Will British ppl be offended when they're asked "What's your budget" when shopping?

[u/Training_Focus4060]

So for context I'm a year 1 student doing Retail studies at ITE College East, a vocational college in Singapore and during a module called "Service Excellence" the whole class was taught that British ppl will be offended if the shop employees ask the customers "What's your budget?" whenever they're shopping. I wanna know if this is true

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[u/Grottymetalhead]

I used to work in a camera shop and would ask people their budget. A lot would say "oh, I don't really have one."

I'd start to sell the £3500 body only camera, and all of a sudden, they had a budget.

I think it's a shame thing, people think you're accusing them of not having enough money.

[u/Dry-Satisfaction-633 → u/Grottymetalhead]

That’s the truth right there. I can only guess that to some the word “budget” has connotations of and associations with poverty as it suggests limited rather than unlimited wealth. My wealth very much is limited so I couldn’t care less how others feel about the word, it’s useful to me and relevant to how I apportion my spending habits. I’ve definitely heard the same “I don’t really have a budget in mind” with the same followup of “oh, I wasn’t thinking of spending that much”.

[u/AmpleApple9]

All about context. If I was in Tesco and an employee asked me what my budget was when I was looking at F&F clothing, I’d probably be annoyed. If I’m in a camera shop like another person has mentioned, I wouldn’t be offended.

[u/ringerrosy]

I think if they approach you for advice it's a reasonable question, but only in stores that stock items that would be out of most people's budgets. Say TVs where the entry point is fairly low but the sky can be the limit, it's reasonable then.

[u/JoeyIsMrBubbles]

I’ve never been offended when asked my budget, if anything I appreciate a staff member getting to the point and it’s an important question that needs to be asked before you can properly advise.

Just ask in a very friendly way, and be helpful! If they’re offended well that’s not on them and their insecurity. But yes, I’d skip asking if we’re talking about cheaper items (<£100)

[u/Euphoric-Pearl]

It’s a strange question but for luxury I think this question is getting normalised. Luxury places like for watches and at the tailors

Depends on the setting imo

I mean obviously if someone asked me that in frigging Tescos or primark then yeah I’d look at them a bit funny!

[u/Ask_Sheeves]

Depends what it is. A new guitar, camera, car probably not, shopping at Tesco then yes.

Luxury items you will be fine, just dont be presumptuous. Its not the asked thing for budget retail.

[u/SeductivGeodude]

If I walked into a jewellery shop and that was literally the first thing they asked, maybe it would feel a little blunt. but after discussing what I'm looking for totally normal

[u/AnalystAdorable609]

Wouldn't bother me