Hangzhou May Day: Just... WTF?!
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Hey, ladies, today I just have to vent about something that happened. This is purely my personal frustration and not targeted toward anyone specifically. As for which person or store was involved, I'll be keeping it rather vague, but I couldn't keep it in anymore!
I got there at the shop early, around six in the morning,to get a limited edition item that's super popular right now.
When I arrived, no one else was there yet. I was so excited I took a picture with my friend and said, "Look! I'm number one!"
Around seven, a guy suddenly showed up (let's call him B). He actually claimed he was there early but went to use the restroom and came back to see that I was already here. In his attempt to take the first place spot, he kept talking to me as if I didn't already know. I feigned ignorance by smiling and ignoring him.
By eight o'clock, a woman (let's call her A) joined us, and the man B stepped out of line and gave his spot to A (a couple - we later found out), moving behind to form a new line. My other friend also arrived, making her stand in queue behind me.
Finally, they opened the doors!
I was the first to check out, then dashed to snatch another coveted "bunny" (many popular items have cute nicknames like this bunny — a highly sought-after collectible).
I thought it would be nice to get two more for my friends who were still in line. I asked the seller, "Is there a limit on how many we can buy?" The seller confidently replied, "No limits!" So, I grabbed three (only three left).
Suddenly, A rushed over yelling, "You can't take three! I want one too! You must give it to me."
I thought everyone's a girl, so let it be. So I went back to ask the seller again – "Really? Truly unlimited? If so, I’d like the rest."
Again, that guy B, rushed over yelling at me, “Your friends are supposed to be behind you, they won't be able to buy; you can’t save any for them!” And he even tried to snatch the bunnies away from me!
Naturally, I argued back. A male clerk suddenly interrupted between us. "This toy has a limit," He said impatiently while urging me to give the bunnies to guy B.
There was really nothing I could do since I was just a girl standing against two men with opposing views. Finally, I allowed one to be taken away from me.
What makes it worse is, a few minutes later when I was chatting leisurely with my friend inside the store, the clerk came over again and said,
"You can put the items down and walk out if you don't complete your purchase in fifteen minutes!" He only came up to me and not any other customers in the store!Here's what bothers me:
Who gets to decide these "rules"?
You yourselves say 'no limit', not限购（original Chinese term for 'limit'), the official platforms never mentioned it, the sales people said 'nothing limits the buy.' So what if I really bought three? I'm giving two to my friends and keeping one for myself. What's wrong with that?
Why should touching and snatching be okay?
That guy B, when he ran through me with snatches, I get that everyone wants the hot item, but snatching over words is crossing the line. There was even A trying to give me an attitude after I gave her one of the bunnies. Seriously, who was bullied here?
The clerk's unfair treatment:
The final male staff member had some ulterior motive, did he pick on me and my friend because he thought we were easy targets? The store mostly had couples and/or male customers. Why the rush to us? That's just unfair.
Important reminders to those planning to queue for hot deals in the future:
Make sure to clarify 'limited purchase' rules, best with evidence:
If sold out during checkout or if different clerks give different answers, take a screenshot of any information on the official website before entering the store. Before entering the store, ask about the rules clearly and make sure to record it with your friend or record audio if possible.
Watch out for 'line-cutting' or 'position stealing' tactics
Some people may try and cut you off with various excuses like, "My friend helped out." If you're the first, take a picture to prove your point. If someone keeps pushing their line, stand your ground but watch out for your own safety.
Be careful when encountering demanding or aggressive customers:
Some people might force their way to get popular products. Some will be verbally aggressive and others might start to move aggressively. If they are only verbally aggressive, you can counter with your own points. However, when they start to snatch and show violent tendencies, protect yourself as priority. Try seek help from other staff members or store security personnel.
Be cautious of unfair clerks' treatment:
Sometimes clerks may treat customers differently due to various reasons. If there is improper treatment from anyone, try speaking to the store manager. Record the clerk's number if possible.
Just briefly explaining why I am upset: I've been collecting the "bunny" series since it wasn't hot. Every single one is a treasure. Even when helping others, I always take what I buy at face value, charging a very low fee for all models. It is just my passion as a collector, not because of the price.
I really feel offended this time, feeling some people have no bounderies when it comes to things. I hope everyone encounters a friendly shopping environment instead.
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The streamer only managed to snag one of the last three, and then a girl even got upset with them, ha!
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If there's no purchase limit, the store clerk should be blamed, not me.