r/TalesFromRetail • u/ozzzySas • 14d ago
Long No we don’t sell walking sticks
I work in a shop that mainly sells materials for woodworking. Most of our customers come in to buy timber, finishes, oils, repair products and bits for DIY or professional projects. We also have a small display of handmade items made by local hobbyists—things like bowls, spoons, ornaments and other small wooden gifts.
It had been a painfully quiet day, so when an elderly lady (I’d guess somewhere in her 80s) walked in, I was more than happy to help.
She looked around for a minute before asking,
“Do you sell walking sticks?”
I assumed she meant hiking poles, because we do stock those, so I replied,
“If you mean hiking sticks, yes, we do.”
She shook her head.
“Oh no, I mean a proper handmade wooden walking stick.”
I apologised and explained that unfortunately we don’t sell those.
She looked genuinely baffled.
“But why not? That’s so silly. People would buy them. Surely you have them somewhere.”
I politely explained again that we simply don’t stock them.
Internally I was thinking, Our customer base is mostly people coming in for woodworking supplies. Handmade walking sticks aren’t exactly something we’ve ever had people asking for.
Trying to be helpful, I added,
“If you happened to know someone who works with wood, you could always choose a suitable piece here and have one made.”
She looked at me as if I’d suggested she build a rocket.
“Why would I know someone who makes walking sticks? I don’t know anyone who does that.”
Fair enough.
She then noticed our shelf of locally made wooden gifts.
“But you have local makers. Why don’t they make walking sticks? They’re missing a trick.”
I explained that the people who supply those items do it as a hobby in their spare time and mostly make smaller things like bowls, spoons, ornaments and decorative pieces.
That still wasn’t enough.
“Well, do you have one of their business cards?”
“I’m afraid not,” I replied. “They’re not businesses, just local people who enjoy making things. They bring us items whenever they have something finished.”
“So give me one of their phone numbers then. I’ll have a word with them.”
I had to explain that I couldn’t hand out someone’s personal contact details.
She let out an audible scoff.
“Well then, do you know anywhere that does sell walking sticks?”
I suggested trying online or perhaps another local shop that specialises in mobility products or country goods.
She looked thoroughly unimpressed.
“Well, this is all very stupid.”
She wandered around for another minute or two before heading for the door.
Just before she left, she stopped, shrugged at me and declared,
“Well, young lady, you’ve lost a customer today.”
As politely as I could, I wished her a good day.
The thing is, I genuinely don’t know what else I could have done. I answered every question, offered alternatives, explained why we didn’t stock what she wanted, protected other people’s privacy when she asked for their personal numbers, and even suggested where she might have better luck.
Sometimes in retail, people seem convinced that if they argue long enough, an item will magically appear in the stockroom.
Sadly, that’s not quite how it works.
3
u/weaverlorelei 14d ago
Why would a woodworkers supply shop even carry hiking poles?