Don't Be Deceived By Staff At Department Stores

[noise]

I skimmed through all the replies and now am wondering why I do not have all these problems in the stores?

[belg]

lol... advice for a products, you must be joking ... asked a few times info about a product, rather i asked my wife to ask in thai, so no language problem... they all had to go ask someone else and in the end, they just wandered away till they saw we gave up and left

[Cuban]

I told the "salesman" who was totally against our purchase of a particular refrigerator that if he opened his mouth again I would take my custom to another store two minutes down the road, he F...ed Off.

The basis of his "sell" was that the door on brand A slammed easier than brand B.

[SamuiRes]

One experience in a dept store on Sukhumvit. Buying shoes. Come time to pay, if I pay him cash and do not want a receipt he can do a special deal! I can just imagine walking out with shoes in a bag and no receipt! Clunk Click! No thank you.

Then in Home Pro here on Samui. Buying a new water heater for the bathroom. Sales girl pointed at one brand. "Made in England - very good". Pointed at another more expensive brand "Made in Thailand - no good"! The cheap made in the UK heater is fine. So they are not all bad and her English was acceptable - far better than my Thai!

[drdoom6996]

That's one of things I hate about HomePro. I fend the sales staff off while I look at specifications, I make my choice, and then ask them to get the item from stock. Without fail they immediately recommend something else. I politely decline, yet they still push something else. Really annoys me

Every store and all over the world. News Please!

[capt_canada42]

........... man dis da web site of born complainers ........ we never even had electricity when I came to Phuket ... and I would wish for a few more tourists to talk with ... well that has changed .... we have Thai Visa and da complainers oh I am so lucky .............

Edited April 12, 2013 by capt_canada42

[Card]

I don't think they actually work for companies but they do receive a bonus for selling certain products that maybe the store gets commission for. I also agree not to take advice from sales people - it is often wrong and sometimes plain dangerous. They usually call someone else if u start to speak English or use sign language when asking for a product. This goes on through several people until they find someone who is brave enough to stay with you for more than a few seconds. I usually give up and walk off as soon as the first person who I approach goes off to ask someone else.

Another irritating habit they have is to rattle on in Thai with my Thai partner, completely oblivious to the person who is paying, interrupting me, non- stop talking. I usually indicate to them in no uncertain ways to stop talking while I think and look for myself!

[rondii]

As usual the Thai Haters come out in force.

I seem to have very little problems, maybe i don't go in with a 'white supremist' attitude.

Don't know why PoodMaiDai, Jackr and the like don't go back to where they came from if they hate Thais and Thailand so much..oh yeh they were losers there too

[Newguy70]

I just find it myself, why ask when I know the answer is going to be "Mai Mi"

Tried and proven, not bashing, just saying!

Not deceived at all, I just know the difference.

Edited April 12, 2013 by Newguy70

[sangfroid]

It happens everywhere. If you buy whitegoods in Australia it's a fair bet that the salesman is on a "spiv" as it's called in Oz.

A manufacturer will offer the salesman an extra commission to flog their products. Usually a flat rate, say $20.00 per sale. One month it may be eg: Whirlpool, next month another company will top the amount offered So obviously the saleman will push the product that is bringing him or her the most commission. Nothing illegal about it, but it definitely skews the advice given by the sales staff.

[Suradit69]

This thread should be called.....'Don't be deceived by your own stupidity'....

Anyone would have to be pretty daft to assume that any shop assistant in any store has your best interests at heart. They simply want a sale especially when working on a commission basis.

Was this really such serendipitous discovery that THAIJAMES had to make a thread ?.... well, I guess so, but what epiphany garnishes the horizon next ?.... that these shops also profit from us ?....

Yes. Not exactly late breaking news. Sales people want to sell something. They've probably been told to push one thing over another. Or they've figured out that they get a better commission for selling X instead of Y.

The used car salesman is generally considered the poster boy for this sort of thing, but unless you're Forrest Gump, most adults have developed coping skills for dealing with this ... even before they come to Thailand.

I can't recall ever feeling overwhelmed by the task of deciding what I want to buy and just saying, "thanks, but I'd like this one."

Bringing along a Thai friend to engage the salesperson in friendly banter is a good diversionary tactic if you really feel unequal to the chore of buying what you want when being faced down by a threatening 90 pound sales girl.

Edited April 12, 2013 by Suradit69

[sangfroid]

Stores (big and chain) all over the world work pretty much the same way. There are two systems working at the same time in many stores. Buyers have a territory in the store, determined by what their department or departments are. eg a fashion buyer may run say a department that has womens shoes and also run say the sportwear department. In some stores (not so commonly now) the buyer also is responsible for the sales and staff of that department. More commonly the store manager and the buyer are jointly responsible for sales of the department. Buyers are very protective of their suppliers and like to control brand names so that other buyers in the same store can't get in on the action. To a customer this competition can be a problem as staff in one department are not interested in selling a product from a different department, as this adds to the "opposition" departments daily figures. To combat this in many stores the - staff do not belong to a department but have to sell accross the whole floor. The problem with this is they can't know the detail of what they are selling. This can be further compounded by the fact that the modern trend has been to have fewer buyers and they are often buying for branches of a chain where there are distinct regional differences in requirements and the buyer does not appreciate these. Then there are the departments that are possibly run by the store but the staff are paid for by a "Brand name" this is typical of cosmetic counters. They naturally want to sell only their product. Some of this type of department are totally staff independent and the brand payes rent to the store. In any case stored find it hard to give the service and product knowledge that a private and independent specialist shop can give you. But you often pay a little more for the service. I started in despatch and receivals of a moderately large store (4500 employes) and worked my way up to the stores head buyer then moved to New York to work there. I ended up as merchandise manager for a group and that meant I pretty well got to know most of the stores in Europe, Australasia and Canada and a fair few in USA. The move from small shps to Department Stores to Shopping Centres and to "box shifting warehouses" has been very interesting. The shift to stores that are really warehouses with commission based salespersons has been very evident in the last twenty years. Now these operations are in turn under preasure from the internet trade. In fact I get more help from good internet traders than staff in mosttraditional shops or stores. Also if you have a real gripe the internet trader can be very vulnerable to bad reviews. If you have a problem with a tradional store's product you are just one small voice. Purchasers are now far more likely to research online before they make a choice and can easily become informed, often to a level far higher than a salesperson in a store. I now do about hyalf the family purchases online. Even my next car will most likely be an online purchase. I already purchase insurance online as well as most of my clothing, books, computer gear, phone, and am now looking at direct purchase and delivery of the weekly groceries via the net. Shops will try to hit back with direct advertising. Your position is known already - by your phone. As you pass a store a message will flash to you with details of the specials within that store (only privacy laws can halt this). Details of the product can if neccessary be also communicated, thus eliminating the need for staff. The days of the checkout chick are also numbered and in many parts of the world the check out staff have already gone. The days when great department stores ran fabulous themed events and were fun places to shop and where staff knew their stuff are sadly rapidly becoming part of history.

Great post . Well done

[Minnehaha]

This issue is particularly frustrating when shopping for shoes in Thailand, which I used to do to torture myself years ago. When you have same style shoes in different sections and different people selling (read knowing anything) about a shoe of topic, it gets frustrating fast.

I wear size US13.

I finally realized there is no such size in Thailand. Or Singapore. I have to go to the US.

Same with clothing in Thai department stores. NONE have my size and I am not that fat, just kinda fat and kinda Tall. But my shape and sleeve length is not available. I have to go to my tailor for clothes.

The wife has given up shopping when we are together (THANK GOD), so this problem is not without benefits.

[Minnehaha]

Stores (big and chain) all over the world work pretty much the same way. There are two systems working at the same time in many stores. Buyers have a territory in the store, determined by what their department or departments are. eg a fashion buyer may run say a department that has womens shoes and also run say the sportwear department. In some stores (not so commonly now) the buyer also is responsible for the sales and staff of that department. More commonly the store manager and the buyer are jointly responsible for sales of the department. Buyers are very protective of their suppliers and like to control brand names so that other buyers in the same store can't get in on the action. To a customer this competition can be a problem as staff in one department are not interested in selling a product from a different department, as this adds to the "opposition" departments daily figures. To combat this in many stores the - staff do not belong to a department but have to sell accross the whole floor. The problem with this is they can't know the detail of what they are selling. This can be further compounded by the fact that the modern trend has been to have fewer buyers and they are often buying for branches of a chain where there are distinct regional differences in requirements and the buyer does not appreciate these. Then there are the departments that are possibly run by the store but the staff are paid for by a "Brand name" this is typical of cosmetic counters. They naturally want to sell only their product. Some of this type of department are totally staff independent and the brand payes rent to the store. In any case stored find it hard to give the service and product knowledge that a private and independent specialist shop can give you. But you often pay a little more for the service. I started in despatch and receivals of a moderately large store (4500 employes) and worked my way up to the stores head buyer then moved to New York to work there. I ended up as merchandise manager for a group and that meant I pretty well got to know most of the stores in Europe, Australasia and Canada and a fair few in USA. The move from small shps to Department Stores to Shopping Centres and to "box shifting warehouses" has been very interesting. The shift to stores that are really warehouses with commission based salespersons has been very evident in the last twenty years. Now these operations are in turn under preasure from the internet trade. In fact I get more help from good internet traders than staff in mosttraditional shops or stores. Also if you have a real gripe the internet trader can be very vulnerable to bad reviews. If you have a problem with a tradional store's product you are just one small voice. Purchasers are now far more likely to research online before they make a choice and can easily become informed, often to a level far higher than a salesperson in a store. I now do about hyalf the family purchases online. Even my next car will most likely be an online purchase. I already purchase insurance online as well as most of my clothing, books, computer gear, phone, and am now looking at direct purchase and delivery of the weekly groceries via the net. Shops will try to hit back with direct advertising. Your position is known already - by your phone. As you pass a store a message will flash to you with details of the specials within that store (only privacy laws can halt this). Details of the product can if neccessary be also communicated, thus eliminating the need for staff. The days of the checkout chick are also numbered and in many parts of the world the check out staff have already gone. The days when great department stores ran fabulous themed events and were fun places to shop and where staff knew their stuff are sadly rapidly becoming part of history.

Great post . Well done

This is why Nordstroms (in the US) is the best department store in the world, IMHO. Their staff are super trained and sell any brand. Its an amazing experience.

[Newguy70]

I've seen no difference in staff when we compare a Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, Macy etc. Comparing these U.S. mortars to Thai mortars is apples and oranges.

P.s. Nordstrom is overpriced. . But to each his own.

Edited April 12, 2013 by Newguy70

[HaleySabai]

What a way to go through life! You don't trust anybody or only Thai's? Either way for me there is something very wrong.

Perhaps it is more like; not putting yourself in a position where you need to trust.

When Iam in the market for something I do research first then go looking around,I have a clear idea of what I want and why,I usually only need the 'sales' people to think with their feet and find it.

For the sake of experimental-entertainment I do the exact opposite to what a Thai tells me - interesting results.

[meadish_sweetball]

As usual the Thai Haters come out in force.

I seem to have very little problems, maybe i don't go in with a 'white supremist' attitude.

Don't know why PoodMaiDai, Jackr and the like don't go back to where they came from if they hate Thais and Thailand so much..oh yeh they were losers there too

I so agree. By the way, whatever you do, don't buy a Mitsubishi air conditioner! Terrible quality. Panasonic much better: includes a free fan and Hello Kitty handlebar covers for your scooter.

[JulesMad]

IMO, the best tactic when you buy some expensive or something you don't buy everyday:

• Do your homework on the internet; compare products and models
• Make your choice based on real criteria (not on emotions or looks!)
• Make a round what the shops have to offer; compare prices and service (installation free?!?)
• Buy !

It does take some time and effort, but it does pay off

[how241]

That's one of things I hate about HomePro. I fend the sales staff off while I look at specifications, I make my choice, and then ask them to get the item from stock. Without fail they immediately recommend something else. I politely decline, yet they still push something else. Really annoys me

+1

[Thighlander]

Stores (big and chain) all over the world work pretty much the same way. There are two systems working at the same time in many stores. Buyers have a territory in the store, determined by what their department or departments are. eg a fashion buyer may run say a department that has womens shoes and also run say the sportwear department. In some stores (not so commonly now) the buyer also is responsible for the sales and staff of that department. More commonly the store manager and the buyer are jointly responsible for sales of the department. Buyers are very protective of their suppliers and like to control brand names so that other buyers in the same store can't get in on the action. To a customer this competition can be a problem as staff in one department are not interested in selling a product from a different department, as this adds to the "opposition" departments daily figures. To combat this in many stores the - staff do not belong to a department but have to sell accross the whole floor. The problem with this is they can't know the detail of what they are selling. This can be further compounded by the fact that the modern trend has been to have fewer buyers and they are often buying for branches of a chain where there are distinct regional differences in requirements and the buyer does not appreciate these. Then there are the departments that are possibly run by the store but the staff are paid for by a "Brand name" this is typical of cosmetic counters. They naturally want to sell only their product. Some of this type of department are totally staff independent and the brand payes rent to the store. In any case stored find it hard to give the service and product knowledge that a private and independent specialist shop can give you. But you often pay a little more for the service. I started in despatch and receivals of a moderately large store (4500 employes) and worked my way up to the stores head buyer then moved to New York to work there. I ended up as merchandise manager for a group and that meant I pretty well got to know most of the stores in Europe, Australasia and Canada and a fair few in USA. The move from small shps to Department Stores to Shopping Centres and to "box shifting warehouses" has been very interesting. The shift to stores that are really warehouses with commission based salespersons has been very evident in the last twenty years. Now these operations are in turn under preasure from the internet trade. In fact I get more help from good internet traders than staff in mosttraditional shops or stores. Also if you have a real gripe the internet trader can be very vulnerable to bad reviews. If you have a problem with a tradional store's product you are just one small voice. Purchasers are now far more likely to research online before they make a choice and can easily become informed, often to a level far higher than a salesperson in a store. I now do about hyalf the family purchases online. Even my next car will most likely be an online purchase. I already purchase insurance online as well as most of my clothing, books, computer gear, phone, and am now looking at direct purchase and delivery of the weekly groceries via the net. Shops will try to hit back with direct advertising. Your position is known already - by your phone. As you pass a store a message will flash to you with details of the specials within that store (only privacy laws can halt this). Details of the product can if neccessary be also communicated, thus eliminating the need for staff. The days of the checkout chick are also numbered and in many parts of the world the check out staff have already gone. The days when great department stores ran fabulous themed events and were fun places to shop and where staff knew their stuff are sadly rapidly becoming part of history.

Great post . Well done

This is why Nordstroms (in the US) is the best department store in the world, IMHO. Their staff are super trained and sell any brand. Its an amazing experience.

and they don't sell 12.5s.

[HerbalEd]

So the moral of the story is if you are looking for something don't immediately trust the advice of a sales person

I don't trust the advice of ANY person here!

Here?? You mean here on tv.com? Must be a terrible life not being able to trust anyone.

[jackr]

As usual the Thai Haters come out in force.

I seem to have very little problems, maybe i don't go in with a 'white supremist' attitude.

Don't know why PoodMaiDai, Jackr and the like don't go back to where they came from if they hate Thais and Thailand so much..oh yeh they were losers there too

Here?? You mean here on tv.com? Must be a terrible life not being able to trust anyone.

lol, You two girls are one and the same thing, right?

There is a very big difference between snarkily mocking 'ADVICE' from the natives and the verbs to hate and to trust in its purest form. Please go fishing elsewhere, or better still run along and play with the tuk-tuks.

[Newguy70]

What's a 12.5?

[rfukata]

I don't even asked them (sales person), for product knowledge or descriptions I just read the label if english is provided.

[FolkGuitar]

As usual the Thai Haters come out in force.

I seem to have very little problems, maybe i don't go in with a 'white supremist' attitude.

Don't know why PoodMaiDai, Jackr and the like don't go back to where they came from if they hate Thais and Thailand so much..oh yeh they were losers there too

I so agree. By the way, whatever you do, don't buy a Mitsubishi air conditioner! Terrible quality. Panasonic much better: includes a free fan and Hello Kitty handlebar covers for your scooter.

When I first came to Thailand, I purchased a Panasonic emergency light... or so I thought. Right up until the second power outage when it wouldn't turn on. Looking closer at the label (which I learned to do the hard way in Thailand,) I discovered the much smaller writing below the HUGE Panasonic name, writing that said "Pansonic battery only." Had I seen that, I wouldn't have bought, as I know that Panasonic doesn't MAKE batteries...

This is why Nordstroms (in the US) is the best department store in the world, IMHO. Their staff are super trained and sell any brand. Its an amazing experience.

Nordstroms is considered to have the world's best customer service of any large department store. Their prices may be higher than some other stores, but sometimes it's worth it to pay the extra few dollars.

Edited April 12, 2013 by FolkGuitar

[sustento]

As usual the Thai Haters come out in force.

I seem to have very little problems, maybe i don't go in with a 'white supremist' attitude.

Don't know why PoodMaiDai, Jackr and the like don't go back to where they came from if they hate Thais and Thailand so much..oh yeh they were losers there too

I so agree. By the way, whatever you do, don't buy a Mitsubishi air conditioner! Terrible quality. Panasonic much better: includes a free fan and Hello Kitty handlebar covers for your scooter.

When I first came to Thailand, I purchased a Panasonic emergency light... or so I thought. Right up until the second power outage when it wouldn't turn on. Looking closer at the label (which I learned to do the hard way in Thailand,) I discovered the much smaller writing below the HUGE Panasonic name, writing that said "Pansonic battery only." Had I seen that, I wouldn't have bought, as I know that Panasonic doesn't MAKE batteries...

>This is why Nordstroms (in the US) is the best department store in the world, IMHO. Their staff are super trained and sell any brand. Its an amazing experience.

Nordstroms is considered to have the world's best customer service of any large department store. Their prices may be higher than some other stores, but sometimes it's worth it to pay the extra few dollars.

Panasonic make LOTS of batteries:

http://news.panasonic.net/archives/2010/1201_3027.html

[atyclb]

rondii, on 12 Apr 2013 - 12:09, said:

As usual the Thai Haters come out in force.

I seem to have very little problems, maybe i don't go in with a 'white supremist' attitude.

Don't know why PoodMaiDai, Jackr and the like don't go back to where they came from if they hate Thais and Thailand so much..oh yeh they were losers there too

Hopefully they don't sincerely hate thai's or any people but feel frustrated by the pervasive incompetency in society. The complaints in this thread are echoed by asian friends including some thai's (outside the box), african american, japan, korea and even people from other developing countries.

I have come to grips with the reality and try not to let it get to me, although occasionally it does. I usually walk on the road to avoid people walking into me and/or blocking the sidewalk, or stopping for no reason.

Finding a competent knowledgeable salesperson is an uncommon event and akin to finding treasure. The job description for a high % would seem to be "consuming oxygen", but the blame lies with education and society, not with the individual.

One really needs to assume a high level of personal responsibility in shopping and decision making. Not infrequently staff will tell me they don't carry a certain item or it is out of stock when the opposite is true.

Before I became conversational and learned to read/write thai I thought it was the "language barrier" however it is not, although the barrier may compound the problems and frustrations.

One should learn to let the frustrations enter one ear and exit the other because it CAN really get to you. Just think of it as "amazing cases"

Just one example of an event that made me shake my head in disbelief; true story. All dialoge with salesperson was in thai.

Apple Mac Computer Store, BKK upscale mall

Salespeople are usually uni grads or uni students and should be somewhat competent as they are selling macs. Should be able to connect the dots?

I am standing with my hand on an apple monitor

Me; excuse me, how much is this monitor

Staff; it is "out of stock"

Me; what is the normal price for this monitor?

Staff; out of stock

Me; imagine that it is in stock, then what is the price?

Staff; (appears to have just had a vision of Buddha) Ohhhhhh, 29,000 baht

I see thai customers holding back laughter while listening to this conversation as they have pre-laughter grins of amazement.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Another example (and there are loads) is at a computer specialty parts store at Fortune IT mall, BKK. All dialogue in thai language

Me; do you have a pci express firewire card?

Staff; yes, then brings me a notebook power supply complete with transformer, ac cable and plug

Me; (thinking to myself and wondering if I am really awake in store or still asleep in a dream) Is this a pci espress firewire card?

Staff; yes

Me; OK, thank you (because at this point I truly wish I am still asleep, and I realize there is nothing I can possibly say or do to remediate)

Edited April 12, 2013 by atyclb

[kaptainrob]

I agree with those who do their research ONLINE first, then go price shopping.

This rule should apply all over the World and since most electrical goods are sold world-wide, one may search by Make, model, even model number. Some model numbers contain country-specific code designating: voltage, plug type, language, extras etc.

Was in Lop Buri a few days ago helping a mate to set up house ... HomePro staff were helpful and located exactly what we went for: Hitachi Water Pump (indestructible), Hitachi fridge (glass shelves) and Mex shower heater (copper tank) ... one must always shop with some fore-knowledge of products. Eg: what does 'inverter' mean with regard to frig or a/c?

[atyclb]

What's a 12.5?

My educated or uneducated guess would be shoe size

[Dork]

A few years ago we went into Tessco to buy an airconditioner. I knew exactly what I wanted and asked for it by name.

I wanted a model made by "Carrier." I was informed by two very aggressive 'staff members' that "Carrier" brand was absolutely no good at all, and that I should purchase a "Genutenflex" or something like that, made right here in Thailand. I thanked them, and asked to see a "Carrier." I was then told that "Carrier" was 'finished' and that they were having a special sale on "Genutenflex" today only. I again asked for a "Carrier." By this time there were four very aggressive 'staff members' all insisting that "Carrier" was terrible, and besides 'finished' and I really should buy the "Genutenflex" without further delay. I smiled, thanked them, got on my phone and called one of the Tessco managers who was a friend of mine. As he was approaching from across the store, a ripple of fast talk spread through the four salesmen, who quickly beat feet out of the area. I asked the manager for the "Carrier" model I wanted, he got on the phone to his backroom staff, then asked me at what time I would like it installed?

You could have saved some time and just called your friend first...

I only play a trump card when I need it, not when I want it.

It's a great thing to have rich and powerful friends. Having a Tessco (sic) manager friend certainly takes the cake.