My experiences mimic'd many of the ones presented here. My philosophy is that I refuse to pay for bad service. Anywhere.
I've nurtured relationships with certain dealers to the point where they (two) actually let me go to the extremely high end rooms with no escorts and listen to whatever I want.
That is because they learned that although I may not purchase (read: will not) their extremely high end stuff, If I like something within my price range, I will buy it. Sooner or later.
In the past when I walked into a store, I didn't expect or desire anyone to come over (sharks on commission) to try to sell me something. I just wanted to look around. However, when I had a question or desired to hear something, if I was ignored, i walked out (but not before I told them how I was treated). If you don't voice your concerns (better in writing), they will not know.
I was in Stockholm a few years back with my ladyfriend. When I visit places (I've been there nine times), I try to find high end stores to visit. We walked into the store (high end). The salesperson on the floor looked us up and down and made a determination that we (read I) wasn't worth his time. This was completely based on race. However, I went into one of their many listening rooms and heard a particular singer on the system.
The salesperson followed us into the room. not because he may have had a potential sale, but because of the other thing. I acted as if it wasn't an issue and directly asked him who that singer was we were listening to. It actually struck him that I addressed him at all. He answered, then quite snobbishly asked my what my system consisted of. When I told him, all of a sudden, I was his newest best friend.
I deal with the issues you all presented on a daily basis. Not because of dress, car driven, or imagined financial status, but because of race. So, I've learned to take the time to figure out if the person is an ignorant ass or if they require a little patience.
Stereo Design in San Diego California was a perfect example. I'm sad that Steve retired some years ago and his son didn't want to take over the business and had to close the doors. I would walk in the door and have discussions with some seriously rich people there about equipment, cars, etc. They knew me and I could and often did listen to the very top of the line stuff. Steve would let me take equipment home for in-home listening (all the way to Los Angeles) for a week or two. He knew that if I liked it (most times I did) I would buy it.
Now a days in Southern California, the scenario from Pretty Woman really doesn't happen much anymore. People don't know who you are, how much you have, etc. So, they can't afford to assume you are a nobody.
I've learned years (decades) ago to not make assumptions about people. They may have had a bad morning, divorce, etc. I don't assume race is an issue at first. If it is, it presents itself pretty quickly without my help.
But if a person is rude, well, I don't let that first act of rudeness (ignore me, treat me like a hobo that walked into their facility, or worse, race) stop me from doing what I came into the facility to do. I've found that even the very worst, come around when I don't respond to their ignorance or vile nature and talk to them as if it isn't happening.
Some of us deal with this on a daily basis, we have had to adapt and learn to try to get through the icy rude nature of some people.
If the store isn't an appointment only type of store, I am going in and do what I came to do. The more I inquire and speak with the ignorant salesperson, the more I can see that ice melting.
Welcome to my world.
enjoy
