[annasuave]

But I just can’t handle talking to the sales people. How do I deal? How have you dealt in the past? Are there any commissioned sales folks here on CP willing to share their insight?

I was in a few stores today, and the experience bordered on surreal. I felt like the interactions were forced, scripted and headed toward Creepy Town. I was followed and badgered with an intrusive array of personal questions that just never let up. Not even after “I’m ok for now, thanks. I’ll let you know if I have questions”.

Are these techniques effective? Do they actually drive sales? Do salespeople risk being fired if they don’t act like that?

I hope I understand the pressures people working in sales face - but today I was genuinely offended. Nobody seemed to be seeing me a person - just a mark. I want to treat people right, but I also expect to be treated right in turn.

How the heck to I buy a sofa with flat out telling someone, “Look, I just want to look at the sofas. Please leave me alone”.