A. I think it is fine simply to say, “I’m looking for a perfume…” From a salesperson’s point of view, someone browsing in silence for a long time can make them feel nervous, so if you have been greeted with “Welcome,” do let them know straight away. (If a shop does not even greet you in the first place, it is probably safer to leave and try another counter.)
When you say, “I’m looking for a perfume,” the salesperson who responds will fall into one of three types.
① The salesperson who says, “This one is popular, and I recommend it.”
For this kind of salesperson, selling has become a routine task, without listening to people, so in all likelihood you will not find the perfume you are looking for. I recommend making a polite excuse and leaving that shop.
② The salesperson who asks, “What kind of perfume are you looking for?” If you have an image in mind or a particular perfume you are interested in, tell them as much as you can and ask to try a few. The best situation is to find a salesperson who talks with you about what you think of the scent, whether there is another perfume closer to what you have in mind, and so on, and tries to find it together with you. If the conversation does not click, I think it is better to return another time or try a different shop.
③ The salesperson who draws out a desire for a particular kind of perfume that you had not been aware of yourself. The difference from type ② is their ability to adapt. Some people will have thought about the perfume they want beforehand, while others may wander in casually or come looking for something nice. Whoever comes in, this salesperson responds in the way that is best for that person and suggests scents they had not even thought of. If you find someone like that, I recommend asking for their business card and requesting that salesperson when you buy perfume in future.
