Sadly, no Stars. It's too much! and You're Wrong! are memorable rude and ignorant responses. Pushy would be another (let them in but get them out with something in hand). I'm wondering if they have their sales people on commission and under high pressure (don't spend too much time or you'll be scolded!).
The context of my story is below, yet I've now changed my purchases to stores like Mephisto (they sell Birkenstock, Olang, Rieker and more), Tiramisu, and SoftMoc.
Story with context
When I first arrived I immediately went to the Sales Counter which is less than 15 ft. from the door and served by elder Mr. Kunitz (he said his son & wife run this store) and for a return that I wore around home, were perfectly clean, enclosed in its original box and within the required 30-day return policy. Mr. Kunitz (father) was abrupt with me as he quickly opened the box and inspected one shoe only, lifting it slightly to examine it and then closing the box and proceeding to refund me; perhaps he was upset because "somebody exercised their right to a refund". I also mentioned that I was here to try a different boot style shoe, yet I did not mention that I was in this store two days prior (don't recall him being there then) and purchased a full-on winter boot and now returning for a more stylish light duty, dressy winter shoe/boot; therefore a 2nd purchase at this store. Is returning again for another purchase an insult? a crime? Is it not a gesture that I like the products there or the service? Sales associate Dominique was not receptive to me during my visits; what is it with her?
Although Mr. Kunitz did not immediately offer to assist me and that's fine, as I went over to the display area, zoning in on two prospective models. After picking them up, a kind female employee asked if I had been helped, "no" I replied. I indicated the exact size for my feet when asking to try these two models out. I sat down on the circular seat that allows 4-5 customers to sit around while trying on shoes. I found it took her a while and then became aware that she was already serving another two people within a family group, but she never mentioned that. Okay, all good, I'll be patient. While waiting, I saw another two shoes of interest. To keep this short, I asked to try on four different light duty winter booties in all, and she assisted me with three. Because they didn't quite feel right and before I spent $2-300 of my hard-earned dollars, I wanted to ensure I try those other two as well. Have you ever wanted to try on more than one style of shoe and found that some didn't feel or look quite right after you put them on? So, don't you have a right to try on others?
In between trying on the shoes:
1) Younger Mr. Kunitz (owner) walked near me and as he did was two days prior when I did that previous purchase, seemed pushy with another question (I've since returned that recent purchase as well).
2) A female customer was seated to the left of me trying on 3-4 different types of slippers.
3) There was another female customer seated to the right of me who had three different ankle high leather spike boots that she was trying on.
When it came to the last two pairs for me, and as the female employee was busy elsewhere, I approached Mr. Kunitz (father) for assistance (he was rearranging things in the store and not helping anyone that I noticed) and mentioned the size I required, but for one, I wanted it in a black colour instead of the brown one on display. When he came out with that black boot version, and I mentioned that I thought the black version had a smooth patent finish like the brown one on display instead of a pebble texture that it does, he strongly replied in a rude tone, "No you're Wrong!" When he came back with the 4th boot, he then said, "You've been in this store two times now and it's too much!!" Huh? He then added, "What seems to be the problem, why are you having such a difficult time finding a boot? We are busy here and it's just too much". I asked do you mean that me asking to try on different pairs of shoes/boots is asking too much? "Yes" was the reply. In ending, he also said "it's been far too much, and I refuse to provide you business here!"
Just imagine, he is the one who has a problem, not me the customer. That this is the response I received over a seemingly typical shoe purchase experience. WOW!!
I am already sharing my story with family and friends. read more