Normal consumer behaviour seen as theft by some store employees
At least I felt like I was being treated as though I were about to steal something.
I go to office supply stores quite a lot. Especially at the end of the summer when the new school supply products are out. I like checking out the new stuff, especially since a lot of it doesn’t make it into regular inventory at the store. I’ve told most of my friends that I am a visual shopper. What I mean by that is that I go into a store sometimes just to look and other times with an overall idea about what I want but not specific. As far as specific products, I’ll know what I want when I see it. That may require looking at every product like what I am seeking in a store and not buying anything, which often happens. I have gone to stores and then ended up buying whatever it is online.
When I am in stores I generally don’t approach store employees unless I actually have a question. Eventually, if I stay long enough one of them will ask the question. The question is usually one of: ‘Are you finding everything okay?’ ‘Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?’ or ‘Can I help you find something?’ Now a lot of the time after I say ‘No, I am just looking’ or ‘No, I’m just looking at X’ the stockers and clerks will let me look at the merchandise and pick out something or not. If I don’t find what I’m looking for I leave. The point is, they leave me alone and let me shop. Other times, for most of the time I am there someone is asking me every 10 minutes or so if I’m okay or if I’m finding everything okay. I go by the two question rule. You ask me once how I’m doing. I will respond. You ask me a second time and I’ll respond and start heading for the door.
I understand you’re doing your job, but regardless, how does the fact that I was in your store, picked up a few items and put them back, didn’t buy anything and left constitute stealing or intending to steal? And even if you don’t think I am intending on pinching merchandise, your multiple questions make me feel like if I’m not spending money that day I’m not wanted in your store. If that’s the case, remember you have competitors.
This entry was posted on Friday, July 14th, 2006 at 16:11 and is filed under Pad of paper. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Melanie July 15th, 2006 at 00:48
I used to work in an office store and a lot of those people work on base plus commission. I.e. – if they find out that you’re buying a computer and they can upsell you a printer, some ink and some paper, more money for them.
So, that might be why you’re getting them flocking to you like buzzards or used car salesmen. At least some of the time, I’m sure.