January 2007
18/01/07 - I'm well aware of the reputation Transformation have for supplying overpriced items when compared to "ordinary" high street outlets, but felt that for some it was a welcome starting point if shyness, nerves or a whole host of other reasons might preclude using more conventional methods for buying clothes, wigs and makeup.
It's also an established practice to charge more when selling into a niche market, as fewer numbers mean greater margins are required to survive let alone make a reasonable profit. Of course some would argue that Transformation's profit are too great, but do those critics actually know the overheads and operating costs of this company? Probably not.
However, for the sake of this post let's just say Transformation are charging top dollar. Also, that I don't have issues with that policy - after all I rarely shop there, but that's my choice. Last time was 2004 to buy a wig I happened to like. And that was the last time I'd paid them a visit.
Until today, that is. I'd left home at 6am to attend a training course in London, On arrival, all delegates were informed it was cancelled due to a power outage.
Being only 5 minutes walk away from the Transformation Eversholt St. shop I decided to pay a visit, take a look around and use their sofa to fire off some emails before returning home. You never know I might even get offered a cup of coffee.
The shop has changed since last there (pre 2004) it has expanded and been reorganised. I took a look round, but there wasn't much there to interest me - sign of an aging old hag if you ask me. But nevertheless, again, the wigs caught my eye, and I thought I'd ask to try one or two on after I'd sent the emails.
I suppose I'd been sat there a couple of minutes when the "lady" (RG) from the counter came over and asked if I was there for a "Change Away" - their version of a dressing service. I explained that I just wanted to send a few emails and then take a further look around. I was told not to be too long as they got a lot of "time wasters". OK, I got the message, but still intended taking a look at the wigs afterwards.
About 15 minutes later the same person came over and again asked how long I'd be staying. "Another 5 minutes.", I said. To which she responded by telling me her area manager would be in in 5 minutes, and would expect me to leave after 5 minutes. Shortly after that, I got up and asked to be let out as they have a door entry system now. At that she asked whether I wanted to buy anything. She didn't like the answer i.e. "No.".
Had I been treated with a little professional courtesy they may have had a sale from my half-hour stay in the shop, but as a result of the salesperson's attitude not only did they lose that sale, but also the possibility of any future sales. I certainly won't be returning.
Perhaps the moral of this story is if you're going to charge top dollar, then don't harrass your customers and make them feel they are an imposition - then you may just find they'll buy from you.
I thought about removing their link in my links section, but have decided to add a cautionary note instead.
Mind you, I'd still defend their right to charge whatever they like, afterall it's a free market economy and nobody is forcing anyone to shop there. But if you prefer being treated as a fully paid up member of society you may want to consider other outlets before Transformation.
29/01/07 - I've been emailing a gurl by the name of Julie for quite a few months now, and occasionally talking to her on the phone. Well, we decided to meet up in male mode. Then I thought of meeting at V's, which would give Julie the opportunity to dress as she doesn't get out much.
To cut a long story short, it didn't look like having lunch at V's would work out so we arranged to meet up at a country pub in male mode. Well, I'm dead chuffed coz V called this morning to say she's taking the week off, so we can meet at hers. Roll on Friday!