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06/17/2006 05:02:42 PM · #26 |
Originally posted by moniepenny:
I went into a camera store today to check out the Dslrs.
The guy who works there was very chatty to all the other customers (all male) about equiptment and all that.
So I was looking at the lenses and mentioned that I'm looking into an 8 Mega Pixel Dslr and will probably be going for Canon. And he just kind of "mmm hmm."ed me and blew me off.
I guarantee you if I had of been a man, the Digital Rebel XT on the shelf would've been in his hand aimed at me in no time.
What, because I'm a girl I can't possibly know anything about equipment? Or was it cause I didn't have a man with me to pay for it.
Do I have to slap a grand down on the counter before I can get some service??
Any other girls have stuff like this happen to them? |
oh -- and about slapping money down --
this is always something i've wanted to do, especially in a car dealership where the ego problems is even worse than electronic sales. when you're ignored, make eye contact with one of the male salespeople and take a wad of $20 bills out of your pocket and start counting it... and watch them dance.
and then... A) let them go through a whole lesson and buy somewhere else, or B) say.. no thanks, i waited too long. your loss.
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06/17/2006 05:02:54 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by saintaugust:
how old was this idiot? when i sold cameras for 10 years, i never ignored a customer, even if i thought they 'had no money'. they might not buy right away, but they remember me when they do.
and about women, it never entered my mind to ignore them in sales. in fact, many of the women i dealt with bought more readily than the men and had done their homework.
this is from someone who was in the biz for a decade. |
I'd say he was probably in his mid to late thirties. And I'm not even a scruffy teenager. I looked like I had a lot more money than he did. |
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06/17/2006 05:28:21 PM · #28 |
i used to get this all the time, but because i'm only 15. now, i always take my camera. before i step into the store, i make sure i have my 20D looking as beefy as possible - battery grip and 70-300 - and the second i walk in, someone runs over to me asking if i need anything. i do the same thing at sport games, but i also add my film slr over my other shoulder so i really look professional. then people get out of my way.
so... my advice is to borrow a DSLR and a big lens, or use a film slr, and you should have the clerks running to meet you.
Message edited by author 2006-06-17 17:28:44.
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06/17/2006 05:35:19 PM · #29 |
I have not ever been blown off in any camera shop. Frankly, they will wait on me first before they wait on most other women. I have seen some women get livid because of this, and usually I will step aside and wait. Anyway, I think it has to do with attitude. I have one of those attitudes that exude I am serious, (hence my horror at most of my scores here) and they seem to pick up on that. I have also received numerous compliments on my prints when I have them done at photo finishing places. So why do I have so much trouble with dp? I hardly get any comments, and hardly ever do I get anything that even vaguely resembles "I really like this." I have looked at many portfolios, and I swear some of my photos are at least on a par with the ones I'm looking at, but they get 10 comments and I get none. I even have tried leaving many comments on portfolios, but they don't seem to reciprocate. Am I really that bad that most people feel my images suck big time? That is why I will not be renewing my subscription, and probably not participate much more in challenges. I may just change to vote only for awhile and see where it takes me.
I have deleted most of my images from my portfolio in preparation of weaning myself off of that need for affirmation, except those that were favorites. I haven't posted much new, because like I said I need to wean myself away. Still, my gardens are giving me a great deal of comfort now as they start their annual blooms, and I have many bird couples setting up homes in my yard, and I am back to getting fit again. That is so important. Too much sitting around on computers can be bad for your health. So my pleasure level is rising again, just from congregating once again with nature.
Message edited by author 2006-06-17 17:54:44. |
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06/17/2006 05:37:58 PM · #30 |
Originally posted by ladymonarda:
I have not ever been blown off in any camera shop. Frankly, they will wait on me first before they wait on most other women. I have seen some women get livid because of this, and usually I will step aside and wait. Anyway, I think it has to do with attitude. I have one of those attitudes that exude I am serious, (hence my horror at most of my scores here) and they seem to pick up on that. I have also received numerous compliments on my prints when I have them done at photo finishing places. So why do I have so much trouble with dp? I hardly get any comments, and hardly ever do I get anything that even vaguely resembles "I really like this." I have looked at many portfolios, and I swear some of my photos are at least on a par with the ones I'm looking at, but they get 10 comments and I get none. I even have tried leaving many comments on portfolios, but they don't seem to reciprocate. Am I really that bad that most people feel my images suck big time? That is why I will not be renewing my subscription, and probably not participate much more in challenges. I may just change to vote only for awhile and see where it takes me. |
not getting comments also means no one is saying a lot of negative things about your work. as 'artists', its tough for us to swallow that people aren't drooling over our work. but from some stuff here, i am very humbled. so i renew my membership, and step it up a notch.
don't quit.
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06/17/2006 05:39:39 PM · #31 |
Originally posted by moniepenny:
Any other girls have stuff like this happen to them? |
Was going to post butterflysis's profile comments but I see she's already spoken.
I think there are three things involved:
-) you're a woman. Unfortunate as women make more buying decisions than men
-) you're young. Understandable but not excusable nor condoned. And only understandable when you don't understand you demographics - young people spend a load of money on tech these days.
-) a monstrous number of sales people these days (crap I sound old) don't understand customer service. The previous two statements would be null and void if salespeople wouldn't think about ka-ching-ka-ching but customer service instead.
I find it unfortunate that you ran into this. *I* run into bad service (not necessarily the ho-hum though) time and again ... I walk around looking interested and it takes an act of God for a salesperson to talk to me ... and I'm a middle aged white male - the holy grail according to the 'stats' ... again unfortunate. I usually leave these places and find a nice place where I can talk to some nice person who has at least 1/3 a clue about what they're selling ... and if they don't have a clue at least be interested that I'm there and try to help me.
Call the manager, write a letter, tell how you'll never spend a dime at that store. Ever. Ask them how they can win your business back.
Bastards - now I'm getting all angry. And you wouldn't like me when I'm angry ... grrrrrrrr |
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06/17/2006 07:20:59 PM · #32 |
On a side note....
Im not a female, but I walked into a computer store, Looking for a new computer. I was doing an experiment.. I grudged down some and whent looking at the comps. Ok, I know enough to make myself dangerous. and I had cash in pocket.
I spent over an hour in this store. made eye contact with several empoyees, and gave that.. can you help me look. But they decied it was more important to talk with each other.
So, after my browsing time. I asked to speak with a manager. And you know what... they took their time doing that as well.
I told the manager I was looking for someone to tell me about the computers and he told me they were really busy and someone would be with me right away.
I pointed out to him that there were several employees, just standing around, and how long I had been standing there.
I asked for his card which he gave me a company card with his name scrawled on the back.
Than I showed him the $1,500 I had and told him I will be contacting his Regional manager letting him know the exact reason why his store lost the sale.
You know what.. he wanted to kiss my behind faster than any person I had ever seen... and I still walked L()L.
--------------------
Back on topic. I think lots of older generation still has a whole problem with 'womens rights' which transends to a number still in the younger years. It sucks... People sucks.. don't know what to say about that.. except find a good store who will help you with what you want. Those people don't need your money.
Also... I think female photographers are great. If maybe one day I find someone who shares my hobby I would be a happy man. Yet, until than I probly just remain old bitter single and grumpy. 6-;
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06/17/2006 07:24:42 PM · #33 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
I remember buying my first Nikon F3 when I was about 18. It was like pulling teeth to get a salesman to pay any attention to a scruffy looking teenager. Had they known I had a big roll of $100's in my pocket, I'm sure they would have been all over me. Finally, one of the more junior sales guys asked me what I was looking for. I'm sure he popped up a few notches on the sales charts after I bought the F3, motor drive, 2 new lenses, a flash and 2 bricks of slide film. |
Oh yeah, in the course of buying all of this stuff, the salesguy who did help me and I had quite a coversation and I thought he was a pretty good guy. So, when I needed to buy more gear, I'd call the store and ask to speak with him. I'd find out when he was working and try to plan my trip then so that I could deal with him in person. I bet I brought $20-30K of sales his way while I was working, both from myself and others.
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06/17/2006 07:49:55 PM · #34 |
Thsi happened to me this morning.
Walked into local camera store, really just looking. Walked up to counter and asked if they had a catalog to check some prices. Without looking up he said 'prices of what?' I replied that i was looking for a ND filter. Still looking at til, he said depends what size and that most cameras don't take filters and that i should look at the front of my lens and it would tell me what filtersize. I said that lucky my camera did take filters and that it was a 72mm lens frone.
I could honestly see his brain working out that this was a biggish lens and that the filter would cost a fair amount. He then was all attentive and had to tell me that they didn't have any that size in at the moment, but could get me one for Tuesday.
I have asked if they can keep it for me, but i don't think i'll bother. |
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06/17/2006 07:50:10 PM · #35 |
| monniepenny, make a copy of some of the pics in your portfolio, go back to the store, place it on the counter in front of that A**HOLE and tell him to kiss your A**. There's no reason someone, male or female, should be treated that way. |
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06/17/2006 07:55:50 PM · #36 |
I was a salesman of electronics for years and currently have about 70 salespeople that work for me. I tell them everyday to never judge anyone!
I will say that your feeling was most likely correct unfortunatly. I make a pretty good living and buy lots of stuff (much to my wife's dismay) but I don't dress like a business man when not at work. many, many times over the years I have been ignored because the salesperson didn't think I could afford what I was looking at. I never bought from them. I was successfull as a salesman by making sure I treated everyone the same. at one job when I was selling TVs, steros and such I was in my depatment when another rep came over saying he only had one customer "some scragly looking guy" I went over to find Chris Jericho ( a profesional wrestler) standing there looking for a salesman! I went over and greeted him with a nice handshake and ended up selling him over $26,000 worth of stuff! I have seen really dirty looking people with credit socres in the 800s and the most expensive camera I every sold was to a 15 year old. The CEO of my company ( a fortune 300 company) wears jeans and cowboy boots most of the time.
As a manager I would want to know if my employees were costing me money and disrespecting my customers so I would sugest you tell the manager. Also think of the fact that that salesrep may not be making much money because of his attitude so maybe that can make you feel a little better. I had one rep that helped anyone and everyone (he was very good too) made over $100,000 in 2004 and the rep that worked right next to him who was kinda snobby made about $40,000 and lost his job. so they get what they deserve.
edited to add today when I took the family to a movie the girl selling tickets was on the phone the entire time and the guy taking tickets was reading a book! I was so mad but let it go because of my kids. If there was another theater in town I would boycott it.
Message edited by author 2006-06-17 19:58:21. |
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06/17/2006 07:57:09 PM · #37 |
He, he, I've gone to the photo store with both my husband and my son. Each time, when I ask a question, the salesperson answers in the direction of my husband/son. I think it's funny, since they (husband/son) then look at me like, "Huh?!?!" Then I'll say something and the salesperson gets confused. It's quite funny.
Mind you, not all salesperson, just some of them. Same thing happens if we go look in a computer store or at a DVD player or similar stuff.
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06/17/2006 08:14:42 PM · #38 |
I am male. My favorite photographer is a Woman.
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06/17/2006 08:18:57 PM · #39 |
Originally posted by ursula:
He, he, I've gone to the photo store with both my husband and my son. Each time, when I ask a question, the salesperson answers in the direction of my husband/son. I think it's funny, since they (husband/son) then look at me like, "Huh?!?!" Then I'll say something and the salesperson gets confused. It's quite funny.
Mind you, not all salesperson, just some of them. Same thing happens if we go look in a computer store or at a DVD player or similar stuff. |
This is equally true for me If I were to go into a craft store with my wife. Why the hell would they talk to me? In this case, they're right on that sterotype. I have about 5% of the knowledge of my wife concerning crafty type stuff.
But, if a salesperson actually ignores you when you ask a question, that's just unconscionable, not to mention stupid on their part. Because, just like you did here, every person that has a bad experience at a store will automatically tell the next 10 people they see, and everyone on the way out the door that this place sucks. Conversely, a person with a good/great experience will tell on average 2-3 people max, and then usually only if they ask about it.
If more business would give their sales teams and managers those figures, we'd all be a LOT happier as customers everywhere we went.
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06/17/2006 08:28:13 PM · #40 |
if I had to guess it might be more of a factor of age "discrimination" than anything. sometimes shopkeepers look down on younger people thinking they aren't legitmately interested or know what they are doing. if you showed him your portfolio, maybe he would realize age is hardly a function of veracity when it comes to photography.
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06/17/2006 08:45:50 PM · #41 |
Originally posted by Cutter:
if I had to guess it might be more of a factor of age "discrimination" than anything. sometimes shopkeepers look down on younger people thinking they aren't legitmately interested or know what they are doing. if you showed him your portfolio, maybe he would realize age is hardly a function of veracity when it comes to photography. |
well, be that as it may, you can still sell a photographic moron $3k worth of camera gear if they want to buy it.
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06/17/2006 09:48:42 PM · #42 |
| store, whats a store? Didn't you just click buy it now? |
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06/17/2006 10:09:24 PM · #43 |
I'm a male and my worst story has come from a car dealership. I was 27 or 28, walked into a car dealership and had a dealer walk up to me quickly to ask: can I help you. I told him I was looking to buy a car...his next two questions were...are you over 18, and is your credit good. This infuriated me. My credit score is over 730--oh and I was a doctor..err I still am.
I left that place and bought from another dealership later. I'm 31 now and still people treat me like I'm a college student or younger (although I'm rapidly looking older and older). Anyway, my point is...I tend to agree--age is a bigger problem than gender in my opinion. But the lesson I've learned as a doctor (veterinarian) is that I don't judge the owners of the pets I see. If I act like they don't have money they won't let me do the things necessary. I tell them what I think is necessary and wait to make them tell me they have no money--not make that decision for them.
Sorry you had a bad experience. The best revenge is to do well at what you're doing and eventually they'll realize the mistake they made.
Eric |
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07/25/2006 03:14:53 AM · #44 |
If it was a camera store, chances are the customers he was chit-chatting with were regulars.
Or they were ignorant, that's possible. My bet is regulars, however.
-Hideo
Message edited by author 2006-07-25 03:19:06. |
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07/25/2006 03:23:59 AM · #45 |
I think in certain types of stores, cars, cameras and a few others that they way you dress also influences the attention you receive. If you dress "young" forget any serious attention.
Where I live, the poorest looking people are usually the ones to plunk down 20 grand in CASH for a car. That has straightened out many a sales person in this town! |
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07/25/2006 03:31:12 AM · #46 |
Originally posted by OP:
Any girls feel looked down upon as photographers? |
It's the models who are usually looked down upon.
;-P |
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07/25/2006 03:33:09 AM · #47 |
Originally posted by ralphnev:
no offence to anyone who works in camera stores BUT :
I've never had a good experiance shopping for equip. at our local stores
which is one of the reasons i buy online ...
I find the sales dudes would rather talk to themselves .. or sell the P&S to ma&pa kettle with all the (High $ crap )extras .. |
Had to check your profile to see if you were from Iowa, I hope I'm not breaking any forum rules here but would not get caught dead in Corner Camera in Davenport, Iowa. Sales people were not helpful and unqualified, I'll stick with shopping online for now. Wow I do feel better. |
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07/25/2006 03:41:25 AM · #48 |
I've always had fair to good experiencesw with salespersons (except those that comes without being requested). But I've had my share of part-time jobs during my school breaks in the past as a salesperson.
You can treat this from another perspective - from a salesperson, or just crayon's personal bias, but here goes. I usually have difficulty trying to gauge how savvy a potential customer is with the product he/she is planning on buying. I was selling computing stuff and it's hard to know if a person is a mac-head or a pc-geek. You suggest a pc-device to a mac-head and he'll get irritated and annoyed. Or often times, I'd recommend a piece of hardware and explains in geek-language why it is recommended and the customer would give me that "what are you talking about?" look because he is not a tech head and is only there to replace a blown videocard. Or when I try the "layman-talk" on a tech-head, he would think I know nothing about the product and walks away. So sometimes, it's really the buyer's responsibility to let the salesperson know what you want, and what you know. Yes, we almost always ask "what are you looking for?" or "how can I help you?" but most customers prefer not to give us an answer! |
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