Would you like to see more shops have paid clerks to answer questions?

My question is pretty direct. Would you find it helpful if more shops paid people to act as store clerks? Would you be more likely to become a repeat customer? Would you like to see someone there to answer questions and point you in the right direction?


THis was meant to be a poll, I goofed.

In general, I'd say no. Paid clerks means more overhead, which means more cost, which means higher prices.

I'm all about everyday low prices.

I couldn't afford them.

However, if I want my mall vendors' space rented out, and I want shoppers to come and buy from my vendors, the single greatest factor in picking up rentals, traffic, and sales is...

ON-SITE LIVE PRESENCE.

Yessirree, people are oldfashioned that way, they don't want to just read it on the card, they want you to be there to answer their questions and make them feel needed!

So I try to be on-site as much as I can, or at least available for an instant TP.

Would I hire additional people to extend that capacity? Well, I'm just not there yet...

Like RL, it's hard to get good help in SL ROFL.

I'd say no as well. I'll IM the creator if i have an issue. Although Fey did have a clerk/manager in her shop at one time and she was very very friendly and helpful in finding things.

I'd like to see the strip clubs employ a few fluffers but regular shops I don't think need hired help.

As a customer I'd like to see clerks or someone who can model the clothing. Sometimes it's hard to decide what to buy from the photo. Either a clerk/model or some way to try it on first. I'd pay more for that service because I waste lots of money on clothes that I never wear becuase it didn't look as good on me as the photo.

Ohh..good idea! that would solve the try-before-you-buy issue!

*gives Heather a cookie*

I tend to feel very uncomfortable if there is anyone in a store besides me. I often slyly keep them within view if I can, as well. I don't want people looking at me. ._. Employees in RL stores creep me out, too, especially if they're bored and keep an eye on me while I'm browsing.

....

IF I NEED YOUR HELP, I WILL ASK YOU FOR IT.





AAFDSFDASDSA.


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STOP LOOKING AT ME!!!!! ;_;


...

Of course, I'm a total nutjob, though, so you can basically just ignore me.

*stares*

STOP IT...


...



O___O

Is there anything I can help you with?

There is a two-for-one sale today.

if you need anything, let me know.

I will be right over here.

Behind you.

Definitely Heather. Really want to be able to try clothes on before I buy. It could be that the outfit has demo stamped all over it and you buy it for 1L. That would be great. I don't think I would want someone serving in the shop though.

Alexa

;____;

OH GOD.

I'm not touching you.

I'm not touching you.

I'm not touching you.

I'm not touching you.

I'm not touching you.

I actually am a paid "store clerk" of sorts. However, instead of being a clerk for just one store, I work as a shopping liason for all 70 or so vendors on Samurai Island.

I think it is beneficial, as a lot of people whom I talk to are actually looking for a specific item, and are very appreciative when you can quickly guide them around to those stores which contain the type of item they seek. As well, if they are indecisive but not just a "Just browsing.." customer, I also offer to accompany them around as a shopping consultant, giving them suggestions on what I feel might look good on them, of giving my opinion if they can't decide between 3 different outfits.

As Heather suggested, I also try to model clothes or items. While there's no way for me to be able to carry around all the items for all the vendors, I try to incorporate items you can buy on the island into my outfits. I get a lot of people who ask me, "Hey, those stockings are hot! Where can I get them?"

I understand that there are people like Nikolaii who would rather not be interrupted while shopping. After a while, you get a sense of whom these people are by observing the way that they shop (don't ask how you can tell, it's just a behavioral hunch). If not, you can usually tell by the manner in which they communicate once you start talking to them as to whether or not they want to be left alone. I don't just walk up to you and say, "Hi, can I help you?". I do think that makes a lot of shoppers uncomfortable, both in SL and RL. I'm much more non-pressuring and personable..

;_; I hate you all.



It's more just that I'm paranoid and spooky than anything. XD

I would like to see *some* way of getting a hold of the shop owner or someone when you are buying. It happens to me all the time that I am in a store and I *would* make a purchase, but I have a question and the shop keeper is offline.

Even a way to leave a note for someone and ask them to call you back would be great.

I would estimate that for each purchase I make I roughly half the time I dont buy it because i am not sure and there is no-one ther to ask.

I have also bought several items that are really misleadingly advertised and turn out to be pieces of junk. (ex. "SL's Best Radio" that can't change channels and costs 250 Linden) Just try to get hold of the seller and then try to convinve them to give you a refund or exchange. "Service" in the sense of retail service is foreign word to most SL sellers IMO.

And while I'm on the topic ....

All you clever people... (S*c*nd Sk*n L*bs comes to mind), that have "interesting" (i.e. impossible to figure out) interfaces, and copious amounts of laggy scripts , fog, particle fountains and so forth in your stores should maybe re-think what you are doing.

You are crazy! This is like throwing away half your customers!

Do you really think your stuff is so grand that I am going to stand there for literally 15 minuts of RL time waiting for things to rez? And that is just for the first few things you see. Some stores you can walk around for hours standing in front of each little thingie waiting a full minute or two for it to rez.

You might as well put up a sign that says "Only techies with really good computers and a T1 connection allowed."

The best stores I find are the ones that are basically a single kiosk in a nice quiet sim.

OK rant over.

To be serious, I wouldn't mind having someone answer questions, but really there are only a couple of people in SL who know my entire product line.

And even then, 90% of the questions I get are regarding replacements, refunds, or asking me for free stuff.

I am always willing to display avatars on request tho.

Can I have free stuff??

Edit: Oh wait. I forgot the perma-ban if I add anything else to my inventory..so nevermind!

The majority of questions I get from customers involve getting something done in another shade/style (when Modify won't do that) and getting things with gift permissions. That's not something a store clerk could really help with anyway, because they'd still have to wait for me.

If I have questions about something, I IM the creator/seller before I buy, and if they aren't on-line, I'll landmark the location with the name of the product so I can go back later. There's rarely anything I need right now and can't wait for a reply.

Generally, I try to leave my customers alone while they shop or browse. I don't want anyone feeling pressured into buying anything, and that's the feeling most people get from sales clerks, I believe.

Yes and no. I'd rather not have them be there, but if a mall/shop what have you had a "help desk" type area with status indicators of people who would help you (but aren't currently there in shop hovering over you) if you IMed them I think I would like that. Specially if they didn't mind properly fitting prim items. I would even volunteer if the mall had designers I liked and it meant getting free clothes.