Is it just me, or is it getting tougher to buy things?
I may just be noticing it more because it’s the Christmas season, but it seems like it’s getting harder to shop for items. By “shop,” i mean the process of picking out products, walking up to the counter, paying, and leaving. Before I expand on my meaning, there are a couple of things you should know about me:
First, I don’t mind shopping – but I do tend to have a restricted time frame in which to do it.
Second, I prefer to have my personal information in as few “systems” as possible. As I’m writing this, it’s only been a few days since Target released that 40 million people may have had their information compromised. If my information isn’t in their system, it can’t be hacked.
Unfortunately, both of these characteristics can be problems when it comes to shopping. I went to a mall today and made three stops.
At the bookstore, I selected some magazines and made my way to the counter, and went through this conversation. Am I a member of their discount program? No. Do I know about it? Yes. Am I sure I don’t want to purchase their card? YES. Do I want to donate for something or other? No. Finally, after undergoing this dialogue, I was allowed to purchase my magazines.
Next, I stopped at the greeting card store. After picking out my cards, I went to the counter. Do I have their discount card? No. Do I want it? No. Am I interested in hearing about the extra products they’re promoting? No. Do I want to donate to something or other? NO. Again, finally, I purchased.
Finally, I visited the jewelry store, and this crowned the day. After making my selections, I was asked if I was in their system. No. The girl began asking for my information, and I asked her if that was necessary; I really just wanted to pay and go. I should point out that I was very polite, as I had been to everyone. She acted as if I’d violated some cardinal retail rule, and gave me what I’m certain is the “difficult customer that I can’t wait to get rid of” treatment – but she allowed me to just pay and go.
At this point, I felt like the comedian that I once saw who described going to the grocery store, and being asked if he had their card. He responded, “NO! I have MONEY. I give you my money, you give me my stuff! That’s how it works!”
Look, I’m as interested in the upsell as the next guy – but there comes a point where it’s just too much. If you’re in retail, my advice to you is to limit your upsell attempts to ONE. Want to promote a product? Great; then don’t ask for a donation or a card. And when customers refuse, remember that they have the right to do so
