This is a very belated thumbs down but I just wanted to relate my horrible experience at Bloomingdale's a few weeks ago.
My husband and I were shopping around for a new mattress, which is the worst kind of shopping. It's kind of like shopping for a used car, but without any kind of education or background info on the products. Anyway, they had advertised a 40% off mattress sale. I knew it was too good to be true, and it was. It was 40% like, the $4,000-6,000 ones. The Sales Rep, an older european lady, was steering us toward their $1600 basic mattress (not on sale). It was nice, but seemed comparable to less expensive ones we'd seen at Hecht's. She was really pushing it but after we were there for about 15-20 minutes we decided we could get a better deal elsewhere for the same mattress. She asked us what we thought about the mattress and I said politely that we were still looking but thank you anyway. She actually responded, in a really loud and patronizing voice, "AAWWWW, you cannot afford? I understand. You come back in a few years and I will sell an even better one to you." and smiled evilly. I actually laughed in her face and we turned on our heels and hightailed it out of there. I really wish I had thought of something totally withering and condescending to say back to her, but that never happens. The funny thing is, we could afford any mattress we wanted. I suspect that because we are young, I was dressed in sweats, and the fact that we were *gasp* comparison shopping, she made a judgement about us.
I just hate that she was so condescending and demeaning. Like we're poor because we don't want to overpay for a stupid mattress. Anyway, just wanted to vent and suggest looking elsewhere when shopping for furniture.
OMG that is horrible, I can't believe shr actually said that?? You should have been like, sorry you won't get any commission to add to your minimum wage!
I have no comebacks either, but I would have been steaming if I was in your place! Plus, doesn't it make sense to wear comfy clothes when mattress shopping? How the heck does one try out mattresses when wearing a skirt suit and wearing heels?
my mouth dropped open when i read what she said to you.
i hope you went directly to the manager and told him/her what she said to you. that was extremely rude, condescending and downright wrong. that woman needs to be fired or at least given a stern talking to about NOT judging peoples looks and relating what they wear or how they look to how much money they have!
Did you complain DC Shopper?? Just wondering. I am hurt and angry for you. I know you blew it off but god, how awful. It really is funny when people judge, they are almost always wrong. Good salespeople know you never decide what a person is willing to spend.
I should have complained but I was so steamed and shocked, really, that we just sort of walked out in a daze. I should write a letter...I mean I have enough confidence in myself that a rude mattress saleslady is not going to ruin my self-image, but I do feel that what she said was totally unacceptable, and Bloomingdales should know what is going on in their store. It's just wrong to say something that could humiliate a customer. I mean what was the purpose of her saying that to us?
Also, while she was showing us around, she kept pointing out "my least expensive mattress", and mentioning that no mattresses sold for under $1400. We never once mentioned or in anyway indicated that money was an object until the end when we said we wanted to keep shopping around.
Anyway, girls, thanks for feeling outraged with me! I wish I had had more guts in the moment! Let it be a reminder - next time a salesperson treats you badly, remember my unfortunate story and don't let them get the best of you. I think I will write an email if I have time.
That sounds awful! My Bloomie's experience (at the Bloomingdale's in Soho, NY) was actually awesome. My friend snagged a 20% off coupon so we went on a jeans shopping spree...the same girl attended to our every need, even though I met them at Bloomie's late. She kept the clothes we had decided to get in a separate pile and checked us out immediately when we were done.
The best part? The bottom of the coupon said "Not valid in SoHo." WHEW. We saved over $200 though!
I would have complained and it takes a lot for me to complain about customer service. But this woman crossed the line. Write a letter already! She needs to be fired.