Sure, it sounds like I’m a spoiled brat. And I am - kind of. I think it’s important to get what you want when you can, don’t you? I mean, really, as long as our basic needs are met we don’t really need anything else, but I prefer a lifestyle of getting what I want without going into debt. As in, the cheap version of what I’d really like to have.

Before we moved, we sold and gave away a lot of things that we didn’t think needed to come with us. The big screen TV (buying new & bigger for this place), the washer & dryer (got a set with this house), the table (it sucked - getting a new one) and the water cooler (have a purifier here). Less to move makes everyone happy.

Yesterday, after we finally got the painfully small cheque that’s remaining from the sale of our old house, we went out to buy a new table. Our criteria were…dark wood - preferably espresso stain, 6 chairs and at least 1 leaf. We found a few but the best one was a Leon’s. It was the best because it was the last one so it was on clearance. No warranty, no nothing - but it was cheap. We went to a few other stores to compare and ended up back at Leon’s.

Backing up a bit. The first time we were in there, we were bombarded by a commissioned male sales person who actually said something to the effect of “Can you please take my card because we’re not paid by the hour.”

If you know me, you know I HATE commissioned sales for the most part but good salespeople don’t give away that they’re on commission and just give great service without being annoying little parasites. This guy would not leave. He was stuck to my ass like gum from the bleachers. So, when I went back in by myself (the BG and the boy waited in the van because I’m the shopper among us and the boy was SO ready to get home) I went to another girl and tried to buy it on the sly. The original sales person, let’s call him “Brad” for the sake of the story (and because that’s his name so Shirley just wouldn’t work), comes running over…”Here I am! Here I am!” I grimace grin and try not to show my annoyance.

Me: Hi again. I’m going to buy that table.

“Brad”: Oh great! (Barely containing his giddiness.)

Me: Is delivery included?

(Note: Leon’s offers free delivery on everything but clearance items. I knew that, but like the title of this post says…)

“Brad”: No, it’s not.

Me: Well, how much is it?

“Brad”: It’s $79.

Me: Okay, never mind then.

At this point, me and my weekend flip flops start walking quickly out of the store.

“Brad”: Wait! I can see if I can get the charge waived!

Me: Okay. If it’s waived, you’ve made a sale. If it’s not waived or just reduced, I’m off to Ashley Furniture to buy the other one we like.

(Note: I would not buy from Ashley furniture because their salespeople are like barnacles on parasites. Hate is not a strong enough word. Why do they not train people to say “Hi! Can I help you find something” No? Okay, just let me know if I can help you.” And then WALK THE HELL AWAY!)

“Brad”: I have to ask my manager. They have policies and I have no say in them.

Me: Alrighty then.

“Brad” coming out from the back room: It’s waived!

Me: Then you’ve made a sale. Congratulations.

Brad puts a sold sign on the table…blah, blah, blah…reminds me that there’s no warranty, no return, no exchange etc…

Me: Yep, that’s fine. But if it’s not in this condition when it’s delivered I’ll be pissed and you and a whole lot of other people will know it and I will get my money back or have it repaired free of charge.

“Brad”: Just call if anything happens ma’am. The delivery guys are usually pretty good but nobody’s perfect.

Me: I will definitely call if something happens. You understand by now that I always get what I want, don’t you.

“Brad”: Yes ma’am. I sure do!

---

So, the lessons I’d like to leave you with today are…

1. You CAN get a better deal if you feel like you deserve it. Particularly if your salesperson is on commission and desperate to make a sale. If you can’t, walk away. Chances are, they’ll chase you. If they don’t, take your hard earned money elsewhere.

2. If you are a salesperson in a retail store, commissioned or not, greet everyone who comes in to your store within 1 minute. Greet them with a simple “Hello! Is there anything I can help you find?” If yes, then go for it but be very aware of body language and verbal cues to go away. If no, then say something like “My name is Brad - just let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. Happy shopping!” Or whatever. Essentially, you MUST acknowledge their entrance to your store, and you MUST go the hell away immediately if they don’t ask for your help. Got it? Good. Then, if they leave without buying something, smile and say “Thanks for coming in!” or “Have a great day!” or “See you again soon!” or something with a smile. It’s not difficult, people. If you are annoying, you will not get any of my money ever, even if you’re the only one that carries what I want. I’ll drive 2 hours to the next closest city and give my money to someone less annoying.

I’m not usually rude (and I really wasn’t rude to “Brad” either - just snarky with a smile and I think he liked the challenge) and you don’t have to be to get what you want. But I sure can be when necessary. Especially when I’m pregnant or hormonal. And I will always go to the higher up person if I feel it’s necessary, right to the CEO or owner if it’s called for.

At the other end of the spectrum, I have been known to call and email higher ups to ensure that people who give good customer service and are incredibly un-annoying are recognized for it, and to send thank you notes to people who really make an impact.

What have your shopping experiences been like lately?