BB&B- Bad experience registering

c1emery

Hi All... Sorry, I need to vent:

We went to register yesterday at Macy's & BB&B. Macy's was great. BB&B... not so much. First the Bridal consultant pushed hard for us to get formal china, which we do not need since my mom will be passing hers onto me. It's a really pretty set from the 70's. I love vintage.

Anyways, she went on to say how much we needed it and went to find table linens to match the one style we mentioned we liked. She then asked, so should I scan this for you. We were feeling SUPER pressured. She was being really pushy, which I wasn't expecting from BB&B of all places. When we told her we really appreciate your help, but we want to look around, she said, oh but I'm supposed to go with you room to room and scan items you like. Pardon me? We basically insisted we would be doing this. I know she was trying to help, but she made us feel like we were 12 years old. We're perfectly cabable adults. Then she pushed the Kitchen-Aid $400 mixer. She said we "needed" it. Actually, we don't. 

We are saving money right now by staying in a one-bedroom apt so we don't have a lot of room to store many gifts. We want a healthy registry, but not huge. We also explained this to her and she said oh but you need 3 times the amount of guests you have. That kind of pushiness makes me not want to recommend this retailer to anyone. Not very good service. It made us pretty uncomfortable.

Anyone else with this problem? Or are we just the lucky ones? Ha!
Thanks ladies.

AdeleDazeem

From what I've read on here, BBB is about 50-50 on this.  We registered there and the girls left me alone.  I went without my husband to set up a registry and was clear that we were going to do it together online later that day.  They said great, set it up, and let me be. 

We went back about two months later to complete the registry with the discount and they were so awesome about getting anything that wasn't in their store from another and shipping it to us free.  We were even allowed to grab a few extra things that weren't on our registry but get the discount for them.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience!  Not all BBBs are like that and I don't even think all the salespeople are like that.  You got a bad duck.  You can manipulate your registry online (delete what you don't want), add different stuff, or even just go back a different day to try again with a different person.

Avion22

Yeah, when we went to BB&B, the guy wanted to walk around with us too.  We talked him out of it.  I'm pretty resistant to high-pressure sales tactics.

My advice would be to go online and edit all of the extraneous items off of your registry.  You can also add things on there or change quanitities.  

Don't recommend them if you don't want to, that's your prerogative.  I won't be recommending them because their quality control on stuff we received from our registry was REALLY bad (sets that supposed to have 4 plates only had three, glasses were broken, some things just never made it into the shipment), and their customer service in fixing issues has been really poor.  They used to be one of my favorite stores, and now I don't think I'll ever shop there again...

GoodLuckBear14

DH actually had to tell the BB&B woman that if we so much as saw her on the floor again, we were walking out and registering somewhere else.

melanieky

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_bbb-bad-experience-registering?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:34Discussion:0bb80658-899c-4b74-b6d0-90f0bb489a59Post:2a4383d8-ed59-49c7-8809-8daefa94805f">Re: BB&B- Bad experience registering</a>:
[QUOTE]DH actually had to tell the BB&B woman that if we so much as saw her on the floor again, we were walking out and registering somewhere else.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14[/QUOTE]

That's funny. Yeah if she made you register for stuff you don't want, just go on the website and delete it and add the things you do want! I can't believe how pushy she was. I sorta had that experience when I went to purchase a wedding gift for a friend. The sales associate was tryng to push me to buy the china that was on their registry and I told her that wasn't in my budget and she kept telling me that she could wrap it up nicely for me and how no one else had bought the china yet... I finally told her I was going to browse a bit and just walked away.

cwaggoner07

The lady at BBB set us up and let us be. She asked if we needed any help and I told her we could handle it and she let us on our way.

egm900

The lady that we had just set us up in the computer, asked us if we had registered anywhere else, and when we said we had she said then you know how the scanner works, and let us go off, telling us where she'd be if we needed her.  A

s PP said, delete the things you don't want online.  When we went back to all the stores we registered at to add things, we would say we just needed to add one or two things, and all the associates handed us the gun and didn't say a word.  I would walk in with a print out though so they don't feel the need to print it out and "help" fill in the registry.

divinemsbee

I had a whopper of a time at BBB when I registered. I went in by myself, which I think was the start of the bad ideas. The girl that was helping me was really nice, but, yeah, she went around to every room with me. Which felt a little weird. I had gone to the store a few days before and written down what I liked, and what we needed/wanted, which I think helped streamline the experience a lot. When she asked about china I told her I had already registered for it at another store and she pretty much let it go. She told me to register for twice the number of gifts as guests, which, whatever, I just registered for what I wanted. She also pushed me to register for full sets of things (like bathroom accessories--I took them off online later). 

The happy-fun-time came when we had spent over an hour scanning stuff and went back for her to print it out. The scanner had only stored the first 14 or so things. Seriously. She was so nice about it, and it totally wasn't her fault, so we just sort of ran back around and re-scanned. 

I did spent a good amount of time online taking things off and putting things on and just sort of tweaking. I registered in early May and just last week finally felt like everything on there was what we wanted. I did go with my friend to complete her registry there and they were really nice.

hoffse

My experience was like yours, OP.  The guy was perfectly pleasant but really quite pushy, and he didn't let us use the scanner - that sort of bummed me out because FI was looking forward to using it, and I was hoping it would make him be more excited about spending all day looking at plates.

When we got home we found a bunch of stuff we had NOT registered for or asked for.  That really irritated me, but we took stuff off.  I eventually deleted almost everything off of that registry because I found things at other places I like more and was just really annoyed with their customer service.  But like PP said, this seems to be the experience only about half the time, so they're not all like that.

ElisabethJoanne

We didn't register at BB&B because I don't like to shop there.

At Macy's, we went on a quiet Friday night, and I almost wished we had more help. It's a 5-storey store here, and I had a hard time finding things.

At Sur la Table, while they didn't shadow us, they did constantly ask if we needed help if the scanner was in my hand. We went Saturday to add literally 2 things, namely pancake turners. They took us straight to the Rosle display. Rosle doesn't make pancake turners! Totally not really a big deal, but I don't like how they push that 1 brand, especially when I told them I was looking for a specific item not available in that brand.

Callmefia

I had a pretty good time. I set my registry up online and just went in one morning by myself and told the registry girl that I already set it up and could she just print it and let me walk around with the scanner to make sure I liked the things in person, she was easygoing since I already set my registry up. She did pull the "you should add X number of things" and I said "Yeah well of course I registered somewhere else so I'm not going to add anything else here"

She backed off. I'm VERY frank usually and so I just told them how it is.... If you have the problem again I would suggest just being a total B if they are pushy and/or walk out and let them know you will go to a different store to register then. They should back off, and if they don't, go somewhere else!

I did notice that although she let me walk around alone, they called a "Code X" or something and it seemed like it may have been to let the store employees know I was walking around with a registry scanner because there was pretty much some sort of greeter in each department. In the one department the guy was a little pushy and I just walked away to a different department.

c1emery

Thanks everyone for letting me vent... It sounds like I'm not the only one. It's just so odd to me that of all places BB&B would be like that. It's not the most high end place. I guess I would expect that more out of Macy's.

I'm going to check my registry though! If anything was added I'm not going to be happy.

c1emery

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_bbb-bad-experience-registering?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:34Discussion:0bb80658-899c-4b74-b6d0-90f0bb489a59Post:2a4383d8-ed59-49c7-8809-8daefa94805f">Re: BB&B- Bad experience registering</a>:
[QUOTE]DH actually had to tell the BB&B woman that if we so much as saw her on the floor again, we were walking out and registering somewhere else.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14[/QUOTE]

HAHAHA! I really need to take that attitude if this happens again.

c1emery

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_bbb-bad-experience-registering?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:34Discussion:0bb80658-899c-4b74-b6d0-90f0bb489a59Post:5a36fccb-77e8-4ecb-b665-ccd88e63cc63">Re: BB&B- Bad experience registering</a>:
[QUOTE]I had a whopper of a time at BBB when I registered. I went in by myself, which I think was the start of the bad ideas. The girl that was helping me was really nice, but, yeah, she went around to every room with me. Which felt a little weird.

Yeah, I'm sorry but picking out things for your registry is something that's supposed to be fun. You don't want some stranger there listening in to your conversations. How awkward.
I actually added more to my Macy's registry after I got home yesterday. It can be a bit overwhelming when you're in the store and everything is spread around. We'll see if I'll add anything to BB&B....

tkddddddddd

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_bbb-bad-experience-registering?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:34Discussion:0bb80658-899c-4b74-b6d0-90f0bb489a59Post:2a4383d8-ed59-49c7-8809-8daefa94805f">Re: BB&B- Bad experience registering</a>:
[QUOTE]DH actually had to tell the BB&B woman that if we so much as saw her on the floor again, we were walking out and registering somewhere else.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14[/QUOTE]



No wonder you married him lol!

music11

Ours was super helpful, and non-pushy.  She set us up, and then left us be, unless we had questions.

Cackle6

I'm sorry you had a bad experience! Registering is supposed to be the fun hassel free part of wedding planning! It seems that any store your register at, it really depends on the employees at the specific location, as I had a terrible experience at Macy's but a really great one at BBB.

I work as a registry consultant at one of the big name stores, and I have a feeling most of the stores train their consultants the same way. While we are trained to do certain things (talk about the benefits of china, the reasoning behind adding x amount of items, and yes, escorting from room to room), a good consultant will know when to back off. I take the time to talk with the couple for a few minutes while getting the gun set up to find out how much they would like to be escorted, and those that do want an escort really appreciate it. I also def know when the couple is getting tired of being escorted and can take the hint. And if someone comes in and says "can I just have the gun please" I certainly don't push an escort on them, as they clearly know what they want. However I do like to check in with them at least once during their visit in case there are any questions, and 90% of the time there's at least one question.

Anyhow, just wanted to give a little insight from a consultant's point of view. I honestly love my job, and really just want the couples to end up with a registry THEY are happy with. I'm sorry that not all consultants are like that, cause they should be!

Also, the registry cards and supposed to only be recommonded for the shower invites, not the actual wedding invites, although we do have couples that want them for the wedding invites. But again, I always ask if the couple wants them before printing.

TerriHugg

I had a great time registering there. The lady did walk around with us but she also said if we don't need her help to just let her know and she would leave us alone. At first, I thought it would be weird to have her there the whole time but I'm so glad we allowed it. 

She gave us advice on things we didn't even think of and even looked up stuff for us. There was this luggage in the store that we liked but wanted to know if it came in a different color. She looked it up for us and when I got home it was added to the registry. She even did price comparisons for us because I told her I was concerned about keeping things on the lower end since we are having a destination wedding. She asked about the lighting of the apartment and gave us suggestions on what types of lamps to choose from, etc. 

I couldn't be more happy wiht the service I got from BB & B. So glad we chose to go there. 

erbear84

My experience was a lot of fun, although FI tired out in kitchenwares and didn't really care about anything else.  My girl never talked about china - she was all about cookware.   She recommended a set and since I had no idea what I was registering for, I added it, but I'm planning on taking it off.  I'm going to go back and add things (especially since we're now buying a house) on my own, too.

KBSK12

Sorry to hear of your experience! When we registerd at BB&B, we did have a sales woman walk us around, but she only focused on items we had on our wish list that I created before we went. Yes, they were big ticket items, but it was nice to have some guidance because I didn't know a lot about knives, for example. She actually didn't push the most expensive options and was honest about the good/bad of each product. After that, I said we just wanted to complete the registry on our own and she let us go off to the rest of the store. I had an overall pleasant experience. I think it just depends on the store. 

KT020803

Sorry you had a bad experience. I told my consultant that I had already registered elsewhere (which wasn't true at that time) and then we had lived together for 4 years already and didn't want a big registry in hopes people give us money for a future home. I have gone back since then and added a few things espeicially when I'm cooking dinner and realize that there are somethings that could probably be upgraded. If there is anything (china) that you don't want on there, just update your registry!

ElisabethJoanne

A general tip for people who don't like sales people who shadow: Appear prepared. When we set up our registries, we had our own list of what we needed to register for. We had it out in our hands. I think the consultants got the message we knew what we were doing and so mostly left us alone.

c1emery

It's different for every couple I'm sure. Some couples might want a lot of help and others might not (like us). So you're right, knowing when to back off is a huge plus. We weren't rude, but I'm sure she got the vibe that we didn't want her to scan everything for us. If I have to say "I think we just want to look ourselves but thank you" more than once... it's a sign that she's not taking the hint.

I worked in retail stores for many years, not as a consultant but manager, and I know it can be hard work. You do need to be in tune with the customers needs, otherwise it will turn people off from shopping at that store.

I've since added to my registry from the comfort of my couch

inkstainedpages

We had a bad experience too at BB&B. We already knew what china pattern we wanted so that was easy, but the lady pushed us to pick out silverware and casual dishes. She asked if she could set up the china for us so we could see the whole place setting while picking out silverwar.e That was really nice, but then she made us pick out a placemat style without making it clear that we would be reigstering for those placemats (later noticed they were on there & took them off online). When we were looking at casual dishes she kept pushing us to pick one and acted like we were being too slow - well then just leave us alone!! We were so frustrated and it made registering a complete nightmare, especially when she took us around room to room. We are both quiet people so we didn't say anything but we were so glad when we finally shook her off, although by then we weren't very excited about registering anymore. I kind of want to cancel it and register at Younkers instead but I'm not sure.

lacey3eb

It's not that hard to say "Thanks for the offer, but we prefer to walk around on our own."  That's what we did.  The consultant countered and tried to tell us why it would be helpful for her to help us and I just repeated what I said more firmly.  She smiled and handed over the gun.  I love BBB for their prices and coupons.

AurorasEnvy

I have heard this from other people, but we didn't have this problem.  I assume that is what they are "supposed" to do and how often they do it or push for it probaby varies from store to store and consultant to consultant.

GoodLuckBear14

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_bbb-bad-experience-registering?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:34Discussion:0bb80658-899c-4b74-b6d0-90f0bb489a59Post:511d5bfd-fef3-4bda-8830-00a3175e44f7">Re: BB&B- Bad experience registering</a>:
[QUOTE]It's not that hard to say "Thanks for the offer, but we prefer to walk around on our own."  That's what we did.  The consultant countered and tried to tell us why it would be helpful for her to help us and I just repeated what I said more firmly.  She smiled and handed over the gun.  I love BBB for their prices and coupons.
Posted by lacey3eb[/QUOTE]

Doesn't always work.  Hence DH telling her we'd leave if we so much as saw her on the floor again.  I was actually screaming at her the third time I caught her adding 12 settings of silverware at $400 a setting to our registry after I told her I didn't want it anymore after seeing the price.  I told her that if I went home and saw anything on there that we did not put there, I was printing out the registry, highlighting the offending items and mailing it to the store's general manager and the district manager telling them why the registry was cancelled.  That is what it took to get this woman to back the hell off.

JennaMelyssa

Oh wow. At the BB&B in my town, we had a guy with us, he was actually very helpful and we had a great time. The salesman helped us a lot, giving us opinions about different things, helped with comparing different things. It was great. Him and FI were joking back and forth the entire time. He even asked where the beer section was and he wanted to register in that section. We got lucky when we went.

Cackle6

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_bbb-bad-experience-registering?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:34Discussion:0bb80658-899c-4b74-b6d0-90f0bb489a59Post:8213153d-d3de-45de-9b32-c824df494630">Re: BB&B- Bad experience registering</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: BB&B- Bad experience registering : Doesn't always work.  Hence DH telling her we'd leave if we so much as saw her on the floor again.  I was actually screaming at her the third time I caught her adding 12 settings of silverware at $400 a setting to our registry after I told her I didn't want it anymore after seeing the price.  I told her that if I went home and saw anything on there that we did not put there, I was printing out the registry, highlighting the offending items and mailing it to the store's general manager and the district manager telling them why the registry was cancelled.  That is what it took to get this woman to back the hell off.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14[/QUOTE]

<div>This is ridiculous. At my store, we are not allowed to add any items without the couples permission, and I would assume it is the same for all consultants regardless of what company they work for. If I did any of the things that people are describing here, I would be reprimanded by my store manager. Yes, they want us to get couples to add a lot of items, but the main goal is to make sure the couple has a good experience so they remain customers for life. By acting like this, clearly you're not going to want to return! </div><div>
</div><div>I'm so sorry so many of you have had bad experiences with registry consultants. I would definitely email the store to let them know about your experience so that other couples in the future don't have to go through the same thing. Registering is supposed to but the fun, stress free part of wedding planning!</div>

hoffse

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_bbb-bad-experience-registering?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:34Discussion:0bb80658-899c-4b74-b6d0-90f0bb489a59Post:511d5bfd-fef3-4bda-8830-00a3175e44f7">Re: BB&B- Bad experience registering</a>:
[QUOTE]It's not that hard to say "Thanks for the offer, but we prefer to walk around on our own."  That's what we did.  The consultant countered and tried to tell us why it would be helpful for her to help us and I just repeated what I said more firmly.  She smiled and handed over the gun.  I love BBB for their prices and coupons.
Posted by lacey3eb[/QUOTE]

<div>Ha we tried, and the guy told us that it was company policy that couples aren't allowed to use the gun.  So I asked him why the couple in the next department over was using the gun if that was the case, and he said he wasn't sure why they were being permitted but that it wasn't supposed to be that way.  He was not letting go of it.</div>

mbuckley85

We have had good experiences with BB&B.  I think I would have gotten nasty with the pushy saleswoman in your case.  

Side story: I was at the mall one time, shopping for my foster sister who is 4 at 77 Kids and the woman kept asking me if I needed help and I was being polite and answering that I was fine, thank you.  Well she finally goes "Well, who are you shopping for?"  I LOST IT!  Its bad enough that they ask you more than once if they can help you, but its none of your business who I am shopping for!!  I turned to the woman and was like "I'm just looking and that's really none of your business".  Then I turned and left because the woman started to get all defensive.

Its just my biggest pet peeve ever when people follow you around the store as you are shopping.  Let me shop in peace!!!