[jhaywood]

As a non-commissioned retail salesperson in a previous life, giving honest and helpful recommendations and trying not to annoy people that don't need help, was the only pride to be found in that work.

Not everybody is an introvert, and some people do want help but are too afraid to ask. Although I suspect that for each of those there are three people that would just like to shop on their own.

It's also important to note people can often give the wrong signals. Wearing a baggy coat and making sideways glance at the staff because you're worried they may come over may flag you as a shoplifter and attract their attention.

[dwc]

I don't normally want any assistance, except when I do, and then I do. The generic phrases "Can I help you?" or "Can I help you find something?" are perfectly fine, contrary to the article. These are standard prompts to which I give standard replies.

Much, much worse is "Are you after pants or tops today?" which is the worst kind of sleazeball sales opener. Now I'm on guard, preparing to either fend off a hard sell or make a break for the exit.

[jordan0day]

"which is the worst kind of sleazeball sales opener."

This, exactly. In the US, car dealers have a pretty poor reputation, because people generally believe that the salespeople are especially trained to trick/beguile/confuse shoppers, in order to maximize the dealers profit. In turn, I think many people dread buying a car from a dealer.

Do you really want people to view your operation in the same light as a car dealer?

[dwc]

Exactly.

"Can I help you?" "Nope. Just looking..." "OK. Just let me know if you need any assistance."

Perfect. I have help if I need it. If I was initially too shy to ask, the door was opened for me. No pressure.

Of course we're talking typical retail, set up for self service. This model doesn't always apply, and you shouldn't blindly apply it.

[ronaldx]

Yep: there's no better strategy to kill my interest in buying from you.