What happened to businesslike transactions?

[canetoad]

I don't want to be 'interacted' with. I don't need to feel the salesperson is my friend. I just want efficient, businesslike service during what, after all is a business transaction. I hand my money over, collect my goods. In return I will treat the salesperson with civility and courtesy. When I am a return customer at a business, nature will take it's course and further conversation will occur with people I see often.

When asked by a chirpy young total stranger, 'How are you today', knowing they couln't give a flying fuck how I really am, should I tell them the truth? 'I have galloping psoriasis and sinusitis. I haven't breathed through my nose for five weeks and didn't sleep at all last night'. I will be glibly exhorted to, 'Enjoy the rest of your day,' whether I'm spending it at my father's funeral or going hang-gliding.

Then there are the ones who make a point of reading your name on the Eftpos/Visa card (all in the name of customer relationship building, I'm sure). I'm generally less courteous with these clueless drones and demand a prompt return of my card citing the growing problem of data-theft.

OK, so I'm getting old and cranky, but all the false sentiments in the world do not make up for good, courteous service. Like it used to be in the days when customers were valued assets to a business and not guinea pigs for the latest psy-marketing technique.

I've though seriously of making up lapel badges to wear shopping that say:

I've already given
I'll do a survey if you pay me for my time
I don't need salvation
Don't ask me how I am, because I might tell you.

[canetoad]

1. Dammit. I guess all must be hunky-dory

in the land of :)Have a Nice Day:)

[bobbolink]

2. "How are you today?"

Do you want the truth or a polite answer?


Besides the button that used to be popular (Don't tell me what kind of day to have), I once had it out with a couple of aggressive bible thumpers who don't know the meaning of "no".

As I was walking off, and one of them demanded "Smile", I turned back around, and said, "How dare you. My father has just died, and you think you have the right to demand I smile for you?"

They were both taken aback, and then said, "We didn't know." "Isn't that just the point?" I said.

People need to have their selfish demands put right back on them.

And thank you for bringing this up.

Have a good day. :rofl:

[ContraBass Black]

3. I remember when a cashier made me really angry.

I walked into the dining hall at 7AM after a miserable night of sleeplessness, anxiety, and near-disaster. As she scanned my card, the cashier, who saw me every morning, grinned at me and said, "are you not a morning person, or are you generally melancholy?"

I wanted to tear my card from her hand and yell, "If I were your boss, I would fire you right now." Instead, I quietly said, "Not a morning person."

I never went through a register that she was cashiering again. That was years ago. I don't remember what I was going through at the time that was so painfully difficult, but I remember her, what she said, and how she said it.

When I serve a customer, the only words out of my mouth aside from taking the order or counting are "Hello" and "Thank you."

[canetoad]

4. I'm glad it's not just me

Often thought that the proliferation of Retail Courses has a lot to answer for.

~~~~~Enjoy the rest of your morning~~~~~:evilgrin:

[ContraBass Black]

5. I tell my subordinates this story whenever we talk about customer service.

[Tesha]

6. Most mature people just say "Fine thanks, and you?"...

Most mature people just say "Fine thanks, and you?" or
some variation on that theme. They don't waste energy
getting put out about little stuff like this.

Besides, it is entirely possible that a person who
chooses to work in retail has a "people personality",
is outgoing, and is entirely used to the idea that
small talk like this is a big part of what lubricates
our daily interactions in society.

Tesha