Yesterday I ventured out to do some grocery shopping, banking, etc. In the course of two hours I witnessed 2 near miss accidents, a pedestrian in a crosswalk crossing when the sign clearly said no walking (almost causing a collision), a rude sales associate, an extremely rude customer (no, not me), and an overzealous bank teller that wanted to sell me more products than I know what to do with. By the time I made it home I was exhausted.
This may be typical. The problem is that what may be typical and acceptable for others is definitely not acceptable to me. Contrary to popular belief we are not alone here people and in case you have forgotten there is a trickle down effect to your actions.
In the spirit of the holiday season that is being pushed upon us I have devised a few tips that may make the going out experience more pleasurable.
Retail Sales Associates:
My time is valuable. Not so valuable that I will be rude or pushy but valuable.
1. I am not interested in hearing about your crappy day. However, a nice smile and "Hi, how are you?" is appreciated.
2. I don't care that you have been working for more than four hours a need a break. Take it up with your supervisor.
3. If you don't know then simply say you don't know and offer to find out.
4. If you feel a snippy comment about to pass over your lips save it. Go home and vent to whomever else might be interested. Your store is not the only game in town and I will take my money and shop elsewhere.
5. Have your supervisor (if they have a clue) explain to you the meaning of customer service. That my friend is what you are getting paid to provide.
6. You are not my mother. I am not interested in your critique of my purchases. Yes, I did receive a public school education but contrary to popular trends I did graduate knowing how to read a label. If my cookies contain trans fat that's my problem!
7. No means no. If I say I'm not interested or more importantly no than there is no point in continuing your sales pitch. Get a clue!
Consumers:
1. The rules of the road apply to everyone. Simply because you are in a hurry or drive a bigger vehicle does not provide you with some special dispensation. TAKE YOUR TURN!
2. Please don't apply for credit cards when there are 5 people waiting behind you in line and only 2 registers open.
3. Please don't apply for credit cards when there are five people waiting behind you in line and then change your mind so that those 5 people have to wait another 20 minutes while your order is rang up a second time.
4. Most of you are not very good at multi-tasking. Avoid talking on the cell phone when you are checking out. Trust me it goes faster.
5. Can you please start writing the check when you have finished unloading your cart.
6. Read the item limits for express check out. 15 items or less applies to you too.
7. Pedestrians you can avoid being hit by a vehicle if you just follow the millions of dollars worth of signage at crosswalks.
8. Socialize over a cup of coffee at Starbucks there are other people waiting behind you at the check out line.
Please just take a moment to think about others. Not everyone is like you. Remember manners. There are elderly, disabled, small children and whomever else that are easily fatigued and value their time and also look forward to a pleasent outing. Why rob them of this pleasure simply because you believe the world revolves around you. I am not invisible and I'll be right there behind you in line to remind you.
