I had a Wacky experience at a locally owned electronics store that I used to work for tonight. I haven’t worked there in 3 years, but I still expect that it would hold the same level of service.
Truth is, I walked in looking to replace my digital camera that broke ages ago, but I finally have enough money to replace it. I actually had the cash in my purse, not that the sales guys ever had a chance to know that. When I walked in, everyone was sitting on a futon watching some movie on the wall of big screens. No one really noticed I was in the store for at least 5 minutes, and then someone walked over and mumbled an incoherent “can I help you?” I said “well, I have some questions about your digital cameras” in a fairly clear voice, but he didn’t understand me. He walked to the other side of the counter, and sat there with his head in his hands, staring at the door.
I know that it was an hour until closing, but I was the only person in the store. I was there for a good 20 minutes perusing a single camera, and you didn’t even bother to TRY to sell it to me. Unfortunately for you, Mr. Wacky Sales Man, you just lost your commission off me – which is unfortunate, since I always get extended warranty and accessories at full price too.
Your loss… but really, customer service means servicing the customer when she’s there.
—Former Customer Service Sales GURU.
This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2009.
This does not make sense. Every time I’ve ever gone into this store I’m assaulted by sales people early trying to boost their commission cheques.
Once, they fucked themselves when I went in to buy a DVD player before they really caught on and I picked out a VHS/DVD combo and was ready to buy it when the sales guy said to me (smugly) “this won’t record video, you’ll just be able to watch it” thinking I would upgrade to the more expensive model he told me WOULD. I just said “oh. nevermind then” and walked out. My mom said the guy’s face dropped. Dude could’ve had a sale, easily. heh.
oh pretty kitty, sassy and smart!
In all honesty, Cameras make shit commission. They sales guy probably didn’t care to put the effort in for the sales because even if you are buying accessories and warranty, unless you’re buying a dSLR (with a lens kit and full warranty, probably a bag), it’s not worth the salesman’s time. I know it’s a load of shit, but I did it for 3 years. Especially how Wacky’s commission structure works, they’re paid a percentage of the total sale, not specific products. So that only compounds it.
I don’t buy anything anymore. It is usually crap with built in obsolesence(?) and the warranty is a struggle. It appears to be a scam. Stick with simple things and you won’t have to deal with the Muppet Show anymore. Plus you’ll have a few extra bob to spend or save, for if and when integrity returns to the marketplace.
wow sounds like a great place – i’d call the manager and relay the story
Well, since you are obviously web savvy you could have, oh I don’t know, done your research before hand and had a specific product picked out before you went in and therefore you wouldn’t have had the problem that you had. I know that people who make minimum wage are essentially slaves, but come on people! No one in this world gives a fuck about your needs as a consumer and if you feel that they do rest assured that you are being fucked over in some capacity. Stop crying about bad customer service, and be a good customer so that you can be serviced efficiently. Take into consideration this point: A salesperson can jump through hoops all day trying to meet your needs for a wage and commission that is well below what is necessary to survive comfortably in this world, or they can do the bare minimum, still get their hourly wage and sacrifice the shitty commission that they may or may not get in the end anyway but have a relaxing day. Another thing, I would rather purchase items from people who obviously do not care about making more money for the company they work for. In my experience, they are honest as opposed to the ones who are so eager to make every fucking idiot consumer out there feel special and looked after.
I used to work for them, I know how their commission structure works. I also know that most of them make a salary + commission, and it’s more than minimum wage. I wasn’t being a crappy consumer nai blanc. I actually knew what kind of camera I wanted before I walked in.. but since the sales guy didn’t give a crap about answering my very valid questions that couldn’t be answered online, and didn’t have the time (even though I was the only one in the store and they were watching tv) to even think about helping me, I left without spending my cash. It just sucks that a place I considered to have GREAT customer service royally sucked last night.
GREAT customer service?
I’ve never been to any of the aforementioned wacky places and enjoyed it… of course, I rarely ever need any help with choosing electronics.
Hell, if the pay were better (and it would need to be a LOT better), I’d probably want to work there….
That place use to pay great. I know ppl that make $50K/year there, more then 10yrs ago. I’d say not too shabby for the type of employment.