Whats the best way to react to condescending retail assistants who talk down to you?

Question

Esp if you are over 36..
These young assistants act so patronising
How are you?
Are you right there?
Can i help you? In a rude tone..

How are we today?
Or look at you like yr a piece of crap as yr older or odd looking or whatever..
So patronising.. Feel like screaming at them, but am politeand ignore it..

Answer 1

Sometimes retail assistants are instructed to say dumb things. Or at least some of us

You could try logic. If he says "How are we today?" say "Tell me how you are, and then I can tell how WE are."

The polite thing is to ignore the rudeness and respond to the words only.

If you don't need their help, you can ignore them. Or tell them, "No, I think I can manage."

Or on the other hand, act very grateful and say, "It is very kind of you to ask." Then you can ask a question or assure them that you can handle it in your own way.

Be patronizing back at them.

"I am sure you are very knowledgeable, but I can manage."

Or if you really do need help, use flattery. "I am so grateful that helpful young people like you are available to guide me. Could you tell me....?"

Answer 2

just go elsewhere to shop, but tell the manager why on your way out,i once went to a store to buy some stuff for my kitchen,i had a lump sum from my pension to spend, i wanted new fridge freezer, stove, microwave,washing machine, the whole kitchen was being replaced,i explained to the young man who came up to me as i walked in to the store that i would like to browse and get back to him, i had a pad and pencil and planned on looking at several items, he would not leave me alone, if i mentioned i was looking for a fridge freezer he took me straight to the most expensive one, quite unsuitable for my needs, anyway after about 20 minutes of this i asked to speak to the manager, i explained that i had about £2000 to spend, but because of his idiot assistant i was taking my custom elsewhere, the look on his face was priceless, as i went out i could hear the manager shouting at the assistant. By the way, i went to a rival retailer,got all my stuff with no hassle!

Answer 3

Continue to be polite and ignore it.



If someone asked me "How are we today?" I would reply that they must be seeing double because it is just me here and there is no "we".

Answer 4

You are a fusspot. People speak civilly to you and you try to find fault with them.

Answer 5

just ignore them like youve been doing

Answer 6

How are we today, we are fine thank you, we will let you know if we need help.

Answer 7

They are being polite..it's your perception that needs to change..