Shopping Short Takes

Treating employees with respect and interacting courteously with other customers are things shoppers should do as a matter of course, and the following tips will make a shopping excursion more enjoyable:

In Department Stores: If a salesperson is nowhere to be found, go to the nearest available register and politely ask where you might find one. If the cashier doesn't know, you could go to the manager. If, at the other extreme, a salesperson latches onto you and hovers as you browse the merchandise, shake him as politely as possible. So that he won't be concerned about losing a commission on a sale, just say, "Thanks, but I'd rather just look on my own right now. If I decide to buy something I'll find you before I take my things to the register."

In Clothing Stores: Make an effort to get in and out of a fitting room as quickly as possible, especially if other customers are waiting. If a salesperson tells you a particular garment "looks fabulous" on you and you're not sure you agree, thank her for her help and go your way with "Thanks so much! I'll let you know if I decide to buy something." When you're finished in the dressing room, put clothing back on the hangers, not in a heap on the floor. Then, depending on the store policy, either leave the clothes inside or just outside the dressing room or put them back on the sales rack.

In Drugstores: If your prescription medicine is expensive, your copayment has increased, or you didn't realize that your deductible has yet to be met, don't take out your frustration on the person serving you; all of these decisions are made by the drug and insurance companies, not by the pharmacist or the sales clerk. Unless you're prepared to wait, call in or drop off a prescription in advance, also if you know that your insurance has changed please bring in all the new information. Pharmacist/techs also have to deal with incoming calls from doctors and patients while giving prescription-filling the attention it deserves, and that takes time. 

At Beauty Salons: Be sure to arrive on time for a beauty salon appointment; being late can slow things down for other customers for the rest of the day. If you want to cancel, calling ten minutes before an appointment may well cost your hairdresser money. If you're not happy with your cut or color, let you stylist or the salon know as quickly as possible, since it could possibly be fixed the next day. A thornier problem comes when you decide to switch stylists (especially one you've had for a long time), whether at the same salon or elsewhere. The solution is to be benevolently honest. Most stylists say they want to know why a client leaves, but try your best not to make them feel insulted. Tell your stylist that you appreciate all her efforts to please you and that you've enjoyed getting to know her (if true), but you just want to try someone else. What you should never do is simply disappear.

At Spas: A spa is by nature a relaxed place, but that doesn't mean you can be late for your appointment. Beyond that, it's fine to talk quietly while having a massage or other treatment., but it's equally okay to remain silent. Do, however, give the therapist feedback on you comfort and any trouble areas she should know about. Remember that spas should remain child-free, since quiet and relaxation are essential to the experience. 

At Yard Sales: Comply with any requests for "no early birds!" Don't arrive while the seller is setting up just to make sure you get the best bargains-considered "dirty pool" in yard-sale circles. Though a sale may start as early as 7:00 AM, the neighbors may not yet be awake-so forgo loud conversation or laughter. Don't block a neighbor's driveway with your car. Leave the displays as you found them, not is disarray. A little bargaining is often expected, but don't haggle aggressively over prices. Carry small bills and plenty of change. The seller doesn't have the resources of a regular store, so don't be surprised or annoyed if he can't change a $20 bill when your paying for a $1 item.