Being followed

[Poppy+1]

Has anyone else encountered this ,Is it really necessary to be followed round a shop when there is not another soul in there either looking or buying, I know it happens but other outlets are a little more discreet in the surveillance, maybe they were just bored at the lack of custom.
Not good customer service, off putting for a customer and loss of a good sale.

[kerry 6138]

Once got followed round woolworths by a member of staff who was convinced I was going to steal something ,she stood at the end of the aisle with a stern look arms crossed, didn't have the heart to tell her the reason I was a little dirty was because I was on my way home from work and the bag I was carrying had my empty sandwich box in.
Passed 20 minutes leading her round the store till my bus came!

[sophie]

The problem is that Sales people are dammed if they do and dammed if they don't. If they take absolutely no notice of you whatsoever and treat you as if you are a nuisance and "how dare you interrupt my phone conversation or chat with a fellow worker", then we condemn them. Likewise if they follow us around like limpets we complain. Of the two I think I'd rather be followed around. At least you can politely ask them to move away. 20 years or more ago when visiting China I was livid when I could virtually feel the sales assistants breath on the back of neck.

[Marions]

Had that from childhood in LOondon in certain shops.l My mother would not go in dress shops run by Jewish people cos she said they were too pushy|! Gosh that sounds racist, but it is actually showing how different races conduct their business.
However, having encountered some really pushy sales people (who probably need the commission) I always smile sweetly and say 'Just looking' (in the local language if possible but otherwise I point to my eyes and hope they get the message.
They are only doing their job, and if I want help I always ask, but if they won't go away when breathing down my neck, I just smile and leave the shop.

[woodspeckie]

This happened to us during our visit in February in the supermarket on the road down to the harbour, the assistant met us down every isle, it stood out a mile he was watching us, we put the basket down and we walked out without buying the items we had gone in for.

[Maisiemoo]

Went into the jewellery shop in the Airport Mall and the girl pointedly followed me round the shop. If it wasn't for the fact I was after a particular necklace I would have walked out. Working in retail myself I do not recognise this as good customer service.

[davedee]

Sophie mentioned China ,and China Bizarre is terrible for that especially around shoes and bags,very off putting.

[Owl Lady]

Was in a clothes shop today and the assistant was on my shoulder like a parrot!! I was dying to say "look I am only looking I am not going to steal anything" In the end I left, it drives me mad. I know they are only trying to help, but please back off!!

[Fesenjan123]

We went into Podium, the large furniture shop in Catalkoy and had a woman on our backs the moment we crossed the threshold. I was so cross I couldn't even be bothered to go up to the second floor, I just wanted to get out. Did she think we were going to shove a sofa under our coats? I've got a tongue and will ask if I need help.

[Lovelife]

We bought all our furniture here in the North, every furniture shop we went into we were followed around. Occasionally it was useful as we could ask questions about items of furniture as we went around the shop. However if we were just looking I politely told them that we did not need anyone with us and that we would find them and ask for information if needed. Most of the time they left us alone to wander.

LL

[sophie]

It doesn't take a second to politely ask for the assistant to stand aside and that you will call her if you need help. Surely its better than being completely ignored. Its when that happens that I walk out, but before I do I ask to speak to the owner or Manager and as recently happened informed him that he had just lost a minimum of 2000tl order for a house full of new light fittings. Even then all I received was a shrug, although he did say sorry!

[muffin1]

I usually smile at the assistant and tell them " i'm just looking thank you" and they generally back off. Having worked in retail management/training in the UK,we always told assistants to smile and greet new customers but do not follow them around. By acknowledging the customer it told any potential shoplifters that they had been noticed and we were watching them.

[Ragged Robin]

The assistant in the upstairs household goods section at China Bazaar always hangs around customers. Since I have problems getting myself up and down stairs, let alone carrying a heavy or awkward goods down to the pay counters I am extremely glad of her as she is always ready and willing not only to carry items for me but to help me myself if necessary, Assistants who follow you around might mildly annoying but far preferable to finding oneself stranded on an upper floor (or even sometimes in a shop) with no one about to ask for information or help.

[Philoz]

It's happened to me a bit too,at first I got a bit angry.
Now I make it fun by asking my new personal assistant bizzarre questions-
I asked one stalker in a yapi market if they had tartan paint-just pick an item up and ask if it's solar powered.
What used to be an irritation is now hours of fun ,and they tend to leave me alone after a few daft questions