Observations of approach

It rarely fails to amaze me how widely women can vary in shopping for a toy. I can have a half dozen women come through the store and get just as many approaches.

On one extreme, there are the women who want to be completely unseen. These ninja shoppers do not want help. They would prefer if I didn’t even acknowledge their presence. Unlike those who would prefer me not to notice so they can shoplift, these women are not acting hinky. They just like to keep the whole process completely private as possible. A clerk not paying attention to their body language can actually drive them off in the pursuit of being helpful.

Then there are the ones that are focused on a particular type. An inquiry as to whether they require any assistance in locating anything is politely turned down. As before, these ladies do not desire any outside counsel. If a clerk is gauche enough to check their progress after the first or second, they will often make a blanket dismissal to be left alone for the remainder of their visit.

After them are the casual shoppers. They will ask general questions as to where a broad category may be found, perhaps ask if we carry batteries suitable for the item. The major thing they have in common with the “ninja shoppers” is that a “hovering” clerk will erode their confidence in remaining and will cause them to desert the store without buying anything.

Next are the specific shoppers. They have an idea what they want. When approached they will ask for general characteristics about toys they happen to be interested in. Don’t mire them in details, they just want the high-lights and any major draw-backs.

Lastly, are the enthusiasts. These women will test the clerk’s professionalism as they will want to know everything about the various toys that catch their eyes. They not only want to know how it ranks for quality, but what sort of guts go into it. They want to know what sorts of lubes work the best for it. They will have very explicit questions about its use. Some of these women will want a female clerk to assist them, some will take any clerk.

All in all, they keep shifts from dragging by.