Friday, October 3, 2014

Attention Span?

Working as a vendor auditor had been an easy job, as my mind used to be focused only on one task at a time. Check the numbers, match them up with the system then pass or fail the audit. Customer service however is a different story. Listen to the problem like it is your own then check with the manager and while waiting for the answer, keep the customer entertained. I still send blessings to my teachers who taught us good business manners during field trips to different shops to get extra credits in business school. So it became my habit to train new people to be the best they can be.
Product Details A lot of people wonder as to why they should do their best when they don't get even a smile from cashiers when they shop. I guess when discount stores offer us savings we go there in spite of not getting a smile. However I still did not get used to the carousel of bags that rotates as the cashier puts the merchandise in them. We are supposed to pick them and put them in our carts. I am used to handing the bag to the customer therefore I expect the same courtesy. My husband must have explained this to me several times that not every store is the same. I think that I will have to come up with a mantra to remember not to leave a bag of merchandise (that I payed for) in the carousel. I am not upset about the money but I am upset that I have to focus on the carousel only. I wish that just once, the cashier would look through and ask if I took every bag from the carousel. I know that I could just tweet about my complaint but I did not think that it was enough. I had to write a blog post.

16 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

i've left stuff before, even when i stopped and glanced and said, 'did i get everything?' and the clerk says, 'yes, i believe so!' then i get home and miss a bag of something or other.

Launna said...

Thankfully the cashiers still hand us the bags here unless we pack our own...Otherwise I would probably forget half my groceries...

I am a believer of good customer service and I don't think we should give up on that....

You are on Twitter? if you want to follow me, mine is @LaWannish

Have a great weekend Munir :)

yaya said...

I've left a bag before and now I'm pretty diligent about asking and also I will double check myself for bags. We're becoming a society of "not lookers"...everyone is focused on their phone, iPad, Kindle...even at the doctor's office the doc is focused on the computer screen when they talk to you...No looking in your ears, or mouth or touching the patient...nope, just the computer keyboard! Crazy and blog worthy!

Forever Engaged said...

Trader Joes usually has excellent customer service. One day, it started raining while I was in the store and the manager had a cashier walk me out under his umbrella. The boy then loaded my groceries as well while I strapped my child in his car seat. All without me asking. I thought that was nice. :)
Thank you for visiting my blog. Yours is lovely.

Pixel Peeper said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

I always wonder, if a smile and a nice gesture are free, why are so many people so stingy with it? I'm usually pretty happy with customer service, but it makes my day when someone is genuinely nice or does a little extra something.

Granny Annie said...

Oh Munir you must read The New Sixty on my sidebar today. It is a lovely story of customer service that will make you smile. I would have to guess that you would be a wonderful customer service person.

Inger said...

In one of the cheaper stores, one that I really like, they have these things and I am sure that before long, I will forget a bag. Once I even heard an employee tell another customer that something he complained about is that way because they are a cheaper store. So I guess if you want good service, pay more money in a more expensive store. It seems like it would not take that much to hand over a bag, but what do I know.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I think some stores should have a little chat with their employees about good customer service! Seems to be remiss in many places where I shop. About the shopping bags on the carousel, I have gotten into the habit of just twirling it around and looking myself to see if everything has been loaded into my cart. That's after having left a few bags behind and having to return for them. :) Have a great day!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Munir - I don't think we have these sorts of things here .. but we do have poor customer service, when no-one takes an interest .. frustrating ...

Cheers Hilary

The Purple Assassin. said...

I think its in our choices.
No matter where we go.

:)

Rick Watson said...

Some people are not happy no matter what the circumstances are.
But I've also known people in crappy jobs that are pleasant.
It's a mystery to me why people behave they way they do.
R

Unknown said...

That was the most elegant rant I've ever read. I've accidentally left bags behind when I've shopped, whether or not the cashier smiled. I used to live in New York City. No one smiles there. I hope you get more smiles at the shops you frequent. Have a lovely weekend!

Shelly said...

I fully agree with what you say. I always smile, and I expect others to do the same. It still bothers me a little if they don't.

Anonymous said...

I make it a point to check the carousel after I'm done paying. Also, if I'm making sure I got all my sale prices, I let things pile up on the carousel. If it gets to be too much, the cashier will usually stop and put some in the basket for me. I hear ya! It gets to be a lot sometimes!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Munir,
Sorry I've missed this post... Also I was in the hospital in October so I got way behind.
Indeed, that carousel is kind of distant from the cash register person.
Wishing you a great new week.
Hugs,
Mariette

DMS said...

Munir- You brought up great points. I have left things behind before and it would be helpful if the cashier checked the area before we left. :) Kindness is always appreciated.
~Jess