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Pressure to buy from fragrance sellers

32 replies

SVDWoodson · 22/04/2024 21:43

Just a little info before we get into this: I have never been able to tolerate perfumes, from a young age, the moment I smell one, within minutes it triggers migraine and I've made my peace with it, so for day to day scent I use body mists instead.

Today, while shopping at Westfield, I encountered a stand in the center selling Ouds, known for their potent scent. As I walked by, the lady at the stand handed me a card. I declined, not wanting the fragrance to linger on me, and explained that fragrances give me terrible headaches, so I don't wear them. Despite my explanation, she continued talking to me, even changing the topic briefly. She was nice, so I engaged in conversation, but she eventually circled back to the fragrance and asked if I was interested in buying a bottle. She mentioned it was 'parfum,' oil-based, suggesting it might not trigger headaches like alcohol-based perfumes. I reiterated that I wouldn't be purchasing a fragrance, but she persisted, even mentioning a special offer of £85.00 for the bottle.

When another customer approached her, I took the opportunity to make a swift exit. I bolted... Honestly, I ran! I don't recall saying goodbye, but oddly enough, I feel guilty about it. In truth, I felt overwhelmed by the pressure, especially after clearly stating my position. While I understand she's likely working on commission and her manager was present, why can't a simple 'no' ever suffice?

OP posts:
Doingmybest12 · 23/04/2024 05:53

I'm a people pleaser but even I have no worries about saying a polite , no thanks as I walk by. No need to explain why or feel guilty afterwards.

Noyesnoyes · 23/04/2024 05:40

No thanks.... keep walking

Sorted.

AIstolemylunch · 23/04/2024 05:40

Your mistake was stopping to talk. Like the chuggers they are trained to prey of your weaknesses and worries about being impolite. They're mainly youngsters being trained in high pressure sales tactics. I feel sorry for anyone having to do a shit job like that but the decent ones will quickly stop and the others will graduate onto being salespeople. We employ them where I work and they are a different breed of sociopaths. Anyway. Never stop, keep walking, and never, ever, say sorry.

HappyEater · 23/04/2024 05:35

You have to completely ignore these people and walk right past. They’re vultures. Same as the hair curler ones, etc.

Greengumby · 23/04/2024 05:05

I think this is very much a you problem in how you engage them.
Your mistake was stopping and entering into dialogue. The seller doesn’t care about why you don’t want to buy, their job is to persuade you to buy by hard selling.

I walk past, smile and return greeting if one is proffered, and then a curt “no thank you” the second they try to engage me further - never slowing my pace or giving any inclination that I will be giving them my time.

PivotPivotmakingmargaritas · 23/04/2024 05:04

I don’t understand I say no thank you and keep walking I wouldn’t have even taken the card - next time just keep walking and either walk around them or ask them to move it’s not rude if you’ve already said no thank you

Hiddenvoice · 23/04/2024 04:56

I think the no wouldn’t suffice since you’ve stopped and explained so she thought she had an in to try make a sale. She won’t be offended you didn’t say bye, she was being friendly to the convince you to buy something.
We have a similar stall/ pop up shop at my local shopping centre and I usually politely say no and continue walking. They won’t carry on when you do that.

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