Customer Service Run-ins

So this weekend I visited two of my favorite stores.  They are frequented by me quite often and usually the customer service is above-average to exceptional, sometimes hilarious.  But on Saturday, I was met with a grumpy-pants sandwich maker and a too busy multitasking manager.  I thought I would share my thoughts for those of you out there in the retail business or even the how to be nice to people business that might benefit from my experiences.

First, the multitasking manager/supervisor.  After being greeted by the usual smile and then another salesperson, they seemed really well-staffed that morning, I made my selections and went to check-out.  There was a male employee speaking to a female employee about who was going to be helping who stock what and when and where and yada yada yada.  I smiled at the female employee as she was the only one paying attention to me and I put my stuff on the counter.  He began scanning my purchases without any nod of the head, greeting or did you find everything you need, etc.  She said good morning and we chit-chatted about our need for caffeine and had a laugh.  All the time, he was still ringing me up, directing her to do this and that.  When he gave me his receipt I said goodbye to her and went on my way.  Now, I know a new shipment probably just came in and it's the beginning of the holiday season BUT you don't ignore your customers - they are the ones paying your salary. 

Second, grumpy-pants sandwich maker.  I love, love these sandwiches and rarely have I gotten one that wasn't made right to my liking.  But most of all, I love talking with the sandwich maker.  Usually, they're funny or comment on how I might want to try the new meat or cheese that came in, but this person was not having any form of conversation other than to assume I wanted mayo and mustard and no cheese on my tuna.  She wore a sour expression and kept mashing the veggies on the sandwich.  I wasn't in a big hurry, but still didn't want to stand there forever as she was trying to listen in on the conversation her co-worker was having with his customer.  Part of me thinks she wasn't supposed to work that day and got called in but when in retail you gotta keep the grumpiness out of your demeanor to keep the customers coming back!

I will qualify by saying that there are customers that can be just downright rude and grumpy themselves (I'm sure I've been one of those at one point or another) but the customer is still your greatest asset, so turn the other cheek and smile, you might wind up brightening their day!!  (And this particular morning I was in a great mood even without my morning caffeine yet.)