Unhelpful, absentee sales staff irks consumers

Unhelpful and AWOL sales staff cause more lost business and negative word-of-mouth than any other shopping problem, according to a new Retail Customer Dissatisfaction Study conducted by the Verde Group.

Not being able to find a salesperson is the most critical shopping problem and is experienced by 33% of all consumers who reported a problem. Being ignored by sales staff follows close behind with 25% reporting this problem. Getting no attention prompted 3% of customers to take their business elsewhere permanently. It was also the No. 1 problem consumers are likely to share with others.

-- Sarah