Can I help you? No thanks

Keogg · 13-07-2010 11:52PM

Larianne wrote: »

I used to work for a well known make-up brand and we were told we had to approach people within a certain time frame and ask did they need any help.

I myself hate getting asked "Can I help you?" but I also hate when shop assistants either ignore you or are no where to be seen. So if a customer came into the shop I used to go up to them and pretend to fix something on the shelf or look for stock and say "Hi, if you need help with anything give me a shout. I'll just be over there". It meant I was acknowledging the customer, I was offering my assistance and if needed nhey knew where to find me if they needed it. Simples really! It was going against what we had been trained to do but worked for me.

Yeah, when I was in retail we'd get in trouble if we didn't ask people if they wanted help - I tried avoiding it a good deal because I know well how irrtating it is, but it's pretty obvious when people are looking around trying to make eye contact with one of the sales assistants, and then they're really appreciative when you walk up and ask them instead of them having to ask you.

There's nothing more annoying then when you need help and can't get it, or when you walk up to them and they ignore you because they're having their own conversation and don't stop to help you.

ordinary_girl · 14-07-2010 12:02AM

Lush are the worst for this, imo. Everytime I go in, only just in the door I get someone asking me do I need any help. I say no thanks but they still drag me into seeing some demonstration. Like many other people, I'm not assertive enough to tell them to fuck off.

And the rare time they do leave after I say no thanks I'm guaranteed to be approached again within a few seconds. I haven't been to Lush in months as a result, I know it sounds odd but I just feel under pressure that I have to buy something every time I go in. I hate it. In reality, if they left me alone and let me make my own decisions I'd probably purchase more and would still be a customer there.

gurramok · 14-07-2010 12:05AM

Rest_Energy wrote: »

Lush are the worst for this, imo. Everytime I go in, only just in the door I get someone asking me do I need any help. I say no thanks but they still drag me into seeing some demonstration. Like many other people, I'm not assertive enough to tell them to fuck off.

And the rare time they do leave after I say no thanks I'm guaranteed to be approached again within a few seconds. I haven't been to Lush in months as a result, I know it sounds odd but I just feel under pressure that I have to buy something every time I go in. I hate it. In reality, if they left me alone and let me make my own decisions I'd probably purchase more and would still be a customer there.

Ah here, do you know enuff about womens stuff to be left alone to browse?

I don't. I've often found them very friendly buying stuff for my OH, not intimidating as lets face facts us blokes havent a clue about womens stuff

ordinary_girl · 14-07-2010 12:09AM

gurramok wrote: »

Ah here, do you know enuff about womens stuff to be left alone to browse?

I don't. I've often found them very friendly buying stuff for my OH, not intimidating as lets face facts us blokes havent a clue about womens stuff

:eek: I'm a girl! haha

pixie_dust · 14-07-2010 12:09AM

Well, it's their job - they're being paid to do it. At least they're being friendly & approachable towards a potential customer.

I know some can be incredibly annoying; as mentioned earlier Claire's Accessories - "would you like a shopping bag?" as they fling a small black bag towards you. eh no thanks.

But you'd get over it - they're only trying to help the customer at the end of the day & in turn pushing sales of course..which is the shop's main objective!

In my opinion, it's much worse when they have bad manners, are rude/ignorant to customers (which can totally put you off shopping there in the future).

gurramok · 14-07-2010 12:13AM

Rest_Energy wrote: »

:eek: I'm a girl! haha

Ah then you have it a very easy shopping experience:D

johnn · 14-07-2010 12:14AM

Happened to me in Sunglasses hut, asked me did i need help within a second of walking in hadnt even got a chance to look, but then Stood looking at me while I look quite annoying, Im not gonna buy 150e+ sunglasses on a whim because they pressure me, I left.

ordinary_girl · 14-07-2010 12:15AM

gurramok wrote: »

Ah then you have it a very easy shopping experience:D

The added bonus being that I've never been mistaken for a man when I've been out shopping

Yakult · 14-07-2010 12:17AM

I guess if retail staff didnt ask if you needed any help you'd have people complaining bout that. Cant please em all, they are only doing their job.

Jimmy Iovine · 14-07-2010 12:24AM

mars bar wrote: »

It's the sole reason I hate Claire's Accessories. They are the preppiest people ever.

I don't mind some one saying, "If ya need a hand, gizza shout".

I hate the "Well today we have this offer when you buy this you get this. Over there, the ____ are half price. (My thought: "I know, the frickin' sign with 50% off is the size of the shop itself.") You also get this cute fluffy pen when you pay."

I DON'T WANT A FLUFFY PEN!! :mad:

Haha I went in there a few years ago looking for something for my sister for Christmas. Was met by a stout woman asking did I need any help only seconds after I entered. Told her I was just looking for something for my sister blah blah blah. So she went ahead and dragged me around the shop picking out a load of ****e.

She recommended a make-up set that was worth €2. I know nothing about buying presents for girls but jeez you definitely don't go and give someone something like that. Told her grand then dropped the things and walked out. Brutal sales person. No need to be shoving things down people's throats like that. May try ignoring the staff from now on see if they get the hint that I don't really need help

Panthro · 14-07-2010 12:28AM

i was working for a clothing range over in Edinburgh 2 summers ago and they were developing a short course on how to approach customers, the manager reckoned it was being looked into for becoming a college course!
i stuck to my guns on the floor, greet very politely with "hello", just to let people know you are there, if they engage in conversation with me sound, if not then sound, they know where i am if they needed me.

some of them are aweful in your face, its horrible.

Chiorino · 14-07-2010 11:56AM

Unfortunately yes, some companies do have a policy of getting staff to approach customers. The Irish mentality just isn't suited to it as I once tried (in vain) to explain to a visiting english area manager.

AnonoBoy · 14-07-2010 12:02PM

Rest_Energy wrote: »

Like many other people, I'm not assertive enough to tell them to fuck off.

A simple 'no thanks' works much better than 'f*ck off.' I find.

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

Haha I went in there a few years ago looking for something for my sister for Christmas. Was met by a stout woman asking did I need any help only seconds after I entered. Told her I was just looking for something for my sister blah blah blah. So she went ahead and dragged me around the shop picking out a load of ****e.

She recommended a make-up set that was worth €2. I know nothing about buying presents for girls but jeez you definitely don't go and give someone something like that. Told her grand then dropped the things and walked out. Brutal sales person. No need to be shoving things down people's throats like that. May try ignoring the staff from now on see if they get the hint that I don't really need help

Your first mistake was going into Claire's Accessories looking for a Christmas present. Oh wait.... do you hate your sister?

AudreyHepburn · 14-07-2010 12:05PM

easyeason3 wrote: »

They are either working off commission or they think you are a well dressed shoplifter.

Walk in talking to yourself the next time & they probably won't go near you.

Or maybe they are just trying to be friendly and polite? Or they are simply doing what they've been trained to do?

When I worked in retail my manager was forever drumming into us the importance of approaching every customer and making them feel welcome and letting them see that you were ready and willing to help them.

I know it can be annoying but would you honestly rather you were completely ignored walking in? I wager half the people complaining now would pitch a fit if no-one spoke to them.

ToxicPaddy · 14-07-2010 12:19PM

I dont mind being approached and asked if I require help, its starting to happen more often in Ireland probably due to the fact that shops are not as busy anymore and staff are not stretched as much.. I've been in stores before that you couldnt even get a staff member to make eye contact with you let alone help you. You would almost have to start chasing them around the store to try and get some attention or assistance..

In the US its the complete opposite.. you get completely harassed, its very annoying.. you dont even get 30 seconds to browse and see what they have before someone comes over and starts questioning you, pulling out stuff etc..

I know basic wages are crap and its all commission based but harassing a customer is hardly going to make them purchase anything..

Tox

14-07-2010 12:22PM

I don't particularly mind it in regular shops.. I want to punch every butcher who asks me tho.
I will have a look at everything and then ask the butcher who is no more than two metres away when i'm ready.

source · 14-07-2010 12:45PM

I worked in a shop before and the owner had a great approach, his idea was keep doing what you're doing and if you see the customer hover around a product for a bit, or looking around then approach them. If they don't look like they need help then they probably don't.

The till was right near the door so every customer was greeted with a simple hello as they came into the shop.

I've also worked for a few shops which operate the pounce as they enter ideal, so many people got pissed off with it it's not even funny.

14-07-2010 12:52PM

I always find that when I'm blatantly just browsing or passing time, I'm approached and hassled, yet when I'm looking around, looking for help, I get ignored. It's bloody annoying. If I get asked 'do you need any help?' within 2 seconds of setting foot in the store, I usually just leave. It makes me really uncomfortable. How would I know if I needed help if I haven't even seen what's on offer?

Chorcai · 14-07-2010 01:04PM

Ya'll haven't lived till you go shopping in the USofA, overly happy, how can I/we help you today, welcome to "X" store have a nice time ! So false and tacky.

Or when paying for the stuff at the till... they start acting like your mate saying "ohh I know belt that would look great with those jeans" legs it off to get said belt, and now you feel you have to buy the thing !!!:mad:

twinQuins · 14-07-2010 02:55PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suBw57pXPwE

Anthony Walsh · 14-07-2010 03:06PM

fluorescence wrote: »

It's a bit annoying alright. I found it irritating when I used to play Warhammer, that any time I walked into the Games Workshop the staff assumed I needed help or that I was in there buying for my boyfriend or brother or whatever. Aaaagh!

Oh good lord I repressed them memories, they are the most annoying staff ever. In every single shop that sells warhammer i've been to, doesn't matter if it's an official games workshop or not. I used to go into random ones when I was younger with my long hair and overall scuffy look and they knew I knew everything about it. Now I'm 21 and I have short have and dress in clothes you usually wouldn't association with there usual customers and when I go into a random shop for a browse they swear I'm lost or never heard of this stuff before and jump at me trying to tell me to buy Space Marine stuff or Tau for some reason. I'll stick to Eldar and Tyranids thank you very much Games Workshop!

df1985 · 14-07-2010 03:21PM

as mentioned stores in the states are 100 times worse, all of them say hello the minute you come through the door and then follow you everywhere.

I cant remember what it is but abercrombie and fitch even have a certain phrase they have to say when you walk in.

Fluorescence · 14-07-2010 06:24PM

Anthony Walsh wrote: »

Oh good lord I repressed them memories, they are the most annoying staff ever. In every single shop that sells warhammer i've been to, doesn't matter if it's an official games workshop or not. I used to go into random ones when I was younger with my long hair and overall scuffy look and they knew I knew everything about it. Now I'm 21 and I have short have and dress in clothes you usually wouldn't association with there usual customers and when I go into a random shop for a browse they swear I'm lost or never heard of this stuff before and jump at me trying to tell me to buy Space Marine stuff or Tau for some reason. I'll stick to Eldar and Tyranids thank you very much Games Workshop!

Ugh that too! Whenever I told them I was buying for myself (WHFB) they'd assume I was a Lizardmen or Wood Elves player :rolleyes: I was actually collecting a Beasts of Chaos army at the time

Wagon · 14-07-2010 08:24PM

I worked for an hour in Lush. You know the place, smells like crap and it sells soap. I was told to sell sell sell and bully people into buying soap using a really friendly sales manner and push other products onto them, even if they had chosen something.

I was told i didn't have what it takes. I've never been so happy to hear that in my life.

ordinary_girl · 14-07-2010 08:31PM

Wagon wrote: »

I worked for an hour in Lush. You know the place, smells like crap and it sells soap. I was told to sell sell sell and bully people into buying soap using a really friendly sales manner and push other products onto them, even if they had chosen something.

I was told i didn't have what it takes. I've never been so happy to hear that in my life.

You have my sympathy. Even five minutes working in Lush would probably drive me insane. The vast majority of the customers can see through that 'friendly sales manner' the staff have. It's just irritating a lot of the time, always pressuring people into buying stuff. No, I don't want soap that costs a tenner, but somehow that's usually what I end up with.

14-07-2010 08:42PM

Anyone ever went shopping in China?

In many of the shops I was in, the sales assistants LITERALLY follow you around the shop, standing no more than 3 foot away from you at all times. Annoying at first, but you get used to it.

Chalk it down to cultural differences. (or I look dodgy)

+1 on the lush thing, I find the staff there so fake and phoney, the whole 'hey, I'm your friend and I'm so kooky as well' sales approach drives me nuts

Wagon · 14-07-2010 08:55PM

Rest_Energy wrote: »

You have my sympathy. Even five minutes working in Lush would probably drive me insane. The vast majority of the customers can see through that 'friendly sales manner' the staff have. It's just irritating a lot of the time, always pressuring people into buying stuff. No, I don't want soap that costs a tenner, but somehow that's usually what I end up with.

That't not the worst part actually. After the hour, i smelled like a flowerbed. The smell sticks to you like you would not believe.

but thanks for the sympathies. If there is one thing i love, it's sympathy

Cunning Stunt · 14-07-2010 09:00PM

am living abroad, where every shop on the high street is a 'can I help you?' shop.
It really puts me off going in. If I see a nice shop but there is no one else browsing around inside, I won't go in, because I KNOW they will not even give me a chance to get my other foot in the door before they pounce.:(

Seriously, woould they not give their customers a chance to see what's on offer first? How the hell otherwise are they gonna know if they need help or not :mad:

Roomic Cube · 14-07-2010 09:02PM

I work in retail, theres policies on everything, from dealing with customers just browsing, to what to say at the till, its actually written that when serving a customer I have to say hello, make a positive comment about the item they are buying and then smile......

easyeason3 · 14-07-2010 09:08PM

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

Or maybe they are just trying to be friendly and polite? Or they are simply doing what they've been trained to do?

When I worked in retail my manager was forever drumming into us the importance of approaching every customer and making them feel welcome and letting them see that you were ready and willing to help them.

I know it can be annoying but would you honestly rather you were completely ignored walking in? I wager half the people complaining now would pitch a fit if no-one spoke to them.

I worked as a sales assistant & as a manager in retail so believe me I know what I am talking about.
You can make a person feel welcome by saying ' Hello, isn't it a nice day out/ desperate day out, if you need any help give me a shout '.
You don't need to sit on someones shoulder. You need someone to be friendly but to keep a distance until they are needed.

Can I help you? No thanks

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