Straaange... What could I have done?

[Rose2Bear]

I just want to know if others see this as a little strange, and have any advice on what I SHOULD have said...

Through a little contest, I had won a $15 gift card to an upscale spa. Most of their treatments were $50 at a minimum and really the only service the card could get you was your nails painted with regular polish. Not being interested in that, I decided I'd just use it to get some products.

I walk in the store and this lady sort of frowns (seriously, she did not look happy I was walking in (there was no one else in there and they wern't closing or anything)) and asks if she can help me.  I tell her "I have a $15 gift certificate and I was wondering if that is good towards merchandise?" She says "give me your  card." I'm thinking "uhhhh ooook......"    She takes the card and runs it through the computer and says "Your card is for $15."    I stood there a second and said "oh... ok... thanks." What I WANTED to say was "thanks for telling me what I already know! now how about answering my question!"  With that, she wandered away and I had to find someone else who was more friendly (although rather snooty) to help me. I do not think I will ever go back there.

I guess I sorta just wanted to vent that becasue I viewed her behavior as really rude and I almost feel like maybe she was insulted that I had such a piddly little gift card - maybe she was shocked someone would bring in a card for such a little value?  Do you think that could be it?

Any thoughts? Should I have said something to her, or the other sales people, regarding her lack of answering my question?

[kckgirl]

How dare you walk into their establishment to spend money!

[Clara Bow]

I would have asked to see the manager. Upon seeing the manager I would ask my question again and say plainly that the first girl I talked to didn't seem to know the answer. Then let the chips fall where they may.
I doubt very seriously that I would darken the door of said spa again...

[Alida]

How rude!  I also would have asked to speak with a manager and asked my question again, looking for a POLITE and proper answer.  I might have said, "Yes, thank you. I know the amount on the card, but that is not what I asked.  Would you care to try again or could you please get me someone who actually does know something?"

[Lisbeth]

You needed to say it to her supervisor and/or the manager.  This woman was very rude to you.

If they were not helpful, I would have simply said, "Here's your coupon back; it looks like I won't be doing business with you after all."  And then I would have left without looking back.

[Adah]

Wow. Just Wow. Stunning for a business that is 100% CUSTOMER SERVICE! I'd definitely have talked to the manager and explained that while you had considered indulging in their services, you will be going elsewhere now because the staff obviously has no clue about how to treat clients.

[itiswhatitisn't]

I've gotten that look before.  There's a near-by spa that one of the cashiers gives me that look.  Like I'm not good enough.  She did it again today.  Took my name, gave me a form, and said she'd take my coat in a minute.  I was the only person walking around on both levels with a coat.  The people whom I dealt with other than the cashier were really nice and next time I"ll insist on my coat being taken as it was awkward to carry around with everything else.  And with the amount of money i spent and the fact that I was dressed nicer than half of the customers there I deserve some respect too.  I'm not rich so I won't come often, but I can find somewhere else to treat myself.

[CreteGirl]

Rude, rude, rude.  Just because you only had $15 to spend that day, does not mean you would not be a return customer who would spend more at other times.

I really hate it when people can't see beyond the immediate.

[FoxPaws]

Perhaps you should call the spa manager and suggest screening "Pretty Woman" at the next employee meeting.

"You work on commission, don't you? Big mistake....biiiig mistake....huge."

[IndianInlaw]

Kewpiedoll, that actually happened to me in 1977 or so.  I might look like a penny waiting for change, but the girl I was with was actually quite well off. It was her idea to go into that snooty store anyway.


I guess my revenge is that I go to that college town now and then and see that the business is loooonnnnggg gone.



edited to add that, ironically enough, this is the same town where Richard Gere went to college.

[Rose2Bear]

Thanks guys, I feel better now 

As one poster said, it is stupid that she couldn't look beyond the present and see that I could potentially return to spend more in the future.  Of course, I will not, but who knows if I was blown away with their service maybe I would have.

While I understand that sometimes customers might be annoying, I don't think having a spending limit is just casue for rude behavior - especially when its a gift card, a dictated amount, its not like I even WANTED to be in her store spending money, I didn't go in saying "what do you have but thats only $15 becasue that is what I INSIST on paying.

Ohhhhhh well. If something like that ever happens again, I'll remember everyones support of the idea that its OK to talk with the manager.