Twice in the last couple of weeks, I've worked home improvement stores in paint departments. Totally different stores, one is a national big box, the other a local franchisee of a chain. Both times I was helped by a friendly and knowledgeable twenty-something female associates who answered all my questions, overcame my objections and offered guidance colors, paint type, tools and estimates of coverage needs. Great!
Then, they both totally let me off the hook by not steering me towards closing the sale. One did suggest I might purchase a small sample size in a few colors, but didn't ask if I wanted her to do that. Each time I was satisfied with the features and benefits part of the interaction and felt confident in the associate and the product, but they both let me walk! When my questions were all answered and I was certain they had nothing more to offer, I said "OK, thanks" and they each let me leave the department with no further effort.
Having recently retired from four decades in sales and having coached a few sales seminars in my years, I really wanted to say something... anything to get them to nudge me along. But, I know that I can't. It made me a little sad.
Maybe I should start a freelance salesmanship consulting biz, LOL!