Stores and sales clerks...

T

Tobacco_Spit

Feedback: +0 / =0 / -0
Joined
Oct 20, 2006
Messages
215
Went and picked me up a Byrd Raven (love it) anyways 2 people were interested in a Gerber Ripstop knife. They were gonna buy it and I immediately said wait! Those knives are of poor quality, should I say the sales dude was not looking too pleased but I did show em the Byrds and explained for the money you..... So they did not end up buying any knife I guess they wanted to bring their dad who seems to collect knifes or something like that since it was for him. They did ask the clerk whats the dif between the Gerber and the Byrds and he said because its a Gerber its a bit better. I was shocked and explained check the forums I have yet to see anyone say such a thing (he did not look too happy and walked away from the knife area when the 2 people left). This was a very major store which a huge knife inventory...Come on, know a little about the quality. Ah now to the Raven can't be beat for the value and seems better than knives at 2 times the price.:thumbup:
 
I have run into that myself, I'll go into a knife store and the person behind the counter doesnt know squat about what they are selling. But hey they really dont have too, I mean they usually just hire anyone who they think knows something about knives. I have worked in a knife store and sometimes my knowledge does not benefit the sale. Many people dont want to know why one is better than the other or steel quality, they just want a knife. It was actually very unstatisfying most days of the week. Very rarley did another knife nut come in who shared my passion for good steel and solid construction. Most people are content to buy crap and believe it is good and gawk at the high prices of knives like Benchmade and Spyderco. It does not help that most stores retail prices on high quality knives is through the roof.

I do agree that not interupting the sale is the way to go.
 
I feel you should mind your own business. If you don't like the way they run their store, open your own. They may make more profit on the Gerber knives and are instructed to push them. It's not your fault the customer isn't informed and makes a bad decision. You may have cost the store a sale, which ultimately may cost someone their job. When I was in sales I knew my products and always steered people in the right direction. Occassionaly another customer would come along and interupt and try to give my customer advice. Usually they would back up my recommendations, but if they tried to talk someone out of something I would find that to be down right rude. Ultimately when another person conflicts with a sales person it leaves the customer confused and not knowing who to trust and they will just leave. I've watched people spend $70 or more on a knife they could get for $35 online, but I wouldn't dare say anything to screw over the merchant.
 
moving-van.jpg
 
Tried to get the couple a better bang for their buck in all honesty:

1) If the clerk does not much the difference about knives honestly admit it and try to find out from others staff.
2) If he is pushing crap, then this is dishonest and man I really don't like that. Is it always the customers fault? You would expect the experts to be more honest. I've dealt with dealers in archery shops who were fair and never over sold. I would go back any day.
3) If I can help people steer in a better direction, deed for the day.
 
This sounds like a big box store, or possibly a chain sporting goods store. Chances are, the clerk is not making much more than minimum wage, and really knows squat about knives. His job probably involves more shelf stocking than knife sales. In fact, he may be responsible for goods in several departments, or just be a cash-out clerk. I had once applied for a sales job in a shop that sold high end knives, and well, and knives were part of the interview (I wasn't hired, but for other unrelated reasons). I doubt the same would be done at Walmart.
 
If you didn't like a brand of knives or a chain of stores, would you be justified in standing outside badmouthing them to chase customers off? No, you would not.

When you go into a store with a friend, fne, advise the friend. But interfering with a sale to strangers isn't doing anyone a favor. What if they had bought the Gerber and ended up happy with it? Not everyone has the same expectations or use for a knife.

What make you such an expert in the Ripstop's quality anyway?
 
I have gone in to stores to buy products and while talking with the sales guy I have had the "know-it-all" customer pop his nose in and start spouting their supposed expertise. I generally let them ramble for a minute or so and if they continue I try to politely tell them that if I want their opinion I will let them know. Those types of people not only annoy the sales staff but most of the time the customer is wishing for a big rock to drop on the know-it-all's head.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top