Kiosk USA (I have a mental condition that when I get crowded, I start panicking. Walking in a mall is fine, and that’s what I’m doing. I’m looking for a good item for a present, and make eye contact with a young fellow next to a kiosk.) Salesman: “Hello! Would you like to have a look?” Me: “Sure, what are you selling?” Salesman: “These are heated pads to put on your neck! And they’re scented too! Smell!” (He hands me one and I sniff.) Salesman: “Good, eh?” Me: “Yeah. How much?” Salesman: “$20.” Me: “Hmmmm.” *makes a face* Salesman: “But look how nice they smell!” Me: “Well, I don’t really have $20 with me.” Salesman: “We take checks.” Me: “I left my checkbook in my car. I’ll go get it.” Salesman: “Ok!” (I turn to go, but I was so busy focusing on him that I didn’t notice a group of other salespeople, all holding the scented pads, and going ‘Mm! Nice!’ and sniffing them. They crowd me and I start to panic.) Me: “Uh, um, ok, bye!” (I push past them and sprint to my car. Once there I catch my breath and wait for my panic attack to subside. I tell myself over and over how I’m not in any danger, and no one’s going to get me. Finally I go back, having changed my mind about the pads, but looking at other stores.)
Nothing like sales people who think being pushy and annoying is going to get them sales.
It’s OK to tell them to back off. Sometimes they need to be reminded about boundaries.












