Visited a Store and was shunned

When I worked in the ID industry decades ago (for over a decade) I used to order/pay/pickup corporate gifts @ Tiffany and Company (I was a purchasing agent/bookkeeper/personal assistant to the owners/AllJob guy working under a President and CEO that I could not stand - loved the owner's though).

Anyway, years later when I took my then fiancee there to purchase an inexpensive Elsa Peretti silver bean "engagement" ring one of the sales people said something  like "what a catch" to my wife - implying that I was filthy rich.

Back in the day I usually picked up the corporate items on Saturday (on my own time) as I was swamped with work during the week.

I was physically active back then spending many Saturdays hiking at Runyon Canyon, Bronson Park or Mt. Wilson, if staying local, and I usually showed up in ratty hiking clothes.

The sales person assumed that I was not just rich - but filthy rich due to crappy clothing I wore.

Well, her observation was incorrect though I did continue to be a repeat customer for many years afterwards - though @ a reduced monetary rate.

Not certain where this is going but when I worked with public sales (specialty food/wine/spirits) in the 1990's (first time I ever did such a thing) I assisted every customer as best I could as that was what I was being paid to do.

Otherwise I could have just stood around with my fingers up my butt prejudging people while collecting the same salary.

I liked my way better and had a lot of great repeat customers.

PS: I'm responsible for Darin McGavin (one of my favorite customers) being a guest star on The X Files as I asked him why the hell he had he not been on the show considering that it was based upon his The Night Stalker series.

He agreed with my sentiment and said that he would call his agent as soon as he got back home and ask him why the hell he had not come up with the idea.

PS: I do not really own a Bentley (sorry Frank009 - I fibbed), but I now know how to open the hood on one.

DeKay

In the spirit of the great audio cartoonist Rodriguez(look him up and enjoy) just dress like an Arab Sheik and they will trip over themselves to help you🤣.

@larsman I know that place. I went through that when shopping for floorstanders. They set up Dali, Dynaudio and a third pair I can't remember. I bought the Dynaudio's. Great gear, I would have bought more, lesser priced stuff there, but meeting those conditions for smaller change is definitely discouraging. They're never busy, so... Whatever. I'm sure they get a lot of phone-ins from people with more money than God. But still.

Also, I haven't read any mention of walk-ins who audition, only to leave and purchase their choice online. It's common, and understandabley very discouraging for salesmen. 

I walked into Sound by Singer in NYC about 40 yrs ago and was promptly and ungraciously told to leave.  I did protest mildly to no avail.

Don't know if it was him but  hifi podcaster Steve worked there at the time.

Never went back even when I could buy whatever I wanted.

Regards,

barts

I recall (before the advent of online sellers) when the people who sold stereo equipment were really into the hobby and auditioning items for potential customers was a pleasure for all involved. Same comment on record stores.  A little rapport sometimes goes a long way towards a sale.