Here is the real problem I have with “May I help you or can I help you?” as an introduction. (Or their cousins, “What can I help you find? or “Can I help you locate something?”). You just fired a missile to delay your customers’ purchase. They have already shopped; they are here to buy. I wish there is way to sound my words louder! I am not upset with you; I am upset that you may have lost a chance to make the sale or going to waste twice as much time on one transaction.
“No, I am just looking. I was so bored today. My life was so miserable that I decided to come to a flooring store to flip some carpet samples for my happiness fix.”