PAIN IN THE NECK Kiosk owners in malls!!

[Jerseylicious]

Ok, is this an all-around trend or is it just in my area? (Ocean County, New Jersey)

Lately, walking thru the mall, the owners of these kiosks BUG the crud out of you as you walk by, wanting to demonstrate their products on your nails, hands, hair, etc. And today I walked by one and was asked (I declined), walked past the same one again and was asked AGAIN, then I had to walk past it a 3rd time and was asked AGAIN. This was all in about a 3 minute time span. I said to the girl, "You just asked me THREE times in a row. No, I didn't change my mind!!" LOL

But geez, now you can't even walk around at the mall without being bugged for some sales pitch? What next???

 

[pearlieq]

They have those by us and it annoys the heck out of me!

I would like to be able to walk unimpeded through the mall without being hassled like I just got off a cruise ship in Nassau.

I've complained a few times about aggressive busking by the kiosk owners. It got a little better, but I also just stopped going to that mall as often.

 

[My2Cinderellas]

and the tackiest products are found in the higher end malls. I was there yesterday and there was the usual makeup, bling, fake handbags, crocs, plus a super towel thingy and the newest one "Chinese massage".

 

[epcotfan]

Yeah that is annoying. I actually feel bad for the stores surrounding those types of kiosks. Whenever I see someone pushing some product at a kiosk I walk quickly by and avoid the stores in that vicinity. I could see how some of these people could quickly move traffic away from your store front.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

We have those here too. The most bizarre was one that was selling these weird head massager things. The guy came up behind me and started using it on me before I even saw him. Scared me to death! It's gotten to the point I'll fake being on my cell phone if I see one about to pounce.

 

[Mickey527]

I agree, especially those women who want to buff and polish my nails with their cream and buffer.
I told one the other day I bite my nails and don't want any unusual flavors added. She practically grabbed my hands to see. I don't bite my nails but I also don't want her to touch me. If I want my nails done I will go to a salon, not my local mall kiosk.
I have complained but the people at the mall office don't seem to care. I guess these companies pay enough money for their spot in the mall that a few complaints don't mean anything.

 

[Agent Provocateur]

We have those here too. The most bizarre was one that was selling these weird head massager things. The guy came up behind me and started using it on me before I even saw him. Scared me to death! It's gotten to the point I'll fake being on my cell phone if I see one about to pounce.

That happened to me once! I actually ended up buying it, but it never felt the same as that initial massage with those tiny copper tentacles. Maybe the shock was part of what made it feel sooooo good.

 

[tngramma]

The one that I think worst is the people who want to put lotions on you. They practically grab you as you walk by. I think their sign says something about dead seas .....

My hands are in bad enough shape keep the dead stuff away from me.

 

[disneynutt1225]

I agree. It's gotten to the point where I have to do evasive maneuvers in the mall around the kiosks so they don't bother me. The other night I was in the mall and the hand cream lady was asking everyone "Can I ask you a question?". Well, as I came upon her, she went to the right, I faked right and veered left and I managed to avoid her. Then on my walk back, another poor soul was being traumatized by her speech. Thank God I missed it both times!

 

[tngramma]

I saw a St. Judes booth set up in the Food Court the last few weeks. That lady scares me to death. She gives you this dreadful look and says, "Children with cancer, they need your help". She makes me feel if I don't donate that children are going to die because of me. I feel guilty that I can't afford to send money each month. She probably weighs about 95 pounds and is not 5 feet tall but she still scares me

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Can't stand these booths!!!

We have those here too. The most bizarre was one that was selling these weird head massager things. The guy came up behind me and started using it on me before I even saw him. Scared me to death! It's gotten to the point I'll fake being on my cell phone if I see one about to pounce

OKAY i actually WANT one of these!



Hiya girlie! Baby is almost here!!

 

[CottontailCurl]

It's everywhere!! Now, in addition to the other crazy things you have to work your way through, there's a dude at our mall with a remote control helicopter. I guess that way they can get you no matter how you duck and dodge them. Incoming!! OH, I'm sorry, did I hit you? Now that I've got your attention...

The dead sea people are funny. One very young girl who seemed new on the sales block told me that her container of lotion costs $50, I go , she says BUT, since my boss has stepped away for the moment, I can give you 2 for $50. Do I really want to do business with someone who's trying to scam her boss? It was such old school sales tactics I had to laugh.

 

[Honu]

You need to develop a better meanie face. As soon as I see them, I dawn my "death stare" and they all scramble away and looking at their feet.

 

[maelstrom]

There's these people who sell some kind of lotion type stuff from a kiosk in our mall. They know to not even try asking my mother or I anymore. They see us coming and turn away. It's not that we ever yelled at them or anything, but we did get very assertive in our declining and I guess they finally got the message. I don't want weird people rubbing lotion onto my hands anyhow. I don't like people touching me, let alone strangers.

I hate the ones who say, "Can I ask you a question?". Sure, you just did, bye now.

 

[Amapola]

What happened to just saying "No, thank you" (or just shaking your head, or ignoring them) and continuing on your way?

I've never been touched or had to engage in any kind of exchange with a kiosk salesclerk, because I just don't give them the chance. The helicopter assault, that's a different story of course, and I'd go to mall security in a flash, but for hawkers? Ignore, ignore, ignore. Clerk: "Can I ask you a question" Me: "No, thank you" without even breaking my stride.

I do the same for telemarketers ("No, thank you" and hang up immediately) or people who come to the door (actually, I don't even open the door for them, just ignore and they'll go away. Eventually ).

 

[Aurora63]

You need to develop a better meanie face. As soon as I see them, I dawn my "death stare" and they all scramble away and looking at their feet.

Totally agree. And I agree these booths are annoying, but all you have to do is firmly say no and keep walking. You are not required to give them any excuses as to why you said no. If they ask, just keep going. As my sister would say, you have to be a "bee with an itch." It may be rude, but it works.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Those dead sea people are horrible at my mall. I just thought we had an overly aggressive salesperson. Unfortunately they are right outside my Verizon store. I had to have my phone repaired one time so I was trying to kill time at the mall. Since I really didn't need anything nor want to spend the money I was just milling about the stores in the general vicinity. After the third time, they got the hint but I did sit and watch them while I was waiting. They were horrible!!! Every person was practically assaulted by them.

 

[T1130]

The last time my dd (6) and I were in the mall we were being hounded. One guy I said No Thank You three times but he kept chasing us. My dd says to him She Said No Thank You Do You Have A Hearing Problem!

 

[mirthmaiden]

I give them the "talk to the hand," firmly say "no," and keep walking. I've never had a problem, although I have had a few talk back to me. Whatever. I don't care.

 

[MagicalMom]

Those people remind me of the hair braiders in the Bahamas. My biggest rule is to avoid making eye contact with them. It's like they will suck you in if you look their way!