So you’ve done some research. You’re looking for something specific, and you head to whichever shop you’ve chosen to consult someone who theoretically knows what they’re doing. You hit the store, talk to your salesperson… And get met with scorn, denial of much of your research and a pitch for a product you don’t want. How much does that suck, right?
Here’s a better one. You bought something a while ago, and need a hand doing something new with it. Maybe it’s what this thing is for, maybe it’s not. Either way, you head back to your shop and talk to your people… And guess what? It’s not their job, they say, to help with this. The thing you bought has a support line, and those people know what they’re doing, so go home and call them, will you?
Sheesh.
I’m sure you share my frustration with this. It’s a perspective problem. Very often, people over-research purchases, or are unwilling to believe that staff are doing anything more than selling something. I know I’d rather buy something than have it sold to me.
Even worse, once the sale is made, lots of salespeople feel like they’ve made their dime from you and just don’t want to spare any more time or effort, unless you’re buying more. This has to stop, it’s the most horrible thing you can do, and it’s killing retail for everyone.
Lots of staffers everywhere feel like it’s not their job to help people, to listen to them or to help people when it’s in their power.
Well guess what. It IS your job. It is in your best interest to provide support beyond just sales. Stop being idiots about this.