May I help you?

My answer to the above question is, NO!

I've had it with two particular stores that hire piranha and set them loose as salesmen. One store sells appliances & electronics, while the other sells furniture. I, the customer, walk through the door and find myself surrounded by piranha. I've tried to alter my route in the furniture store as a way to avoid "May I help you?" Unfortunately, they always win. They know all the shortcuts. If you do manage to get out a polite but meaningful "just looking", they back off 10 paces but zero in on your vapor trail and are never out of earshot.

Now, after years of abuse, I've come up with a plan that should throw them enough of a curve to give me time to shop in solitude. Next time I am FORCED to enter that store, I plan on bringing a roll of numbered tickets. (just like they have at the deli section of most busy markets.)

As each salesperson approaches me, I will hand them a ticket and say - "Yes you can help me by waiting to hear your number called. At that time I will need assistance"

I know, I know it's all a big waste of time and energy. Eveyone knows piranha have no hands to hold onto a ticket.