Korean Job Discussion Forums

piscin · Joined: 25 Nov 2006 Location: Seoul

who is regularly refused when I ask to try clothes on in shops?

I mean I can understand in some of the miniscule underground mall shops, but the ones that actually have fitting rooms and still refuse??? WTF!

The likelihood of me buying something that I can't try first is minimal. Does anyone else feel this way? Maybe it's not such an issue for men, with certain garments, like t-shirts, but to any girls out there - does this not drive you mad?

Also; while I'm on a rant.... It really gets to me as well, when you wander around the shop (closely followed by the assistants) looking at clothes, and the SECOND you step away from the shelf / rack, they "fix" it.... I mean, I'm not destroying their displays, I'm just looking.....

Anyone feel the same?
]
P.S. I'd like to think I don't look like a vagrant, who you wouldn't want in your shop

Lao Wai · Joined: 01 Aug 2005 Location: East Coast Canada

Hey,

I feel your pain. I was only refused a few times when I wanted to try on clothes (I'm a guy). However, the salesgirls with attitude following me around and then rearranging the clothes if I even so much as looked at them, really used to piss me off.

Oh, but the real kicker is when they would say 'L or XL' Sizee? This is hilarious because I am 5' 10" and 130 lbs soaking wet. Large or extra large would be way too huge. Or, the salesgirl, trying to be helpful, would hold up the most garish, ugly, shirt in the whole store. You know, the ones that end up in the discount stores back home because no one would buy them.

I keep hearing people on this board say how customer service 'back home' is crap. I don't know where you people are from, but where I'm from I find customer service to be okay. Sometimes they're a little over the top with friendliness, but that's about it.

babtangee · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 4:19 am Post subject:

oneofthesarahs · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Location: Sacheon City

I had sort of a weird fitting room experience today. I was in Busan, in one of the stores in the shopping center that connects to the Lotte Department Store. I was kicking around the idea of buying one of those short little dress/leggings numbers that Korean women always wear, but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to pull it off, so I grabbed a dress and asked the saleslady if I could try it on. She looked at me like I was crazy and didn't say anything. I thought it was a miscommunication issue, so I grabbed my Korean boyfriend and had him ask her about the fitting room. She looked at HIM like he was crazy. He asked her again, she just sort of stared at him, and shook her head. So of course my boyfriend got a little upset and started arguing with her. As they're arguing, someone strolls into the dressing room. My boyfriend grabbed my arm and drug me out of the store. Apparently the salesperson told him that they didn't have a fitting room at all! (Even as someone was walking into it as they were talking!) It was very odd.

But before today, I really haven't had any problems trying things on when I need to.

piscin · Joined: 25 Nov 2006 Location: Seoul

Exactly what I'm talking about.... Confused

Woland · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: Seoul

You would leave cooties there. The poor clerk would have to scour the room with kimchi to get them out.

I feel your pain, especially about the being followed around like a shoplifting suspect. Drives me crazy.

Lao Wai · Joined: 01 Aug 2005 Location: East Coast Canada

catycat · Joined: 05 Dec 2006

I've had this happen to me several times too!!! But only when I try to try on tops, never pants/skirts.

Anyhow, I asked some Korean girlfriends of mine if it happened to them, and they said it does! Its because the sales assistants are afraid of make-up rubbing onto the clothes! Koreans girls wear alot of make-up!

So, now, everytime Im refused ("Sorry! No try! No try!"), I just tell them Im not wearing make-up and step closer to them so that they can see my face. Ive had no problems since!!

piscin · Joined: 25 Nov 2006 Location: Seoul

I asked a few Korean friends about this last night, and apparently it's only happening because I'm shopping in "cheap shops" Very Happy

They said that unless you're gonna be spending a lot of money on something, that the assistants figure it's not worth letting you try it on for fear of stretching / makeup.....

They also pointed out that it's not because I'm a whitey, that it happens to them too....

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

Hmm. Strange. Usually, they ask me to try somehing on. Maybe because I am small and I don't wear enough make-up to be clasified as war paint. I am the one who refuses to try on things, because 1. I know my size. 2. I once tried on a dress that zipped up the back and it took a while for me to zip myself up. The salesladies started giggling, asking me if I needed a medium instead of a small. Rolling Eyes

kermo · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:56 pm Post subject:

Yep, I've heard that many stores don't allow people to try on items like sweaters or t-shirts. I didn't realize it was about the make-up though-- I thought it was more to do with stretching. Goofy rule though.
I've never had any trouble in Giordano, though, if anyone is interested in a place where trying-on is permitted.

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

I don't care about trying stuff on. My only turn off is unwanted attention from workers. I know it's their job and they only have one aisle to manage, but I avoid them. I'm sure a few times I didn't bother to check something or buy something because someone was right there and well, I just dislike anyone around me when shopping. I'm probably a typical guy when it comes to shopping and stores, just want to get it done as quickly and painlessly as possible.