Why are reptile shops so unhelpful?

[HABU]

and when a customer has a problem, they always lie to you. so you have to figure out the problem and what they're doing wrong without making them feel like an idiot. be once they feel comfortable, they can talk and be honest. i always liked regulars.

[stephenie191]

Originally Posted by Athravan

I never ask if anyone wants help really... it's one of my pet hates, sales people asking me if I need help.. unless someone is just standing there looking lost.. then I'll ask.. because it's hard to be lost in a shop that only fits about 3 people in it so they must need something

I go out of my way to be polite, helpful, smile even when i'm feeling like crap, always say thank you, always ask what setups they have, always give a caresheet...

And then I find out half the time that people totally ignore my advice, keep species together, parents who ignore me, reptiles that come back clearly not given calcium or fed enough, people who refuse to buy UVB because it's "expensive", etc. etc. They assume when I suggest heating, lighting, calcium, and feeding plenty.. i must be doing it to make more money, not for the good of the reptile...

Customers ain't all that either sometimes!

Nice to know not all of the shops are like that !

[stephenie191]

and some people out there do give advice !

[Tops]

I think part of the problem is like you said its expensive to get an expert in and its not their shop at the end of the day. unless they are on a commision then they arent bothered too much whether you sell a setup or not.

I understand customers can be as bad. Im a good customer usually though.

[Athravan]

TBH I think both pet shop owners and customers who are on forums like these are probably going to be knowledge/helpful or at least willing to learn.. cos otherwise we wouldn't care enough or be interested enough to be here

[HABU]

hey, the pet business is a tough one. the kids that want to work in one rarely have a clue. presentation is everything.

[Tops]

presentation and TRAINING!

[Tops]

Ive not seen anyone from the pet shops ive been to on here.

The girls at Waterlife near heathrow are very helpful however.

[HABU]

my pet peeve is employees b.s.ing the customers. if you don't know something, just be honest with them. most all customers find this refreshing. the best a small shop can really do IS to have a fish guy and a retile guy etc. how long does it take to train someone with aquatics, or hookbills? and the typical new hire won't study at home... heck! some just want to pet the hamsters. and say EWWHH!! GROSS!! a lot.

[redeyedanny]

i get annoyed with blaggers.

girl 'hayley' in a shop here i used to work, she gave 'advise' to customers who came back a week later because something was wrong.

i.e. (1)adult yeman cham in one of those long wooden vivs for snakes.
(2) i had to remove 4 dead water dragons from a viv when i returned from a weeks holiday beacuse, someone, removed the water bowl 'because they dont need it'
(3) 'the iggy will be fine on a diet of lettuce'
(4) ' the tort will be fine on a diet of lettuce'
(5) 'just feed the beardy a couple of wax worms a week'
(6) ' uromastix? il check the tropical tanks'


this schmo got annoyed when the boss took me on because she has worked there 5 years (3yrs a cleaner) and ' i turn up thinking i know it all'
i had to leave, she was an idiot.