COMBATING THE INTERNET SHOPPER
the regular sales people , no fee . That ’ s what the sales people are there for . We would even come double check the fit and final set up of the shoes for free , if the customer asked . If we happened to be working the sales floor due to lunch time or a staff shortage , or whatever , again no fee . But , if you wanted to make use of our expertise in fitting and selection , there was a $ 35 per half hour non-refundable fitting fee . We found that this gave us tremendous flexibility with the customer and cut down significantly on returns . There is an old retail adage that says “ an item is worth exactly what they paid for it ”. We found this to be completely true . When someone was paying for our time , they were far more likely to listen to what we had to say and take our advice . When they got our time for free , it was worth what they paid for it . Nothing . We used our discretion when it came time to charge the fee . Everyone went into the transaction with the understanding that , no matter what , they owed for the time . If someone bought multiple pairs , we often would not charge them . If we simply couldn ’ t fit them , not because they were being picky but because we really didn ’ t have anything that would work , we often wouldn ’ t charge them . But , anytime we waived the fee , it was with the understanding that if the items were returned , the refund would be less the fitting fee .
I am not in retail anymore , moved on to other pursuits . While 19 years of working Saturdays , holidays and never having 2 days off in a row are things I don ’ t miss , I do sometimes long for the simplicity and comfort of my old fitting stool . I made many friends from it .
- PFA -
40 Pedorthic Footcare Association www . pedorthics . org