“World-Class” Pinoy Hospitality: National Bookstore 01

I don’t normally disturb Sales Reps when I visit their stores/boutiques, except when I badly need assistance. In this scenario, I was trying to buy a hanging folder frame for my home files. I searched every aisle and corner of the store (office supplies, school supplies, even in toys and college books) but was not successful. Finally before heading out, I approached a Sales Lady to ask. This happend last Saturday at around 5 in the afternoon.

Jose: (very politely) Excuse me, itatanong ko lang sana kung may available kayo na hanging folder frame?

Sales Lady: (very confused) Huh?

Jose: (still very politely) Yung pinaglalagyan ng mga hanging folders, ginagamit sa office.

Sales Lady: Ahh… (pauses, looks around) Kasi, nasa loob yun eh, hindi naglalabas ng stock for display.

Jose: (working on politeness) Ganun ba? Pwede ko bang makita kasi kung okay siya bibilhin ko na.

Sales Lady: (approaches another Sales Lady, whispers to her, then gets back to me) Ay, sorry, out-of-stock pala.

Jose: Okay.

Somehow I’m not sure if she’s telling the truth or she’s just making me go away since it will require ‘a lot’ of effort for her to sell me something that’s not even on display.

Moral Lesson: Being nice all the time will get you nowhere.