Not about sales but about shopping



Sales promoters inhibit freedom of choice

I had to purchase some makeup in a hurry last weekend for an emergency, and I thought to get some Za 2-way foundation powder. I’ve used it before and I thought it was value for money. I picked out my colour, and was immediately accosted by the sales promoter.

This store happened to be a department store and they had sales promoters who would write you a payment receipt of your intended purchase before you make your payment at the cashier. Now what this does is provide the sales person with evidence of sale and their commission.

How it is bad for us as consumers, is that it inhibits our freedom of choice.

Just after I handed the Za foundation over to the sales person, I saw they had a L’oreal counter. I’d been wanting to try the True Match foundation for a while so since I don’t usually buy foundations often, this was my best chance.

I told the sales person that I did not want to purchase the Za foundation anymore and apologized for the trouble. She however, was terribly displeased. I don’t quite blame her, but as a consumer who had not yet paid for her item, I felt I had the right to change my mind if I wanted to.

So, this is why I prefer to shop at places where I can browse freely and then take my item of choice to the cashier instead of being hemmed in by sales promoters.

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September 7, 2007 | Filed Under Shopping hazards 

comments

One Response to “Sales promoters inhibit freedom of choice”

  1. rinnah on September 8th, 2007

    I dislike being hounded by these sales promoters too! Just puts me off buying completely.

    PB says: Yep! That’s why I have a phobia of going to counters. I only go when I absolutely have to

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