Exactly. IMO, anyone giving personal service deserves much more. Barber should get 10x what bartender does. And don't get me started on waiters in high end restaurants. Does the waiter bringing a $200 bottle of wine deserve a $40 tip while the one bringing a $20 bottle only deserve $4? They are doing the exact same thing.

I'm all for tipping if someone has waited on me. Standing in line, placing an order and waiting for my name or number to be called doesn't warrant a tip. I only tip more than 15% if I received great service.

I've had something similar done and I really appreciated the service but it made me wonder how often do people use your expertise and then don't buy shoes.

How about the Girls Scout Cookie moms? They are there every weekend for at least six weeks and when you do not buy cookies each and every time you pass buy they glare at you.

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All I Wanted Was A Pepsi, Just One Pepsi

Team Zoot, Team Zoot Mid-Atlantic

The best local running shop here has similar service, plus they'll exchange shoes for up to 30 days if they're not working out as you get some runs in. If they help me find a new pair, I'll always buy the first pair from them, even if they're at full retail (which they almost always are at this store). If I'm buying the same model after that, I'll go online and buy subsequent pairs at a big discount. I'll never be that guy who uses their knowledge and then won't buy anything, but I know people who do & that seems pretty crappy to me. There's a strong place for a personalized service model, but it seems that it's becoming much more niche with a lot of categories. Local book stores were decimated by B&N, which is now being crushed by Amazon, possibly bringing back a more retracted market for local book sellers, for example.

Don't tell them you dislike G.S. cookies lest the glare become a stare of death instead. I will not make that mistake again.

It doesn't happen too often, maybe 5%. Our staff all wear shirts that say "Buy It Where You Try It." I'm not concerned about tips. I much prefer referrals. Providing a great service and having them tell their friends.

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Don

Tri-ing to have fun. Anything else is just a bonus!