Question from a reader:
I recently heard that when purchasing anime figures at a certain store, the staff asks, “Please tell me your favorite scene from this anime” as a measure against reselling. Apparently, if you can’t answer, you might be refused the sale. I’m a bit concerned about this approach. I think such questions could create uncomfortable situations instead. For
example, by asking about a specific scene, the staff might put the customer in a position where they struggle to answer or give an awkward response. If such questions become common, I worry that inappropriate interactions might increase. What do you all think?

Legal and Psychological Issues Raised by Staff Questions When Purchasing Anime Figures

Recently, I’ve heard that cases of staff asking customers, “Please tell me your favorite scene from this anime” when purchasing anime merchandise are on the rise. This is said to be a way to confirm the buyer’s “love” for the product as part of measures against reselling. However, this method carries potential legal and psychological implications.

Background of Reselling Measures

First, let’s touch on the issue of reselling. Anime merchandise and figures, especially from popular works, can see a spike in price shortly after release. This creates situations where resellers buy up large quantities of products, making it difficult for regular fans to obtain them. To prevent this, stores are implementing various measures. For instance, by asking customers about their favorite scene, they gauge the buyer’s understanding of the work and their seriousness as a fan. However, what’s concerning is whether this question is truly effective.

Legal Considerations

From a legal standpoint, what kind of issues could this question potentially raise? First, there’s the aspect of personal information protection. Depending on the question, it could inadvertently draw out information related to the customer’s privacy. How the store handles or stores this information is crucial. Additionally, if the staff’s questioning is conducted inappropriately, it could lead to the customer feeling uncomfortable. If this escalates into trouble, it could result in claims of defamation or emotional distress. In fact, there have been cases in the past where customers have sued stores due to interactions with staff. Thus, it’s important to understand that measures against reselling come with legal risks.

Psychological Impact

Next, let’s consider this phenomenon from a psychological perspective. The impact of staff questions on customers is a very interesting topic. First, if a customer cannot answer the question, they may feel a drop in self-esteem and experience embarrassment. This is rooted in Japan’s unique culture, which is sensitive to social evaluation and the opinions of others. Moreover, while recalling a specific scene can reaffirm the customer’s affection and passion for the work, struggling to answer may also induce stress. If this leads to distrust towards the store, it could have the opposite effect.

Concerns About Inappropriate Interactions

If such questions become commonplace, there is a possibility of increased inappropriate interactions. For example, a staff member’s insistence on extracting an answer or a customer trying to respond “just for the sake of it” could create a negative atmosphere. It’s likely that unintended situations will arise for both staff and customers. I myself have had an experience where I was asked a question by a staff member while purchasing anime merchandise. I was a bit taken aback but managed to answer; however, I wasn’t confident enough to say, “I love this scene!” If I hadn’t been able to answer on the spot, I remember feeling a bit nervous about it.

Is There a Solution?

So, how can we resolve this issue? One suggestion is for staff to provide options when asking questions. For example, asking “Which character from this work do you like?” or “Is there a scene from the recent episodes that left a strong impression on you?” could make it easier for customers to respond. Additionally, it’s important to clearly communicate the store’s policies and objectives to ensure customers don’t feel anxious about being questioned. For instance, an approach like, “We’d like to hear a bit from fans to provide products that are loved,” could help customers feel more at ease.

Conclusion

The practice of staff asking questions as a measure against reselling when purchasing anime figures carries legal risks and psychological impacts. If customers feel uncomfortable or lose confidence, it could affect the store’s credibility. Therefore, it is necessary to explore alternative approaches while considering the content and purpose of the questions. If there’s an environment where fans can share their favorite scenes to obtain figures, it would lead to a more enjoyable shopping experience. And creating such an environment could deepen the trust relationship between the store and its customers.