http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1995820Oh my.
Omaha Steve (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:34 AM
Original message
While shopping at the mall a saleman asked "would we like to test drive a Toyota?"
When a simple "NO" wasn't enough, he got a blast from both of us his other prospects could all hear. I hope he learned his lesson for the rest of the weekend sale.
Japan didn't extend it's clunker program to US cars.
Some models not made in North America.
Profit goes mostly to Japan.
Lingering questions about safety.
Union organizing drives have been treated unfairly according to the National Labor Relations Board. It was chilly and I had my AFSCME wind breaker on.
He turned and made a get away with a brisk walk.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:37 AM
Response to Original message
1. Nice. So you read a guy trying to do his job the riot act?
I doubt that the guy you were ranting at has much to do with Toyota's corporate policies, you know. Just say, "No, thanks" and walk on. Very rude behavior on your part, I think.
madmom (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:39 AM
Response to Reply #1
3. "When a simple "NO" wasn't enough" sometimes it takes more.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:44 AM
Response to Reply #3
6. More is simply walking away. For Pete's sake.
At the mall, someone's always trying to get your attention so they can sell you something. I don't even acknowledge their questions unless I have some sort of interest in what's happening at their kiosk. Why would anyone stand and argue with a salesman at the shopping center? What could possibly be the point of that?
NNN0LHI (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:39 AM
Response to Reply #1
4. Poster said "a simple "NO" wasn't enough", in his first sentence
Are you being obtuse?
Don
Hmmmmm.
The grouchy old primitive must've gotten up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:42 AM
Response to Reply #4
5. How could it not be enough? Did the salesman stop them from walking away? I doubt that very much. Just say no and go. It's that simple. In fact, you can walk on while the guy's asking the question and just ignore him. That's what I do with mall vendors most of the time. I can't imagine arguing with some mall salesperson over anything. Walk on.
Omaha Steve (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:45 AM
Response to Reply #1
8. He should have stopped at a emphatic NO or read the looks on our faces
He didn't. He pushed a button or 2 and we pushed back. He just might have learned no means no from people not in his showroom.
It was a sidewalk sale where there is no dealership. We walked out of the store on a public sidewalk and he started his pitch.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:48 AM
Response to Reply #8
10. Walk on. You have no obligation to talk to a sidewalk salesperson, and nothing is accomplished by arguing with one. Just walk on. You don't have to teach him a lesson. You don't have to do anything. What could you possibly have accomplished with your rant? Do you think the salesperson will quit that job after being enlightened by you? Complete waste of time and very annoying for bystanders as well...or perhaps entertaining, depending on who they are. Useless either way.
pintobean (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:50 AM
Response to Reply #8
11. 'We buy Amerinan' would have gotten the point across.
Being rude doesn't help our cause.
Union Scribe (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:52 AM
Response to Reply #1
12. Scabs. **** em. Flunkies too.
The union busters wanted this class war, now they've got it, including their foot soldiers.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:00 AM
Response to Reply #12
16. Right...whatever...
The guy has a job. Lots of people don't. He's not Toyota.
Union Scribe (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:05 AM
Response to Reply #16
22. And the guy calling to raise funds for Perry isn't Perry.
Doesn't mean he isn't serving a vile cause, does it? I'm not worried about the feelings of people working against my people.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:10 AM
Response to Reply #22
26. I just hang up on that guy as soon as I know who he represents.
Why would I waste my time doing anything else? Life's short. I do things that have the potential to make a difference in some way. I try very hard not to waste my time.
Bluenorthwest (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:06 AM
Response to Reply #1
23. Did you read the post?
It says "When a simple "NO" wasn't enough, he got a blast from both of us"
That means they did what you are so sagely advising and it did not work. The salesperson did not accept the no. And for me, when what I say is ignored, I owe nothing more in terms of being polite.
A simple NO was not enough. It is as if you did not even read what is written. You advise them to do exactly what they did. Really something to see, that. Reminds me of Python dialog:
woman a: So you've been shopping?
Woman b: No. I've been shopping.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:11 AM
Response to Reply #23
27. Yes, I did read the post, thanks.
Walking on is the appropriate response. No salesperson will follow you very far if you ignore what is being said. Guaranteed.
itsallhappening (255 posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:07 AM
Response to Reply #1
24. Agreed. Definitely a case of misplaced anger and frustration over something else.
still_one (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:45 AM
Response to Original message
7. You should have walked away. You are just dealing with a regular sales person
Orrex (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:47 AM
Response to Original message
9. You should have smashed him in the face with a pie and blasted him with selzer water
If only there'd been some way for you to remove yourself from conversation with him!
I hope he learned his lesson for the rest of the weekend sale.
Well, if he's been on the job more than 15 minutes, then he probably moved on to the next prospect without much more than a blip.
Your intent may have been noble, but your target was poorly chosen, rather like filling and abandoning a shopping cart at Walmart.
Omaha Steve (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:53 AM
Response to Reply #9
13. First ignore I know of in over 30,000 posts (the tears are falling now) ADULT LANGUAGE REPLY
There goes my free speech.
Perhaps a loud **** OFF and run away with Marta's bad ankles, knees, and hips from osteoarthritis on a brick sidewalk would have been better?
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:56 AM
Response to Reply #13
14. Walk, don't run.
Orrex (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 09:57 AM
Response to Reply #13
15. Who said anything about free speech? Say "**** OFF" to whomever you like!
I'm saying only that you picked a dubious target. When you go through the drive-thru, do you yell at the cashier about McDonalds' deforestation policies?
Omaha Steve (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:05 AM
Response to Reply #15
19. I don't use bad words in public or on the DU
Work or private conversation is different.
That would have been much more rude to me than what we felt was appropriate. After a no he starts in on the reasons to just drive one. We tried walking away and he had to keep pushing buttons.
I was also on a narcotic for the last 3 days. I had an epidural on my neck (second in 2 months) yesterday afternoon. I wasn't in the best of moods to begin with. I guess I go back and say I'm sorry today.
Orrex (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:13 AM
Response to Reply #19
31. Sure, if saying sorry will make you feel better
Have you never dealt with a salesperson before? By training, they don't even hear the first four "no's" out of your mouth. When a Republican propagandist approaches you from his booth, do you engage with him or simply walk on?
No one here doubts your pro-worker cred; I read your stuff all the time and routinely link to it for non-DUers.
But don't waste your time on the sales guy.
Union Scribe (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:02 AM
Response to Original message
17. You were fine. You let him off easy.
He was an idiot for pressing a guy in a union jacket. He should stick to targeting people wearing made in China American flag apparel.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:05 AM
Response to Reply #17
21. Lots of union folks driving Toyotas out there.
Truly there are. Nurses, teachers, and others from all walks of life. The sales guy at the shopping center isn't Toyota. He's just another guy who has a job. Yelling at him does nothing at all except make the person yelling look foolish.
Union Scribe (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:07 AM
Response to Reply #21
25. And that's ****ing sickening.
Those people should be embarrassed, and should be told as much. Your passionate defense of them isn't working.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:12 AM
Response to Reply #25
29. I'm defending nobody. It is their choice.
They may do whatever they wish without my input, either before or after they do it.
Bluenorthwest (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:21 AM
Response to Reply #29
38. You are arguing in favor of the aggressive salesman
You are defending them. Of course, no one has to take it seriously, but you are in fact, taking the side of the hard sales aggressor. Not sure why. I mean, what's it to you?
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:24 AM
Response to Reply #38
41. No, I"m not doing that at all. I'm suggesting that it's better to simply ignore such salespersons and walk on. I'm annoyed by such things, myself, but I've never felt the need to stop and argue with a salesperson making an unsolicited approach. What good could that do. If a salesperson like that is extremely persistent, I simply say, "I'm not interested. Please do not bother me further." Then, I continue to walk on.
Yelling at people in public is simply bad form and accomplishes nothing whatsoever. I don't do it.
pintobean (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:12 AM
Response to Reply #21
28. I see them on union construction sites.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:15 AM
Response to Reply #28
35. Of course. People do what they want to do.
I've never owned a Toyota. Why? Because I haven't found one I wanted, new or used. I only drive used cars, and brand is not one of the things I use when deciding which one to buy. Other factors are the reasons. Right now, I have a Volvo and a GMC. An old Volvo. Both are union made, I discovered, but that wasn't an issue, either in deciding to buy either one.
So, you'll always see cars not built by union workers that are owned by union members.
pintobean (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:22 AM
Response to Reply #35
39. I think it's sad
We expect the auto makers to build, remodel and retool with union labor. We should support each other.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:27 AM
Response to Reply #39
45. Yes. If those are strongly held beliefs they should be followed.
Many union members, however, are not all that strong as labor supporters. That isn't always why they're in a union. In many cases, they have no option but to join. I don't expect people to always do anything. I simply observe what they do, and form my opinions from that. A union member who buys non-union-made cars is pretty obviously not a strong supporter of labor issues. That's a piece of information. It's no more than that.
NNN0LHI (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:12 AM
Response to Reply #21
30. Why do you mention other union workers who buy Toyotas?
You have stated in the past that you don't support our union auto workers yourself on DU haven't you?
So why are you bringing someone else into this?
Why didn't you just use yourself as an example?
Don
Hmmmmm.
Grouchy old Don not only woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, but also he didn't get any from the wife last night.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:18 AM
Response to Reply #30
36. As it happens, both of my cars were built by union workers.
One is a 1991 Volvo and the other is a 1999 GMC Jimmy. No, I have not said that I do not support our union auto workers. I've never said that. I've said that I would not buy another GMC SUV, though. The one I have is the worst excuse for a motor vehicle I've ever owned. I still have it only because I need to recoup the investment by driving it for quite a while longer.
I mention union workers who own Toyotas because it is simply a fact. Not everyone uses labor issues to decide on purchases. I leave them to their own decisions.
Thanks for asking.
NNN0LHI (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:25 AM
Response to Reply #36
43. You own a 1991 Volvo built by UAW workers?
Something is funny here.
Don
My good friend Don thought he had something there, but nope.....
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:28 AM
Response to Reply #43
46. No, not built by UAW workers. I didn't say that.`
It was, however, built by union workers...about 15 years before I bought it. My GMC Jimmy was built by UAW workers, though. The Volvo is far more reliable, I've found. I'm not sure who built the car has anything to do with that.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:03 AM
Response to Original message
18. One other thought:
You're currently running for office, right? Could some of those bystanders be potential voters? It's worth a thought...
Ooops.
MineralMan forgot something.
MineralMan forgot Omaha Steve has him on "ignore," and so can't see the question.
Bluenorthwest (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:14 AM
Response to Reply #18
34. I vote for strong Union supporters....
I'm a Union member and I support other Union members. I'd vote for a person I saw being principled in public. Perhaps his constituents are not 'moderate centrists' who are easily offended by everything other than poverty, war and injustice.
MineralMan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:20 AM
Response to Reply #34
37. Perhaps you're right. I tend to look at all aspects of a candidate when choosing who to vote for. How they behave in public is one of those aspects.
Bluenorthwest (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:29 AM
Response to Reply #37
47. I also look at all aspects of a candidate. What a thing to say.
I am telling you I like public stands for Union and against aggressive, meddling sales tactics. That 'aspect' is a positive to me, and to millions of other Americans.
It is rude to suggest that seeing Union support as a positive is the same as not looking at all aspects of a candidate. Rude and also lazy, intellectually dishonest.
itsallhappening (255 posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:05 AM
Response to Original message
20. The salesman asked: "would we like to test drive a Toyota?"
Who was with him?
Omaha Steve (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:13 AM
Response to Reply #20
33. He was by himself across the street from the area set up there is no dealership at this outside mall
Across the drive there were stalls set up for people to go right to a test drive car. Several were in line waiting to drive that could hear.
Again a solid no didn't slow him down at all. He is paid to sell. I'm not paid to listen to him.
He had us pinned up against the evergreen bush to our left. So there was only going straight to our car like we were doing in the first place. Right into him. Or backwards.
FarCenter (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:13 AM
Response to Original message
32. When a simple "no" isn't enough, use your tazer.
proud2BlibKansan (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:22 AM
Response to Original message
40. I love my Prius. It gets over 50 mpg.
As soon as an American car maker comes out with a car that gets 50 mpg, I'll consider buying it.
NNN0LHI (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:31 AM
Response to Reply #40
48. But you are a supposedly educated white collar union worker though aren't you?
Who wants us blue collar union workers to support you in your struggle?
Do you think you might be hurting your own cause in the long run?
Don
JNelson6563 (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:24 AM
Response to Original message
42. Thank you.
It's good that you shared your reasons for Buying American within earshot of others.
Since DU likes to talk alot about pro-labor but tend to put their money elsewhere (imports) your post is highly unpopular. But I'm sure you are well aware of all that by now.
TlalocW (1000+ posts) Sat Sep-24-11 10:25 AM
Response to Original message
44. You should have run after him and tackled him from behind
And kept going.
