Sometimes, there is justice
I had to run a few errands this afternoon, the first at the Staples on Wilshire. After picking out my purchases, I went over to wait in the checkout line. Traditionally, at this staples, people gather near a certain display cabinet and wait their turn for the next available cashier.
Well, one guy, maybe in his mid-20s, seeing no line behind the one open checkout lane, rushed to stand behind the woman having her purchases rung up by a hapless clerk. I moved my lips to protest, but was just not in the mood to fight him. Well, this cashier seemed to be quite new on the job and was taking her time ringing up that shopper. I was getting frustrated, this being the third time in as many days where, at fast food restaurants or other stores, I dealt with such service.
I felt like letting my would-be purchases drop onto the floor and storming out when, all of a sudden, this one Staples employee with a smile on her face, while walking over to the adjacent checkstand, said to me (then the only person in line), “I’m opening up over here” or some such. As I was placing my purchases in front of her, she said, “Sorry to keep you waiting, sir.” She sounded like she meant it.
Not only was she polite, but she was she was also efficient. She had rung up my purchases in no time. Soon, with a cheerful smile, she was wishing me a pleasant afternoon and I was rushing out the door, off to my next errand. Only then did I regret not getting her name so I could e-mail the store to express my appreciation.
Oh, and, one more thing, the last thing I saw in the store was the guy who had cut in front of me still waiting while the hapless clerk (at his register) struggled to ring up his purchases. And a woman was having her purchases rung up by the kind and efficient clerk.
Some little things do make a big difference. And some moments like this are to savor.
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I fought in the retail wars for almost 7 years… 5 of which were at Toys R us… I managed to survive tickle me elmo and a bunch of other fad toys… I have a lot of sympathy for new clerks…
And I hate line cutters, they always think they are more important than others.
I was working at toys r us around Christmas time I was about to help this Indian lady when these red necks cut in front of her. She politly said “Excuse me there is a line”.
They retorted “Why don’t you learn English.”
She raised her voice and said in a perfect British accent “Excuse me But I do speak English and I speak it much better than you.”
Every one started luaghing and the red necks shut up quickly.
I decided a long time ago retail was not for me… So now I am in Hospitality… Less screaming kids… More puke though… wierd…
Comment by Stone K — December 7, 2009 @ 10:28 pm - December 7, 2009
Easy, Dan. The first gal is probably a victim of Bareback Obama’s domestic policies. She probably hasn’t worked in retail before or in a long time. The fact that she has a job is something to admire.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — December 7, 2009 @ 11:50 pm - December 7, 2009
I felt the same way when I saw the BMW that cut me off on the way to work pulled over by a Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy a few miles later.
Comment by V the K — December 8, 2009 @ 6:53 am - December 8, 2009
::: nodding head in approval :::
Customer service sure ain’t what it used to be. Good customer service should be rewarded and commended. Good on you for following up to share with the store your experience.
Comment by Randy — December 8, 2009 @ 9:17 am - December 8, 2009
Why is it the, generally speaking, Wal-Mart has courteous and efficient employees and K-Mart has a penchant for duds? Why does Target click and so many other competitors have clock punchers?
There is a lot to be said for alert management.
Comment by heliotrope — December 8, 2009 @ 9:53 am - December 8, 2009
Check your register receipt, it will have the clerk’s name or number on it. Use that to call the store manager and give the clerk “kudos”.
Comment by TnnsNE1 — December 8, 2009 @ 11:06 am - December 8, 2009