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.
Weigh in.
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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 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.