Advice for New Year's Resolution of body change:What NOT to say in health food stores

[hateraid]

So Christmas is over and now we are looking towards New Years and resolutions. The most common one is for a body transformation. For those of you who's goal is to have a transformation one of the first things to address is diet and supplements, so you're probably thinking of going to a nutrition store. It can be intimidating to go so I commend you for taking the effort and visiting one of these stores. But if you go, there are certain things that are just not acceptable to say in these stores. So to save some embarrassment I will give you advice on what NOT to say and why.

But before you visit these stores here's some initial tips. If your goal is for price please don't go into these shops. These guys are not paid to give quality advise only for you to walk out and shop on an online "discounter". Also go into these store with a mindset that you want to learn. No matter how much you know you make yourself look like a jackass when you only come in to challenge someone or to have your own thoughts validated. Come in humble and with an open mind.

Now Here are the top 7 things NOT to say in a nutrition store:

1- "My diet is perfect and I exercise all the time"... If this were true you wouldn't need to ever visit these stores. Be ready to be given advice on how to tweek your diet and exercise first

2- "My friend/trainer told me"...90% of the time your friend or trainer is wrong. These places will let you know that, and when they do 90% of the time they are right

3- "I have no time to diet or exercise so I need a pill".... This is just an insult to everyone who dedicates time to exercise and diet. You're basically insinuating you are busier that every human on the planet. Everyone works, has lives, but only the dedicated will find time and get results. But if you ever find that pill that can make you lose weight with no exercise, please let me know and I will buy that company and make millions

4- "I want to gain a ton of muscle and get really ripped at the same time"... This is basically a physical impossibility. If this were a possibility then you've just unlocked a secret that no professional body builder has ever discovered. One goal at a time

5- "I want to get big but not too big"... There is nothing in these stores that will get you "too big". You think these massive body builders all of a sudden got too big and didn't notice? It takes months or even years to develop

6- "Does this stuff work?"... Everything "works" it all depends on your expectation and how dedicated your training and diet is or how long you've used the product to even give it a chance. With the exception of protein these are "supplements". Nutrients that compliment what you are already doing/taking

7- After the store person spent an hour explaining products to you: "Thanks, I'm going to go home and do some research"...WTF did that person just do with you for an hour?!? That WAS your research. Respect his their time and advice

Now having said all this go out and see these stores. Remember, this is not meant to insult you, it's advice that is helping you. Also these people are only there to help and it's their passion to see you get the right products and the best results. Good Luck!

[macmac]

So now the retailer is making rules for the consumer? Giving them money is not enough? I have to give them money in a respectful way?

Just funny how you word this, a lot of this stuff is just common sense about not being an idiot or douchebag, but you're making it sound as if the most important thing is not embarassing yourself in front of the cool and knowledgable dude at the cash. Lol a load of bull crap.

Next time I go into a health store, I'm gonna take a dump behind the roided up cut off of some body builder, and ill be thinkin about you hateraid

[1987_Lakers]

Just start running. I started jogging 5 miles a day this year and still ate what I want and lost 30 pounds.

[macmac]

Just start running. I started jogging 5 miles a day this year and still ate what I want and lost 30 pounds.

Are you a spam bot? What the fukk does that have to do with anything? You're like that stupid chick that just randomly says something to boost her self esteem in the middle of a conversation that has nothing to do with her.

[1987_Lakers]

Are you a spam bot? What the fukk does that have to do with anything? You're like that stupid chick that just randomly says something to boost her self esteem in the middle of a conversation that has nothing to do with her.

U jealous bra?

Get you ass off the computer and go for a run you fat f***.

[macmac]

U jealous bra?

Get you ass off the computer and go for a run you fat f***.

I'm 185. How can I be jealous of someone health wise that had 30lbs to lose in the first place. I look like a fkin Adonis you fish

[hateraid]

So now the retailer is making rules for the consumer? Giving them money is not enough? I have to give them money in a respectful way?

Just funny how you word this, a lot of this stuff is just common sense about not being an idiot or douchebag, but you're making it sound as if the most important thing is not embarassing yourself in front of the cool and knowledgable dude at the cash. Lol a load of bull crap.

Next time I go into a health store, I'm gonna take a dump behind the roided up cut off of some body builder, and ill be thinkin about you hateraid

Woah, a little harsh there.

I'm just speaking based on personal experience from being a retailer for most of my life. This may be the only industry where the retailer gets unfairly bullied and yes, the majority of shoppers that do come into these stores are those type of folk that want to come in and challenge and not have any interest.
My goal was not to pump these peoples (the retailers) tires and fill their boots with admiration. It's basically to respect these peoples time and efforts, which in all retail I've ever worked and all the stores I currently service these people put up with a TON of unnecessary bull-shit. Why don't you take the time to ask any of these clerks and see how the REALLY feel about working in these stores? And I'm not just ending it at health food stores, ask anybody in retail how much st!t you have to deal with.
Sorry I'm going off on you here but your response only validated what I think of the very customers I speak of. The fact you took offense makes me believe you are amongst those very type of customers.

[1987_Lakers]

Did you just call me a fish? I am appalled and offended. :oldlol:

What a ****ing square.

[hateraid]

Are you a doer or a don'ter?

In what sense? I'm a little of both I guess?

[phelix2000]

Honestly I think Nutrition Stores Salesmen are full of crap. They just try and sell me the store product. For example instead of Whey Gold Standard Protein Powder they try and sell you the GNC equivalent. Wonder why? Because they make more in commission off of store items. The GNC "equivalent" had a lot more carbs something I don't want in my protein shake along with less important amino acids.

I don't think I have ever walked into a GNC store or Vitamin Shoppe where they don't try and sell me store brand stuff. When they try and tell me why the store named products are soooooo much better I act extremely interested and then pick up what I actually want.

[macmac]

Woah, a little harsh there.

I'm just speaking based on personal experience from being a retailer for most of my life. This may be the only industry where the retailer gets unfairly bullied and yes, the majority of shoppers that do come into these stores are those type of folk that want to come in and challenge and not have any interest.
My goal was not to pump these peoples (the retailers) tires and fill their boots with admiration. It's basically to respect these peoples time and efforts, which in all retail I've ever worked and all the stores I currently service these people put up with a TON of unnecessary bull-shit. Why don't you take the time to ask any of these clerks and see how the REALLY feel about working in these stores? And I'm not just ending it at health food stores, ask anybody in retail how much st!t you have to deal with.
Sorry I'm going off on you here but your response only validated what I think of the very customers I speak of. The fact you took offense makes me believe you are amongst those very type of customers.


I recently went into a health store. I asked about vegetable vs whey protein, what kind of creatine I should take and some specific questions on my current phase. After about 20mins I had to step out to meet someone and I could tell it made him nervous to lose a customer he spent time On. Came back bought all that stuff and he threw in some bars and a mixer/shaker. I didn't need a rule book to get through this social interaction.

I'm not disagreeing with the general points you're making, but I just think it comes across as pompous from someone in a niche service industry. Like you said this can apply to all retail, but you're painting it as if we should venerate these kids and their knowledge of health products. Ie come in humble, lol these people aren't martial arts Masters I'm hoping will unlock the secrets to the universe

[hateraid]

I recently went into a health store. I asked about vegetable vs whey protein, what kind of creatine I should take and some specific questions on my current phase. After about 20mins I had to step out to meet someone and I could tell it made him nervous to lose a customer he spent time On. Came back bought all that stuff and he threw in some bars and a mixer/shaker. I didn't need a rule book to get through this social interaction.

I'm not disagreeing with the general points you're making, but I just think it comes across as pompous from someone in a niche service industry. Like you said this can apply to all retail, but you're painting it as if we should venerate these kids and their knowledge of health products. Ie come in humble, lol these people aren't martial arts Masters I'm hoping will unlock the secrets to the universe

I can tell by how you explained it that that yes this kid was probably a little agitated by having spent time only to have someone walk away. And your intentions may not have been to waste this kids time, but coming from my side of the industry the amount of time it happens, that is how it is viewed. In his head he was probably thinking you could have just researched that over the internet instead of not just wasting his time, but more importantly your time. No slight to you, that is what the retailers see it as. So put yourself in HIS shoes in that scenario.
Again, I am not pumping any tires, nor am I saying the retailer is the be all and end all, but when arrogance comes in it only makes the shopping experience bad for both parties.

If I came across as pompous, that wasn't my intention and I apologize for that. Maybe I should take this down if people are going to find it offensive. I was genuinely trying to give advice that is going to make the shopping experience good for both parties. Because I guarantee you the person behind the counter feels exactly the way I painted it. This message was well received within my industry, in fact it came across as light hearted and jovial and we all had a good laugh. That's why I shared it. As this is not directed to you solely but only someone with a little arrogance can take this as a completely negative message.

To that kid who helped you at the health food store, show him this exact OP and I bet he'll get a good chuckle or anybody in this industry. Maybe it will give you a little insight of what he is going through.

[JEFFERSON MONEY]

Hateraid, tell me what you know about I3G and nutrient partitioning

[hateraid]

Honestly I think Nutrition Stores Salesmen are full of crap. They just try and sell me the store product. For example instead of Whey Gold Standard Protein Powder they try and sell you the GNC equivalent. Wonder why? Because they make more in commission off of store items. The GNC "equivalent" had a lot more carbs something I don't want in my protein shake along with less important amino acids.

I don't think I have ever walked into a GNC store or Vitamin Shoppe where they don't try and sell me store brand stuff. When they try and tell me why the store named products are soooooo much better I act extremely interested and then pick up what I actually want.

You're right in that there is an incentive to sell GNC products but at the same time, there is a valued service to switching you from your Gold standards to the house brand. They are LITERALLY the same thing. Produced in the same manufacturing plant with a different label.
If you find there is a motive then go to a mom and pop shop and ask their advice. I guarantee they will speak against ON gold standard.

[hateraid]

Hateraid, tell me what you know about I3G and nutrient partitioning

I am unfamiliar with the term I3G. Are you referring to a separation diet?

[JEFFERSON MONEY]

I am unfamiliar with the term I3G. Are you referring to a separation diet?

http://www.t-nation.com/store/products/indigo-3g

[hateraid]

http://www.t-nation.com/store/products/indigo-3g

The science behind it is nice. I am too unfamiliar with the product or the ingredient to even make an educated opinion on it.
It's something we haven't explored. But when an interesting product like this comes out I'm sure our research team is doing their due diligence

[Kblaze8855]

If your goal is for price please don't go into these shops. These guys are not paid to give quality advise only for you to walk out and shop on an online "discounter".

I laughed a bit at that. Not that I intend to do it...I just find it amusing.

If you need to know something...you have to ask the people who know and then buy the product from them even if its a lot less elsewhere?

Nobody is obligated to buy anything because a guy in a store did his job. And I say that having worked retail. More than once.

"I just wanted to see what it costs" or "I cant buy it today...." when you know they will get it elsewhere or not at all is just part of the game.

The kinda thing you cant ask people not to do. Its the job of the people there to help. Even if they dont buy anything.

I dont have to buy a car for more than its sold elsewhere because I test drove it to see if I like it....

And I say that having worked at a car dealership too.

[hateraid]

I laughed a bit at that. Not that I intend to do it...I just find it amusing.

If you need to know something...you have to ask the people who know and then buy the product from them even if its a lot less elsewhere?

Nobody is obligated to buy anything because a guy in a store did his job. And I say that having worked retail. More than once.

"I just wanted to see what it costs" or "I cant buy it today...." when you know they will get it elsewhere or not at all is just part of the game.

The kinda thing you cant ask people not to do. Its the job of the people there to help. Even if they dont buy anything.

I dont have to buy a car for more than its sold elsewhere because I test drove it to see if I like it....

And I say that having worked at a car dealership too.

Fair enough. I guess this is coming from a place where most of the people I deal with are struggling to keep their stores open since they compete for margins and online is killing these guys.
Coupled with the fact that your interaction is not the common interaction. The majority of customers that do come in grind the prices to a point the retailer can't match due to margin. It's a sad fact and a reality that the retailer has to face. Pretty soon that service will disappear.
Or maybe retailer has made me completely jaded that this is how I view everyone that shops in health food stores :oldlol: This may have been the wrong place to post these thoughts.