Need Advice - Would you say something? LONG

I am going to preface by saying I know this is silly and I shouldn't stress about it.

I am in the process of furniture shopping. I walked into one store about a month ago and a salesperson (I will call her Mary) quickly approached me. I said that I was just browsing and would let her know if I needed assistance or had any questions. 5 minutes Mary approached me again. UGH!

I told her I was interested in seeing a particular bedroom set and she said they didn't have on the floor but we can view in catalog. I sat with Mary, flipped thru the book and she provided the price. I asked her what other options she suggested and she basically brushed me off and said "this is a beautiful set." I told her I would be in contact and left the store.

Fast forward to last week, a friend of a friend who is an interior designer) HIGHLY recommended a different showroom designer (I will call her Dani) that works in the same store.

I contacted Dani to discuss my needs and vision. She was very patient and provided several options. We spoke on the phone in length and she sent me emails. 1 of the sets were on the floor in the store. Dani wasn't working last week but suggested I visit the store to view the items. I walk in and Mary approached me. I did not mention that I had been in contact with Dani. Mary and I chatted for a few minutes and I left the store.

I have an appointment to meet with Dani next week. Do I mention that I've been in conversation with Mary? It is very likely that I will run into Mary as she works the same days as Dani. Awkward !

I know they work on commission and I don't want to step on toes but feel more comfortable working with Dani.

My friends say that I don't owe Mary an explanation as I am the customer and can choose who to work with. I just feel uncomfortable and guilty.

TIA!

Message edited 7/28/2017 11:25:59 AM.

Need Advise - Would you say something? LONG

You don't owe Mary anything but I would mention it to Dani to help avoid any conflict between them. (You could also call and find out Mary's hours and try to go when she's not there if you feel super awkward)

Need Advise - Would you say something? LONG

You owe Mary NOTHING.

If you feel comfortable with Dani go with Dani. What you should do is speak to DANI and let her know what happened. Because when you go into the store its going to cause Dani a problem.

Tell Dani. Tell her you feel comfortable with her. Tell her mary was non help.

But it will cause problems for Dani if you don't tell Dani.

Re: Need Advise - Would you say something? LONG

I would continue working with Dani but I would mention to her that you went to the store previously before you started working with her and saw some pieces with Mary. Since they are co-workers I wouldn't want them to have problems so I would want her to have the heads up. If you go back to the store and Mary approaches you again I would tell her you're working with Dani so she leaves you alone and stops wasting her time. I imagine this kind of thing happens all the time in their line of work. Many people like to shop around for big ticket items like furniture so they aren't going to just sign on the dotted line with the first sales person they meet. Don't stress about it.

Re: Need Advise - Would you say something? LONG

I totally get where you are coming from. It is so awkward! Especially when the first one half-asses it and then you feel bad.

I would take the position that Dani showed you the set you are buying so that's why you are going with her. Or, I would try to avoid it altogether and give Dani my CC information over the phone LOL

Re: Need Advice - Would you say something? LONG

I was thinking of confiding in Dani but nervous that she might say that it is a conflict of interest for her to move forward with me since Mary "helped" me first.

For all I know Mary and Dani are best buds and Dani will tell Mary that I don't feel comfortable working with her and then I am left with no-one. I know, I am being irrational.

Re: Need Advice - Would you say something? LONG

Re: Need Advice - Would you say something? LONG

Need Advice - Would you say something? LONG

Maybe I'm just a mean person, but I don't care about competition between people on commission. I don't feel it's necessary for me to go out of my way to tell the salesman I like that I met with someone previously. If Dani asks, I would say a short sentence like "I came in previously and talked to Mary for a short time, but I'd rather work with you" and leave it at that.

I'm actually going to do it soon when buying a car. A few weeks ago I wanted to ask general questions and the guy was super dismissive and kind of a douche. So when I go in to actually purchase, I'm going to ask for any salesman that isn't him b/c I think it's offensive to be in the sales business and dismiss someone b/c they're female, not rich, interested in the cheaper model, etc.

Definitely don't work with someone you don't feel is as helpful as another salesman.

Re: Need Advice - Would you say something? LONG

Thank you all for the advice and MC for the laugh. Loved the picture you painted. LOL!

Re: Need Advice - Would you say something? LONG

Re: Need Advice - Would you say something? LONG