Is this racist/judgemental...?

[wagegoth]

I agree that it's culture, not race. Since Kus and I both live in areas with high immigrant populations, we run into differences between the generations of immigrants, especially first and second generations.

I also agree that if we work in sales (among other professions) and want to do well we will learn to read body language quickly.

I no longer work in retail, but I'm very good at picking up on voice clues. It's a huge help dealing with people, especially on the phone. I've found that I adjust my voice apparently without thinking. I can sound like I'm still in high school, or I can sound like Lauren Bacall on her best day, depending on what seems to work with the caller. Bene Gesserit Fu.

[crazylegs]

The Key to understanding race and diversity issues ( I keep being told) is treat everybody according to their needs, not to treat everyone the same.

As far as I can see this is what you're doing.

[Knightmare]

I've worked in sales for so long, I pretty much guessed what your "stereotypes" were. But we are on the opposite sides of the country, so they may be different.

But no, I don't think it's racist. It just your observation, knowledge and experience.

As for the guy in an expensive car and Hawaiian shirt.. that's me! Except for the expensive car. I think I have some Hawaiian shirts that are more expensive than my car (antique, collectible shirts! Real wood buttons! from the '50's and such).

[bainsidhe]

I had to laugh when I saw the comments about haggling. Our company manufactures products that are used worldwide. The person working International Sales told me once that she used to get upset when she would quote a "firm" price and prospective customers would ask if she could then give an additional discount. Nowadays, she recognizes that is just part of their culture and standard business practice. For certain customers, she already has a few percentage points worked into her quote, because she knows they will come back asking for discount. For another customer, she adds a "special handling fee" to the quotation, because we always somehow get hit with extra bank/processing fees when dealing with this customer. Everything is taken case by case, but it is just part of wise business practice. It's just a difference in culture and environment.