Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Feb 3rd 2011 | 9:19 am
#347
Septic Sprout
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,002
From: Shanghai
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Most of my posts are done while sitting on the bog.
Feb 3rd 2011 | 9:22 am
#348
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 92,276
From: MA, USA
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Yes. Business in the US is competitive and one way to compete with others in your same segment is to differentiate the way you treat your customers vs the other guy.
Nothing says 'I don't give a crap about you, Mr Customer Who Is the Reason My Job Exists' is sitting down and "processing" your goods across a scanner. I refuse to use the self-check options unless it is in MY favor. (and if it's over 10 items, it's usually not)
Grocery checking is a moving business, and it can't be done correctly from your butt. The cashier is the last point of contact the store has with their customer. It's their chance to make sure everything met the customer's expectations and to encourage that next visit. If someone delivers that message from their butt, I don't really find it sincere. People ARE part of the experience, so I don't want to hear some lame argument back about how you just want to get your items, pay your money and leave. YOU are then welcome to shop for your needs online. *I* will be very vocal about what I expect my retailers to provide.
Ian's reply touches on it, but only if you already know the answer (I agree, but it is difficult to explain).
Finally, just as I've read a number of complaints here with the reasoning "It's just the PROPER way to do XYZ", I feel the same way about a 'clerk' sitting down to take my custom. I would rather self-check than have some surly grouch touching my purchases and dragging them across her scanner because she can't be bothered to have a decent interaction while she's taking my money.
Standards, man. Standards.
Nothing says 'I don't give a crap about you, Mr Customer Who Is the Reason My Job Exists' is sitting down and "processing" your goods across a scanner. I refuse to use the self-check options unless it is in MY favor. (and if it's over 10 items, it's usually not)
Grocery checking is a moving business, and it can't be done correctly from your butt. The cashier is the last point of contact the store has with their customer. It's their chance to make sure everything met the customer's expectations and to encourage that next visit. If someone delivers that message from their butt, I don't really find it sincere. People ARE part of the experience, so I don't want to hear some lame argument back about how you just want to get your items, pay your money and leave. YOU are then welcome to shop for your needs online. *I* will be very vocal about what I expect my retailers to provide.
Ian's reply touches on it, but only if you already know the answer (I agree, but it is difficult to explain).
Finally, just as I've read a number of complaints here with the reasoning "It's just the PROPER way to do XYZ", I feel the same way about a 'clerk' sitting down to take my custom. I would rather self-check than have some surly grouch touching my purchases and dragging them across her scanner because she can't be bothered to have a decent interaction while she's taking my money.
Standards, man. Standards.
It makes no level of difference to the quality of service they offer, or how polite and pleasant or not they may be. It is equally as easy to smile, be polite and serve you just as well whilst sitting down on a stool.
Feb 3rd 2011 | 9:24 am
#349
WTF?
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 79,866
From: Homeostasis
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
This was his last post:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=621845
Feb 3rd 2011 | 9:27 am
#350
WTF?
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 79,866
From: Homeostasis
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
I don't mean just the grocery store, it's at every store, clothes stores, banks, book shops etc. It's everything.
It makes no level of difference to the quality of service they offer, or how polite and pleasant or not they may be. It is equally as easy to smile, be polite and serve you just as well whilst sitting down on a stool.
It makes no level of difference to the quality of service they offer, or how polite and pleasant or not they may be. It is equally as easy to smile, be polite and serve you just as well whilst sitting down on a stool.
Feb 3rd 2011 | 9:54 am
#352
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
I don't mean just the grocery store, it's at every store, clothes stores, banks, book shops etc. It's everything.
It makes no level of difference to the quality of service they offer, or how polite and pleasant or not they may be. It is equally as easy to smile, be polite and serve you just as well whilst sitting down on a stool.
It makes no level of difference to the quality of service they offer, or how polite and pleasant or not they may be. It is equally as easy to smile, be polite and serve you just as well whilst sitting down on a stool.
I've been on both sides of the counter and an owner and a customer. I've done occupational health training for grocery store cashiers.. it doesn't have to hurt if you're doing it right.
What does Missus Bob say to this in relationship to banks, out of curiosity?
Sorry, I'm not really up for 'discussing' this issue because I've realized I'm very firmly fixed in my position on this one. It's one of those irrational topics that really gets my goat. By all means, go ahead and complain about this one; I'm sure I will never convince you to see it my way either.
Feb 3rd 2011 | 10:16 am
#354
WTF?
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 79,866
From: Homeostasis
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
At my bank they sit in tall chairs.
Feb 3rd 2011 | 10:18 am
#355
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 676
From: Dorset England.
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
I disagree, and double so for the other examples you give. "If there's time to lean, there's time to clean." If they aren't ringing someone up, they should be busy doing, not sitting on their rears. I also believe that physical actions affect mental state and I do not think it is equally easy to smile etc when sitting on a stool.
I've been on both sides of the counter and an owner and a customer. I've done occupational health training for grocery store cashiers.. it doesn't have to hurt if you're doing it right.
What does Missus Bob say to this in relationship to banks, out of curiosity?
Sorry, I'm not really up for 'discussing' this issue because I've realized I'm very firmly fixed in my position on this one. It's one of those irrational topics that really gets my goat. By all means, go ahead and complain about this one; I'm sure I will never convince you to see it my way either.
I've been on both sides of the counter and an owner and a customer. I've done occupational health training for grocery store cashiers.. it doesn't have to hurt if you're doing it right.
What does Missus Bob say to this in relationship to banks, out of curiosity?
Sorry, I'm not really up for 'discussing' this issue because I've realized I'm very firmly fixed in my position on this one. It's one of those irrational topics that really gets my goat. By all means, go ahead and complain about this one; I'm sure I will never convince you to see it my way either.
Do you think pregnant ladies should also stand ?
I am not being argumentative ,just wondering ...
Feb 3rd 2011 | 10:23 am
#356
Septic Sprout
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,002
From: Shanghai
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
They sit in my local supermarket. Service always seems fine to me. (Apart from the ugly one with the funny glasses).
Feb 3rd 2011 | 10:33 am
#357
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 13,212
From: San Francisco
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Feb 3rd 2011 | 10:47 am
#358
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 92,276
From: MA, USA
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
I disagree, and double so for the other examples you give. "If there's time to lean, there's time to clean." If they aren't ringing someone up, they should be busy doing, not sitting on their rears. I also believe that physical actions affect mental state and I do not think it is equally easy to smile etc when sitting on a stool.
I've been on both sides of the counter and an owner and a customer. I've done occupational health training for grocery store cashiers.. it doesn't have to hurt if you're doing it right.
What does Missus Bob say to this in relationship to banks, out of curiosity?
Sorry, I'm not really up for 'discussing' this issue because I've realized I'm very firmly fixed in my position on this one. It's one of those irrational topics that really gets my goat. By all means, go ahead and complain about this one; I'm sure I will never convince you to see it my way either.
I've been on both sides of the counter and an owner and a customer. I've done occupational health training for grocery store cashiers.. it doesn't have to hurt if you're doing it right.
What does Missus Bob say to this in relationship to banks, out of curiosity?
Sorry, I'm not really up for 'discussing' this issue because I've realized I'm very firmly fixed in my position on this one. It's one of those irrational topics that really gets my goat. By all means, go ahead and complain about this one; I'm sure I will never convince you to see it my way either.
You get just as many surly, miserable cashiers at the tills here, talking to their mates at the next till, picking their teeth between customers, ignoring you after saying the token greeting "hi, how are you today" and then back to chucking your stuff over the scanner.
You get just as many people being genuinely helpful and friendly and working hard when they're sitting down. They're just not knackered and pissed off with the world quite as much after a 8 hour shift as they would have been standing.
Feb 3rd 2011 | 1:07 pm
#359
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 38,864
From: Kentucky
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Nope, not a personal opinion, check out this link http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/20...ealth.politics
Ian
Feb 3rd 2011 | 1:11 pm
#360
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 38,864
From: Kentucky
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
