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No more “stupid guys” at Beijing’s Silk MarketPosted by Dror Poleg on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 12:02 PM
 Realizing that the counterfeit goods orgy might be nearing its end, the Silk Market now tries to boost sales and re-position itself by fostering exceptional customer service among its employees. Late last year, the proprietors have erected various signs around the market, elaborating on proper ways to communicate with patrons. The signs (see image) recommend avoiding sentences such as “Shit!”, “Stupid Guys”, and “Just take it and leave me alone”, while encouraging employees to use “It’s my pleasure to help you” and “looks as though it was made only for you” more often. Thanks to Tami for the photo and the tip.
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Comments on No more “stupid guys” at Beijing’s Silk Market
Sorry, but you just can't teach dogs to meow.
In these hardscrabble market scenarios where sellers are fighting for even a three mao profit, buyers should steel themselves for third world treatment and just be happy they are getting their counterfeited trinket to brag about to the folks back home.
There are many stupid customers at Silk Street.
And what's with the Hallo? Hallo?
Maybe its a stupid market for stupid costumers.
The best is the untranslated "Are you a real man?!" Ha. And they skipped the common, "You can't try that on! Your fat foreign ass will rip it!"
Hunxue'r, how did you figure "sellers are fighting for even a three mao profit" at these markets? I think that on average, they make at least 25% on everything they sell, and in many cases they make 300-400% or even more.
A lot of tourists are quoted a price that is 500%, then bargain all the way down to 400% and walk away happy with their new pair of socks/terracotta warrior/whatever.
Why would a sign in Beijing be written in traditional Chinese? Seems kinda odd, dontcha think?
@Wan An: Thanks so much for correcting me.
Who'da thought an actual Silk Market stall owner peruses English language blogs to keep current on comings and going?? Wow!
Hunxue'r - you own a stall on Silk Market? Wanna write an article about it?
Hunxue'r - who'd a thought a poster on Danwei could be so sarcastic.
ps. Wan An is perfectly correct, even if it does kick your post colonial studies liberalism into touch. The stall holders at Silk Market fighting for a 3 mao profit - are you kidding. Have you seen the rents at that place? No stallholder is heading into poverty quite yet.
After a three day gig in Beijing it was odd to see my colleagues suddenly sporting ugly polo shirts and LV bags and splashy watches looking like noveau riche trash, but they seemed to have a ball getting what they thought was inexpensive designer show off goods.