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My favorite was during the 2007 Holiday shopping season when I was at the Mall at Steamtown in Downtown Scranton, PA. Being the kind-hearted soul I am I tend to always lend a sympathetic ear and at least give someone a few minutes of my attention before rejecting them if what they have to say does not interest me. A very well-groomed Middle-Eastern guy in his mid-20s approached me with his hands extended and some sort of lotion sample in his hand. Curious I followed him back over to his kiosk, where he proceeded to demonstrate some sort of nail enhancer and cuticle cleaner derived from sea salt on my one hand so that I could compare the results to my other "untouched" hand.
That wasn't so bad. It actually felt good to look a little spruced up, as I've never had a manicure before. However, he then proceeded to try to further "sell" me on the products by "leveling" with me, disparaging homosexuals in the process by reassuring me that there's no reason to be "embarrassed" or to "feel gay" about taking care of my appearance, mentioning the fact that he had a fiancee and was comfortable in his heterosexuality. Little did he know is that beyond the fact that I enjoy sports, cars, and work hard I'm also gay myself.
Given the fact that many people in Pennsylvania are socioculturally inept and Bible-thumpers I just shrugged it off as typical Scranton prejudice and hatred. Needless to say though you're not going to win over very many customers at a kiosk by outwardly displaying homophobia, especially when you're talking about customers like ME! As a fellow sales professional I was shocked and dismayed by his boorish behavior and total lack of candor.
Funny thread. I had an annoying encounter with the "nail buffers" in a mall in Glasgow, Scotland, so this phenomenon is not confined to the US.
I've grown to hate malls since this breed of predatory kiosk vendor became the norm and avoid them now at all costs. I find them really depressing places all around (even the so-called "upscale" malls) and aggressive vendors only detract further from the shopping experience. Honestly, there is nothing I need or want in a mall, apart from some of the anchor stores when a good sale is on. Usually you can visit those without ever stepping foot inside the mall itself.
Remember, if someone puts their hand on you or grabs you, THAT'S ASSAULT. A call to the police, with a follow-up call to mall management and a threat to include management in the lawsuit should do the trick. Especially if you make a BIG SCENE in front of everyone.
OK, so who's got the balls to do it? I don't shop at malls; I suppose I could start and get the ball rolling.
One of those dead sea product people approached me aggressively AGAIN yesterday - if one of them EVER lays a hand on me - I WILL make a scene and press charges.
I go to the mall several times a year at most. However, due to circumstances beyond my control I've been there twice in past 10 days. It was unbelievable what we experienced. My wife and I were walking towards one of the anchor stores and there were several gals standing near a kiosk and as we walked by one of them approached us and basically stood right in our way and told us she had something she just knew we'd be interested in. I explained that we were not at all interested in whatever she was selling, but she kept at it, telling us just to give her seveal minutes to show us since she just knew we'd be interested....I was floored to be honest with you. I have never experienced in this particular mall any salesperson in the common areas to be that agressive.
So we went back to the same mall a few days ago and were walking by the same kiosk and a gal did the same thing....this time though we were ready for her and just side stepped her without saying a word.
I'm not one to be rude....but you know, if someone is going to waste my time so cavalierly....I'm not going to play their game.
Remember, if someone puts their hand on you or grabs you, THAT'S ASSAULT. A call to the police, with a follow-up call to mall management and a threat to include management in the lawsuit should do the trick. Especially if you make a BIG SCENE in front of everyone.
OK, so who's got the balls to do it? I don't shop at malls; I suppose I could start and get the ball rolling.
I'm personally not going to call the police because someone selling overpriced lotion puts their hands on me. I don't think too many cops would be happy responding to such a situation that could be handled otherwise.
If, however, they touch and grab me repeatedly again and again after refusing, I would just defend myself with enough force to neutralize the situation, which would be basically me removing his or her hands and stepping away.I would then follow up with a call to mall management/security and file a complaint or report, if need be.
Punching and/or kicking them could more than likely land me in jail and possibly sued, especially if their intent was not to harm me. I don't think the vast majority of Dead Sea Salt folks are intent on injuring someone in the performance of their jobs, despite their aggressive sales tactics. It's annoying and irritating, and trust me, it pisses me off sometimes, but that doesn't give me the right to hurt someone because they are pestering me.
Now, if I were grabbed on the street, in a parking lot or God forbid, the mall by someone with the intent of injuring or killing me, then it's defending myself by any means necessary.
I do like to defuse and better yet avoid a situation before it escalates. My best technique in this instance is to simply walk by and firmly say "no thanks". No need to make something bigger or more dramatic than it needs to be. Causing a scene will just make me look foolish anyway.
Remember, if someone puts their hand on you or grabs you, THAT'S ASSAULT. A call to the police, with a follow-up call to mall management and a threat to include management in the lawsuit should do the trick. Especially if you make a BIG SCENE in front of everyone.
OK, so who's got the balls to do it? I don't shop at malls; I suppose I could start and get the ball rolling.
That depends on intent that is in every state laws. Doubt its worth much in a suit etiher. many read too many suit that are filed and never get anywhere it seems.
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