Salesperson Judges A Customer By His Appearance And Ignores Him, Gets Left Without A Commission
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If you are not a regular customer at luxury brand stores, it may be intimidating to come in because you feel the judgment coming from the sales associates. You almost hear them thinking about what are you doing there and they might not come to consult you and even refuse if you ask.
These people earn from commission, so if they feel that a customer who came won’t buy anything, they might not bother serving them. But not all of them have a good intuition and when they judge a book by its cover instead of doing their job, they might be proven wrong.
A Reddit user shared a story about how he was ignored by a salesman when he had intention to buy some expensive items and how he made sure that the sales associate knew what a mistake he’d made. People responded with their own stories with a satisfying end of putting the salespeople in their place.
More info: Reddit
Revenge is sweet, even if it’s petty, and this man was able to see the face of the sales associate realizing the commission he lost
Image credits: Phillip Pessar (not the actual photo)
The story takes place in the late ’90s when the Original Poster (OP) was 18 and was just starting his new job. He was able to get a position at Macy’s Herald Square through a family member as a clothing specialist for Guess Jeans.
Macy’s Herald Square is considered to be “America’s Largest Department Store” and within the 11 levels, you can find a variety of shops. Its target shopper is the American middle class who can afford to consider quality, so you can find some higher-end shops such as Coach or the well-known luxury brands such as Gucci or Louis Vuitton, which are the ones with a reputation of poor customer service if you don’t look the part.
This happened in the late ’90s when the author of the post was 18 and was finishing his orientation week in his new job
Image credits: domcobeo
The dress code for OP’s job was to wear business attire, or he was allowed to be more casual if he was wearing clothes of the brand he was representing. So during his lunch break, when he was on orientation week, he thought to look around and invest in his appearance.
He got fitted for suits, but shoes were a bit overwhelming as there were so many to choose from. So the OP wanted help, but the sales associate rudely ignored him, although he found a manager who was happy to assist and the customer promised to come back and buy what he chose.
When the new worker was leaving, he overheard that the sales associate didn’t want to help him because he was convinced he wasn’t going to buy anything. However, when Bored Panda contacted the Redditor, he explained that the rude salesperson found out that he will actually be purchasing shoes as the manager put them aside for him.
So when the OP’s mom arrived to buy him the shoes, it was the original salesperson who greeted them. But the OP made sure that it was the manager who made the sale and not the rude salesman as he didn’t want him to get commission from his purchase.
Because the position required a certain look, he used his lunch break to look around for something and was planning on buying them with his mom
Image credits: domcobeo
The customer doesn’t know for sure how big of a commission the sales associate lost but a normal amount could have been between 10 and 20 percent from the purchase amount. Also, he heard that the rude employee was written up for not acknowledging a possible customer.
The unpleasant experience happened on the last day of OP’s orientation and he would have been starting his job the next day, so he planned to visit the manager to show him how the shoes went with his suit and was suggested to show it to the salesperson as well to let him know what he lost.
This scene in the Reddit story definitely wasn’t as dramatic as the one in the movie Pretty Woman, but still quite satisfying. But the scene of the customer coming back to the store to show off how rich she actually is in Pretty Woman was so impactful that it lent its name to the Pretty Woman Effect.
While searching for shoes, he asked a salesperson for help, but didn’t get any as they assumed he wouldn’t buy anything
Image credits: domcobeo
The Pretty Woman Effect is explained as the desire to prove the sales associate who was rude to you because they didn’t expect a purchase from you wrong. Which means you need to spend money and make the salesperson regret treating you badly, even if you weren’t planning on it originally.
There is research that backs up the theory that snobby staff makes people spend more and they earn more commission than their polite colleagues. The authors of the research were the ones to coin the term.
Morgan K. Ward and Darren W. Dahl found that “after threat, consumers have more positive attitudes and higher willingness to pay when (1) the rejection comes from an aspirational (vs. nonaspirational) brand, (2) the consumer relates the brand to his/her ideal self-concept, (3) s/he is unable to self-affirm before rejection, (4) the salesperson delivering the threat reflects the brand, and (5) the threat occurred recently.”
That was a mistake as he came back to the store with his mom and made a pretty big purchase but didn’t allow that sales associate to take the sale
Image credits: domcobeo
Darren Dahl explained what their conclusions mean: “It appears that snobbiness might actually be a qualification worth considering for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton or Gucci,” because these brands are what customers aspire to and this effect wasn’t observed with lower-end retailers like Gap or American Eagle.
He also commented, “Our research indicates they can end up having a similar effect to an ‘in-group’ in high school that others aspire to join.”
The manager of that store suggested coming in with the shoes on to his job and showing the rude salesperson what he lost
Image credits: Martin Stabenfeldt (not the actual photo)
Although being rude to a customer may lead to a sale because the customer is angry that anyone would assume they don’t have money, wanting to prove they are worth the time, making a customer feel bad is just wrong and unprofessional.
Most people would just rather be consulted as regular customers, as it is evident from the response the story got, as many people started sharing their own experiences highlighting the negative reaction. The OP also agreed that “as far as customer service you should always acknowledge a potential Customer and let them know you’re available if they need help or not.”
Do you have a similar story? Do you think this is an actual sales tactic or salespeople allow themselves to assume too much and don’t even try to ignore their judgment? Let us know your opinions in the comments.
The situation reminded people of the moment in the movie Pretty Woman and many of them had actually experienced something similar
Image credits: Erik Mclean (not the actual photo)
My dad wanted to buy me my first used car. We agreed we would meet at the dealership where he usually bought his new cars. He'd get a new car roughly every five years, selling the old one to the dealer, and he always bought at that dealership. He knew one of the guys there and told me to ask for him. Well I get there, and I get ignored. So I wander out in the yard and look at the used cars. Next to that dealership was another one. Outside was an older guy in a suit. He smiled at me and asked me what I was looking for. I told him and then went over and he showed me several used cars in the ballpark of what I was looking for. Soon my father arrived. As soon as he left his car the guy I was supposed to talk to hurried out to greet him. I wandered over too and waited till they were finished, then told my dad which car I wanted, from the other dealership. That guys face fell instantly. He had seen me and ignored me too, now he realised his mistake. My dad was puzzled, but we bought that car
I explained later to him what had happened. When his next car was due one year later, he too went to the other dealership. His whole life he had bought VW. From that day on till he died he bought Volvo. That's why you never ignore people. They have family, friends and you can never know what they will do if they find out you ignored their loved ones.
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This reminds me of a story at a Mercedes dealership also in the mid 90s, there is a hardware chain here, biggest on the island ( and this is a tourist island, só there are s**t loads of 4 and 5 star hotels ) the owner of the store was a self made Millionaire, started from nothing, só he had a very humble style, once he went to Mercedes to buy a few Cars lol, the Sallesman ignored the old man and told him to talk to his coleague, a young salleswoman ( back in the day women didn't had much respect in the car business ) só the oldman goes to talk with the girl, end up buying 2 C class Mercedes to hi two sons, One E class for him, and 2 Actros Trucks, totalled around 300 000€ or só ( well the equivalent i mean, at the time we still used the " escudo " ), and to add insult to injury lol he just wrote a check... Girl got happy She made a small fortune in comitions from 5 cars.
Don’t recall if I have already told this story but here it goes. Back in the they (before the Spanish civil war) there used to be a big expo in Madrid (then this kind of expo was only there). My mom’s uncle who was very wealthy usually dressed as a tramp, old clothes, a string instead of a belt… he wet to see some cars and the Mercedes dealer brush him of saying he was busy. It’s seemed that the Rolls dealer was bored and showed every feature the car had and was kind with this hillbilly. The hillbilly bought two.
Was in a fancy Italian restaurant in New England when this guy walked in looking disheveled. Paint on his clothes, messy hair. I actually waved to him because I knew he was a very well known artist in the area. The hostess did not and neither did the bartender or server. Mind you this place didn't have a dress code. I was wearing jeans and a tshirt. They ran this guy out and he didn't even object. He just said he'd make sure none of his friends ever eat there. They made a snide joke. So after they kick him out I say to the bartender, "You just kicked out one of the most well known painter/artists in this city. The friends he's talking about are all big money people. You had better hope your boss doesn't find out." Just then the guy comes walking back in with the owner of the restaurant, one of his friends. LOL. The owner introduces the guy to the three who kicked him out and the owner said, "Don't bother remembering their names, they don't work here anymore."
The owner jumped behind the bar and the servers did double duty as hostess. The guy sat next to me at the bar. He was really cool. I told him that I was appalled at what happened and apologized for not intervening. He said, "I wouldn't have let you tell them who I was. I don't bank on my stature and reputation as an artist. I am friends with the owner, but I'd never play that card either. Turns out, I just ran into him a block from here." He didn't even tell the owner what happened. He found out when he walked in with the guy and the three owned up to what they did and were apologizing profusely. The owner was like NOPE! It was awesome.
Load More Replies... We were shopping for a car some years ago. We aren't rich, but were comfortable. We found one we liked, and sat down to talk figures. They give us a form asking about income and work info, gave it to my husband first and he filled it out. He wasn't making a lot, I was always the main earner. The sales guys face falls, you can just see him thinking we aren't going to be able to buy the Jeep we are looking at. He half-heartedly asks if I want to fill in my numbers. The friend with us said "yes, you want her numbers". I was a programmer working on Y2K fixes as a contractor and making much more then hubby. More then enough to afford the vehicle. Salesman perks up and offers us coffee or water. Nope. We were out of there. If you can't treat us right from the start, not buying form you.
Don’t you just love it when sales people think the man must make the money… or at least more money? SMH
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I have a story about when I bought my first new car. I had my heart set on a 2003 Mercedes M-Class. I had an appointment. I pull into the Mercedes dealership driving my old 1989 Honda Civic. The salesman must have seen me drive in, because he greeted me, and then ditched me saying he had a call. I waited for 30 minutes, but never saw him again. I walked out. I get a call the next day from the dealership asking about my experience. I said I never got one because I was ignored. The manager asked me to come back. When I got there, I met with the manager, and the salesman from the day before walked over, with a disinterested look on his face. I said nope- not you. Get me another salesperson. I told both of them I didn't appreciate being ignored. I bought the top of the line car, and the junior salesman got the commission. I said I'll buy it only if the Jr got the FULL commission. He did. Hard lesson for the other guy!
This happened to me in Ft.Worth. I was newly divorced and about 30. Needed a pickup truck as I was a frugal bargain hunter that cruised Freecycle and Craigslist both for myself and for art supplies for my students. Got ignored at the local dealer except for one salesman who when he found out I was after a pickup patted my hand and told me basically that was not something a woman could handle. I walked. Never ever gave them any of my business. It was just a regular every day pickup. I had the money and was dressed professionally.
"Now, now. Remember you need a "stick" to use that there truck." Perhaps, this van will be more appropriate for a fair lady such as yourself. You can fit the kids and the dinners in it!" Yeah, it gives that.
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Oh I've got so many similar from working a high pressure sales job. I worked in a home theater department and One of my favorites was when this really nice gentleman who dressed how he damn well pleased and didn't waste money on clothes to impress you got to ignored by every salesman accept me. He said he had been in a few times and no one would so much as approach him or say hi. He went on to Lm guide him towards a whole house system that I had to get custom design involved and cost over $20,000 lol my commission was outrageous and there were other stories just like it. Point being some people that have money don't care to waste it on fancy clothes to try to impress you by dressing the part. Most of the snobby salesman didn't learn their lesson quick enough and I snagged some killer sales by helping people that the snobby salesman wouldn't. I'm not an a-hole so I helped everybody even if they came in in rags and wanted the cheapest everything.
Many years ago when I was 30 I went shopping for my first brand new car. I was leaning towards a Jetta convertible, so I went to the VW dealership and asked for a test drive. The salesman said I could only drive it if I bought it, to which I responded how can I commit to purchasing it without driving it first? Following that impasse I went to a Ford dealership, where I test drove and purchased a Mustang convertible LX 5.0L V8. Beautiful car. You better believe I drove back to VW, rag top down, to say buh bye to the guy who turned me away.
My grand mother had ordered a Mac desktop pc, went with her to pick it up and the younin who helped bring it to the car said "that is a lot of computer for a little lady". All 4'10" of her told him to bring it back into the store and spoke to the manager for a full refund and why. Do not mess with proper little British Nans, they will tear you down without breaking a sweat, cursing or raising their voice.
When my husband and I first got married, we didn't have much money so we dressed up to the 9th when we needed something expensive so people would wait on us. Now, thirty some years later we have more money but not rich and we go shopping in jeans. Times have changed. Edit: corrected 8th to 9th.
I am not the kind of person to ever ever correct someone's grammar online. I hate those people, but the phrase you used is one of my new favorites because no one knows exactly where it came from! The phrase is "dressed to the nines", and while we assume "to the nines" means: to perfection, no one is entirely sure how that meaning came about. The best guess is that it came from the nine muses, as in "it's so perfect, it's worthy of having been inspired by the muses". Isn't that lovely??
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Not too long ago I went car shopping. I knew what I wanted and knew how much I could afford. I go into a dealership and a young salesman starts talking to me. I tell him what I want and he starts going on about how that's not the car for me. What I really need is some other upsold car that I didn't want and couldn't afford. I tell him, I wasn't interested and really wanted the original car. He says something along the lines of "well I haven't lost a sale yet" and starts in on the upsold car again. I stand up and say "well your worries are over. You just lost your first sale." And walk out the door with him chasing after me until I drive out of the parking lot. I went two towns over and bought the car I wanted at a price I could afford with no hassle.
My husband and were at a car dealership back in the 80's. The salesman was following me husband and completely ignored me so I started looking around myself. I spotted a Corvette parked on the side of the office and went inside to ask if it was for sale. Yes it was but not yet on the lot. I bought it on the spot! I worked at a bank and already had financing in order and made sure that salesman didn't receive a commission! I had a similar situation at Lord & Taylor when saleswoman told me I couldn't afford anything in that store. I picked out several outfits and shoes and whipped out my L & T credit card. I was a model and it was my day off so I was slouchy. Never judge a book by it's cover!
2 instances - We went into Macy's furniture after a day at the beach. No young sales people wanted to help us, just ignored us. Boomer sales rep comes over. Wrote a check for 15k of stuff. Hope he waived it in their snooty little faces. Went to buy a truck, salesman wanted hubs to do paperwork, but we told him I would. He insisted hubs needed to. So we walked...half way out the door the manager came running up and was gracious to me, we bought the truck from him.
The unfortunate part is that this kind of expectation varies by region. The U.S. has several regions that have their own culture, mores, norms, et cetera, that also influence how they want to be treated in a store. Where I grew up, people wanted to be left alone, and if they needed help they would ask for it; if you went up and asked them if they needed assistance, they would consider you, and the store, pushy, and would usually leave. That way of thinking is less severe now, meaning they will just say "no" and keep shopping, but if you don't take the hint to leave them be, they will leave, never come back, and tell everyone they know about their experience. This regional difference can become a real problem of you work for a national or international company that doesn't understand this, and insist on the pushy behavior. They really need to listen to their employees.
In this case therefore, one can approach customers, letting them know they are available if & when required, even as they give them space
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My husband told me a story like this about Joe Hardy, when he worked for 84 Lumber. Joe when into a store to buy a suit, wearing much the same as the OP, and no one helped him. He came back in the next day, suit, tie, the whole package, and people were falling over themselves to help him. That's why you don't judge a book by its cover. That book might be a multi-millionaire, ready to make someone's day.
Yeah … looking at my mom and dad’s neighbors, you’d never in a million years guess that they’re millionaires. 1100 sq. ft. brick ranch in the middle of a working class neighborhood, F350 pickup, yard kind of a mess (grandkids and dog), and they are THE NICEST people… who are, most of the time when home, stoned of their asses. Lol Oh… they dress in jeans (usually well-worn) and t-shirts
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I tried to sell rainbow vacuums door to door for a hot minute. In training, they said do not bother with the uppity houses. It is the trailors and houses you think can't afford it that will pull some cash out of a drawer and buy it every time. My husbands uncle lived in a trailer lile this . we were picking him up for lunch one day when a window cleaning sells person was leaving. My husband's uncle spent over $200 on yellow window spray cleaner. You just cannot judge a book by its cover when it comes to stuff like that.
I Retail is all about customer service..you are supposed to provide customer service regardless of how the person looks or if they buy anything at that time. You never know if that one person will be a life long customer for you. I have literally have had customers follow me to other stores because of the customer service provided. And I have had one customer who told every manager every time she saw them, I needed a raise with benefits. This was back when wages was $8.75 for my state.
Elvis Presley went in in his shoes to buy a Cadillac. The salesman would not let him test drive it. He took the boy that was cleaning to the manager, paid cash for the Cadillac, and said that the commission wants to go to the young boy.
Happened to me at Tiffany's in King of Prussia mall about 20 years ago and I was dressed for work at a big corporation. ONLY came to buy a $300 necklace.
When I was early 20's, I was fortunate to start my career with a very good job. I was earning A LOT more money than others my age, especially in the northern Canadian region I was living. This happened to me so many times! First time, it was a bit insulting, after that, it was funny. I really milked it for extra laughs too! The look on their faces when I started pulling out hundred dollar bills...priceless!
Years ago I had spent much of a Saturday cleaning house. I needed an outfit for a special occasion and went shopping still wearing my sweatpants, tee shirt and head rag. The sales associate in a fairly high end clothing store followed me around and watched me like a hawk. Never asked if I needed any help. I finally asked what she was doing and she told me they keep an eye on possible shoplifters. I was livid. I went elsewhere to shop and I brought my receipt back to snooty shop so I could show the manager how much I WOULD have spent there if not for their rude employee.
Had a similar experience at Circuit City years ago. I was there with my two children and toddler niece. Apparently a woman with 3 kids in tow can't possibly want to spend money. Instead, the sales guys (all male) stood in a group talking to each other and ignoring me. Finally, I walked out loudly saying that I guess I'd spend my $1500 elsewhere. That got their attention, but too late. Walked next door to OfficeMax, of all places, and got excellent service, a nice laptop and spent less money.
Reminds me back in the day when I worked for a guy who was best friends with a guy who owned a huge profitable construction co. So the construction owner was older and walked around in bibs and T-shirt with dirty boots. Because well he didn’t give a s**t what anyone thought. So he tells my boss he needed 3 new company pickups so he went to the closet dealer with about 70 grand in his bib pockets. So you can guess what happened. They wouldn’t even talk to him. So he went next door to the other dealership and they did wait on him. He bought the 3 pickups and promptly went back to the first and showed them the invoice which he paid in cash. He was whistling.
It's like people have never paid attention to what young tech millionaires wear. Lots of them look homeless but have heck-you money. Not that many of them shop for themselves, of course.
I'm not a label shopper, but coach will (or used to), repair/replace an item if it wore out. Sometimes expensive is worth it vis a vi "the Commander Vimes boot theory!"
Ignore me, ignore my money. Doubt that this could even happen today - most stores don’t have anyone left to ignore you !
Is this real or just a story with the script stolen from Pretty Woman ?!
These are real stories. I worked retail for far too many years and I can tell you the people with money to spend typically don't look like they do. The people who look like they have money to burn, don't because they spent it all on "status" items.
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I went to a designer store looking for a particular brand, I found a belt but it was displayed high up. Like taller than Shaq high. I was one of maybe 3 people in the store shopping. Nobody came. They were too busy playing on their phones and talking to each other. I don't think they thought I was able to afford the belt because I was wearing joggers and a battle jacket with DIY patches. I just went to another location and got prompt service. Rude people don't need my commission.
Been there. Two times I can think of off the top of my head were both BestBuy. First time I was looking to replace my laptop. Being a woman of color, I watched three associates walk around me to white customers who were buying 300.00 Toshiba laptops (probably for their kids). When a different salesman FINALLY paid attention, I told him the specs I was looking for and took about 20 minutes to settle on an Alienware rig. Back then those sold for more than 10X the price of the Toshiba entry level laptops. Second time I was looking for a new laundry pair. Replay the scene above. This time I got management involved. Walked out with a new high end Samsung pair at a reduced price due to the rudeness of the staff. The worst experience I’ve had with this sort is thing was at Men’s Warehouse. It’s tradition in my family to have the male’s first big boy suit fitted. I took my 12 year old son into this store and “Chewbacco Charlie “ totally ruined what should have been a special time
My mum has this issue with makeup places. She wears makeup and she often gets ignored by the sales people when looking. She doesn't look like their target audience so why would they bother giving samples or helping?
Went to get a bed frame from big lots found the one I liked around $500 I was ignored for 20 mins when a young kid came up and told him what I needed he goes to the back another 15 mins comes back and tells me they have no queen mattress. I told him no thats not what I asked about so he went back to look and never saw him again. Left and found and even nicer sleigh bed frame that Ashley's had for half the price. Same big lots before Thanksgiving (2022) got to the register the girl is on the phone keeps talking finally puts them on hold and tells me I'll be back and walks away to answer the person on the phone question. I said out loud therse another cashier ringing up a customer did she really just walk off. The other lady looks and jaw drops as she sees this girl walking off. Left my stuff at the register and walked out. Ive worked enough retail so you know the customer at the register is your priority. You put the person on hold and call for another person to take the call. No acknowledgement from her
As an employee and someone asks for something we don't have or out of, but know another store does (different company) I don't mind telling them. It always brings the customer back. Someone said that's like the movie miracle on 34 st. I told th that's where I got it from
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My (now) husband and I went to buy an alexandrite ring right after work where we both wore dirty clothes home. The sales lady said they only had one and it was very expensive then walked away. We looked at each other and got someone else to get us the 1200 dollar ring and some other things. When we went back 2 months later to get engagement and wedding rings for 6000 dollars we made sure to get the person who helped us
same problem at a best buy once. Two salespeople chasing a guy in a suit to no avail. I was a truck driver coming off my job. No help no problem. Went down the road about 1 mile got great service and bought a new computer from a private store. Havent been back to Best Buy since
When I was a realtor, they told us in training class that the richest home buyers often don’t look rich in order to keep a low profile. The guy driving a cheap car, dressed in jeans might be a multi millionaire so treat him or her with due respect. They usually pay cash too.
When I was just starting out, I discovered a small jewelry store 6 blocks from home. I discovered it on my cleaning day and went in in sweatpants, not-so-clean t-shirt and my long unruly hair half out of it's ponytail. They treated me like I was wearing an expensive dress and had just emerged from a BMW. In the next 14 years I gave them $5-$50 a week. When I accumulated enough money, I would buy something (all custom jewelry). They soon starting to put my picks away until I accumulated enough money. I always got a discount and sent many friends and co- workers to them. It pays not to judge a person by appearance. That jewelry store is now 4 times their original size and is well known in this area.
In the late 90s I was working with an MD, he was a highly regarded Anesthesiologist, and had been a professor teaching at a Medical School. He was a regular guy in his day to day encounters with everyone. Burly, red haired, full beard, and always wore jeans with a flannel shirt in cool weather. He had decided he wanted a high end sports car, Honda NSX iirc, which the local luxury sports car dealerships had. $50 k. Doc got the cash, and headed to the dealership with the intent of buying the car with cash. Gets on the lot, and was pointedly ignored by every salesman. So, doc walked into the showroom, still being ignored, and goes to the service desk and asked for the sales manager, who reluctantly came out to talk with him, and was abrupt with him. Doc introduced himself, and say I'm "DOCTOR so and so" and came to buy that NSX with CASH, but have been ignored since I walked into your dealership. Guess what? You just lost a sale! " Was chased by every salesman to his car, to no avail.
I used work at a dealership and encountered a situation where the regular sales team ignored a person on the lot that was looking at a new high end truck. The way he dressed gave the impression that he was "just pressing his nose on the glass" according to the orher sales people. They chose not to make any attempt to help him. I chose to engage with him an ended up selling him the truck at full sticker price and the additional mark up price for the in house customization. Net sale for me was $139,000 on the new truck and $8,000 over trade allowance for the sale of his used truck to another person. Never, ever, judge what someone can and is willing to spend to get what they want.
Went to circuit city years ago, before I had children. I had a chevey super sport that I babied for years, cherry red, had the spoiler, was my first car that grandpa took me and paid cash for when I turned 16, so I loved it. Anyway, my brother and I went to Circuit City because I wanted my trunk fitted with the largest speakers it would hold, which ended up being a couple of 15's in a huge custom box, and the manufacturer stereo replaced with one I liked. Anyway, we ended up having to literally walk in the car shop where they work on the cars and get a manager there because we were both ignored. I spent 8k that day on car stereo stuff and installs... manager was quite happy we came to him though. I just look at it like one person's loss is another's gain and oh' well.
And that's how sales people like became managers... Good for you
Load More Replies... Worked at best buy for a few years near an international airport. Made an elderly Chinese man very happy explaining everything he wanted explained, and he said he would be bringing some co-workers by the next day who were here from China and wanted to shop before going home. Manager told me not to spend so much time with "foreigners who are only getting something to do on the plane". Older gent came back the next day with 12 others, who picked out high end laptops, iPods/iPads for their kids, branded headphones and everything. Manager was groveling so hard to impress the older man - who turned out to be the CEO of the company. And then the CEO told the manager he didn't want to talk to him because he wouldn't help him the other day. He only wanted to talk to me. Oddly enough, I had a few business travellers who would always ask for me, even if they were only in town every 6 months. You'd think management would learn.
More than likely the salesman mostly likely didn't care and probably won't change a thing. I like it like going to the casino; sometimes you hit and sometimes don't. However, stand a better chance at winning if you only blackjack and roulette than pumping dollars in a machine. If that salesman focuses on the people that look like potential "buying" customers then more likely than not he or she will get a sale. The I get your "hooray for the underdog" story, but reality is nothing gonna change & to think you taught that salesperson a lesson or you checked an immodest person is showing your own arrogance or more so a delusional interpretation of the event. 🤷🏽♂️
My dad wanted to buy me my first used car. We agreed we would meet at the dealership where he usually bought his new cars. He'd get a new car roughly every five years, selling the old one to the dealer, and he always bought at that dealership. He knew one of the guys there and told me to ask for him. Well I get there, and I get ignored. So I wander out in the yard and look at the used cars. Next to that dealership was another one. Outside was an older guy in a suit. He smiled at me and asked me what I was looking for. I told him and then went over and he showed me several used cars in the ballpark of what I was looking for. Soon my father arrived. As soon as he left his car the guy I was supposed to talk to hurried out to greet him. I wandered over too and waited till they were finished, then told my dad which car I wanted, from the other dealership. That guys face fell instantly. He had seen me and ignored me too, now he realised his mistake. My dad was puzzled, but we bought that car
I explained later to him what had happened. When his next car was due one year later, he too went to the other dealership. His whole life he had bought VW. From that day on till he died he bought Volvo. That's why you never ignore people. They have family, friends and you can never know what they will do if they find out you ignored their loved ones.
Load More Replies... This reminds me of a story at a Mercedes dealership also in the mid 90s, there is a hardware chain here, biggest on the island ( and this is a tourist island, só there are s**t loads of 4 and 5 star hotels ) the owner of the store was a self made Millionaire, started from nothing, só he had a very humble style, once he went to Mercedes to buy a few Cars lol, the Sallesman ignored the old man and told him to talk to his coleague, a young salleswoman ( back in the day women didn't had much respect in the car business ) só the oldman goes to talk with the girl, end up buying 2 C class Mercedes to hi two sons, One E class for him, and 2 Actros Trucks, totalled around 300 000€ or só ( well the equivalent i mean, at the time we still used the " escudo " ), and to add insult to injury lol he just wrote a check... Girl got happy She made a small fortune in comitions from 5 cars.
Don’t recall if I have already told this story but here it goes. Back in the they (before the Spanish civil war) there used to be a big expo in Madrid (then this kind of expo was only there). My mom’s uncle who was very wealthy usually dressed as a tramp, old clothes, a string instead of a belt… he wet to see some cars and the Mercedes dealer brush him of saying he was busy. It’s seemed that the Rolls dealer was bored and showed every feature the car had and was kind with this hillbilly. The hillbilly bought two.
Was in a fancy Italian restaurant in New England when this guy walked in looking disheveled. Paint on his clothes, messy hair. I actually waved to him because I knew he was a very well known artist in the area. The hostess did not and neither did the bartender or server. Mind you this place didn't have a dress code. I was wearing jeans and a tshirt. They ran this guy out and he didn't even object. He just said he'd make sure none of his friends ever eat there. They made a snide joke. So after they kick him out I say to the bartender, "You just kicked out one of the most well known painter/artists in this city. The friends he's talking about are all big money people. You had better hope your boss doesn't find out." Just then the guy comes walking back in with the owner of the restaurant, one of his friends. LOL. The owner introduces the guy to the three who kicked him out and the owner said, "Don't bother remembering their names, they don't work here anymore."
The owner jumped behind the bar and the servers did double duty as hostess. The guy sat next to me at the bar. He was really cool. I told him that I was appalled at what happened and apologized for not intervening. He said, "I wouldn't have let you tell them who I was. I don't bank on my stature and reputation as an artist. I am friends with the owner, but I'd never play that card either. Turns out, I just ran into him a block from here." He didn't even tell the owner what happened. He found out when he walked in with the guy and the three owned up to what they did and were apologizing profusely. The owner was like NOPE! It was awesome.
Load More Replies... We were shopping for a car some years ago. We aren't rich, but were comfortable. We found one we liked, and sat down to talk figures. They give us a form asking about income and work info, gave it to my husband first and he filled it out. He wasn't making a lot, I was always the main earner. The sales guys face falls, you can just see him thinking we aren't going to be able to buy the Jeep we are looking at. He half-heartedly asks if I want to fill in my numbers. The friend with us said "yes, you want her numbers". I was a programmer working on Y2K fixes as a contractor and making much more then hubby. More then enough to afford the vehicle. Salesman perks up and offers us coffee or water. Nope. We were out of there. If you can't treat us right from the start, not buying form you.
Don’t you just love it when sales people think the man must make the money… or at least more money? SMH
Load More Replies... I have a story about when I bought my first new car. I had my heart set on a 2003 Mercedes M-Class. I had an appointment. I pull into the Mercedes dealership driving my old 1989 Honda Civic. The salesman must have seen me drive in, because he greeted me, and then ditched me saying he had a call. I waited for 30 minutes, but never saw him again. I walked out. I get a call the next day from the dealership asking about my experience. I said I never got one because I was ignored. The manager asked me to come back. When I got there, I met with the manager, and the salesman from the day before walked over, with a disinterested look on his face. I said nope- not you. Get me another salesperson. I told both of them I didn't appreciate being ignored. I bought the top of the line car, and the junior salesman got the commission. I said I'll buy it only if the Jr got the FULL commission. He did. Hard lesson for the other guy!
This happened to me in Ft.Worth. I was newly divorced and about 30. Needed a pickup truck as I was a frugal bargain hunter that cruised Freecycle and Craigslist both for myself and for art supplies for my students. Got ignored at the local dealer except for one salesman who when he found out I was after a pickup patted my hand and told me basically that was not something a woman could handle. I walked. Never ever gave them any of my business. It was just a regular every day pickup. I had the money and was dressed professionally.
"Now, now. Remember you need a "stick" to use that there truck." Perhaps, this van will be more appropriate for a fair lady such as yourself. You can fit the kids and the dinners in it!" Yeah, it gives that.
Load More Replies... Oh I've got so many similar from working a high pressure sales job. I worked in a home theater department and One of my favorites was when this really nice gentleman who dressed how he damn well pleased and didn't waste money on clothes to impress you got to ignored by every salesman accept me. He said he had been in a few times and no one would so much as approach him or say hi. He went on to Lm guide him towards a whole house system that I had to get custom design involved and cost over $20,000 lol my commission was outrageous and there were other stories just like it. Point being some people that have money don't care to waste it on fancy clothes to try to impress you by dressing the part. Most of the snobby salesman didn't learn their lesson quick enough and I snagged some killer sales by helping people that the snobby salesman wouldn't. I'm not an a-hole so I helped everybody even if they came in in rags and wanted the cheapest everything.
Many years ago when I was 30 I went shopping for my first brand new car. I was leaning towards a Jetta convertible, so I went to the VW dealership and asked for a test drive. The salesman said I could only drive it if I bought it, to which I responded how can I commit to purchasing it without driving it first? Following that impasse I went to a Ford dealership, where I test drove and purchased a Mustang convertible LX 5.0L V8. Beautiful car. You better believe I drove back to VW, rag top down, to say buh bye to the guy who turned me away.
My grand mother had ordered a Mac desktop pc, went with her to pick it up and the younin who helped bring it to the car said "that is a lot of computer for a little lady". All 4'10" of her told him to bring it back into the store and spoke to the manager for a full refund and why. Do not mess with proper little British Nans, they will tear you down without breaking a sweat, cursing or raising their voice.
When my husband and I first got married, we didn't have much money so we dressed up to the 9th when we needed something expensive so people would wait on us. Now, thirty some years later we have more money but not rich and we go shopping in jeans. Times have changed. Edit: corrected 8th to 9th.
I am not the kind of person to ever ever correct someone's grammar online. I hate those people, but the phrase you used is one of my new favorites because no one knows exactly where it came from! The phrase is "dressed to the nines", and while we assume "to the nines" means: to perfection, no one is entirely sure how that meaning came about. The best guess is that it came from the nine muses, as in "it's so perfect, it's worthy of having been inspired by the muses". Isn't that lovely??
Load More Replies... Not too long ago I went car shopping. I knew what I wanted and knew how much I could afford. I go into a dealership and a young salesman starts talking to me. I tell him what I want and he starts going on about how that's not the car for me. What I really need is some other upsold car that I didn't want and couldn't afford. I tell him, I wasn't interested and really wanted the original car. He says something along the lines of "well I haven't lost a sale yet" and starts in on the upsold car again. I stand up and say "well your worries are over. You just lost your first sale." And walk out the door with him chasing after me until I drive out of the parking lot. I went two towns over and bought the car I wanted at a price I could afford with no hassle.
My husband and were at a car dealership back in the 80's. The salesman was following me husband and completely ignored me so I started looking around myself. I spotted a Corvette parked on the side of the office and went inside to ask if it was for sale. Yes it was but not yet on the lot. I bought it on the spot! I worked at a bank and already had financing in order and made sure that salesman didn't receive a commission! I had a similar situation at Lord & Taylor when saleswoman told me I couldn't afford anything in that store. I picked out several outfits and shoes and whipped out my L & T credit card. I was a model and it was my day off so I was slouchy. Never judge a book by it's cover!
2 instances - We went into Macy's furniture after a day at the beach. No young sales people wanted to help us, just ignored us. Boomer sales rep comes over. Wrote a check for 15k of stuff. Hope he waived it in their snooty little faces. Went to buy a truck, salesman wanted hubs to do paperwork, but we told him I would. He insisted hubs needed to. So we walked...half way out the door the manager came running up and was gracious to me, we bought the truck from him.
The unfortunate part is that this kind of expectation varies by region. The U.S. has several regions that have their own culture, mores, norms, et cetera, that also influence how they want to be treated in a store. Where I grew up, people wanted to be left alone, and if they needed help they would ask for it; if you went up and asked them if they needed assistance, they would consider you, and the store, pushy, and would usually leave. That way of thinking is less severe now, meaning they will just say "no" and keep shopping, but if you don't take the hint to leave them be, they will leave, never come back, and tell everyone they know about their experience. This regional difference can become a real problem of you work for a national or international company that doesn't understand this, and insist on the pushy behavior. They really need to listen to their employees.
In this case therefore, one can approach customers, letting them know they are available if & when required, even as they give them space
Load More Replies... My husband told me a story like this about Joe Hardy, when he worked for 84 Lumber. Joe when into a store to buy a suit, wearing much the same as the OP, and no one helped him. He came back in the next day, suit, tie, the whole package, and people were falling over themselves to help him. That's why you don't judge a book by its cover. That book might be a multi-millionaire, ready to make someone's day.
Yeah … looking at my mom and dad’s neighbors, you’d never in a million years guess that they’re millionaires. 1100 sq. ft. brick ranch in the middle of a working class neighborhood, F350 pickup, yard kind of a mess (grandkids and dog), and they are THE NICEST people… who are, most of the time when home, stoned of their asses. Lol Oh… they dress in jeans (usually well-worn) and t-shirts
Load More Replies... I tried to sell rainbow vacuums door to door for a hot minute. In training, they said do not bother with the uppity houses. It is the trailors and houses you think can't afford it that will pull some cash out of a drawer and buy it every time. My husbands uncle lived in a trailer lile this . we were picking him up for lunch one day when a window cleaning sells person was leaving. My husband's uncle spent over $200 on yellow window spray cleaner. You just cannot judge a book by its cover when it comes to stuff like that.
I Retail is all about customer service..you are supposed to provide customer service regardless of how the person looks or if they buy anything at that time. You never know if that one person will be a life long customer for you. I have literally have had customers follow me to other stores because of the customer service provided. And I have had one customer who told every manager every time she saw them, I needed a raise with benefits. This was back when wages was $8.75 for my state.
Elvis Presley went in in his shoes to buy a Cadillac. The salesman would not let him test drive it. He took the boy that was cleaning to the manager, paid cash for the Cadillac, and said that the commission wants to go to the young boy.
Happened to me at Tiffany's in King of Prussia mall about 20 years ago and I was dressed for work at a big corporation. ONLY came to buy a $300 necklace.
When I was early 20's, I was fortunate to start my career with a very good job. I was earning A LOT more money than others my age, especially in the northern Canadian region I was living. This happened to me so many times! First time, it was a bit insulting, after that, it was funny. I really milked it for extra laughs too! The look on their faces when I started pulling out hundred dollar bills...priceless!
Years ago I had spent much of a Saturday cleaning house. I needed an outfit for a special occasion and went shopping still wearing my sweatpants, tee shirt and head rag. The sales associate in a fairly high end clothing store followed me around and watched me like a hawk. Never asked if I needed any help. I finally asked what she was doing and she told me they keep an eye on possible shoplifters. I was livid. I went elsewhere to shop and I brought my receipt back to snooty shop so I could show the manager how much I WOULD have spent there if not for their rude employee.
Had a similar experience at Circuit City years ago. I was there with my two children and toddler niece. Apparently a woman with 3 kids in tow can't possibly want to spend money. Instead, the sales guys (all male) stood in a group talking to each other and ignoring me. Finally, I walked out loudly saying that I guess I'd spend my $1500 elsewhere. That got their attention, but too late. Walked next door to OfficeMax, of all places, and got excellent service, a nice laptop and spent less money.
Reminds me back in the day when I worked for a guy who was best friends with a guy who owned a huge profitable construction co. So the construction owner was older and walked around in bibs and T-shirt with dirty boots. Because well he didn’t give a s**t what anyone thought. So he tells my boss he needed 3 new company pickups so he went to the closet dealer with about 70 grand in his bib pockets. So you can guess what happened. They wouldn’t even talk to him. So he went next door to the other dealership and they did wait on him. He bought the 3 pickups and promptly went back to the first and showed them the invoice which he paid in cash. He was whistling.
It's like people have never paid attention to what young tech millionaires wear. Lots of them look homeless but have heck-you money. Not that many of them shop for themselves, of course.
I'm not a label shopper, but coach will (or used to), repair/replace an item if it wore out. Sometimes expensive is worth it vis a vi "the Commander Vimes boot theory!"
Ignore me, ignore my money. Doubt that this could even happen today - most stores don’t have anyone left to ignore you !
Is this real or just a story with the script stolen from Pretty Woman ?!
These are real stories. I worked retail for far too many years and I can tell you the people with money to spend typically don't look like they do. The people who look like they have money to burn, don't because they spent it all on "status" items.
Load More Replies... I went to a designer store looking for a particular brand, I found a belt but it was displayed high up. Like taller than Shaq high. I was one of maybe 3 people in the store shopping. Nobody came. They were too busy playing on their phones and talking to each other. I don't think they thought I was able to afford the belt because I was wearing joggers and a battle jacket with DIY patches. I just went to another location and got prompt service. Rude people don't need my commission.
Been there. Two times I can think of off the top of my head were both BestBuy. First time I was looking to replace my laptop. Being a woman of color, I watched three associates walk around me to white customers who were buying 300.00 Toshiba laptops (probably for their kids). When a different salesman FINALLY paid attention, I told him the specs I was looking for and took about 20 minutes to settle on an Alienware rig. Back then those sold for more than 10X the price of the Toshiba entry level laptops. Second time I was looking for a new laundry pair. Replay the scene above. This time I got management involved. Walked out with a new high end Samsung pair at a reduced price due to the rudeness of the staff. The worst experience I’ve had with this sort is thing was at Men’s Warehouse. It’s tradition in my family to have the male’s first big boy suit fitted. I took my 12 year old son into this store and “Chewbacco Charlie “ totally ruined what should have been a special time
My mum has this issue with makeup places. She wears makeup and she often gets ignored by the sales people when looking. She doesn't look like their target audience so why would they bother giving samples or helping?
Went to get a bed frame from big lots found the one I liked around $500 I was ignored for 20 mins when a young kid came up and told him what I needed he goes to the back another 15 mins comes back and tells me they have no queen mattress. I told him no thats not what I asked about so he went back to look and never saw him again. Left and found and even nicer sleigh bed frame that Ashley's had for half the price. Same big lots before Thanksgiving (2022) got to the register the girl is on the phone keeps talking finally puts them on hold and tells me I'll be back and walks away to answer the person on the phone question. I said out loud therse another cashier ringing up a customer did she really just walk off. The other lady looks and jaw drops as she sees this girl walking off. Left my stuff at the register and walked out. Ive worked enough retail so you know the customer at the register is your priority. You put the person on hold and call for another person to take the call. No acknowledgement from her
As an employee and someone asks for something we don't have or out of, but know another store does (different company) I don't mind telling them. It always brings the customer back. Someone said that's like the movie miracle on 34 st. I told th that's where I got it from
Load More Replies... My (now) husband and I went to buy an alexandrite ring right after work where we both wore dirty clothes home. The sales lady said they only had one and it was very expensive then walked away. We looked at each other and got someone else to get us the 1200 dollar ring and some other things. When we went back 2 months later to get engagement and wedding rings for 6000 dollars we made sure to get the person who helped us
same problem at a best buy once. Two salespeople chasing a guy in a suit to no avail. I was a truck driver coming off my job. No help no problem. Went down the road about 1 mile got great service and bought a new computer from a private store. Havent been back to Best Buy since
When I was a realtor, they told us in training class that the richest home buyers often don’t look rich in order to keep a low profile. The guy driving a cheap car, dressed in jeans might be a multi millionaire so treat him or her with due respect. They usually pay cash too.
When I was just starting out, I discovered a small jewelry store 6 blocks from home. I discovered it on my cleaning day and went in in sweatpants, not-so-clean t-shirt and my long unruly hair half out of it's ponytail. They treated me like I was wearing an expensive dress and had just emerged from a BMW. In the next 14 years I gave them $5-$50 a week. When I accumulated enough money, I would buy something (all custom jewelry). They soon starting to put my picks away until I accumulated enough money. I always got a discount and sent many friends and co- workers to them. It pays not to judge a person by appearance. That jewelry store is now 4 times their original size and is well known in this area.
In the late 90s I was working with an MD, he was a highly regarded Anesthesiologist, and had been a professor teaching at a Medical School. He was a regular guy in his day to day encounters with everyone. Burly, red haired, full beard, and always wore jeans with a flannel shirt in cool weather. He had decided he wanted a high end sports car, Honda NSX iirc, which the local luxury sports car dealerships had. $50 k. Doc got the cash, and headed to the dealership with the intent of buying the car with cash. Gets on the lot, and was pointedly ignored by every salesman. So, doc walked into the showroom, still being ignored, and goes to the service desk and asked for the sales manager, who reluctantly came out to talk with him, and was abrupt with him. Doc introduced himself, and say I'm "DOCTOR so and so" and came to buy that NSX with CASH, but have been ignored since I walked into your dealership. Guess what? You just lost a sale! " Was chased by every salesman to his car, to no avail.
I used work at a dealership and encountered a situation where the regular sales team ignored a person on the lot that was looking at a new high end truck. The way he dressed gave the impression that he was "just pressing his nose on the glass" according to the orher sales people. They chose not to make any attempt to help him. I chose to engage with him an ended up selling him the truck at full sticker price and the additional mark up price for the in house customization. Net sale for me was $139,000 on the new truck and $8,000 over trade allowance for the sale of his used truck to another person. Never, ever, judge what someone can and is willing to spend to get what they want.
Went to circuit city years ago, before I had children. I had a chevey super sport that I babied for years, cherry red, had the spoiler, was my first car that grandpa took me and paid cash for when I turned 16, so I loved it. Anyway, my brother and I went to Circuit City because I wanted my trunk fitted with the largest speakers it would hold, which ended up being a couple of 15's in a huge custom box, and the manufacturer stereo replaced with one I liked. Anyway, we ended up having to literally walk in the car shop where they work on the cars and get a manager there because we were both ignored. I spent 8k that day on car stereo stuff and installs... manager was quite happy we came to him though. I just look at it like one person's loss is another's gain and oh' well.
And that's how sales people like became managers... Good for you
Load More Replies... Worked at best buy for a few years near an international airport. Made an elderly Chinese man very happy explaining everything he wanted explained, and he said he would be bringing some co-workers by the next day who were here from China and wanted to shop before going home. Manager told me not to spend so much time with "foreigners who are only getting something to do on the plane". Older gent came back the next day with 12 others, who picked out high end laptops, iPods/iPads for their kids, branded headphones and everything. Manager was groveling so hard to impress the older man - who turned out to be the CEO of the company. And then the CEO told the manager he didn't want to talk to him because he wouldn't help him the other day. He only wanted to talk to me. Oddly enough, I had a few business travellers who would always ask for me, even if they were only in town every 6 months. You'd think management would learn.
More than likely the salesman mostly likely didn't care and probably won't change a thing. I like it like going to the casino; sometimes you hit and sometimes don't. However, stand a better chance at winning if you only blackjack and roulette than pumping dollars in a machine. If that salesman focuses on the people that look like potential "buying" customers then more likely than not he or she will get a sale. The I get your "hooray for the underdog" story, but reality is nothing gonna change & to think you taught that salesperson a lesson or you checked an immodest person is showing your own arrogance or more so a delusional interpretation of the event. 🤷🏽♂️
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