Over the last few weeks I've been shopping for new outfits, something I don't do very much, and found myself in a store trying on clothing and attended to by a staff member.
I am pretty good at knowing what I want and what looks good on me and like to think I'm a smart shopper; I buy things that are mix-and-match mostly and like to get multiple looks from a handful of items. It's about value for money and minimising the accumulation of items at home. I don't buy things just because I want them, or on a whim, and I certainly don't buy them because the shop assistant says, you look cute in that.
Last weekend I went into the city, my man was away for the day and, because the outfits I need are for a special occasion, I weekend away I'm surprising him with, it worked well that he wasn't with me. I shopped at my own leisure, tried many things on and had a nice time.
At one store and was greeted by an enthusiastic shop assistant who seemed pleased to see and help me. It made a difference from the almost apathetic, lazy people I'd dealt with at other stores and together we discussed my needs, what I liked, and she directed me to some items I really loved. It was refreshing to get such good service and I was impressed. I'll admit, she gave me the, oh, you look so cute in that, line when I put on a couple of things but I felt it was somewhat genuine rather than a line she said to sway me into a purchase.
I walked away with four items from that store and was really pleased with them and their cost, all were on sale. It was the service that really stood out though, the happy way in which that young girl approached her work and my needs and I'll definitely go back when I need something else.
Today I was chatting with a friend who had just complained about the poor service she'd received earlier and I told her about my experience at that store and we chatted about how service standards seem to have declined and how people's tolerance for bad service has increased...it's like we expect bad service so lower our standards to match which, in my opinion, isn't the right way around.
People like the young girl I mentioned stand out, she was excellent, but she didn't do anything overly amazing, she just did the job she was paid to do I suppose, but it stood out in a society that seems intent upon lowering standards.
Becca 💗
I agree about not lowering the standards we expect in the quality of service, it is still possible to get courtesy and care in doing things right, I'm glad it was your case in the visit to that store.
Isn't courtesy something we should all be displaying towards others? Especially when in a service industry. I think it's not too much to ask for.
Thanks for your comment.
Becca 🌷
Yeah, service is really important to me. You could genuinely want something but the look on the salesperson face with eyes glazing with boredom, clearly communication that he could give anything not to be there at that time could just send me out the front door.
Genuine service is just so nice. Puts you in a good mood, you're happy to pay. It's a win-win for all concerned.
I agree, and in a shop I believe it helps to make sales. Being surly, disinterested or unhelpful doesn't make me want to spend more, I just want to leave.
Becca 🌷
I totally agree with what you say and I do exactly the same, few articles but that combine perfectly. As I like warm colours above all, I have several of them and plain things, they combine perfectly.
I also look for quality - price, that relationship is very good.
But as you say, the important thing is also how you are served, the disposition. I think in this case the shop assistant is like that, natural and doesn't pretend to be paid a salary.
People nowadays are not very tolerant, in jobs they don't like and that's sad, it's a bad predisposition.
People get used to it and we are getting less and less. It is important to rescue that good treatment.
Thank you Becca.❤️
I believe that people at their workplace are too distracted. They want to rush back to their Facebook page, phone game or text chat and forget that they're actually there to serve customers...that's what they get paid for. I tend to walk out of places with bad service, there's always somewhere else to shop.
Becca 🌷
It's true, they're not working, they're working on their own stuff... networking... in their own world, not focused on what they have to do.
It's better as you say to look for another place where you feel comfortable with the treatment.
Hugs Becca❤️
Is this the case in your area as well? I often wonder if it's the same around the world.
Becca 🌷
Yes, that's a worldwide thing, here too, it happens, so I look for shops... I look for what I want myself and I choose, the employees don't help much.
Hmm, yes I thought as much. It's sad.
Becca 🌷
There has been a downward spiral in customer service in the last few years. Although I would love to blame Covid for changing it all, much has nothing to do with it. Less focus on customer satisfaction and building a good customer base, and more focus on self. It used to be important to have happy employees and an environment that is comfortable to work in. It used to be about doing a good job and pride in yourself. Now, there seems to be no one more important than your happiness, getting paid enough. I want to say with the young people today, parents are not helping them to reach their full potential. They don't respect their parents, do what they want to do, and talk disrespectfully to adults, teachers...not all, but enough to notice. They live with some type of screen in their face, all day long. Less interaction with humans, no wonder they don't know how to treat a customer.
You were fortunate to get a person that was raised the old-fashioned way, respects other people, and especially gives honest respect to others. and honestly happy to have a job, I salute her parents or whoever is guiding her into adulthood. She will be one of those that rise to the top.
Businesses are unfortunately hanging on to these lesser people because nobody seems to want to work and they are still trying to hire in these retail positions all day long. So they put up with it. I would rather work it myself than keep any of them, but, realize that is impossible. We are on the second generation of kids that are running the home show... what to do, what to do.
This issue means I try to stay away from the shops and if I have to go I don't browse as much, unless the person helping me is nice like the girl I mention; I get what I need and leave. I wonder if others do the same, or do not go at all, and how that will impact retail, the jobs and businesses.
People don't know how to communicate these days, I see that everywhere. I'm so glad I have a good man and that we got together the old fashioned way; I'd not want to do it the way it is done these days. I'm the same with friendships and with people I interact with like the shop assistant in this post. I like face to face interaction...but not when it's a terrible experience.
Thank you for your comment, I am really grateful for it. Sometimes it's difficult to find the time to respond due to some issues I have here, but I will always respond.
Becca 🌷
People don't know how to communicate these days, it is a fact! While on vacation last year, I watch a couple on their honeymoon texting each other across the table at dinner. (on their honeymoon!!) This is an all-time low in my book. I love how technology has opened up doors in so many ways, but, I also think it has gotten out of hand. Nobody has time for face-to-face interaction, not when they are so busy on their social media... They can be who they want and safely say what they wish. They no longer have to be responsible for how they conduct themselves.
I find it appalling. Dating apps? Worse.
I don't shop like I used to. It used to be fun, but honestly, some of my favorite stores have become extinct, so it takes a bit of the joy out of it.
Have a great rest of your week!