Is it just me or is our society getting ruder? Please and thank you are so underrated and underused lately, in my opinion. When I worked at a fast food restaurant, my first “real job” back in the 70s, we were taught to give the customer their change and/or food, look them in the eye, and say, “Thank you, come again.” We even added a “Have a nice day.” With a smile.
My recent shopping experiences have concluded with me being handed my change and/or purchases and told, “Here you go.” To which I reply, “Yes, here I go.” The look on the clerk’s face is priceless and clueless. I don’t blame them. I blame their management, the people training them in customer service. Or not training them, apparently.
I feel that in this tight economy, retailers should be grateful for any business that comes their way. Showing gratitude to their customers through interactions with their employees is a place to start.
So now my fun shopping game is to look the clerk in the eye as I get ready to “go” and say, with a smile, “You’re welcome. Enjoy your day.” The blank, confused look is priceless. I’m sure they just think I’m insane. Perhaps, but at least I’m grateful.
What do you think? Do you think manners are important to a positive shopping experience? Leave me a comment. I'd love to hear from you!
I completely agree manners are important for a good shopping experience. The clerks may be busier now, but it only takes a minute to say thank you and have a nice holiday/day. It's sad when we lose the simplest of manners. I find everyone at Big Y in Westfield to have excellent manners and always SO helpful. It's a delight to go there.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to New England, Patti! I grew up in the south and was appalled at the lack of manners and consideration when I moved up here. In the mall people bump into me and don't even say "Excuse me." They just keep right on going! At Dunkin Donuts at the drive through, I don't get " Welcome to Dunkin Donuts, how can I help you?" instead I get "what can I get you?"
ReplyDeleteAnonymous--I hate to be age-ist but it does seem that it's the under 20 crowd that neglects to say thank you. Big Y employees are polite but I don't always get a thank you. Just the other day I got a "here you go."
ReplyDeletePam--I so agree! Thanks for your comment!
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