Sears Rant

GoPackGo

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 2003
6,521
598
126
So yesterday my fiance wants to go to Sears to get a pair of glasses they have advertised for $99. She usually wears contacts but likes to have a current pair around.

The deal covers any frames $100 or less and plastic lenses.

We pick out frames she likes an proceed to place the order.

One of the first things out of the salesperson's (who happens to be the manager of the optical department) mouth is "You want the polycarbonite lenses" and that "they are $79 more" that the plastics lenses are really heavy (im thinking yeah right).

Again these are for occassional wear so the $99 deal is all we want. So much to the salespersons chagrin we go with the $99 pair.

Then she asks if we want the warranty. Its $25 for a year. It has a $25 deductible.

Again we say no. IF something happens we are only $50 away from a new pair of glasses. (they run that deal all the time)

It's nice to see the old "BAIT AND SWITCH" is still alive and well.
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
65,431
408
126
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
So yesterday my fiance wants to go to Sears to get a pair of glasses they have advertised for $99. She usually wears contacts but likes to have a current pair around.

The deal covers any frames $100 or less and plastic lenses.

We pick out frames she likes an proceed to place the order.

One of the first things out of the salesperson's (who happens to be the manager of the optical department) mouth is "You want the polycarbonite lenses" and that "they are $79 more" that the plastics lenses are really heavy (im thinking yeah right).

Again these are for occassional wear so the $99 deal is all we want. So much to the salespersons chagrin we go with the $99 pair.

Then she asks if we want the warranty. Its $25 for a year. It has a $25 deductible.

Again we say no. IF something happens we are only $50 away from a new pair of glasses. (they run that deal all the time)

It's nice to see the old "BAIT AND SWITCH" is still alive and well.

A saleperson trying to upsell is not B&S IMO :)

 

Cawchy87

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2004
5,104
2
81
Bait and switch is only having the $179 in the store and no $99 glasses. The rest is just salesmenship.
 

GoPackGo

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 2003
6,521
598
126
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
So yesterday my fiance wants to go to Sears to get a pair of glasses they have advertised for $99. She usually wears contacts but likes to have a current pair around.

The deal covers any frames $100 or less and plastic lenses.

We pick out frames she likes an proceed to place the order.

One of the first things out of the salesperson's (who happens to be the manager of the optical department) mouth is "You want the polycarbonite lenses" and that "they are $79 more" that the plastics lenses are really heavy (im thinking yeah right).

Again these are for occassional wear so the $99 deal is all we want. So much to the salespersons chagrin we go with the $99 pair.

Then she asks if we want the warranty. Its $25 for a year. It has a $25 deductible.

Again we say no. IF something happens we are only $50 away from a new pair of glasses. (they run that deal all the time)

It's nice to see the old "BAIT AND SWITCH" is still alive and well.

A saleperson trying to upsell is not B&S IMO :)

No...she was disparaging the plastic lenses as being thick and heavy...it was the first thing out of her mouth.

Even after we said no, she kept hounding on how heavy the plastic would be.
 

n7

Elite Member
Jan 4, 2004
21,281
4
81
The salesperson was merely doing their job.

Whether they did it in a way you liked or not is another matter...
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
65,431
408
126
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
So yesterday my fiance wants to go to Sears to get a pair of glasses they have advertised for $99. She usually wears contacts but likes to have a current pair around.

The deal covers any frames $100 or less and plastic lenses.

We pick out frames she likes an proceed to place the order.

One of the first things out of the salesperson's (who happens to be the manager of the optical department) mouth is "You want the polycarbonite lenses" and that "they are $79 more" that the plastics lenses are really heavy (im thinking yeah right).

Again these are for occassional wear so the $99 deal is all we want. So much to the salespersons chagrin we go with the $99 pair.

Then she asks if we want the warranty. Its $25 for a year. It has a $25 deductible.

Again we say no. IF something happens we are only $50 away from a new pair of glasses. (they run that deal all the time)

It's nice to see the old "BAIT AND SWITCH" is still alive and well.

A saleperson trying to upsell is not B&S IMO :)

No...she was disparaging the plastic lenses as being thick and heavy...it was the first thing out of her mouth.

Even after we said no, she kept hounding on how heavy the plastic would be.

The fact that you were able to purchase the glasses for the advertised price means that it was not a B&S situation. Unethical "sales" pitch, maybe, but definately not B&S IMO :)
 

GoPackGo

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 2003
6,521
598
126
Originally posted by: Cawchy87
Bait and switch is only having the $179 in the store and no $99 glasses. The rest is just salesmenship.

Did a quick search here is something from the state of Maines website:

H. Bait and Switch

"Bait and switch" is the advertising of a product that seems very desirable and then "switching" the eager customer to another product that usually costs more. Typically, the seller will disparage the advertised "bait" or will tell the customer it's not available.

Link
 

GoPackGo

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 2003
6,521
598
126
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
So yesterday my fiance wants to go to Sears to get a pair of glasses they have advertised for $99. She usually wears contacts but likes to have a current pair around.

The deal covers any frames $100 or less and plastic lenses.

We pick out frames she likes an proceed to place the order.

One of the first things out of the salesperson's (who happens to be the manager of the optical department) mouth is "You want the polycarbonite lenses" and that "they are $79 more" that the plastics lenses are really heavy (im thinking yeah right).

Again these are for occassional wear so the $99 deal is all we want. So much to the salespersons chagrin we go with the $99 pair.

Then she asks if we want the warranty. Its $25 for a year. It has a $25 deductible.

Again we say no. IF something happens we are only $50 away from a new pair of glasses. (they run that deal all the time)

It's nice to see the old "BAIT AND SWITCH" is still alive and well.

A saleperson trying to upsell is not B&S IMO :)

No...she was disparaging the plastic lenses as being thick and heavy...it was the first thing out of her mouth.

Even after we said no, she kept hounding on how heavy the plastic would be.

The fact that you were able to purchase the glasses for the advertised price means that it was not a B&S situation. Unethical "sales" pitch, maybe, but definately not B&S IMO :)


The attempt might qualify as bait and switch. She of course did not succeed.

Its one thing to offer an upsell, because I know the value of polycarb over plastic, but it was the way she was doing it that bothered me....
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
65,431
408
126
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
So yesterday my fiance wants to go to Sears to get a pair of glasses they have advertised for $99. She usually wears contacts but likes to have a current pair around.

The deal covers any frames $100 or less and plastic lenses.

We pick out frames she likes an proceed to place the order.

One of the first things out of the salesperson's (who happens to be the manager of the optical department) mouth is "You want the polycarbonite lenses" and that "they are $79 more" that the plastics lenses are really heavy (im thinking yeah right).

Again these are for occassional wear so the $99 deal is all we want. So much to the salespersons chagrin we go with the $99 pair.

Then she asks if we want the warranty. Its $25 for a year. It has a $25 deductible.

Again we say no. IF something happens we are only $50 away from a new pair of glasses. (they run that deal all the time)

It's nice to see the old "BAIT AND SWITCH" is still alive and well.

A saleperson trying to upsell is not B&S IMO :)

No...she was disparaging the plastic lenses as being thick and heavy...it was the first thing out of her mouth.

Even after we said no, she kept hounding on how heavy the plastic would be.

The fact that you were able to purchase the glasses for the advertised price means that it was not a B&S situation. Unethical "sales" pitch, maybe, but definately not B&S IMO :)


The attempt might qualify as bait and switch. She of course did not succeed.

Its one thing to offer an upsell, because I know the value of polycarb over plastic, but it was the way she was doing it that bothered me....

If the "upsell" offer bothered you & your fiance, file a complaint w/ your local BBB; ranting here will not help IMO GoPackGo. :)
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,920
2,161
126
I hope she knows that if she has a strong perscription and got plastic lenses, the glasses will look like Coke bottle bottoms. The polycarb upgrade would have been a wise choice.

Upselling isn't bait & switch---it's giving you options. The salesperson was probably a bit discouraged about you not upgrading because she knew what the glasses were going to look like and that she wouldn't be happy.
 

GoPackGo

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 2003
6,521
598
126
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
So yesterday my fiance wants to go to Sears to get a pair of glasses they have advertised for $99. She usually wears contacts but likes to have a current pair around.

The deal covers any frames $100 or less and plastic lenses.

We pick out frames she likes an proceed to place the order.

One of the first things out of the salesperson's (who happens to be the manager of the optical department) mouth is "You want the polycarbonite lenses" and that "they are $79 more" that the plastics lenses are really heavy (im thinking yeah right).

Again these are for occassional wear so the $99 deal is all we want. So much to the salespersons chagrin we go with the $99 pair.

Then she asks if we want the warranty. Its $25 for a year. It has a $25 deductible.

Again we say no. IF something happens we are only $50 away from a new pair of glasses. (they run that deal all the time)

It's nice to see the old "BAIT AND SWITCH" is still alive and well.

A saleperson trying to upsell is not B&S IMO :)

No...she was disparaging the plastic lenses as being thick and heavy...it was the first thing out of her mouth.

Even after we said no, she kept hounding on how heavy the plastic would be.

The fact that you were able to purchase the glasses for the advertised price means that it was not a B&S situation. Unethical "sales" pitch, maybe, but definately not B&S IMO :)


The attempt might qualify as bait and switch. She of course did not succeed.

Its one thing to offer an upsell, because I know the value of polycarb over plastic, but it was the way she was doing it that bothered me....

If the "upsell" offer bothered you & your fiance, file a complaint w/ your local BBB; ranting here will not help IMO GoPackGo. :)

Well theres rant and then there is anger...just wanted to rant. If I was truly angry, I would have filed a complaint with my states attorney generals office.

The BBB is a sham.
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
65,431
408
126
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
So yesterday my fiance wants to go to Sears to get a pair of glasses they have advertised for $99. She usually wears contacts but likes to have a current pair around.

The deal covers any frames $100 or less and plastic lenses.

We pick out frames she likes an proceed to place the order.

One of the first things out of the salesperson's (who happens to be the manager of the optical department) mouth is "You want the polycarbonite lenses" and that "they are $79 more" that the plastics lenses are really heavy (im thinking yeah right).

Again these are for occassional wear so the $99 deal is all we want. So much to the salespersons chagrin we go with the $99 pair.

Then she asks if we want the warranty. Its $25 for a year. It has a $25 deductible.

Again we say no. IF something happens we are only $50 away from a new pair of glasses. (they run that deal all the time)

It's nice to see the old "BAIT AND SWITCH" is still alive and well.

A saleperson trying to upsell is not B&S IMO :)

No...she was disparaging the plastic lenses as being thick and heavy...it was the first thing out of her mouth.

Even after we said no, she kept hounding on how heavy the plastic would be.

The fact that you were able to purchase the glasses for the advertised price means that it was not a B&S situation. Unethical "sales" pitch, maybe, but definately not B&S IMO :)


The attempt might qualify as bait and switch. She of course did not succeed.

Its one thing to offer an upsell, because I know the value of polycarb over plastic, but it was the way she was doing it that bothered me....

If the "upsell" offer bothered you & your fiance, file a complaint w/ your local BBB; ranting here will not help IMO GoPackGo. :)

Well theres rant and then there is anger...just wanted to rant. If I was truly angry, I would have filed a complaint with my states attorney generals office.

The BBB is a sham.

You titled the thread "Sears Rant," GoPackGo ;)

BTW, why do you consider the BBB a "sham?" :confused: I've filed a few complaints through them over the years and each and every time I've won as a complaint. :)

 

GoPackGo

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 2003
6,521
598
126
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
So yesterday my fiance wants to go to Sears to get a pair of glasses they have advertised for $99. She usually wears contacts but likes to have a current pair around.

The deal covers any frames $100 or less and plastic lenses.

We pick out frames she likes an proceed to place the order.

One of the first things out of the salesperson's (who happens to be the manager of the optical department) mouth is "You want the polycarbonite lenses" and that "they are $79 more" that the plastics lenses are really heavy (im thinking yeah right).

Again these are for occassional wear so the $99 deal is all we want. So much to the salespersons chagrin we go with the $99 pair.

Then she asks if we want the warranty. Its $25 for a year. It has a $25 deductible.

Again we say no. IF something happens we are only $50 away from a new pair of glasses. (they run that deal all the time)

It's nice to see the old "BAIT AND SWITCH" is still alive and well.

A saleperson trying to upsell is not B&S IMO :)

No...she was disparaging the plastic lenses as being thick and heavy...it was the first thing out of her mouth.

Even after we said no, she kept hounding on how heavy the plastic would be.

The fact that you were able to purchase the glasses for the advertised price means that it was not a B&S situation. Unethical "sales" pitch, maybe, but definately not B&S IMO :)


The attempt might qualify as bait and switch. She of course did not succeed.

Its one thing to offer an upsell, because I know the value of polycarb over plastic, but it was the way she was doing it that bothered me....

If the "upsell" offer bothered you & your fiance, file a complaint w/ your local BBB; ranting here will not help IMO GoPackGo. :)

Well theres rant and then there is anger...just wanted to rant. If I was truly angry, I would have filed a complaint with my states attorney generals office.

The BBB is a sham.

You titled the thread "Sears Rant," GoPackGo ;)

BTW, why do you consider the BBB a "sham?" :confused: I've filed a few complaints through them over the years and each and every time I've won as a complaint. :)

I had an issue where I filed a complaint with the BBB locally and the business I was dealing with was a member of the BBB as well. It got me nowhere.

Did some research a few years back on the BBB and it really turned me off to them.

If a business is trying to screw you, especially in my state, and you tell them you are filing a complaint with the consumer division of the State Attorney Generals office, they tend to take care of it.

It's especially useful if you are dealing with people who have licenses through the state.
 

episodic

Lifer
Feb 7, 2004
11,088
2
81
They took payments from my mother for years on the warranty for her central heat. When it totally broke down it took repeated calls to the corporate headquarters to get her furnace replaced and over 2 months - some of which was last winter.

After replacing it, they goofed the job. She never could get them to come back, had to pay local service to 'do the job right' and mysteriously canceled her account with a balance on it. They have never contacted her for payment of the balance, but this effectivly cuts off the warranty servies she has been paying for for years.

 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
65,431
408
126
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: GoPackGo
So yesterday my fiance wants to go to Sears to get a pair of glasses they have advertised for $99. She usually wears contacts but likes to have a current pair around.

The deal covers any frames $100 or less and plastic lenses.

We pick out frames she likes an proceed to place the order.

One of the first things out of the salesperson's (who happens to be the manager of the optical department) mouth is "You want the polycarbonite lenses" and that "they are $79 more" that the plastics lenses are really heavy (im thinking yeah right).

Again these are for occassional wear so the $99 deal is all we want. So much to the salespersons chagrin we go with the $99 pair.

Then she asks if we want the warranty. Its $25 for a year. It has a $25 deductible.

Again we say no. IF something happens we are only $50 away from a new pair of glasses. (they run that deal all the time)

It's nice to see the old "BAIT AND SWITCH" is still alive and well.

A saleperson trying to upsell is not B&S IMO :)

No...she was disparaging the plastic lenses as being thick and heavy...it was the first thing out of her mouth.

Even after we said no, she kept hounding on how heavy the plastic would be.

The fact that you were able to purchase the glasses for the advertised price means that it was not a B&S situation. Unethical "sales" pitch, maybe, but definately not B&S IMO :)


The attempt might qualify as bait and switch. She of course did not succeed.

Its one thing to offer an upsell, because I know the value of polycarb over plastic, but it was the way she was doing it that bothered me....

If the "upsell" offer bothered you & your fiance, file a complaint w/ your local BBB; ranting here will not help IMO GoPackGo. :)

Well theres rant and then there is anger...just wanted to rant. If I was truly angry, I would have filed a complaint with my states attorney generals office.

The BBB is a sham.

You titled the thread "Sears Rant," GoPackGo ;)

BTW, why do you consider the BBB a "sham?" :confused: I've filed a few complaints through them over the years and each and every time I've won as a complaint. :)

I had an issue where I filed a complaint with the BBB locally and the business I was dealing with was a member of the BBB as well. It got me nowhere.

Did some research a few years back on the BBB and it really turned me off to them.

If a business is trying to screw you, especially in my state, and you tell them you are filing a complaint with the consumer division of the State Attorney Generals office, they tend to take care of it.

It's especially useful if you are dealing with people who have licenses through the state.

The fact that it got you "nowwhere," isn't representative of the BBB as a whole IMO. Each and every time I made a complaint, I had to document the issues w/ the company I was filing against and it took time to make sure the whole "situation" was on "paper."

File a complaint in your state and report back GoPackGo. :)