I hate the art of the suggestive sell. A good part of why I own a Saturn is because I dreaded negotiating over price. Generally, I am of the "I'll tell you what I want, and you sell it to me" type.
With my participation in the Gay Chorus this season, I found myself in need of a tux shirt. Pricing online had most places charging nearly $80, but I found one menswear chain selling for under $30, and I paid them a visit on Saturday. I had a moment of dread when I realized I was the only customer in a store with four salespeople, but it was pretty straightforward to get my shirt. He even measured me for size — although I did ask for a slightly larger neck size than he suggested (singing == need room to breathe). I noticed the shirt even had litle black studs already in it for buttons.
On the way to the register, I mentioned I already had the required basic black pants, but would need a tie and cummerbund (my red-and-black Mickey paisley not being quite up to dress code). Easy enough request, and shortly after, I paid, and was on my way home.
Yesterday, when I was unpacking the shirt to get it laundered, I noticed: the included studs are plastic, and presumably only for store-display effect. As much as I hate being upsold, I will say it would have been nice if they'd asked if I already had tux-shirt studs and cufflinks...
With the death of customer service these days I don't take anything for granted when I go shopping. In most stores we are no longer a customer; just a walking wallet to helpt hem make a profit.
ReplyDeleteOh, most definitely agreed... which is why I was surprised that no one tried to get me to buy more. I bought a cookbook at Disney yesterday, and the cashier was downright pushy on trying to get me to add-on a set of Mickey-head egg rings. "Use them as cookie cutters!"
ReplyDelete