Though I agree with what others are experiencing . . . let's not blame it all on the salespeople. The bucks stops at the top. Along with the corporate buy out of America & consumer's demand for cheap prices, comes a one focus of maximizing corporate profits, means cutting back (or eliminating) training altogether, putting sales people on the floor who have little or no training about the product, or even how to relate to customers. Unfortunately many young people (16-30) today are not taught even the most basic pro salesman protocal or provided sales training and merely thrown on the floor from the first day on the job, and with little or no training down the road either. On top of that, may never have been taught (by parents) the basics of common courtesy, relating to people professionally, or even a willingness to learn while growing up either. Also realize that most of these kids are making bare minimum salary and receiving little or no commissions.

If we don't watch out, the internet could eventually close down all brick & mortar stores, because store fronts mean much higher overhead. Most companies that offer goods both in stores and the internet are fully aware that more people now go to the stores to simply 'look' & touch their products, but they ultimately turn to the internet to actually buy it cheaper (lower prices, and often, no sales tax charged). As long as this trend continues, not only will you receive less and less sales help/knowledge, but their brick and mortar counter part stores will close down as well, as recently evidenced by my local Barnes & Noble Bookstore recently closed.

Scott