Run it's a Salesperson!

I'm not sure when salespeople got such a negative stigma in the consumer world, but some say it arose alongside the implementation of the used car salesmen.  I have learned to laugh about the things people do just to avoid even talking to a salesperson but sometimes it can be a little detrimental to a salesperson's ego.  There are three types of customers that really make my job interesting...

The Antelope
Imagine an antelope meandering through a field.  So peaceful, so beautiful, so much potential.  But as the hunter suddenly approaches, the antelope spooks and runs away.  Believe it or not, this is exactly what some customers do.  They curiously look in our cases, taking special caution to stay on the outskirts of the store, some not even stepping foot on the carpet.  The exact instant that one of our salespeople even takes half of a step in their direction, they bolt down the hall and try their best not to make eye contact!


The People with a Three Word Vocabulary
This category of customers only seem to know three little words... I'm just looking.  A good salesperson never asks "Can I help you?" because the response will always be those dreadful three words.  Instead, we ask how their day is going, is the sun still shining outside, or we even compliment jewelry that they are currently wearing.  Any person with the slightest intelligence realizes that the proper response to any of these topics is not "I'm just looking."  And yet, this is still the response we get 90% of the time.

The Just So You Know's
The last group of customers that seems to have an immense fear of salespeople is the Just So You Know's.  These are the people that will only step foot in your store, engage in a conversation, or try on a piece of jewelry  if the sales associate knows that they are not buying anything.  Sales presentations usually sound a little something like this:
   
     Salesperson:  "That ring would look wonderful with your outfit, would you like to try it on?"
     Customer:  "Oh yes, I would love to... but just so you know, I'm not going to buy it!"

It's so funny to me that customers think we have this immense power and persuasion over whether or not they will buy something.  We really don't care if you aren't going to buy it, but we are trying to give you the best experience possible while you are in our store.  So slow down and just enjoy it without being rude!

The Challenge
I would like to challenge anyone that reads this post!  Next time you walk into a retail establishment and you are looking for a specific item, let someone help you instead of protecting yourself behind the "I'm just looking front."  Also, listen to what salespeople say or ask.  More often than not, you look like a complete dumb ass when a salesperson asks where you got your handbag and you answer with "I'm just looking."