MSE News: Brits reject 'Can I help?' shopping culture

ViolaLass

kerri_gt wrote: »

Be visible but don't pounce on me as soon as I've entered the store, chances are I probably don't need any help since I've not even had a chance to look yet. Although I am glad we don't have the same thing as the US where you are greeted as soon as you enter the store with a big 'hello / hi there / etc etc' ...what is the etiquette for that? Are you supposed to reply or not?

If they say hello, I imagine we're supposed to reply in the same vein, but when they say 'how are you?' I'm not sure whether this is a rhetorical greeting and I should reply or even whether I should ask the same of them.

chattychappy

My main objection is that usually they simply cannot help me. Otherwise I wouldn't mind!

huw01

MSE it should be May I help
Not Can I help :mad:

CRISPIANNE3

Once upon a time long ago you could go into Tesco and at the checkout the
assistant would be too busy even to acknowledge you but now the shops treat you as a long lost friend.

Me I always use their self service tills. I don't go shopping to make friends!

callum9999

kerri_gt wrote: »

I'd much rather assistants offered the extra help when you want to try clothes on - like 'let me know if you want to try another size and we can get that for you' etc. In the US many stores have buttons you can press to call the assistant in the changing room if you need a diff size / colour - and it doesn't take them ages to appear.

Be visible but don't pounce on me as soon as I've entered the store, chances are I probably don't need any help since I've not even had a chance to look yet. Although I am glad we don't have the same thing as the US where you are greeted as soon as you enter the store with a big 'hello / hi there / etc etc' ...what is the etiquette for that? Are you supposed to reply or not?

I'm shocked that someone even needs to ask that. Obviously the polite thing to do when someone says hello to you is to say hello back! If you were supposed to just ignore them then they could just put a cardboard cut-out at the door instead of a real person!

Caddyman

I absolutely cannot stand being approached by shop staff as soon as I walk into any establishment. Personally, I find it rude and utterly offputting, so much so, I've turned about and walked out again almost immediately. If I want help I'll ask for it. I lost my temper a few times walking into places like Comet when more often than not, I was literally hounded the moment I walked through the door. Personally, I think the almost immediate approach on entry is somewhat desperate. Some shops need to understand they are in danger of pushing customers away.

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

If I want to buy something without help, I'll do it online.

Nothing worse than walking into a shop and being ignored, or having to try and get someone's attention.

That's just poor customer service, and I'd be inclined to leave and go somewhere else that is more professional.

anoncol

I was in John Lewis last week looking for a TV. The specs were simple, a 26 inch 1080p TV. The sales assistant said they are all 1080p! I said NO they are not! I said none are. he checked, and i was correct.

Why the hell would i want help from these useless idiots?

upsell

Ok As a Retail Store Manager I have to actively encourage my staff to greet and offer assistance otherwise I would be in trouble
I can see it from both sides and there has to be a balance, I was in Currys today and at least 6 members of staff were nearby whilst I browsed a particular product. I deliberately waited until someone offered help (at least 5 mins) when I pointed this out the response was "well I am here now"
Retail is a business and a big employer in this country and It's often customer service standards that help us make our buying choices as much as price so if someone says hi to you when you go into a store remember they are just doing their job
Would you rather 5 people ask how you are and not meant it or 1 to tell you F*&$ off and mean it??????

micklemus_3

As a retail manager, I think your are way off target in your response. Of course no one wants to be told f**k off. But they do want is to be allowed to shop without pressure. If your staff were attentive and watched the customers they would see immediately when the customer wanted help and could provide it at the time when THE CUSTOMER wanted it. If retail got this correct they would have a WINNER for them and the customer.

GET CUSTOMER FOCUSED NOT PROFIT FOCUSED and your profits will flood in.