"May I help you?" are the worst four words that a retail salesperson can utter because they don't encourage the customer to talk and put them on the defensive. The four words usually draw out a negative response that stops cold a sales transaction. Examples of better questions to use when approaching customers are "Is there anything in particular that you are looking for?" and "Are you shopping for a gift?" If a fashion salesperson approached you with "May I help you?" chances are you would feel the salesperson didn't care. This line is a rote approach that is so overused by untrained and uninterested salespeople. In fact, most of us shudder in horror on hearing these words. The very meaning of the question "May I help you?" implies that the customer is in trouble of some sort and needs rescuing. This almost always puts the customer on the defense. "No, thank you" is usually the immediate response, even if the customer is actually in need of assistance. The subconscious thought by the customer is often "I'm smart enough to figure out what I want, and I don't need your help!" If customers feel pressured or cornered, then salespeople won't make any sales. The approach has to promote a comfortable environment that makes customers feel there is no rush. Furthermore, if customers just want to look around, they should feel that it is all right to do so. In situations where customers really do want to look around on their own, salespeople should give customers their business cards and keep themselves accessible in case customers have questions or concerns.