I’ve ranted about this before, but I’ve hit a threshhold now.

Why is it, that wherever I go, whatever I do, someone is trying to sell me something I do not want?

This weekend, I took advantage of a day with nothing to do, so I ran some errands. I needed to stop by the Tucson mall for some things, and as I was leaving, I realized I had about 20-some dollars of unspent gift certificates. I figured I might as well use them while I was there. I was shopping in Waldenbooks earlier, and perusing some future titles for my summer reading list. (I have a ton of un-read books at home still, so I was only browsing) However, Suncoast Video rarely disappoints, so I stopped in there.

Throught the day, I was constantly accosted by the pesky sales people asking if I’m finding everything alright. (I must have this lost look on my face, cause I hardly see any of the other patrons being barraged like this) but I just nod and forgive them for the interruption. (That part is easy)

I found two titles which I’ve wanted to add to my collection.

• Charade, with Cary Grant (Probably my most favorite Cary Grant title of all time… plus its got Audrey Hepburn. A fun, and dangerous drama.)
• Undercover Blues – A wonderful comedy with Dennis Quaid and Kathleen Turner. Its sneaky-bastardly enjoyable. *laughs to self* Muerte…

The movies were dirt cheap, so I picked them up and walked to the sales counter. After listening to this other customer rant about how she hated DVD and wanted to see more VHS titles (*rolls eyes*) the clerk got to me. I put the titles down and took out my gift card. My money was in hand.
The clerk asked, if I had my “replay card”.
I replied no, and I wasn’t interested in a membership. I was as polite as can be.
The clerk was in his script though. “Are you sure, you can get $15.00 immediatly if you sign up.”
“I’m sure, I hardly buy movies here, I usually do it online.”
“But it works with…”
I stopped listening, so the sales pitch was pure Blah Blah Blah

Now picture this, I have my money IN HAND. I want to buy their product, which I clearly want. I am a paying customer. And this guy is still trying to sell me something I clearly do not want; as I’ve said “no” or “not interested” at least three times!

This whole thing probably went on for a minute and a half.

Finally, I hold my hand up, and say “Stop. Please.Just.stop.”

I’m still holding my money, and he stops, and looks down, in mock shame.

It was mock shame because he mumbled audibly the same line from the script where I interrupted him, “Just one more purchase in the next 15 months…”

At this point, I probably look really frustrated. A few seconds went by.
My dad crossed my mind. I don’t know why, maybe a memory of him and I in a simmilar situation. Then the moment, the choice I had to make, it became so clear.

I looked at the two movies I was about to purchase.
I didn’t need them.
I definitely didn’t need to listen to this blather coming from a sales clerk which I was TRYING to give my money to.
The solution was clear.

I picked up my bag of previously bought goods, and said, “I’m sorry.”
I turned around, and said, “thank you” as I walked briskly out the door, not looking back.

I didn’t feel good. There was no satisfaction in my soul. (Its painful when you consciously choose to boycott something, and Suncoast is now on my boycott list [Because they ALWAYS pressure you into joining their "club"] and this particular episode made it clear to me, they didn’t even care about my money, let alone me, their former-customer.)

But in their zeal to get my repeat sales, they lost the sale that was there trying to give them money.

I walked to Waldenbooks and bought three paperbacks instead. Three titles I probably will not get to until this fall.

So what is wrong?
Am I being too sensitive about this? Is pushy marketing now an accepted norm? Are advertisers and sales people given free reign on our attention? Are we forced to live in a culture where people are almost constantly trying to sell us goods and services we would never-ever-want?

I don’t want to subscribe to your service
I don’t want to buy your discount drugs
I don’t want your discoutned software
I don’t want to join another club!

When does it stop?