Chatty Store Clerks - am I the only one irritated by this?

[LynneSin]

I'm a silent type shopper. Shopping is my therapy and I use that as quiet time where I'm usually in deep thought about something while I buy my groceries, buy computer equipment, shop for shoes, etc.

I've done retail and I recognize the importance of greeting your customers and maybe letting them know about the specials. But just because I don't verbally acknowledge your presence (I'm a smile/nodder type person) don't hunt me down and keep yelling "Ma'am, Ma'am, Ma'am" like I'm hard of hearing unless for some reason the building is on fire and you're trying to get me out of there.

I had that today PLUS I had the chatty lady working the register (no, I really don't care that your grandson is an Eagles fan like me. We live in the Philly metro area - it's not a strange coincidence).

So is it just me? I want to shop in peace and if I need your assistance I'll come find you and ask. Other than that, please leave me alone and stop bugging me!!!

The greatest invention in my lifetime: Self-checkout lanes at the grocery store. That way I avoid the cashier who decides to comment on everything you're buying at the store! (and yes, I've had that too!)

[FormerDittoHead]

1. Worse: being held up because of them talking to the shopper ahead of you

"So have you seen Mindy?" "How is she doing" "Boy, some weather we're having..."

All the while I'm saying to myself, "stop yacking and scan the freaking barcode"

[LynneSin]

3. Oh believe me, I say something

that pisses me to know end. If you can't chat AND do your job at the same time then STFU!!!

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

37. Your response...

... sounds like that of a production line supervisor, "if you can't chat and work at the same time, then shut up". Learn how to relax a bit, I can see from this thread that the corporate brainwashing is working, even on those that imply by being here that they are "more humane" than those on the otherside of the aisle. It has been enlightening.

[DBoon]

27. I was in line at a rental car agency for 30 minutes

with ONE customer ahead of me for this very reason

[Richardo]

I work retail, and I dislike my fellow cashiers that chat up the customers

Especially when they comment on a purchase (bookstore). I know when I'm checking out I hate the thought that someone is taking notice of what I'm buying. The only comments I make on someone's selection is if I've read it and liked it - then I reinforce their decision by telling them how much I liked it.

[matcom]

2. wow. so you have a thing against being friendly

with a retail clerk who has to do a mundane job and prefers to pass the miserable day by actually being FRIENDLY instead of NASTY! :eyes:

yup. just you.

:popcorn:

[jonnyblitz]

6. no kidding.

geesh. my thoughts exactly. I happen to be a chatty customer. :shrug:

[LynneSin]

11. Nothing wrong with chatty customers

Retailers need to mirror their customers!!

That's one thing I learned in 8 years to be sucessful in sales!!

[jonnyblitz]

17. that makes sense.

i probably misunderstood and got defensive. I always strike up conversations with people I don't know. i wasn't aware that offended and annoyed people..that's what i thought you meant. sowwy. :hi:

[LynneSin]

21. When I worked retail I had no problem talking to the chatty customers

that was part of my job.

But if a silent person came in I gave them space because I know some people don't want to be bothered.

And Jonny, I've talked with you before - you're not a 'chatty' person - you an excellent conversationalist!!

[jonnyblitz]

30. oh i chat em up big time in retail...and the public library..

:D

[LynneSin]

42. Libraries and Bookstores don't bother me unless

they look at what I'm buying and start giving me heck about it.

I always chat with the owners of our local bookstore in Wilmington but I know them from some of the anti-war/progressive activities I'm involved with!

[LynneSin]

7. After 8 years of Retail/Waitressing, believe me there are more of them...

...than me.

There are more folks who want to have a conversation and will talk your ear off if you let them. And when I was behind the counter I would let them do that as long as it was not holding up another customer. But if someone chose not to have a conversation with me I respected that too.

You just want to start a flame war because I said you were too young for Jessica Alba!

:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

[matcom]

13. nope.

i want to tell you that i think it is SWEET that the little old granny ringing up your purchase noticed that you were and Eagles fan and wanted to tell you PROUDLY about her grandson that was as well.

the fact that THAT bugged you makes me go :wow:

[jonnyblitz]

14. i can undertand being annoyed by comments on purchases

but I make small talk with retail employees all the time and now when i go in to these places i get good service and help without waiting .

[LynneSin]

19. But I don't need help when I'm shopping

Hell I'm borderline shopaholic!! Trust me, I know where the stuff is in the store and if I'm in your store I'm there to buy something. I don't go shopping for the sake of looking at stuff.

The strap on my favorite pair of sandals broke this morning and I'm stuck wearing these ugly blue shoes with my brown outfit. When I walked into that shoestore I was there to buy because I'm cringing over the fact that I'm mismatched on my outfit (I happened to leave an old pair of blue shoes in my trunk from when I was travelling this past weekend).

And I'm never rude to the employees - that's why I smile and nod.

You and Matcom are just ganging up on me

Meanies :cry:

[skygazer]

28. Yeah, but the clerks don't know that you know

And they have it drilled into their heads by management that they have to behave this way because it's store policy. Also, they probably have a secret shopping program and when they miss something on a shop (greet customer, ask if they need assistance) etc., they are sent to the equivalent of retail boot camp where they have all this crap re-drummed inter their heads. All for 8 bucks or so an hour.

It's not a real fun job all the time. And it's not easy to maintain an attitude of friendly professionalism when you're being verbally abused by miserable people (and we get plenty of them). I appreciate the fact that you're not rude but a lot of people are and it's pretty wearing.

[WI_DEM]

4. the ones who bug me are the ones who are checking me out

and talking all the time, not to me, but to the person at the next register about their date last night, or some guy or girl they like or whatever. I think you should be professional in a job and that even goes for retail.

[skygazer]

5. Clerks like that are unprofessional

Yes, I work retail and sometimes man the checkout counter. I am just appalled at some of the things checkers will say about their customers' purchases (though I admit, I had to bite my tongue with the guy who came through my line with a bottle of champagne, a dozen roses and a box of condoms).

Some people like to chat so I chat with them. Others obviously don't like to so I don't. But please remember that every self checkout you've used has put somebody out of a job! My company is doing more and more to remove the human element from my store and it's pretty frustrating. :(

[LynneSin]

15. Ok, I just spewed water all over myself

bottle of champagne, a dozen roses and a box of condoms

:spray: :spray: :spray:

I wonder what order he was giving them to his date?

[CitrusLib]

81. Speaking of a list of purchases. This is what I hate...

Going through a check out line with a box of tampons, a bottle of wine and a pint of Ben and Jerry's, then having the clerk ask, "How's your day going?"

Based on my purchases, how do you think my day is going?

I just looked at my purchases, looked up at him and said, 'Could be better.'

I'm usually much quicker at comebacks than that. *smacking head*

[mongo]

87. Try working in an adult store

I bite my tongue all the time... There are a few products we carry that if someone asks, I will discurage them from buying it, and I own the store.

But if you walk up to the counter with china shrink cream (alum), I'll sell it to you - or a blow up doll for that matter, or any of the delay creams. But if you ask me I'll tell you to hit the pharmacy and get some lanacaine instead.

But yeah, when a guy walks up to the register with a maids outfit in size 3X, and it looks like his size, I often want to ask if he would like to try it on first.

Although I do have one cross-dresser who comes in drag. I admire this person's bravery in a small town like this.

[sniffa]

8. you wouLdn't have to worry if i were the cLerk

i certainLy wouLdn't chat you up.

[imperialismispasse]

9. I also like the self ordering computer at Wawa deli.

Since you live in Philly you should know what I mean. :)

But I should also say that normally I kind of like it when clerks chat with me. It makes me feel more like a human connection you know?

[hlthe2b]

10. Moderation key, I guess. I feel very sorry for clerks when..

customers ignore them, chatting away on cell phones, stopping only briefly enough to toss them the debit card or cash. So incredibly demeaning and rude.... I think the least we can do is treat them with respect, make eye contact, thank them, etc.

On the other hand, while I appreciate friendly checkout lane staff, I think the chatty discussion should be limited to only what can bge reasonably said while also expediting the transaction... To hold up even one or two customers for a personal discussion with a customer who has completed their transaction is also rude...

IMHO....

[Missy M]

12. I'm more irritated by the store clerks who chat with each other and

ignore the customers. Maybe the chatty store clerks at the registers think they are being customer friendly and helping the store. I agree with you about self checkout lanes, I think they're the greatest!!!

[Merlot]

16. I hate the way they greet you when you walk in -

like you're their new, long-lost, best friend in the whold wide world...

I'm with you, I enjoy my quiet time when shopping. I don't like it when they ask personal questions either. I don't like it when they yell at me to make sure I know they greeted me. The thing I hate the most is when I have my back turned, and they keep yelling at me...like I am now supposed to turn around and acknowledge them. As far as I'm concerned, if they can't walk around and make eye contact to me it's not my problem.

[matcom]

18. wow

hope you do all your shopping online. the aura of snobbery would be too much for some to bear :eyes:

[Merlot]

31. so now I'm banished to online shopping because you think I'm a snob?

It's my time and money I'm spending when in a store.

And what you consider snobery, some people would consider good manners. Like not asking intrusive questions, not yelling at me from across the store and interupting my shopping experience. A good sales clerk should greet you and then read how much interaction you want from them. I've stood in many a line while the clerk chatted to other clerks. That's rude, and not what they get paid for.

[matcom]

33. "if they can't walk around and make eye contact to me it's not my problem"

i can't banish you. no power unfortunately.

at what point in society did conversation and niceties become an 'irritant'?

[LynneSin]

24. AMEN SISTER!!!!!!

:bounce:

That's exactly how I feel!

[matcom]

how do most store ceilings smell out there?

are the mall store ceilings better smelling or worse than say Target?

[LynneSin]

32. Matcom - you know I adore you

and you're just doing this to get a rise out of me.

Not working

[matcom]

35. you keep making statements that aren't true.

i'm genuinely baffled how communication, conversation, niceties, etc... are an 'irritant'

its snobbery.

[LynneSin]

40. Some people like silence when they shop - how is that wrong

And why can't people respect that? It's not like I was the only customer in that store and the woman hadn't had human contact in 10 years.

And it's not like I totally ignored her - I gave her eye contact, nodded my head and smiled. If I were the store clerk, this is the first sign that says "This is a quiet shopper - allow her to do her thing and every once in awhile walk by her to make sure she's fine and not shoplifting"

[matcom]

59. wear a sign on your forehead then

warning: anti-social shopper. approach at own risk

[LynneSin]

63. You know as someone who has WORKED retail for 8 years

the eye-contact, smile & nod was the universal sign that the customer doesn't really want alot of attention paid to them.

I am in no way rude to the employees I just ask in return that if I am having quiet time that someone respects that quiet time.

I don't understand what the big deal is? People stop bugging me and I'll probably spend MORE money; whereas this lady who had a sure sale in shoes today made me leave the store (and now I'm still stuck with wearing blue shoes with my brown outfit but fortunately I have no afternoon meetings and I'll just stick at my desk the rest of the day).

Geez Matcom, anti-social is harsh for a gal who has been a major social co-rdinator and events attender here at DU for the last 3-4 years.

[matcom]

64. everybody has their 'comfort' zones

and in a previous life, i have 4 years retail and 12 years in restaurants.

converse with your fellow humans and don't act snobbish

[LynneSin]

75. Oh, have you read any of my post

4 years working Victoria Secrets
4 years waiting tables at Houlihans
3 years selling Dodge Cars
2 years in phone customer support and another 4 in desktop support.

(mind you some of those overlapped but I would have to say about 8-9 years in some form of position where I had direct contact with custumers and about 4 extra years doing phone support)

We, as those attending to others who are using/buying our products should be attentative - not annoying.

Please, I've been down that path which is why I still stay polite even when a customer is annoying the hell out of me

[matcom]

79. "no, I really don't care that your grandson is an Eagles fan like me"

= SNOBBY

[LynneSin]

83. do you think I said that to her?

:eyes:

Whatever hun!

[matcom]

84. no i don't think that

you just 'nodded and smiled' :eyes:

[LynneSin]

86. yep!!!

and proud of it.

Ironically that woman recognized I wasn't much of a chatter, finished ringing up my purchases and was already talking to the next lady in line.

Why do you feel like it's wrong for someone who really just doesn't feel like a conversation? Must I be pleasant and chit-chat with everyone who approaches me and starts up a conversation? This is not disrespectful - this is just the way some of us are when we shop and from what I've read with many of the posters including someone who started a second thread, it seems I'm not along when it comes to wanting to shop in quiet.

It's obvious that you and I are different in how we enjoy shopping but neither of us is right or wrong. We just have different styles of how we complete the same thing.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

67. The customer is always right

That means the customer initiates the conversation, if he or she feels like it. Anything the clerk says beyond "May I help you?" or "How are you today?" is intrusive, presumptuous, and distracting.

I do not shop in order to make friends. I shop to enjoy myself, to get things that I want, and not to have to endure someone's inane comments in the interests of "being friendly" or "making human contact."

If I'm shopping in order to "make human contact", something's seriously wrong with the rest of my life, I should think.

I'm with you, LynneSin. (Do they have DSW in your area? Talk about a dream for shoe shopping/retail therapy!)

[LynneSin]

78. Yes, I have DSW, I'll probably stop there on the way home

and see if I can find some new brown shoes. But for lunchtime it wasn't close to work. BTW, that's a store that gets the 'eye-contact, nod & smile'. I may have every single employee in there ask if I need help but none of them will bug you to death if they know you're quietly shopping and wish not to be disturbed.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

82. It's better than a shrink's couch

I'm going there this afternoon, too. No, I don't need any shoes. I just want to go there. That's DSW.

[WeRQ4U]

20. I don't mind chattiness by the clerk. But what I do hate...........

Is when they say my whole name to me when I leave. They obviously don't know me, so I find it strange. Maybe I"m wierd.

[FormerDittoHead]

22. How about breaking into good music on the speakers?

Why don't they get radios or something?

It's always just when I'm getting "into" it:

"ROXANNNnne, you don't have to put out the... 'CLICK' CLEAN UP ON ASILE 4, CLEAN UP ON ASILE 4"

[Patiod]

23. Shouldn't a good retailer be able to judge?

If you rebuff their friendly chat, then they should back off. If you respond, then keep it going.

I've met those "Ma'am! Ma'am! Ma'am!" types, and I've left their store rather than respond.

I'm not a morning person, and I'll never forget going into a shop in Avalon, and the owner shouted "so you're an Eagles fan?" I just looked at him, nodded, and smiled grimly, and kept looking through the rack. He would not let go of it. "You like the Eagles? You like the Eagles?" I wasn't wearing any Philadelphia team garb, and I thought he was crazy, so I fled the store.

Only after returning home and getting changed did I realize I was wearing an concert shirt from the Eagles "Hell Freezes Over Tour".

[Left_Winger]

25. Chatty store clerks are indeed irritating!

I was out shopping for a refrigerator several years back and once I made the mistake of answering the clerk's questions concerning my employment (I am a teacher), I received almost non-stop advice on how to teach. The only way to silence this clerk was to state: "Either get back to the refrigerator or I'm going elsewhere."

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

43. Maybe...

... the sales clerk was checking you out, I wouldn't doubt that some pose as "teachers" so as to get a break on prices. Everyone knows teachers are grossly underpaid.

[Left_Winger]

77. or maybe not...

as teacher salaries for my district are rather high as most of it can be considered a "green-flight" community in order to escape the schools of Charlotte; my district wants quality teachers and pays well to get them. The sales clerk was not checking me out, this person was actually giving me advice on how to teach ("school must be fun or the children will not learn"... etc.). I responded to this particular comment: "Is your job fun? What would your boss say if you complained that he/she must make the job fun or you cannot perform?... How would your boss react if he/she knew you were irritating a customer?" then I made the aforementioned comment about the refrigerator.

[TlalocW]

26. I kind of agree with you

When I moved to Oklahoma - from Kansas no less - the only culture shock (and there shouldn't be any - I mean, it's Kansas to Oklahoma for God's sake) I ran into was going into a convenience store and being waylaid by the clerk.

Clerk: Hey, there.
Me: Hi. (starts moving towards the soda freezers)
Clerk: Some weather we're havin', huh?
Me: Uh, yeah.
Clerk: Catch the game last night?
Me (Internally): All I want is a Pepsi! Please! Let me go get a Pepsi! Why won't you let me go get a Pepsi, you bastard!
Me (Externally): No, can't say that I did (runs for the freezers).

TlalocW

[TK421]

29. I worked in retail for seven years, and this is the deal

Some companies (like the one I used to work for) would threaten employees with their jobs if they didn't approach the customer and hound them about the specials, and they would also threaten them with their jobs if they couldn't get enough people to sign up for their ridiculously high APR credit card. I never liked doing this,but at the time I just stuck it out. As a matter of fact, most of my co-workers felt uncomfortable approaching the customer. I know what you mean about the chatterboxes, and yes-they are annoying.

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

34. Where did you grow up?

... in real america, ie... small town america, where everybody knows your name and your folks, that was common place, infact, if they DIDN'T try to start a small conversation with you, then it was time to worry that you and or your family pulled something stinky in the community.

I sense an anti-social tendency(s) here.

Also, you seem a bit self absorbed. I find it shocking that you would be offended by a fellowman (or woman) greeting you in a friendly way. Lay off the stimulants.

[LynneSin]

36. As someone who has never drank coffee

not sure where that is coming from.

I grew up in Rural America, level 12 years in suburbian america and now live in urban america.

Hated it in all 3 of the environments

:D

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

44. Then I rest my case...

... to the jury, based on your own incriminating statement, that you have anti-social tendencies. In all three localities? Wow, you are one tough cookie and are now removed from my christmas card list.

[LynneSin]

48. Wanting some quiet time does not make me anti-social

I've worked retail long enough to realize that every customer is different and for many of us shopping is therapy - a quiet time for ourselves. I wouldn't bust into your quiet time and demand conversation so why am I not allowed it?

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

72. If you wanted "quiet time"...

... then what are you doing out amongst the maddening crowds? Yep, quiet time, complete with, "ATTENTION KMART SHOPPERS", blaring over the muzak. Get a book, find a tree and a stream (ala Thoreau).

[Patiod]

56. "real America" = small town America???????

Didn't I hear that in a Bush campaign speech?

Do you behave the same way in New York or Philadelphia that you do in small-town Mississippi or in rural Minnesota? Have fun in the big city being "friendly" and chatting with the folks who will start conversations with you -- the scizophrenic, the agressive panhandler, the con artist, the LaRouchian, etc., etc. (okay, #1 & #4 tend to be the same people, but you get my point)

And as for being greeted in a friendly way, what's friendly about someone confronting you loudly and agressively the minute you step into a store,and insisting on being acknowledged even after you nod and or smile at them. Then they continue to follow you, talking loudly and insisting on a verbal acknowledgement. You don't have to be self-absorbed to find this sort of aggressive behavior obnoxious. We're not talking a friendly "good morning" - we're talking about a loud "Hello! I'd like to tell you about the special we're having this week, where you get one item free if you purchase....."

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

66. The topic is store clerks...

... not panhandlers on the streets. And yes, I grew up in South Dakota, just across the border from Iowa/Minnesota right now. And yes, I have lived in DC while in college and gone to many nationwide conventions where the majority of the folks there were from the "big cities" out east, so I do have a good idea of what you are speaking of, but you are off on a tangent. When you enter a store, you are there to be served so don't be surprised if you are approached by an employee and told "hello" in the local vernicular and are offered assistance. If you don't like shopping like that, then stay at home. You would be amazed what you can buy online with a credit/debit card and you will never have to venture outside of your cocoon to make purchases again.

[redqueen]

38. I don't mind.

I'm chatty, too. :blush:

[Debi]

49. Yeah, it makes me feel like, gee someone cares

Even if they're getting paid to care :shrug:

[redqueen]

57. I just figure they're blabbermouths like me.

:D

[Debi]

68. So, How's the weather? where did you get that blouse? I love the shade

it reminds me of a dress I saw when we, my husband and me, went on vacation to southern Idaho - well, it wasn't a vacation, he had to go for work and I tagged along on the 'spouse' package. Anyway, while he was in seminars all day I went shopping and found this cute little dress that same shade, oh I wanted it so much, but they didn't have my size, thyroid problems keeps me from getting below a size 12, you know I went to my doctor and he said I should quit all those medicines and go with the natural cure, but my gosh, do you think I could change my diet? I mean do you like fish every day for a month? I like a little fish, you know my husband made me a fish dinner last night with some butter a a little basil, oh wow was it good. Cash or charge? okay, thanks, anyway, he cooked little potatoes with it and shredded some carrots so it looked like cheese, he's always trying to help me that way blah, blah, blah, gives me diarrhea, can't believe I'm telling a total stranger this, but you seem so nice and so after his divorce I burnt down the ex-wifes house, but the police suspected the little pyro neighbor so he's in a detention home until he's 18, I figure the parents could use a break ya know? Do you want to go get some coffee? I'm off in ten minutes........

[redqueen]

69. hahahahah

There's a natural cure for thyroid problems?! Do tell!

burnt down the ex-wife's house... holy shit! :rofl:

[Debi]

74. Yes, we could be life-long friends

I'll just quit my job and move in with you right after you purchase your athelets foot ointment and breath mints....:silly:

[William Bloode]

39. Eh, i don't care for it much.

But then again i am on medication for social disorders. Even considering that i am never rude, nor think badly of the person doing it. Why should i feel anomostiy for someone trying to be friendly. Then again maybe some have the attitude, "god forbid i had to talk to the hired help", or "my precious time is so important i can not take a moment to be friendly and listen".

[Pithlet]

41. It doesn't bother me.

Retail is soul sucking drudgery for the most part. I guess I'm just glad that I don't have to spend my Saturday afternoons at such a job anymore, so I can't begrudge them a little connection with humanity. I also know that sometimes it's forced. One of my worst retail jobs EVER was one where I had to shake the hand of every customer that walked in. This wasn't a car showroom either, just a small boutique type store in a mall. I knew the customers hated it, but I had to do it, and because they didn't realize it they just thought I was a freak.

[skygazer]

46. That's the thing

Most people don't seem to realize that we do those things because management tells us to do them. I think a lot of what I'm required to do in my job is bogus and stupid but nobody has asked me my opinion and I'm not paid to make the decisions. I need my job so I'm going to do it.

It's truly mentally exhausting to work retail - I used to work road construction and I'm more tired after 8 hours of retail than I ever was after ten hours of construction. It's mental exhaustion.

And a lot of the people I encounter are incredible snobs who feel it's beneath them to speak to "the help" as it were. I can't tell them what I'd like to because I'm paid to put up with their bullshit but I don't have to like it.

I understand the OP's point and agree that people who work retail need to assess their customer's needs to a certain extent. However, people also need to understand that this is essentially a minimum wage job and you're not always going to get the most astute and perceptive people working it.

[Debi]

54. I got hit with having to sell 'multiples'

Which meant that if the customer bought an item I had to force an accessory item - a sale of just one item was considered a lost sale...God, I hated that job.

[Pithlet]

62. I hate that.

It's all bullshit forced on you by the suits who've never had to actually work directly with customers. They don't have a clue that the stuff they make us do actually hurts sales. I wonder how many people who planned on buying left the store freaked out when I walked up and shook (or tried to shake) their hand?

[Debi]

70. Or like the store that will remain nameless that forces the old people

who work as greeters to put stickers on little kids. After we've beaten Stranger Danger into their heads now some creepy old guy's trying to give them a sticker......:cry:

[Initech]

45. The worst is when I get approached by every clerk in the store!

Even when all I want to do is buy a freaking movie!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

47. What about barber/hairdressers, and cabbies?

[LynneSin]

50. It really depends

I don't use cabbies that often so I can't really say. But as for hairdressers I don't mind conversations as long as I don't have to listen to their bad date, bad boyfriend, bad life for the entire time trapped in the seat.

I finally found a hairdresser I like here in Delaware and we usually talk about things that we mutually enjoy meaning it's not all about me or all about them. But from time to time I'm in a quiet mood and she recognizes that and usually chats with one of the other hairdressors during that moment!

[WI_DEM]

60. I find getting a haircut a relaxing experience

It's almost like a massage (in a way), so I don't like excessive conversation. But I do like my barber, he has been in the same little building for over 40 years and has seen alot, so I enjoy talking to him.

[Threedifferentones]

51. It annoys me as well

If a person actually has something interesting to say, then I'm all for hearing it. Mindless pleasantries, or talking just to talk, just get on my nerves.

[El Fuego]

52. I hate it when they keep trying to help me when I just want to look

If they would leave me alone and let me look at stuff, I might actually buy something!

[Kathleen04]

53. I work

in retail right now. One of my coworkers is pretty chatty but she's friendly and no one seems bothered by it. I'm not chatty, that's just not my style...I usually greet them and then start ringing the purchases.

What I don't like is when they comment on what you're buying..for example, I was getting groceries the other day and the bag-boy asks me "are these any good??" (frozen vegetarian burrito) and of course, I don't get to answer, because he and the girl at the register start talking about how they're disgusting. Not like it matters what they think, but it's just rude to be negatively commenting on what people are buying.

I also don't like it (and this says alot about my eating habits) when food service people comment on how I order the same thing all the time..I usually get embarrassed and avoid that place for awhile afterwards. :blush:

[WI_DEM]

58. you mean they started commenting on how disgusting the food you

were getting was? I don't mind him asking if it's good, but then to have a conversation with the register person about how disgusting they are is totally out of line.

Part of the problem is training. These days alot of stores are just happy to get people who come in and as long as they appear at work they don't spend alot of time on customer service.

[Kathleen04]

91. yeah that's exactly

what they started doing--talking to each other. And it's not like I was buying pickled pigs feet in a jar or something, just a frozen burrito..I'd hate to hear the kind of feedback the people who buy the truly strange stuff get!

I was just thinking that if I made negative comments about what the customers were buying in the store where I work, I'd probably get fired, but I work at a major dept. store and they put a huge emphasis on customer service.

[SOteric]

55. I don't care for it when they're overly solicitous, and I don't

much like it if they can't seem to give a rat's ass that I'm there.

I guess like everything, there's a midpoint at which I'm comfortable.

We have one large chain in which every single employee, from the moment one walks through the door, greets and asks if they can help. It's fucking annoying. But apparently it's company policy. The company sends out secret shoppers and the poor bastards can lose their jobs if they don't slobber over everyone who walks through the door. I think that would be my idea of hell. A minimum wage job where I'm required to annoy people or risk poverty and homelessness.

[skygazer]

61. Let me guess

Safeway.

[SOteric]

65. Yep.

[LynneSin]

71. I've worked in stores with 'secret shoppers'

These people aren't looking to ensure all their employees are overly perky & overly-attentive and chatty. I've been hit with secret shoppers before and I have always gotten good ratings - that's because secret shoppers want to make sure that you've greeted them, given them the proper attention (and believe me if they're secret shoppers they tend to ask alot of questions) and also to do the upsales at the end of the purchase (mainly ask if they want your credit card or push a product we're promoting). And one thing secret shoppers mention (or at least the ones who worked for The Limited corporation - I use to work at Victoria Secrets) is if you're too annoying.

Being attentive is good in a store employee, being annoying isn't. And if a store employee is too chatty to a customer who might not want to be bothered - that's annoying. But you can still do your job and push all your products without crossing the line of attentive into annoying!

[SOteric]

85. I understand and agree with what you're saying, but this is different.

Safeway actually has company policy requiring every single person in the store, from grocery bagger, to stock boy, to floor manager, - to make contact with and greet each and every customer and ask if they need help finding anything. I use the term 'secret shopper' but in this case, it's more like 'corporate stool pidgeons.' They send people from corporate out to the stores undercover, and if any employee fails to greet them and ask if they need assistance, they're written up or fired on the spot. Period. No exceptions.

[bleedingheart]

73. Actually I like people who are willing to help me...

I have left stores where the sales clerks run to the farthest corners to avoid having to answer a question or help me out.

[DS1]

76. Don't worry, Lynne, I'll mail you a case of fleet

:hug:

[LynneSin]

80. I love you too

:pals:

:eyes:

[crispini]

88. It really depends on the mood I'm in.

These days, though, if I'm completely in the "I only want X, get out of my way, nothing will come between me and X" mode, I tend to just hop online and order it -- which means that when I'm out shopping I tend to be more in the "browse" mode, which means I don't mind chatting. There are a million stories in the naked city... and I'd like to hear 'em all! :P

I see your point, though, people should have a degree of sensitivity about what their customer wants.

[LostinVA]

89. Okay, I've read this whole thread and have something to say

I managed a chain bookstore for five years. I guarantee almost 100% of everything everyone is complaining about in this thread is something employees HAVE to do. We had to greet any customer that came within 10 feet of us. NO MATTER WHAT. If our DM was on a weekly visit and saw an employee NOT doing this, they would fire the employee if they had worked there for less than 90 days, and write them up if it was more than that. Three writeups for anything =being fired. NO MATTER WHAT. Customer on a cell phone? Too bad. Even if YOU were with a customer, you were supposed to smile and say hi. And if the OWNER came in a visit??? Omigod.... what a rich boy moron. This was with the third largest bookstore chain in the country.

Secret Shoppers??? We would get busted for crazy stuff, sometimes lies, sometimes something stupid and petty. And they sooo lie. One of our secret shoppers WAS AN ASSISTANT MANAGER I FIRED FOR STEALING!!! Our DM knew something was up, because stuff in the report was sooo bizarre. He found out who it was, and got teh report pulled.

Retail workers are treated with contempt, groped, cussed out, called homophobic, racist, sexists names, etc. It;'s thankless work and drudgery, and I understand where the chatty clerks at POS are coming from -- I usually ask for the store manager and tell them this employee is great.

I could go on and mention a zillion other things, but this gives you the gist. Most of us worked for minimum wage (I was management,a nd what I made came out to less than $2.50/hour with NO benefits except for one week of vacation I could only take one day at a time)., and most of my employees were wonderful, hardworking people who had to work -- kids going through college, elderly people, single moms thrown off of welfare, etc.

So, I understand salespeople should just smile and walk away, but remember most of them would have their asses in a sling if they did so.

[LynneSin]

90. But I'm not taking away the fact that they have a job to do

Customers may greet me, they may ask if I help and they can even push additional products including their credit card when I pay for my purchases. They can even check up on me from time to time to confirm I'm finding everything I need. I've worked retail and I know they are required to do this because I was once required to do this.

But no where in any salespersons training manual does it say you must chase down a customer and demand a response even if it annoys the hell out the customer. Her annoying and disrespectful attitude cost a sale to that store because I was there to buy a pair of shoes.

The lady at the shoe store greeted me and shared with me the sales of the day. I gave her eye-contact, smile and nodded in response. She is also welcomed to come check on me in a few minutes to confirm I was finding everything ok.

She should not be chasing after me in the store screaming "Ma'am, Ma'am, Ma'am" at the top of her lungs embarrassing the hell out of me unless I happen to have dropped my wallet or the building was on fire. The fact that she somehow felt her job wasn't being completed unless she annoyed the hell out of me is just poor customer service. I've had secret shopper reports done on me and believe me, if you're annoying the customer you'll get the feedback in the report.

[TrogL]

92. "I have a hearing impairment - too much background noise"

Usually works for me. If not, try drooling.

[Maine-ah]

93. Personally, I can't stand the chatty customers

or customers who won't say anything to me at all. If I say hello or goodmorning, it would be nice if I got the same back. Or when I say thank you ect...but the customer that pisses me off the most are the ones who say "I CAN GET IT FOR 2 BUCKS LESS AT WAL MART!":grr:

[trackfan]

94. Bank Worker - A Poem

Bank Worker

Bank of America pays you to ask those in line if they have a
   simple transaction to do. I have no problem with that.
Grilling the customer, though...that starts to get very annoying.
    "No, thank you" should be enough. After that, leave me alone.