Working at a grocery store, I was the one having that issue with the customer… they just strolllling up to my department’s counter, complete with cellphone, no hi, or I would like… before I could open my mouth, they "requested’ (read: demanded) the product they wanted, but continued on the phone with no further word to me… as I was finishing up, I could not even say “good day”, or what have you, as they just walked away yakking on the phone, without even a thank you, or anything else… -Yes, this can be a street that runs both ways…. I’ve also encountered this from the other side of the counter the same way Ellen is getting from this “bright and welcoming” store employee…..
I go out of my way to more expensive stores, gorcery and hardware, for example, to get staff that acts like I am important to them and they appreciate my business.
my friend who woks in a store was threatened with a reprimand because he refused to ignore customers in front of him and answer the phone. management backed off but that’s a heck of a thing. i do feel for retail clerks and folks who have to deal with the public cause not everyone is a pleasure to serve. rudeness is more widespread than one might hope.
Even if you don’t have a conversation, a smile helps.
In our area, many of the store clerks have limited English, but most try to be pleasant. The clerks I find most annoying are the ones who carry on personal conversations with someone else while they are supposed to be helping you. (When I was on call at work, sometimes I would get a phone call while shopping. In my opinion, the right thing to do is to apologize to the clerk then ask the caller to wait a moment or if you can call back.)
The scene; Local Hodware store..Girl hand-scanning ‘my stuff’ nattering with the girl at the next counter about some boyfriend drama in her life, and me, sliding the already-scanned objects back through to see how long it would come to her attention that she’d scanned my 3 pieces of PVC 27 times. She chewed ME out because of all the trouble I’d caused her in getting the register to ‘balance’..After it was all over, I asked her if she’d learned anything out of this experience… I got the blankest look..
Have you noticed the signs all over the outside of the store? “All Items 99 cents” means you really don’t need any common sense at all, just enough intelligence to know what the name of the place you’re working at is. “Price check”, indeed.
Kind of reminds me of something I learned in the Bible, where it says there would be days where people would be “unthankful…. having , no natural affection”, among other things. But there’s always hope! (2Tim. 3:1-5; Psalm 37:29)
Rude “and” stupid! If you noticed that when she went outside and screamed, the signs in the window says that “all” items are $0.99 so why would you ask for a price check? I understand why she went out and screamed now.
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Working at a grocery store, I was the one having that issue with the customer… they just strolllling up to my department’s counter, complete with cellphone, no hi, or I would like… before I could open my mouth, they "requested’ (read: demanded) the product they wanted, but continued on the phone with no further word to me… as I was finishing up, I could not even say “good day”, or what have you, as they just walked away yakking on the phone, without even a thank you, or anything else… -Yes, this can be a street that runs both ways…. I’ve also encountered this from the other side of the counter the same way Ellen is getting from this “bright and welcoming” store employee…..
edclectic almost 11 years ago
And a penny for your thoughts…
linsonl almost 11 years ago
I go out of my way to more expensive stores, gorcery and hardware, for example, to get staff that acts like I am important to them and they appreciate my business.
Zanere almost 11 years ago
I quess its just me, but I have never run into this much.
alondra almost 11 years ago
When I run into a clerk like that I am especially kind and sweet to them. That’s not an easy job and it doesn’t pay much.
jcr2001 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
The kids are in the rocket ride outside of the store
htenhoeve almost 11 years ago
too many stories to tell from both sides of the isle. most folks are ok but the fools are always memorable
Karenscomix almost 11 years ago
I guess I’m lucky to live in a small town. One grocery store, one hardware store, and everybody knows you and are always friendly.
monkeyhead almost 11 years ago
I can’t tell you how many stores have “Once you finish your call we’ll be happy to help you” posted around here. I love it!
paultunes almost 11 years ago
my friend who woks in a store was threatened with a reprimand because he refused to ignore customers in front of him and answer the phone. management backed off but that’s a heck of a thing. i do feel for retail clerks and folks who have to deal with the public cause not everyone is a pleasure to serve. rudeness is more widespread than one might hope.
ellisaana Premium Member almost 11 years ago
In our area, many of the store clerks have limited English, but most try to be pleasant. The clerks I find most annoying are the ones who carry on personal conversations with someone else while they are supposed to be helping you. (When I was on call at work, sometimes I would get a phone call while shopping. In my opinion, the right thing to do is to apologize to the clerk then ask the caller to wait a moment or if you can call back.)
unca jim almost 11 years ago
The scene; Local Hodware store..Girl hand-scanning ‘my stuff’ nattering with the girl at the next counter about some boyfriend drama in her life, and me, sliding the already-scanned objects back through to see how long it would come to her attention that she’d scanned my 3 pieces of PVC 27 times. She chewed ME out because of all the trouble I’d caused her in getting the register to ‘balance’..After it was all over, I asked her if she’d learned anything out of this experience… I got the blankest look..
farren almost 11 years ago
Have you noticed the signs all over the outside of the store? “All Items 99 cents” means you really don’t need any common sense at all, just enough intelligence to know what the name of the place you’re working at is. “Price check”, indeed.
TheAuldWan almost 11 years ago
Went into a “Friendlies” restaurant in Mass. and waitress came up and surly said "Whatda’ want?I replied, “A menu and some manners, please.”
jbmlaw01 almost 11 years ago
Here in Georgia we hear folks from hostile areas falsely accuse our clerks of faux manners. Common courtesy may be the greatest virtue of the South.
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Kind of reminds me of something I learned in the Bible, where it says there would be days where people would be “unthankful…. having , no natural affection”, among other things. But there’s always hope! (2Tim. 3:1-5; Psalm 37:29)
jimmer256 almost 11 years ago
Rude “and” stupid! If you noticed that when she went outside and screamed, the signs in the window says that “all” items are $0.99 so why would you ask for a price check? I understand why she went out and screamed now.