Apparently *I* don't buy pools

[TDC Nala]

Sure, but unless he SAID something you will never convince anyone who has authority over him that he behaved the way he did because he doesn't like customers of size. And if it's true, it's not likely he'll sell much of anything, because there's lots of overweight customers out there.

I see a lot of this treatment of women. I'm not married and salesmen generally take me more seriously if I bring along my father or my brother, even if they're made aware that the purchase is mine and mine alone and the man is not my husband.

 

[drgnfly30]

Sounds much like the experiences I've had at my local Pool store (Namco).. I've contemplated purchasing one for the last 2 years.. each year I go into the store & walk around like a moron waiting for someone to approach me... last year I had to physically ask at the counter if there was a salesman available.. He couldn't have been less helpful... basically told me the cost range of the different pools & a run down of all the extra costs (electric, leveling the ground etc..) it was almost like he was discouraging me from buying.. betcha if DH & I walked in together, the approach would have been MUCH different...

 

[In a hurry]

FWIW I'm sorry I posted about this.

I am not able to put into words the attitude I received. I just expected you to understand the vibe and that's not happening. My fault for posting it the way I did.

I'm NOT hyper sensitive about my weight, I live a healthier lifestyle than MANY thin people I know so if you don't like how I look, that's your problem - is my general outlook on that.

HOWEVER - I never had been treated as rudely as I was by this man and I know now that my words did not do it justice.

Do I think I'm wrong? No I do not and if you've EVER had a gut feeling, perception, just KNEW something, you'd understand.

That is the funny thing about computers, you can't really convey thoughts, attitudes, etc. Hope you find a good dealer.

 

[Hannathy]

IMO if you want your letter taken seriously you need to rewrite it. Right now it sounds like an emotional teenager wrote it. You have a lot of info in it that is not needed. Get to the point, state how you were wronged and what you want out of it. What do you want out of it? - did he refuse to sell you a pool or did you just not like the service. they have the right to have lousy service and you have the right to buy elsewhere. Did he make derogetory remarks to you or you think he may have looked at you funny. Big difference. And you may not realize it but you are sensitive about your weight because you keep bringing it up and saying how you eat etc, who cares that isn't important to this post. No one here asked you about it only if he made actual remarks. If I don't like the feel of a place or how I am treated I just don't return.

 

[Patch'sD]

Excuse me, but myself being over weight your post caught my attention, it has since changed the title.

Here are some of my observations. One, you stated you were not buying a pool now, but you would by the end of the summer, four months from now. So here you have explained to the Salesman that he has no chance of making a sale, yet you want all of this information for your research. So this Salesman is going to provide you with a 40 minute guide on pool buying, while there may be other potential sales in the store. Does the guy have a right not to be the best salesman, no. Do you want him to be enthralled about spending 40 minutes for information while their are other commisions walking around the store.

I think if you may have been a little more forthcoming with your information you may have gotten a little better service. I don't think it was about being a woman or size, it was a matter of making a sale.

 

[lovetheparks]

I think if you may have been a little more forthcoming with your information you may have gotten a little better service.

Perhaps this is something I need to make clearer in my letter:

What I said to him is "if you are asking if I am going to walk out of here with a pool today, I can't tell you that because I don't know anything about them at this point, however, I can tell you that I am very interested, have already had quotes on inground pools and have decided this is the route I would like to go. It could be next week, the only definite is I can say I'll have one installed by summer's end.

There goes that theory.

I have already stated that the letter will be revised before sending it - I assure you I won't sound like an "emotional teenager" when it's submitted.

 

[CheshireVal]

You know what? Sounds like this guy was a real jerk, but I also think you're taking it waaaaaaaaay too personally. It doesn't even seem worthwhile to write a letter. But, if it will make you feel better, then I guess go for it.

I think reporting them to the BBB is a little over the top though.

 

[minkydog]

Sounds much like the experiences I've had at my local Pool store (Namco).. I've contemplated purchasing one for the last 2 years.. each year I go into the store & walk around like a moron waiting for someone to approach me... last year I had to physically ask at the counter if there was a salesman available.. He couldn't have been less helpful... basically told me the cost range of the different pools & a run down of all the extra costs (electric, leveling the ground etc..) it was almost like he was discouraging me from buying.. betcha if DH & I walked in together, the approach would have been MUCH different...

I dunno A few years ago we were contemplating an above-ground pool and DH went by himself to the pool store. He tried to get some info from a salesman who finally told him,"If you have to ask these kinds of questions, you can't afford it." Needless to say, we didn't buy.

In fact,we took our money and joined our local pool, which doens't have to be cleaned by me, and where all my friends are like-wise Pooh-sized. We take the kiddies and order pizza and cokes and have a grand ol' time sunning our big fat selves.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

This is what I think...It is difficult to judge to situation unless you are there and witness it yourself. To the OP...I'm sorry this guy made you feel bad.

 

[WIcruizer]

As you said, you don't think you're wrong. You posted looking for opinions and advice, and everyone has said you're probably reading something into this that isn't there. We all get stubborn at times, and I think that's what's happening here?

And I do understand gut feelings. Sometimes they're right, sometimes we're way off. I still maintain he didn't see you as a serious buyer, for whatever the reason.

 

[lovetheparks]

As you said, you don't think you're wrong. You posted looking for opinions and advice, and everyone has said you're probably reading something into this that isn't there. We all get stubborn at times, and I think that's what's happening here?

I did say I didn't think I was wrong about his motives however...

I ALSO said that based on all your opinions that I would leave the whole weight issue out of the letter and just relay the crappy service.

Regardless of the reason, I got terrible service.

 

[RachaelRol]

Send the letter. Maybe you'll get a discount if the owner really cares.