May I help you?

Riddle me this:

Is there such a thing as being TOO helpful?

It's great when you're in need of assistance and someone is there to help you, but what if that someone won't stop helping you - even after you've already been helped?

Take for example my trip to Best Buy (hereafter known as BB).

To me, BB employees have always been overzealous. They're just always out to help you. Here's how my trip went:

(I walk in the door.)
BB "Greeter": Hello sir, how are you today?
Me: Fine, thanks.
(I Walk towards the back, to the PC software section.)
(BB Guy #1 rushes over to me.)
BB Guy #1: Hello sir, how are you? Can I help you find anything?
Me: I'm fine, and no. Thanks for asking though.
(BB Guy #1 moves on.)
(I look in the software section and move into another area.)
(BB Guy #2 spots me)
BB Guy #2: Hello sir, are you looking for anything specific I can help you find?
Me: No thank you. I'm just browsing right now.
BB Guy #2: Okay. My name's BB Guy #2 in case you need something.
(I continue browsing, then move a mere row over and start looking at the IPods.)
(BB Guy #2 walks over and moves directly across from me on the IPod display)
BB Guy#2: Still browsing? Tell me sir do you already own an IPod?
Me: Nope.
(I continue to look, completely ignoring BB Guy #2)
(BB Guy stands there a minute with a big smile on his face, as if desperately wanting me to ask him for help)
(I move on to another section)
(As I'm moving to the TVs, BB Gal spots me)
BB Gal: Hello sir, how are you today?
Me: Just fine thanks.
(I keep moving to the TV section)
BB Guy #3: Hello sir, how are you?
Me: Okay I guess.
(I look around in the TVs. BB Guy #3 moves off.)
(I circle around back to where I started in TVs after a few minutes. BB Guy #3 approaches)
BB Guy #3: Sir, do you have any questions? Can I help you find anything?
Me: No questions right now thanks. I'll let you know.
(BB Guy #3 moves off)
(BB Guy #4 heads my way but I move on.)
(As I'm heading towards the exit, BB Guy #5 spots me)
BB Guy #5: Hello sir -
Me: I'm fine, and I'm just looking.
(Dejected looking BB Guy #5 moves off)
(Moving through the exit)
BB "Greeter": Have a nice day sir!

Now, BB employees supposedly aren't on commission, but there's a fat bonus for people who make the most sales. That "free magazine offer" they try to convince you into taking when you're checking out? The managers push the employees to push those things. I even overheard one such manager do this to an employee. So to me it sounds not like people trying to help, but people trying to be your best friend so you'll let them help you buy something.

I'm all for helping customers when they need it. I'm all for friendly employees. But geez, can't I shop for 5 minutes without someone hovering over my shoulder? Many stores, someone will ask you if you need help, and when you say no, they basically just go "ok, well I'll be around if you need anything." They know people are grown up enough that if they need help, they will seek it. They don't need babysitting.

So, anyone else's thoughts?