April 23, 2008 at 6:42 pm
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I just posted the following comment on my friend’s blog, following her post about a nasty health food store clerk:
I feel your pain. Most of the clerks at our market are completely gracious, but a few are unbelievably surly. The deli counter is the worst. Last night I asked for three of something, got two, repeated my order, but absolutely couldn’t get the girl’s attention.
I know I should have insisted on getting what I asked for, but she had already weighed it, sealed it and labeled it so I didn’t repeat my request a third time. I think that kind of passivity is what rude people like her count on.
I never complain about things like that. When someone gets really pissy about a rude person in any service industry, I always make excuses for them. Anyone who has waitressed or worked retail (and I’ve done both) knows how hard and obnoxious it can be. Some respond to that direct experience with the firm expectation that others in those positions sure as hell better adhere to their own basic standards. Others like me, simply demand less and tip more.
I think I’m getting old because I’m suddenly fed up with it. I want to be treated with some respect. Do you hear that mean waiters and prissy sales clerks of the world? You better start treating me with respect! But I promise you that I’m not going to let your bad attitude infect mine. Oh no no no — I’m going to kill you with kindness.
If I could do it over, that surly girl at the deli counter would hear me say loud and clear, “I’m sure you meant to give me what I asked for, but I guess you didn’t hear me correctly. Could I please have THREE risotto cakes? Oh thank you so much!” And as she begrudgingly remade the package, I’d beam her right over her whiney little face with my beatific smile.
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Nix wrote @ April 24th, 2008 at 2:41 am
Combine my OCD with having worked for (with only one exception) really picky people with extremely high expectations of me, and I’ve got a hell of a work ethic. I don’t care how bad my day is, I NEVER, EVER take it out on a customer. I had to buy a customer a glass of wine that was poured down the drain because she was extremely unclear. Rather than break the base of the glass off and stab her with the stem like I wanted to, I smiled at her and said “No problem!” while I took the glass back to the bar. I never once screamed the things I was thinking to any of my bank customers. To me, regardless of how shitty your job is, it’s never the customer’s problem.
What this has to do with this post? When I go ANYWHERE that has someone “serving” me (I hate that word, as much as I’d like to be, I’m not royalty - that rhymes!), I demand to be treated the way I treat my customers. What your friend went through? That gets a complaint both in person and a letter to the owner, and if the owner/company can’t be bothered to answer, then this is a company that doesn’t need my money anymore.
I really can’t stand people who want everything to be perfect, or beyond reasonable expectations. I get plenty of those (and it was worse when I worked at the hotel). I simply want what I would give.
Kathy wrote @ April 25th, 2008 at 8:42 am
When I encounter the random cranky worker I don’t make a big deal about it because I chalk it up to a bad day. Even though it’s not professional I’m willing to give some leeway. The trouble is when it’s a place I frequent and it’s a regular occurrence. The owner shouldn’t tolerate it as far as I’m concerned.
Miss Manners would be so proud of you! Having been in various service industries the majority of my working life, I have developed high standards for what I expect when I am the customer. I know everyone has a bad day now and then, and some people seem to have all bad days, but we live in a service economy and they need to get with the program. If you are rude and surly selling risotto cakes you are going to be the same way in a 6 figure job. Not that you’ll ever get to 6 figures being rude. I am glad you are determined to provide training opportunities for these unfortunates.
Julie A. wrote @ May 2nd, 2008 at 11:19 am
I have a really hard time asking for my order to be corrected as well. I think I have swung from too hardass to too wussy over the years. I’m trying to find that happy medium and I think your tactic of smiling nicely while asking for what I want in a kind but firm manner is something I will activley practice. Even while I’m completely embarrassed because of someone else’s mistake. ::facepalm::
Robyn wrote @ August 8th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I feel like you’ve just empowered me. I’m way too passive as well.
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