wtf? tuesday: amway bitch
kelly | 25 October 2005 - 12:56pm
My brother and I were at Target on Friday when a woman came up to me. I recognized her because she used to be a local tv anchor here. "I just love your purse," she gushed. "Where did you get it?" I smiled and told her I'd gotten it in London. I expected her to keep walking, but she proceeded to start up a conversation. She was very friendly and asked us both our names, and then said I looked familiar to her and asked where I worked. After five minutes, I thought it was a little strange that she was still chatting with us, but then she mentioned that she was a stay-at-home mom (she had her baby with her) and so I figured maybe she just wanted some adult conversation, even if it was with strangers. Fair enough. And like I said, she was really friendly and I was actually enjoying our conversation. Finally she said goodbye, but not before asking us our names a second time.
As we walked away, my brother said, "That's not good."
"Huh?"
"She and her husband were the ones in charge of that stupid meeting I went to last year. Remember? The one where they were recruiting for the 'cutting edge business' that is basically a revamped Amway?"
"Oh, yeah. I remember you got tricked into going to that."
"Yeah. And I'm highly suspicious about why she asked us our names a second time. She's totally writing them down right now with plans to recruit us."
"You think? Nah. I mean, if she wanted to recruit us, she would have done so. She just liked my purse, dude."
Yeah, so yesterday morning I got a call at work. From her. Apparently from our conversation at Target she could tell that I'm very smart and motivated and would be perfect for this cutting edge business she and her husband have. And wouldn't I like to have some extra income on the side? And wouldn't I like to come to an informational meeting that evening at the Sheraton to learn more about it? And wouldn't I like to bring my brother along? And what was his name again?
But the thing is, she didn't call me because she had met me at Target. No, she "met" me at Target so she could call me. I am absolutely certain that she targets people at Target, that she goes there with the purpose of befriending people so she can call them later and recruit them for fucking Amway.
In fact, at one point on the phone she said something about how I'd recognize her husband at the meeting since I'd met him at Target. But um, her husband wasn't at Target! She must do this so much that she gets all of her "impromptu" conversations mixed up!
I don't know why this whole thing bothers me so much, but it SO does. Okay, yes, I do know why it bothers me. It is insincere. It is misleading. She is engaging people in conversation so that she can obtain enough personal information to track them down and to establish enough of a rapport that when she calls later about the business, people will think she's doing them a favor, will think it was all just a lucky coincidence that they happened to run into her at Target and now she wants to offer them a chance of a lifetime. And of course, it helps that she is a local "celebrity," one whom people once trusted to provide accurate information to the community. Granted, it's an absolutely brilliant recruitment tactic, but it is so underhanded that I'm just completely disgusted. And I feel used. And I do NOT appreciate her preying on people at Target. Target is a happy place, it is a friendly place, and it is my place - BACK OFF, BITCH.
And I think what bothers me the most is that she didn't actually like my purse.
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OH HELL NO SHE DI'INT!
I hate overly agressive marketing musketeers. Back the fuck off already. KSta, post a picture, and I'm sure all your blog friends will ooh and ahh over your lovely French find that the unclassy, forgetful, neurotic bitch used to reel you in.
Ahhh, that felt good.
She has quite the con going...impressive actually.
Really, if you think about it, it's about as bad as targeting people at church. People are happy and friendly and chatty, and she is TAKING ADVANTAGE. Baby Jesus is crying right now.
Ya know, if you really don't want to see her stalking the Target, you can talk to the management there about her using the parking lot to harrass people and trying to sell products.. Target does NOT like that shit, as they don't even allow bell ringers on Xmas because they dont want their customers bothered in any way....
You have the power to be a bitch, I see it in you clearly my child, go with it, embrace it, reclaim your Target and your happy zone. Never walk the Target lot in fear, it is a holy place.
Sounds like one of those tricky "not-a-pyramid-scheme" schemes to me. How the heck did she get your phone number, especially work? (I don't remember you mentioning giving it to her, but I can't go back and check without losing what I'm writing, gah!) These people are SO MANIPULATIVE.
Go to the meeting. And in the middle of the speech, tell people there, that they should buy products at Target. That Target rules. See Spot Save. How target has PPP. Does Amway have PPP? No I don't think so. Aks them why THEY were at Target if Amway offers such good deals.
Convert people to Target-ism.
OMG! That has totally happened to me and TGIM, but it was at Kohl's. And I TOTALLY knew what was up, but TGIM? Not so much. I kept trying to walk away and he would NOT stop talking with this freaker! When I finally managed to pull him away, he was all, "Gosh! Rude, much?" (well probably not those exact words, but whatev) and then we had a conversation much like yours and Rob's, except reversed.
Wait. What were we talking about?
I HATE the sneaky, slimy, misleading, insincere, deceptive, two-faced, fake, trying to suck you in under false pretences people that call themselves Amway or should I say "cutting edge business" scammers. Had dealings with? Yeah, maybe just once or twice.
MMMMM-HMMMMM, she SO did, yonzie. And let me just say that she couldn't have pulled off a European purse anyway. Hmmph.
What gets me, Grace, is that the business itself is legitimate. Not something I'm interested in (and something I find ANNOYING) but still legit. But in my experience, these people always use such sneaky methods to get people involved that it makes the whole thing seem sketch. And makes me think, Gee, if this is actually something that people would think is a good idea, then why are you so DESPERATE to get people to join?
You're right, Ern - it's just like that! She better watch out cause Baby Jesus gonna smite her.
I seriously considered that, Jess. She isn't selling anything in the store - she's just initiating "friendly" conversation. But she has ulterior motives, and I don't think Target believes in ulterior motives. If I see her there again with an empty cart and a roving eye, I will complain. Right after I whack her with my purse, the one she just loooooves.
Andrea, at Target she asked me where I worked and then she must've looked that up in the phone book. I know, right?!
Oh william, that is an EXCELLENT idea! Truly. And OOH! What if I brought the PPP to the meeting?! That would surely convert anyone who might have already been Amway-brainwashed. Maybe even the Amway bitch herself.
Nu-uh! You mean there are more Amway bitches, cat? See, I've always considered myself fairly cynical, so you would think that I would have been suspicious of a person being nice to me for no apparent reason. And you know, I think I would have in any other store. But it was Target! Everyone is friendly there for no reason other than that they're at Target. I just didn't think bad things could happen there...
WORD, Di. Mondo WORD.
Ah retrospect! The mister came home from the grocery store one day when we lived in Maryland, telling me of this man who had befriended him in the store, chatting up a storm. Trying to set up a golf date.
We were unlisted. HA!
First, I love how so many of your posts are beginning with, "I was at Target the other day...". You're putting that place to good use!
Second, I can't believe she called you at work! That is so rude. I've never had to deal with something like that and I hope that doesn't change.
And last, I think we need to see this purse. I'm sure it's lovely.
Creepy. Just plain old creepy.
Holy shit mrtl, these people are everywhere! Unless, you know, he was just hot for mr. mrtl. (I'm just saying...)
Bente, the Target visits are getting out of control. Somebody needs to STOP ME. (But please don't.) And I ALSO can't believe she called me at work! It IS so rude. Unfortunately, I was so taken aback that I didn't think to tell her so.
Krank, tell me about it.
I have to agree the woman has creepy business tactics! I think you should turn her in to the Target Police. Have you considered incorporating your love of lists with your Target posts and listing each day what you purchased at Target in your previous visit? Ummmm, you know, just for pure entertainment value...just a thought...
Aw, she did, too, like your purse. That's a fabulous purse. But the rest is just disturbing. I'm trying to think how desperate I would have to be, to do what she's doing. Anyhow, like Jess said, it may be worth mentioning to Target management. If her craziness is going to diminish your Target joy, well, that shit ain't right.
I have an idea: go back to Target (since you're going to already) take her PICTURE in the parking lot, email it to Target headquarters and post it online.
Its an idea, ok?
Weetzie, omg that is a great idea! Why didn't I think of that?
Pretty desperate indeed, Susie. And thanks for giving my purse a little love.
Hi whfropera! Ooh, what if I take it a step further and put her photo on flyers that say AMWAY BITCH and tape them up all over town?!!! Do you think that's taking it too far? Because I totally don't.
That totally sucks! Definitely clever, but sooooooo wrong.
One of my good friends is into Amway, but over the 10 years I've known her, neither her or her husband has tried to get me involved. I was sure they would, but they never have. Thank God.
If you need me to I'll head right over to Redneck Valley Target and kick some Amway B*tch Butt! I'm there just say the word!
Momo, you come on over! If we find her at Target, the butt-kicking will commence. Otherwise, we'll just shop. :)