do not buy from gerbers - Page 2

What is you want?
It seems to me an employee made a bad call. I've been an employee and I sure wouldn't want my whole life ruined for an incident that in the end really didn't do more than scare you and put you out of some money.
It could have but it didn't.
So, do you want the employee fired? Retrained? Hung? A huge settlement?

How about a set of gear actually designed for your needs, and a new sweater,  and a promise that employees will be watched after a bit more carefully in the future? That would be enough for me as no actual damage was done.
Some acknowledgment from the company obviously is in order but what do you want for compensation?

I think your welding instructor is far more culpable than the store clerk. He should have let you know what kind of protective gear you needed, and made sure you had it on before you started welding.

You aren't alone.

A report to the Better Business Bureau is in order at the VERY least.  What a horrible way to do business!!!

I think your welding instructor is far more culpable than the store clerk. He should have let you know what kind of protective gear you needed, and made sure you had it on before you started welding

I'd have to agree with that.

I also think it's not a good idea to ask advice from someone who's probably making minimum wage at a retail outlet.

The fact they work there doesn't imply they know what YOU need.

Bullpoop! Who is responsible for one's actions? One!
It is totally bogus to be expecting anyone to make your decisions for you. Your teachers, your vendors, your parents...anyone! Guidance? Sure, but that has it's limits.
Now....that said, a good company will, out of concern for future business, make an effort to satisfy you as a customer. Providing you haven't gone way over the line in what is reasonable in your expectations.
If you have a failing in that area you have a vendor-customer complaint that at worst should end up in your refusal to do further business and, of course, your telling everyone you know how your experience went. That's it. They didn't make you buy anything.

Your instructor? Did he/she make you do anything against your will? Failure to provide guidance is not a crime, it is a personal failing. Spread news of that failing as you see fit. It is your right to do so....if you want to.

I have a hard time understanding why someones rant about a salesperson that did not pay attention to their customer has turned into a total FLAME against the OP.

Relax people!!!!

I'm in agreement...

In addition, sales clerks need to know their product, teachers ARE responsible for educating kids (thats what we pay them for) especially when it is a safety issue.  Original Poster you did good by communicating your concern about a product.  You were very responsible for making sure that others knew to watch out for a similar concern!

Actually that is what I think the proper course of action is. Although it wasn't a product but a suggested purchase in this case.
Too often stuff like this turns into witch hunts seeking a responsible party when that party is always the one who made the ultimate decision.
Sorry if that view offends.

I weld... I have burnt my self many times doing it...... I don't see how its a clothing salesman or stores job to know or could know what is ok to wear for all the jobs there customers do. Just like mechanics wearing belts with leather buckles. You only know that stuff if you do that job.

ditto