Is it bad manners to go into a running store, try a shoe on, and not buy it?

why would that be bad? How the heck else are you suppose to know how they feel? I'm sure it happens all the time but if it would make you feel better when you go in and they ask if they can help just say you are trying on some different shoes to get a feel for them. You are not expected to buy things when you go in any store and in fact, I would rather be able to try a bunch of shoes on to see what works, even if it means not buying it that day. I really don't think the people who work there care, its their job.

Unfortuately that is how we go out of business.We usually have a better selection and staff than the local chain store.We will try to ensure that you get the appropriate shoe for your running style.This is surely worth something.If saving a few dollars is that important,buy your next pair from E-bay or mail order,but not the one we helped you choose.

Think of an analagous situation in your life and think how you would feel if a similar event occured.

Yeah, I feel guilty if I don't buy anything. It's kinda sad, I walk through the door and they always greet me on a first name basis. Makes it tougher to not buy anything.

I would rather you spend the extra $$$ to support the local store. Having been at a store that went under, it sucks.

That aside, if you are going to do that, be upfront about it. I wouldn't have a problem finding you a shoe, if you told me that you weren't going to get it from us. That way I don't sacrifice the time of paying customers. Because otherwise you really are stealing our service and defrauding us.

That is basically stealing from the store in my opinion. Usually you will pay more at the store, but it is there for you to try on and feel, it is there for you to take that day.

You don't have to buy if you don't find anything you like, but to go in and try it on there knowing that all you are doing is getting the correct size to go online and buy it is stealing the service.

A running store is as much a service oriented store as a product store. If you want the knowledge pay for it. If you know what you need then go off price.

So in conclusion - yes you should feel bad.

I tried on a pair of Teva Protons at REI and then bought them on-line. Is that a problem?

I used to sell shoes for a few extra bucks, and we were paid on commission like a lot of shoe places are. I can tell I would prefer that people not buy the shoes than buy them and return them because they were not happy with it. So no, you should not feel bad or feel rude.

actually i already know what i want, but it's just trying them on first that i'd like to do. so they really wouldn't be helping me, but it just feels weird, kinda like i'm using them. but i'm not asking them to pick it out for me.

you're a shitforbrains for even asking. of course it's wrong. if you wanna buy online, you take the risk of getting something that doesn't fit right and sending it back. big f'in deal. not only are you wasting a specialty store owner's time, you're insulting them as well. forget about right/wrong, why would you wanna look like a shmuck? at least have to decency to go to an outlet self-help store if you wanna try stuff on.

I worked for a running shop for a while in grad school. The owner, who directed 10 of the 30 or so races in town, opened his shop as a clearning house for running events and info, employed local talent (or un-talent, in my case) and generally served as the heart of the running community, once chased a guy out of the shop who tried what you tried. He told the guy never to come back. I think you destroy local economies with all the internet buying, and risk destroying running communities when you do so for shoes. Support your independent running (and book and record and clothing and hardware and ...) shop!

No, you don't know what you want. If you knew what you wanted you wouldn't have to try it on.

You are using their service. Pay for it by buying that pair from them. Then, when you actually know what you want, buy the next 3 pairs online.

It's OK if you're actually going to come back and buy them later. In that case, ask the employee who helped you for their name and if they work on commission. That way when you come back later, you can have it put down as that person's commission.

As a scam to buy from an internet company? Muy malo.

It is all about the bottom line.

In sales if: value exceeds price 8/10 will buy, if value=price 2/10 will buy, if price exceeds value 1/10 will buy.

When running stores use good salesman ship and create a value for buying at their store versus the catalog then they deserve your business. Ultimately, it comes down to customer service.

Many high end running stores will allow you to return slightly used shoes with a proven justification for their inability to fit your needs as a customer. On the flip side, I doubt Road Runner, Eastbay, etc. will allow you to return shoes.

I feel for Store Owner, but it all comes down to value. If consumers see value in a local, available vendor they will buy. If not, they go to the catalog. Price should never be the only consideration for customers.

I will part with a question. Would you buy a car from a mail order catalog or online?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with trying on shoes, and not buying them when they are not right and the price is not right for you.

If they want to sell the shoes, and you like them, tell them to match the price you can get elsewhere.

Store owners who expect you to buy shoes that you deem not right for you, are only out for your money and don't care for you or what happens to you and your running.

In that case, even if you gave them your money they'd make jokes about you when you left, about what a fool you were to buy the shoes and how they suckered you in.

If you liked the shoes, and if the price was right, you would buy them.

If they don't meet your criteria, in all ways, then go elsewhere.

Ask the manager if he/she will match the internet price of the shoes. A lot of stores have a price match guarantee, and you don't have to pay for shipping.

Other than that, it depends on the store. The major store in Palo Alto offers nothing to the running community, so I don't feel guilty trying on shoes there, and buying them online.

Now, in my case I don't try on shoes and then go buy them online. But rather, try them on, but just don't need them now. That is pretty classless to try them on and then go buy them online.

As a retailer in the UK, I see it as very rude to go into a shop, try on a series of shoes and then buy it on the internet. As a retailer we are the specialist and you are coming to see us to take our advice on what is the right product for you.

To go into a store, take the sales assistants advice and then go and look for the product cheaper on the internet, in my view makes you a complete ****.

If everybody were to follow such method of purchasing running shoes, only the consumer would suffer; as we the retailers would stop stocking the best products and buy in the sh**e that gets us a better margin.

Bullshit. Of course they can never match internet prices. They have to pay rent, heat, lights, wages to reasonably qualified employees, etc. Your post is nothing but rationalization of your own cheesy behavior.

2L wrote:

No, you don't know what you want. If you knew what you wanted you wouldn't have to try it on.

You are using their service. Pay for it by buying that pair from them. Then, when you actually know what you want, buy the next 3 pairs online.

My position exactly. Road Runners Sports can sell me the 2-Nth pair of shoes, but the local store always sells me the first one.