post. Yesterday, I was faced with two totally opposite situations that both left me really bugged.
While shopping for a new dishwasher (the time has finally come), at one store we were faced with an appliance section stocked with sales people ready to pounce. As soon as we entered their radar, we weren’t left alone. The guy that “dibsed” us was literally 18 inches away from us at all times offering suggestions and finishes and trying to start back up the conversation when we answered all of his questions. Really, Chris and I just wanted to talk it out. We wanted to compare what we saw at previous stores with what we were seeing in front of us without offending anyone. I get that he was trying to help and he most likely works off of commission so didn’t want to step away because some other sales guy would swoop in for the kill sale. I was feeling claustrophobic. It bugged.
We ultimately decided on one that we saw at a previous store (details to come next week when it arrives). Chris had to go back to work, so Greta and I headed back over there to purchase our new dishwasher. The experience was completely opposite in a way that also bugged. I walked back to the appliance section and stood by the dishwasher we previously picked out. Not a soul in site. I walked around for a bit searching for anyone that worked there. I locked eyes with an employee and he raised his eyebrows as if to ask, “What can I help you with?” without ever really opening his mouth. “Uhh, I want to purchase this dishwasher.” Apparently it wasn’t his department because he told me he would go find someone to help me. Three or 4 minutes pass and I see him chatting it up with 2 other employees. He spots me looking and motions me over to a computer. They all continue talking for another 45 seconds or so and I am in the awkward position of a) not knowing what they are talking about but standing right next to them and b) trying to wrestle Greta back in a seated position in the cart. Finally I get some attention and I rattle off my information. The lady helping me calls back to her co-worker that has walked away and they share a few more laughs while I am losing patience.
So, I ask: Which bugs YOU more? The hawk-like salesman that won’t leave you alone or the retailers who are completely oblivious that there are other options and don’t seem to care at all that you are spending a good chunk of change at their store.
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I can’t stand being ignored. Yesterday I got my prints done for my first portfolio. I made the order was told to come back in an hour. When I did, I just stood and stood and I felt like the workers were having such a great time. They were loud, obnoxious and I was completely invisible to them. I even watched the manager hang up the phone on a customer who was so mad I could hear them 7 ft away where I was standing! Their customer service suuccccked too bad my prints are awwwwesome and I feel obligated to return.
BOTH BUG. I can’t staaaaaaaaand the people that won’t leave you alone. And I totally cannot handle the ones that don’t bug you enough! It’s kind of like a waitor at a restaurant. I can’t handle the people coming every 2 seconds asking you questions about your meal with your mouth still full from the last time they came asking. And then, you definitely don’t get tip if you never come to fill up my drink. When I worked at the Gap, I made sure that I bugged enough, but still gave plenty of space so they trusted me if they DID have a question, they would come up and ask me :-)
When I go shopping… I always try to match the workers uniforms… then I can help myself. I very much abhor the creeping over the shoulder guys.
Wow! You experienced both buggy things in one store. IN ONE NIGHT. Owning a shop yourself, I’m sure you are especially aware of customer service in other stores. I would have LOST it.
i was at american eagle last night and the minute i walked in, the pouncing began. i was super irritated–i really like to shop in peace, and i just want to be left alone. i didn’t really care to hear a 2-minute presentation on their jeans sale and every 10 seconds people kept walking up and asking if i needed help…until i wanted to try something on, and THEN i stood in the dressing room area for a couple minutes, left completely alone. i walked out, found two employees talking to each other, and said, “i just wanted to use a dressing room…” and they said, “just a minute,” THEN FINISHED THEIR PERSONAL CONVO! umm…excuse me? i stood their patiently and when the guy finally came to unlock a dressing room he said, “don’t get mad about that, it’s almost closing time and we’re just having some fun!” ha. ha. ha.
I am personally more bugged by no one being there and seeing other employees yuk it up while I am waiting to buy something so they can keep their job, which apparently involves sitting around not helping customers.
It bugs me more when someone won’t help you And it is obvious that u are ready to be helped. I had a similar situation yesterday while at lowes trying to get someone to help me at the paint counter. I had both of my kids who were restless and cranky, I was trying to keep them entertained while waiting for the person to get off the phone.. I waited a good 15 minutes.. She didn’t even make eye contact with me but knew I was standing there.. Not even a “I’ll be right with you” or anything! Meanwhile probably 7 other employees were standing behind me chit chattin it up! Finally one girl asked me if I was being helped and said no, nobody has helped me yet.. So she gets on speaker and asks someone to come to desk. 10 minutes later another girl arrives and asks, do u need something? Very irritating!!! :) but I got paint… After a good 20 minute wait!
I do all my pre-shopping research for large items online, but I do like to see things in person before making any final decisions. On the other hand, I don’t live in the middle of nowhere. Hahaha. Good for you for standing up for yourself. I need to borrow some of that courage for next time.
this is why i shop on-line! i can read reviews and compare brands and search for the best price! i have gotten use to shopping this way because we live in the middle of no where( really the closest walmart is about an hour away!) if i do have to shop at a store for a big purchase i dont let them push me around i will tell them to back off for a minute and i always try to give the sale to the first salesperson unless they disappear! now for stores that give bad service this is when i get really upset i ask for a manager or i just get mouthy (but that is me! and i have worked in sales)
Infuriating! I would have definitely lost my cool.