At the checkout counter today at TJMaxx, the cashier asked me how I was, if I had found everything alright (I've never understood this.....if I hadn't found what I was looking for, I'd have left the store empty-handed, not headed to the checkout line), and then he proceeded to announce what I was purchasing . . . "Ok, a giant photo album and two oven mitts....will that be all today?" This is a particular pet peeve of mine. WHY would someone do this? What if I had purchased stilletto heels and two bras? Would he have announced that?
Contrast that with my experience at a chain grocery store a few weeks ago. I had about six items, so rather than wait in the three long lines, I made the unfortunate choice of the self-checkout line. First, I tried to swipe my 'preferred customer card' into the scanner. You know, the card that if you forget to give them, you are charged a higher price for the same items. After eight attempts I finally got logged in, only to have to scan each item multiple times, while the computer warned me repeatedly about where to put and not put my items. What really burned my a** was that an employee just stood there watching me struggle, presumably to catch me shoplifting. I finally looked at her and said, "It would probably be quicker if you helped me instead of just watching me." And then she walked away!!!
R.I.P. Customer Service..........we miss you!
That, and the whole bag-your-own thing (yes, that's been a long time, I'm old, lol!)...
ReplyDeleteI remember when our local store was first putting in the self-scan stations, and the managers were all instructed to "Introduce customers to them".
Well, I'm a smart-ass, so I asked her, "Do I get paid to do your job, if I scan my own?"
She stomped off.
" What if I had purchased stilletto heels and two bras? Would he have announced that?"
ReplyDeleteBwhahahahahhaha! OMG...that's so funny! To be honest, I've never had a cashier announce what I was purchasing. I mean for what reason do they need to even do that?!?!
And about self-check.
I HATE self-checkout. The machines NEVER work properly, and I also hate how the voice talks SO LOUD that the whole store can hear your transaction. Also, if they have self-checkout WHY do they even need to hire anyone in the store? I mean why are they PAYING these people? And what do they do besides stand there and watch if your shoplifting?
I agree...R.I.P. customer service.
Great rant!
Sailor - I've found that bag-your-own has become an expectation at stores where they never have enough cashiers or baggers. It seems to put the owness on the customer to bag it themselves to make the line go faster.
ReplyDeleteRon - I knew you'd enjoy that. I had to think of what would be an embarrassing purchase at the Maxx, since they don't sell contraception or sanitary products!
She walked away? Nice. . .
ReplyDeleteI actually sorta miss the old days, when I could just walk into a store and browse quietly, without some golf=shirted lunatic following me around like I'm gonna get lost between Aisle 3 and Aisle 4, if he doesn't show me the way. . .
As to 'U-scan' - at the stores I go to, the 'attendant' (makes me think of the old train station restrooms; but I digress) is mainly there to check IDs on alcohol purchases (since we do, after all, live in close proximity to a major state university). What chaps my backside, just a little, is the little sticker that says, "If you look under 40, you will be asked to provide ID on alcohol purchases". And they still never ask me for ID. . .
;)
Thank goodness you weren't buying sexy panties. "Red lace thong!"
ReplyDeleteI always avoid those self-service checkouts, firstly because there's always some problem with them, secondly because they're doing the checkout staff out of a job.
ReplyDeleteBag-your-own is the norm over here, I'm quite used to it. But I certainly wouldn't want my more embarrassing items announced to everyone in the vicinity. "That's six extra large chocolate bars, packet of condoms...."
I actually don't want cashiers commenting on my purchases in any way. I had one cashier hold up a pair of lacy undies I was buying and say loudly, "Oh these are pretty!" Gah!
ReplyDeleteThis is a pet peeve of mine also, the only time I tried to buy stiletto heels and a couple of bras rather than risk this I went through the self checkout, I got one of the bras hung up in the scanner and the customer service guy called a manager who.. OK where are you going with this Jimmy?
ReplyDeleteSeriously I hate the self checkout registers, I figure if I am making a purchase why do I have to ring it up and bag it myself, Customer service is a lost art, it seems no one really cares anymore.
I, too, have never really understood why someone would ask if I found everything today. Strange.
ReplyDeleteCraig - I don't want to be hounded when I walk through the door, either! Interesting though, when you have a question or are searching for an advertised item, no employees can ever be found.
ReplyDeleteRhonda - announcing is bad enough, but his commentary that my photo album was 'giant' seemed over the top.
Agent - that is just ridiculous! I suppose being a cashier is boring, so they feel the need to check out the merchandise and comment while ringing it up?
Jimmy - we knew they didn't care once they installed the phone systems where it takes 10 mins to reach a human.
Flutter - the one time I said I couldn't find such and such, the cashier responded that she had no idea if they sold that product or not. Helpful!
Nick - speaking of junk food, it seems as though cashiers love to comment on that the most! I'm constantly being asked how some.new product I'm buying is ...."are these chocolate filled twinkles as good as they look?" And then I feel the need to explain myself, "I've never had one; they're for my kids!"
ReplyDeleteaw well...those of us who give good customer service wind up getting let go for some bullshit reason like "chemistry" anyway.
ReplyDeleteas for announcing the items you're purchasing it reminds me of the walmart game. you list only two items to buy that are most likely to cause consternation to the cashier or other people in your line. neither item can me condoms or lube. my suggestion? ammo and midol.
ha ha, last time a stalker asked that i told him i lost me keys in the women's intimates. he turned six shades of red but dutifully headed for that section while i self-checked-out, bagged, and exited .....
ReplyDeleteya gotta take opportunities, i tell ya!
(true story) (ok, so it wasn't last time. but it really happened)
in response to your question at my place Re: challenge day. I was invited to participate by my friend who was an organizer at the high school where she works. i believe the link i included in the post has a place where you can inquire about being a volunteer though and they may get in touch with you about events near you.
ReplyDeleteLime - Well, I've never heard of that little game, but sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteX - Does Queenie refuse to take you shopping anymore?
Lime - Very cool opportunity. I was disappointed that it told me there was nothing within 50 miles of me for the next year.
I do self-serve checkout here and there is always a cashier on duty to help the customers. We get good help if we make a mistake or the machine gets crazy.
ReplyDeleteI resisted doing self-serve a long time but now I am used to it.