Yeah - Like I Didn't See You There!
October 8th 2007 03:12
If it was only one instance over the weekend – you’d let it slide – but frankly I’m pretty sick and tired of being made to wait while some pretty little ‘thang’ finishes her conversation or some little upstart barely old enough to shave and more interested in his new lick and stick tattoo - decides you’d like some assistance.
Now fair enough – if I’d been frequenting a 20-something jeanery or fashion jewellery wholesaler – I’d expect a laid back approach – but when you’re on the hunt for something as simple as say shoes, a business suit or computer software – you’d expect better.
From being addressed as ‘matey’ through to being made to wait while Miss 16-something held court with her friends via her mobile – who employs these people and to whom are they accountable?
In fact the only piece of retail Karma to come my way on Sunday was when I ventured into a large retail outlet on the hunt for a specific brand of perfume as a gift.
Having finished chatting with her own reflection - Miss I Didn't See You There - finally acknowledged my presence - and I proceeded to describe the brand of the scent I was anxious to buy.
What I expected was a measured and informed response – what I received was a perplexed/whimsical Paris Hilton like smirk and a retort reserved for 'like' sad bottle blonde parodies.
Enter the cavalry – as a coiffured assistant in her 50’s – having just witnessed proceedings - brought sensibility and old fashioned manners to the table.
“I’m sorry sir – you were after . . .?
I responded in kind with the brand – while a well and truly – 'put in her place Paris - stood by – hopefully taking notes.
“Hmmm – that a beautiful perfume – and quite exclusive.
“I take it – this is intended as a gift for a more refined lady . . . “
Anyway – you take my point – suddenly I felt I was being attended to – by someone who not only knew their stuff – but by someone who conveyed a sense of professionalism and caring – someone for whom retail service meant more than pointing to rack of shirts, grimacing because you’ve asked to try on something other than a 10½ shoe or simply taking your ‘hard earned’
If these sound like the ramblings of someone out of touch please - set me straight - or am I not alone in believing that there's just too many retail assistants in need of wholesale assistance.
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Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
At the same place at different times this also happened:
- An employee at night took to singing 'The Hokey Pokey' and rambling incoherently on the PA system.
- I was charged $60 more than I bought, with two bottles of vodka scanned that I didnt buy, and when I pointed it out, the young boy first seemed to think I was joking, then seemed confused, then yelled out - without the aid of a microphone - to a person at the other end of the store to come and "fix her up".
Have encountered retail rudeness plenty of times but this is one place I will not return to! Will not "put my left foot in" again.
Michaelie
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
That's verging on outrageous!
And as for fixing you up - well . . .
Sounds like you've done the right thing and done a complete turn-around.
Thanks for dropping by and sharing.
MNG
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Cheers champ
MNG
Comment by Krystal
feelings
Crystal
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
Thankfully, now that we're in the UK I come into contact with this type of behaviour less often. Of course, that could just be that with the meagre conversion rate from Australian dollars to British pounds, I just don't have the money to go shopping anymore!
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
If that manages to get the attention of shop assistants as well - I'll carry one around in my back pocket.
Thankyou for dropping by - always a pleasure to meet new friends.
MNG
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
You know, my sister-in-law (who is also living in the old dart at present) said people seem to have alot more patience and on the whole seem more atuned to the individual.
Go figure.
Hope the UK is treating you well.
Cheers
MNG
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I am sassy and quite a "broad" when it comes to this. I have been in the service industry for 30 years. I have no tolerance at all. On the other hand, I am very generous when I am treated respectfully!
Mis
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
And how much effort does it take to treat someone with respect . . .
. . . and yep - it usually pays dividends.
Thanks for dropping by.
MNG