If anybody has ever worked retail, they know what a royal pain in the butt some customers can be. Some are just plain ignorant and others are just plain stupid, and it's usually the guy who wants to buy everything at 95% off who's the worst ignoramus of them all...after the sale.
Over the years of being exposed to the fetid, smoldering dung heap of customers they have to deal with, many staff become weary and leery and "qualify" people when they walk into the store,...a big mistake, but they have become jaded over the years, it's only human nature.
Then, you have the pros. They're the ones you want to deal with. They never judge you, always treat you with the same amount of professionalism if you're buying a spark plug or a new machine. Unfortunately, they represent about 20% of staff, and who, unfortunately for the sour pusses, get 80% of the business. They are tough to find, and you'll know one when you meet him/her.
I too am the type that prefers to be left alone, until I'm ready to buy, because I'm the perfect buyer: informed before I walk into the showroom/dealership, I know what I want and what I'll pay. But, if the sales person is friendly, I'll chat him/her up too before I buy. I like to assess their knowledge, commitment to the sport/lifestyle. Some get my respect, some my money, most only the simple pleasure of my company.
But, the absolute worst type of salesperson is the sexy young girl, in tight clothes and tattoos. I actually resent that and almost have to bite my tongue not to tell girls like that to get real. If I want to chat up sleezey looking girls, I'll go to the strip clubs. They should learn to keep things professional.