Is it normal i hate it when people ask "can i help you" when i enter a shop?

I understand it might be annoying when it happens too often, but you shouldn't be mad about it. First of all, it's part of their job. Second of all, they are just being courteous and trying to help you. Also, you'd be surprised how many people want to ask for help with something but are too shy to ask, so by someone approaching them and asking if they need help, it helps break the ice and helps people find what they need. I find this to be a good thing.

I don't like it, either. I tend to say "I'm just browsing" almost instinctively.

It's also a flawed question. Until they know what you want, there's no guarantee they can help you. And until you tell them, you don't know whether they can help you, either. So saying "Can I help you?" is like asking someone to predict the future. What they should say is, "May I try to help you?" which doesn't imply that they can or cannot but merely asks your permission to let them try. Either way, my answer would still be the same. I'm just browsing.

I really hate it, It makes me so uncomfortable. The ones that like asking every five minutes make me feel like they think I'm going to steal something. I could just be a paranoid, but that's the vibe I get. I'm sure for some, it's part of their job to ask but I've always preferred establishments that would wait for you to come to them for help. Like the library or Barnes and Noble. Not once have I ever had an employee to do that to me. They mind their own business and focus on their work and I appreciate it. I think it adds too much pressure on the customer when the workers ask them that question.

The only thing i hate about it is when you say no i feel as though they think im going to steal and they follow me around the store i just wanna scream out. " Bitch if you do not stop following i will take this hanger and shove it up your prissy little ass!" But i am classy and that is not an option so i leave.

Makes me feel like a fucking criminal to be honest. I feel accused of stealing the moment I enter any radioshack.

they do this because they want to make sure you know they're watching you are less likely to steal something... i've worked in retail and they specifically told me this!

the point of the people being there is so they can help you in case you need it, therefore if you need something, you can just ask them. when they just come and attack you with the "can i help you" question it's a violation of privacy. they need to let people shop in peace.

The UK is criticised for its awful customer service, so mystery shoppers and cameras show that a lot of young assistants chat to each other and ignore the customers.

So really, what would we really prefer?
Should we have to interrupt a private conversation while they roll their eyes and tut at us or welcome the offer of help?

I don't mind them asking if I need help.

I get that they are doing their job but I find it slightly annoying as well. I feel more pressurised to buy something when all I want to do is browse. If I need help I will ask myself

Wow this is really stupid, you sound totally neurotic. They're usually REQUIRED to come up to you and ask if you need assistance, its a courtesy, and they usually only do it once in my experience. Anything more than that, I'd agree would be annoying. But you can't handle them asking you once? Shit, cool out.

they don't really want to help anyways...
i'm like "oi, could you fuck off, please?" anyways...

It's called courtesy, being friendly to the costumer, doing their job.

Doesn't bother me at all.

Its definitly not common courtesy. In most stores workers get more money the more sales they make. So i can see why someone would be annoyed about them practically asking you for your sale i.e your money. Doesnt really bother me though

Tell em to go FUCK themselves

My mom used to hate it very much. But Dad, Sis and I just found it irritating. Its generally women who are asked. My friend Drake works for a restaurant, and never forgets to ask that phrase.

Retail establishments approach you and ask if you need assistance for two major reasons:

1) Good customer service
2) It helps to prevent theft. If a would be thief knows that they are being watched they will be less likely to steal. Retailers often use aggressive customer service if they believe that a person is about to steal.

Yeah it's really annoying, then I feel pressured to buy something!

Yeah pc world world springs to mind, every 5 seconds you get some nob jockey sayin 'can i help you with anything', no i don't need your fuckin help and i know more about computers than you do. The one time i actually needed help concerning a graphics card no one in the shop could help me even the useless prick behind the help desk didn't know what i was on about.

Yes its courtesy but sometimes I just want them to leave me alone while I browse through the shop.

It doesn't bother me. Just smile and say, "No I'm fine".

They'll instantly feel affable towards you and bend over backwards to help.

Someitimes. Dependes on the store.

i like them to offer to help saves time

ya it bothers me but its part of their job.

WTF is a necessary tool for retail success. If your just looking around then if you leave more the better because time wasters are always looking around shops. If you have a shopkeeper helping you your more likely to buy more things

Doesn't bother me, it's just common courtesy.

I only ever got asked that if I was in the shop looking for a while. But I usually just go find someone who works there and ask myself for help.

I'm just happy the shopkeepers don't say: What are you buying stranger!? I've heard it too much from the Resident Evil 4 shop guy, I just ended up shooting him.