As we all know, the economy is the number one topic on everyone's minds. Our fellow forum person, Deb, has posted many an article written in the NY Times about what the "experts" are saying and others are rehashing that information. In spite of all our various differences and opinions, we at Dollar Stretcher have kept topics from getting ugly. However, in the past week I've been shopping at three different venues and at all three places, the clerks have been loudly discussing the economy and tying it to politics, which isn't hard to do. People are entitled to their opinions and there are plenty of places to express those opinions. The conversations I've overheard and endured have been negative, frightening and demoralizing. So much in fact that I have left without purchasing anything. I can be as opinionated as anyone and enjoy a lively debate, but when I'm out shopping, whether out of necessity or leisure, I want to concentrate on what I'm doing without listening to negative rhetoric from either extreme. Yes, we do have the freedom of speech and the right to our opinions which makes this country special. My husband and I both took an oath to serve this country and defend our freedoms. There were times I served under Presidents whose politics and policies I did not agree with, BUT as a military member I swore an oath to defend their policies and carry out their orders. Our Presidents have been elected in our Democratic process to make decisions on our behalf. We may not always like or understand the logic of choices but every President tries to do their best with what they have to work with. They all have inherited problems. At a time when we need to get our economy moving, it would nice to go shopping and NOT hear store owners/clerks bashing or fear mongering. If you want my money to keep your business running, please make an effort to ensure my shopping experience is at best pleasant, and at worst, neutral. Let's face it, most of us are scared and overwhelmed about what's going on. I venture to guess even "the powers that be" are scared too. At the end of the day, we ALL need more prayer and understanding and far less hostility.

 YES!  ME TOO!

 

(When I was trained as a salesclerk, MANY years ago, I was taught to always be pleasant, polite, and professional on the sales floor; NEVER discuss family or politics or anything like that.  Where did that go?????)

Toni B.:

At a time when we need to get our economy moving, it would nice to go shopping and NOT hear store owners/clerks bashing or fear mongering. If you want my money to keep your business running, please make an effort to ensure my shopping experience is at best pleasant, and at worst, neutral.

 

I totally agree!

 

 

I agree... lately, more and more of my shopping trips have included listening to clerks conversing about their politics, personal lives, and favorites - while interrupting their conversation just long enough to (sometimes) greet me, (always) tell me the total due, and (sometimes) thank me for coming - all of which is visibly an interruption to their conversation, and sometimes given in an attitude that demonstrates that I, the customer, am an unwelcome interruption.  One memorable grocery clerk actually rang up my entire order without ever taking her eyes off the magazine she was reading. 

I've quit complaining - the last time I complained about waiting 5 minutes and then finally interrupting the personal conversation between the butcher and his friend/customer (which led to the butcher calling his manager to complain about the rude customer), I was told that if I wanted to be treated politely, I should act that way... at which point I handed my now-melting ice cream to the manager, left the shopping cart where it was, and walked out, never to return to that particular store.  I did contact the regional manager of the store, who called  back and left a half-hearted apology, but nothing else.  Now I complain with my feet - I will tell the store my complaint, and they can either deal with it appropriately, or I won't go back.  The problem is - most stores don't seem to care.

Thank you for validating my observations. Thought I was being overly sensitive.

Its sad that helpful sales associates with friendly attitudes are rare. When I find them, I go out of my way to shop at those stores. Perhaps they will survive the tough economy. I'm vote for them with my dollar. KWIM

I'm not sure why attitudes have changes so much. IMO Its not just the economy causing it. Many seem very self involved & unable to understand their opinion it not the only one. It bothers me that so many are able to keep their jobs with this kind of attitude. Honestly, I take it personally. It makes me mad to have to deal with them, but I can't change them. I try to avoid them as much as possible, preferring not to help fund their paychecks.

There is one cashier at a local grocery where I live and you couldn't ask for a nicer cashier I just thought it was me being partial but yesterday I was in the store buying a few things to make a spaghetti dinner and some milk there were 2 guys in front of me and even one of them commented on how nice she was.  After she is finished scanning your order she always have a nice day or a nice weekent I know she is a very rare cashier and sometimes I will just make it a point to get in her line because of her kindness.

Mallory:

Many seem very self involved & unable to understand their opinion it not the only one. It bothers me that so many are able to keep their jobs with this kind of attitude.

One store was a needlework shop that I've been going to for 10 years and it was the owner who was complaining. I don't go in their often but when I do, I spend $50 to $100. She kept talking and grilling me about my life choices the whole time I was trying to look at stuff. Finally I couldn't take anymore and I left. I'm sure her business is down and I can see why.

Dear All, This will hardly come as a surprise to those who read my Food Stamps (Frugal Foods forum) posts, but I LOVE Whole Foods Market.  EVERY employee puts the customer 1st.  For example, if a bin in the bulk section is empty, a clerk will go into the warehouse section of the store, & bring out a new sack & insert iit in the bin, OR apologize profusely if (s)he must say to come back tomorrow as (s)he is ordering the stock now.  For example, in the fish dept (where I buy sardines, great food value @ a cheap price), the clerks will take the heads off & gut the sardines, w/o additional charge.  For example, in the produce dept, you can take exactlly as much as you want, & if what you want needs to be cut to give it to you, the clerk will cut it for you & just give you what you've asked for (re-packaging teh rest).  I have NEVER heard a clerk getting into a private conversation with another clerk while you are standing there waiting.  If a clerk is helping another customer, (s)he acknowledges you, & says that (s)he will be with you in a minute. 

I've veered off-topic, but I have the feeling that a little contrarian experience might be of interest. 

Yours in Him, Deb

 This kind of thing is why, when I get really good service, I stop to talk to the manager and/or write a note to the company.  I've talked to the managers of waitpersons in a restaurant and at our insurance company--the service was outstanding, and I hope that my comments meant a difference come raise time for those people.

 

I really love it when I get good service, and it takes so little time to express the appreciation.