Pummeled with Shopping Pressure
I went to a big box retailer to buy a printer. I have no idea what I want, something laser, quick, and cheap. I could buy it online from them, and the price is great, so I thought I'd look in the store, maybe even buy one there. I looked at 2 or 3 printers in the printer aisle, and this guy in a baggy gray suit, loose red tie, acts like he's been out drinking til dawn, comes sauntering down the aisle. He asks me something like "I don't know much about printers, do you know what's a good printer?"
I say, "I don't work here."
He says, "That's ok, just what's a good one how will I know?"
I gave him 30 seconds of laser vs inkjet, and all in ones. The guy looks bewildered, looks like he slept in the suit, and has a very slight accent probably from eastern Europe. He wanders away.
Now an employee comes down the aisle. He buttonholes me. He asks me questions. He shows me this or that. Every other sentence is a suggestion to buy because of this feature, or that manufacturer. I demur. He asks me which I want. I tell him i'm thinking about one I saw at their website. Soon he has a cheerleader assistant. She's nodding at everything he says, looking at me with wide eyes, trying to boost me into the buying mood. I decline some more, and say I'm not sure. I was getting claustrophobia with those two. I walk out of the store.
I was being played for a $50 printer every bit as much as I would at an auto dealer for a $50K SUV. Note that they didn't buttonhole Mr. Sloppy Suit. He was a setup. I think he was the store detective. Just acts like a pothead to loosen up your mind so the A team can enter the field.
I found the whole experience obnoxious. I found a used, old, well functioning upscale printer on eBay for less money than their new bottom of the barrel junk.
What happened to stores you can go and browse, that respect your time, right to shop, choose for yourself? I don't make quick decisions that result in bad choices.
= new reply since forum marked as read
If you can even get through the door.
