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Originally Posted by endeka
snip... Just because they're there to deter shoplifting doesn't mean the job can't be done subtly- it's how you go about it. If you're going to have people stand at the door and stare customers down as they come in or leave, give 'em a frickin' uniform and a taser. ~~snip~~ it's their job to scan customers. It should also be their job to make people feel welcome.)
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I'm confused, how are the "greeters" going to figure out if you're planning on stealing something? And if they decide your look like low-rent trash(at Walmart? heavens no) what will they do, give you an escort?
In fairness to the underpaid/undertrained clerks, I'm sure they deal with plenty of people that are just wandering through the store with no intention of buying anything. One person needs to buy a frammis so 3 or 4 friends go along and wander about asking questions and making conversation.
It seems retail clerks are given enough work to keep them busy for the whole shift and taking care of customers is on top of that. Plus the work has to be done by the end of the shift regardless of how many customers they have. You know how stupid people can be...asking questions and not listening to the answer then asking the same thing again. Befuddled by more than one choice. Expecting the clerks to educate them on the fine points of everything from HDTV to waterpik temperatures to fish keeping.
My strategy, on the rare occasions I venture into the retail world, is going prepared. I do my homework, I know what I want, if possible find out online if they carry what I want, and know what alternatives I'll accept. The only thing I expect the clerk to know is where it is.
Now, they damn well better know where it is or who
they have to ask, to find it. I try to make it perfectly clear that I won't leave in disgust or find a more accommodating clerk.
Oh, it's not your dept/area. Fine, then you will take me to the person I need and if you can't find them, I'm sure you can find your boss....lead the way.
I feel that's a fair trade for not demanding they actually know anything about the product. I don't expect them to read Consumer Reports or give me a comparison between models. Just tell me where it is.
In reality if they tried to steer me to a particular model I'd be wary of their motives and advice. Generally a gentle but firm approach works for me although I can be unpleasant if they'd prefer.
One other tip...store security...if they tell you to leave the store, OK, your choice. But don't go anywhere
with them, especially an office or room away from the retail area. If it's going down, it's going down right here, in public.
I know one thing....when they say try before you buy....that doesn't include bathroom fixtures like showers and toilets.
