National Geographic Fine Art Galleries is a street art installation in Wailea Beach in Wailea. This place has 18 reviews and an average rating of 3.7 of 5.
10+ images
Reviews from visitors:
Five stars for the photographs. One star for the salesperson. VERY pushy and wanted to close a sale desperately. It made the experience distasteful to say the least. I will not be buying. FYI the price of a 1 meter print is $7100! The photographer only gets 5%!
We were 3 adults, 1 teen and 2 kids 12 and 7.. it was on July 31st 2019 by 8pm or so.. The gallery person was very unfriendly, rude, and non communicative. I asked him about a photographer he said yes we have his picture and do we want to buy it?? He never got up from his desk. How does this person get a job like this working with the National Geographic Art Gallery??? Terrible for the good cause..
Salesperson Chris is the most OFFENSIVE SALESPERSON I've met in memory.
I had the misfortune of walking in the Wailea and made the mistake of expressing that I liked a photo, and within 1 and 1/2 minutes wants is wants to know WHY I wasn't going to buy a $6000 - $9000 photo right now, today!?!
After a minute and a half with his bombarding me with three specific hard-core sales lines to make me buy today, I replied slowly, 'You're ...pushing ...too ...hard..." Instead of an apology, Chris responds arrogantly 'what do you mean pushing too hard? You said you liked it!!!!???
He was aggressive and obviously not familiar with his technique being challenged. He seemed to want to belittle me as if I couldn't afford his fine art. (I purchased two Gucci bags next door to Chris' shop and a similar fine art piece in Lahaina within 24 hours.)
I read a hidden review of a customer being treated the exact shameful way only two months earlier - except the "male sales person' that she met didn't allow her to "walk in the door two feet' before he started the pushy salesperson technique and literally insulting her (see Yelp reviews 'not recommended'). Once again, I guess I was lucky since Chris gave me 1 and 1/2 minutes and 20 feet into the shop before his insulting behavior began.
I came in again two days later wanting to get the name of Chris' supervisor. He became aggressive and obstinate refusing to give me either his full name or the name of a supervisor.
A conclusion:
SHAME on Chris for trying to bully customers into purchasing and his lack of decency in a people-driven industry. PT Barnum stated that there was a 'sucker born every minute and two to take them.' Rude salespeople actually buy into that philosophy.
SHAME on National Geographic for their lack of awareness or turning away from an employee's poor behavior. For some reason after reading reviews of the store, I get the impression this is not Chris' first offense (I experienced his arrogance twice in only 3 days). Take responsibility for your people. The buck stops with you National Geographic (glad I spent my $ elsewhere).
We had a fabulous experience. The art is stunning and Chris, our salesman, was very knowledgeable and passionate about the photos. The best thing is knowing that a portion of what we spent is going towards conservation.
On a random visit to the store, we were hooked on the beautiful photographs. Carole was extremely welcoming and informative. As we deliberated on a purchase during our stay in Maui, Carole was patient, courteous and an absolute pleasure to work with, even after we decided not to purchase during this visit. I have full intention of staying in contact with Carole and if / when we purchase it will because of Carole.
10+
10+
6+