To be angry with this shop assistant?

[MrsAvocet]

I'm in the market for a new bike and went into one of our local bike shops for a look today. I'd checked their website beforehand and thought they might have a few worth looking at. Things didn't get off to a great start when the assistant started talking to my DH and ignoring me, despite us both making it clear that it was me we were shopping for. But I wanted to see the bikes so let it go, and told the guy fairly precisely what I was looking for. He then took me over to a completely different style of bike and told me that this model "is very popular with ladies". I explained to him that it may well be, but its not the type of thing I am looking for, and restated my requirements. Seemingly grudgingly, he then showed me one of the bikes I had seen on the website but it wasn't quite right so I asked if there was anything else and he said no. I then asked if they'd stopped stocking one of the others that I'd seen online and he replied "No, we still have them, but the thing is, they're not cheap bikes so I didn't think there was any point showing them to you."
WTAF? Since when do shop assistants get to decide what a customer can spend? Admittedly they were at the top end of my price range but I'd had enough by now so said "Actually they are well within my budget but I think I will take my business elsewhere" and walked out. DH thinks I over reacted and says I didn't actually give a price range so the assistant wasn't to know. That's true, but I did say what level of components etc I was looking for which should have given him a fairly good idea what price point I was interested in. Plus I didn't want to see " all bikes between £X and £Y," I wanted to see the type of bike I described and I think he should have just shown me what I asked for and kept his judgements to himself. I think I actually reacted fairly calmly! I rarely spend much on myself and have been saving for this bike for quite a while so I was looking forward to going shopping but I left feeling quite upset.
So, was my reaction reasonable or not?

@Pizzaistheanswer I read that study and noticed that some vehicle drivers particularly male ones gave me more space when I wear a skirt or plenty of pink.

@Mumoftwoyoungkids Have you heard the phrase "being chicked"? It's bandied around to humiliate men like the worst thing that could happen to them is being overtaken by a "girl" (I'm late 30s and still hear it). I cycle 200 km a week, yes, I am faster than you - what is wrong with that?

Anyway, I raced as a junior and if your DD is anything like me, she will be able to harness the rage for competitive advantage

[quote RedRumTheHorse]@Pizzaistheanswer I read that study and noticed that some vehicle drivers particularly male ones gave me more space when I wear a skirt or plenty of pink.[/quote]
Yep, it's sad on so many levels, right? I mean, just because you're man you don't deserve to be ridden off the road!

Good for you!! Hope you find a nice bike somewhere else.

@flourbroach

I walked out of a bed shop for the opposite reason. The sales assistant basically told me that the beds (within my limited budget) that I was looking at were crap and I should be buying a much more expensive one.

Sounds like he was just giving his opinion on a product he sales. Some beds are shit.

If you want a 'laugh' trying going into a DIY store and buying power tools when you have a man with you. B&Q I'm looking at you.

Or, if you want to be really ignored & impotently angry, try going to an upscale computer shop, ready to spend about £3,000 and get some attention.

Apple, I'm looking at you.

I start to lift computers off their security pads. It brings several assistants to me very quickly. I rarely spend less than around £2000 when I go in, and I know what I'm looking for. But I'm a late middle-aged woman, who isn't playing with the phones.

I only wish there were another brand I could flounce off to.

This is so prevalent among sales staff.

Years ago I went to a garage looking to buy a new car. I wandered around the showroom for a while but none of the numerous sharp suited salesmen came near so I spoke to one who excused himself - went through a door and came back with a bloke with sleeves rolled up and oil up to his elbows who politely enquired how he could help. I was so mad but politely thanked him and left. A couple of weeks later, having bought my new car from another garage, I did the Julia Roberts bit by riding round their forecourt a few times with windows down and music blaring.

I don't know why people assume that those who are physically disabled are also stupid. I went to a Currys with my friend (me on a mobility scooter) looking for a specific type of telephone. Saleswoman appeared and asked my friend if she needed help. I responded saying it was me who wanted to buy a telephone and the type I required. She took us to an aisle and proceeded to give all the information about a phone to my friend, looking over my head. I again pointed out that it was me buying, not my friend, but she seemed incapable of eye contact with me. I was so mad I swung my scooter round and drove out without saying a word.

I was in my early 30s and looking to buy some four wheel drive cars for the office. We’d had a look at the specs and it was a toss up between Mitsubishi and Honda. Went along to the Mitsubishi dealer, asked what they had in stock, delivery time, that yes, I did want the big four wheel drive. He looked at me and said “You can’t afford that, and you’re wasting my time. Run along now.” So I went to Honda and they couldn’t have been more helpful, so we bought from there.

Yes! Big IT purchase and after my telling the sales bid what I wanted, peripherals etc he asked his first question of DH - there in carrying capacity only.

DH smiled and said "I think you've just lost yourself a sale there" and walked out with me. Manager came flying over and asked DH what was wrong...

Oh gosh I feel your pain on bike shops. I think it's just luck. I went to Mercian wanting a steel touring bike, they could not have cared less. They were nice as anything to my mum (albeit a few years earlier). So I got a Condor instead, who were amazing and so helpful. Ironically my mum said they had been really snooty with her!!

Most recently I went to my local bike shop and they were playing classical music (a plus for me!) and also were lovely and helpful.

Don't get me started on shrink it and pink it...!

My favourite story for shits and giggles-

A family member about 20yrs ago was going into a business meeting- everyone in there was smartly dressed- suits, ties, you get the idea.

At the far end of the room was a scruffy looking fella, looking out of the window. Jogging bottoms, scruffy trainers etc. Whispering began about who let the tramp in, and who would be the one to kick him out. Family member got annoyed, so went over to offer scruff a drink, have a chat. Scruff never once turned to face the room. It seemed to be assumed that he was embarrassed by his appearance so the gossiping got louder. These are fully grown men.

Eventually boss of family members firm comes in and starts the meeting. Scruff at this point takes his seat at the head of the large meeting table. Asks family member to swap seats so he was right by him.

Turns out ‘scruff’ was Bill Gates. He’d heard every word, made it clear that the only way he would be doing business with this firm was if my family member was his point of contact and in charge of the account (I think, I’m not exactly sure)

Apparently the firm got a massive rollicking when mr Gates left.

Excellent when karma is so swift 😂