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Captain Die
Suicide by Cop
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Posted - 2011.01.11 20:30:00 -
[1]
I often ask this question at work. It's how I greet people at. Not those I work with, but the customers that decide to make an appearance. I work overnights at a grocery store restocking shelves, fussing about with pallets, etc...
Any way, I find that very rarely do I get a response. Even with a simple hello, hi, evening with a gentle nod of my head. But yet, those I work with will receive a much more heart felt response. This bugs the hell out of me because often time the co-worker in question is not 10 foot from me.
I notice that men more so than women will respond. Even with direct eye contact, barely am I even acknowledged. This happens literally 90% of the time.
Why is this? I haven't the slightest clue.
Am I second class to you? It may be my job to serve you and fetch what you need or direct you where <xxx> is, but it's becoming a bit ridiculous. I'm not sure if I sound like and a-hole or being sarcastic but my co-workers assure me I don't.
I feel like the men that ignore me have some sort of superiority complex and the women feel like I'm hitting on them.
It's my job to greet you, if I don't I can get fired. --- DIE |
Vogue
Skynet Nexus
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Posted - 2011.01.11 20:44:00 -
[2]
Retail, pubs in the UK are trying to deliver better customer service. Last month when I brought a console game the checkout assistant said 'thank you enjoy your game'. This caught me off guard as this was new to me.
Once I was in a pub. One of the serving staff said 'did you enjoy your meal' the customer said 'well it was ok' (pub food in chain pubs in the UK is mediocre at best). The pub worker snorted in derision which made me chuckle.
.................................................. One man with courage is a majority
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Sinister Dextor
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Posted - 2011.01.11 20:46:00 -
[3]
Im doing great.
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Myxx
Risen Angels
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Posted - 2011.01.11 20:50:00 -
[4]
When I'm out shopping, I can say at least personally if I don't respond to a greeting, its likely because my mind is preoccupied thinking about what I want to buy, or because I might be on a cell, or something of the sort.
Usually, I politely nod my head at the very least even if I do nothing else. I wouldn't take it personally, really. --
Originally by: CCP Explorer (and if you guys would also stop using Drakes it would be really appreciated, kthxbye).
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Captain Die
Suicide by Cop
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Posted - 2011.01.11 20:52:00 -
[5]
Edited by: Captain Die on 11/01/2011 20:57:25 Edited by: Captain Die on 11/01/2011 20:54:18
Originally by: Vogue Retail, pubs in the UK are trying to deliver better customer service. Last month when I brought a console game the checkout assistant said 'thank you enjoy your game'. This caught me off guard as this was new to me.
Once I was in a pub. One of the serving staff said 'did you enjoy your meal' the customer said 'well it was ok' (pub food in chain pubs in the UK is mediocre at best). The pub worker snorted in derision which made me chuckle.
Today's world is in a sad state. I pride myself on engaging others in friendly conversation. It's nice to see people are actually taking steps (baby steps may it be in some instances) to actually improve customer relations.
I'm sorry pub food isn't the greatest. Hope the drinks are more suitable though.
Originally by: Sinister Dextor Im doing great.
That link made me smile.
Originally by: Myxx When I'm out shopping, I can say at least personally if I don't respond to a greeting, its likely because my mind is preoccupied thinking about what I want to buy, or because I might be on a cell, or something of the sort.
Usually, I politely nod my head at the very least even if I do nothing else. I wouldn't take it personally, really.
Being on the phone is one thing and nodding is one thing. Which to me is fine. But to be out right ignored is just...well...I've never felt a greater urge to cause physical harm to some one. --- DIE |
Akita T
Caldari Navy Volunteer Task Force
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Posted - 2011.01.11 20:53:00 -
[6]
Edited by: Akita T on 11/01/2011 20:55:22
Originally by: Captain Die [...] I work overnights at a grocery store restocking shelves, fussing about with pallets, etc... [...] Am I second class to you? [...]
Do you want a honest answer or an answer that will make you feel less bad ?
Here's a medium one : since you work the night shift (or so I understand), your attempt to engage people in conversation can be seen as mildly creepy. The men might not really feel threatened (I guess it would strongly depend on your physical appearance, I am betting you don't have an imposing physique but you're not completely scrawny either), but most of the women might, so they will try their hardest to NOT make eye contact unless they can't avoid it (like with cashiers and such).
_
Make ISK||Build||React||1k papercuts _
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Captain Die
Suicide by Cop
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Posted - 2011.01.11 20:55:00 -
[7]
Originally by: Akita T
Originally by: Captain Die [...] I work overnights at a grocery store restocking shelves, fussing about with pallets, etc... [...] Am I second class to you? [...]
Do you want a honest answer or an answer that will make you feel less bad ?
I wouldn't expect any less than honesty from you Akita. --- DIE |
Captain Die
Suicide by Cop
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:01:00 -
[8]
Originally by: Akita T Edited by: Akita T on 11/01/2011 20:55:22
Originally by: Captain Die [...] I work overnights at a grocery store restocking shelves, fussing about with pallets, etc... [...] Am I second class to you? [...]
Do you want a honest answer or an answer that will make you feel less bad ?
Here's a medium one : since you work the night shift (or so I understand), your attempt to engage people in conversation can be seen as mildly creepy. The men might not really feel threatened (I guess it would strongly depend on your physical appearance, I am betting you don't have an imposing physique but you're not completely scrawny either), but most of the women might, so they will try their hardest to NOT make eye contact unless they can't avoid it (like with cashiers and such).
You are spot on. I'm quite tall. 6'6''. But not necessarily broad at the shoulders. I also have a low frequency voice. The conversation is a small portion of it, as actually talking with some one doesn't mean as much as being acknowledged. --- DIE |
Akita T
Caldari Navy Volunteer Task Force
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:05:00 -
[9]
Well, if you say so... also, see "medium" version above.
The harsh truth is that on the big picture, you're probably hovering around the bottom on the "desirability of interpersonal contact" chart of occupations, on par with other "maintenance" type staff.
So if you put it in terms of "classes", you wouldn't even be second class, you would be something like 8th class out of around 10 total. The bottom rung would be homeless people, of course, and the top would obviously be the very rich and/or very famous. Sorry, it's most likely your job, not you. If you'd work the day shift, or if you'd be a cashier, you'd see a noticeable improvement to "class 7". _
Make ISK||Build||React||1k papercuts _
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Colonel Handgrenade
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:08:00 -
[10]
It might have something to do with the country you live in... or even the region of that country. (You didn't specify where you live).
Five years ago I moved from one end of my country to the other.... two completely different regions, and two completely different attitudes in the retail workers (on average). Workers in my old region were more friendly, polite and helpful. In the new region, they sometimes act as if you are inconveniencing them by wanting to buy something from them.
Here's a suggestion for you though, instead of asking people a question like "how ya doin'?", just say a greeting like "Good evening" or even a simple "Hello". That way they don't feel obliged to answer you... they can just repeat the same greeting that they just heard. Mimickry is often a result of laziness.
Let us know how that goes for you.
PS.. You are NOT a second class citizen... But I know it may feel like that. I worked in retail for 10 years.
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Captain Die
Suicide by Cop
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:09:00 -
[11]
Originally by: Akita T Well, if you say so... also, see "medium" version above.
The harsh truth is that on the big picture, you're probably hovering around the bottom on the "desirability of interpersonal contact" chart of occupations, on par with other "maintenance" type staff.
So if you put it in terms of "classes", you wouldn't even be second class, you would be something like 8th class out of around 10 total. The bottom rung would be homeless people, of course, and the top would obviously be the very rich and/or very famous. Sorry, it's most likely your job, not you. If you'd work the day shift, or if you'd be a cashier, you'd see a noticeable improvement to "class 7".
Makes sense seeing how the day crew also ignores the majority of the night crew. The store I work at is open 24/7 and we work 10pm to 6am. But yet are considered the 'backbone' of the store, or so I was told when I was hired. --- DIE |
Akita T
Caldari Navy Volunteer Task Force
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:11:00 -
[12]
Edited by: Akita T on 11/01/2011 21:15:28
Originally by: Captain Die Makes sense seeing how the day crew also ignores the majority of the night crew. The store I work at is open 24/7 and we work 10pm to 6am. But yet are considered the 'backbone' of the store, or so I was told when I was hired.
Words are cheap, and night shift workers have ugly churn rates, so they try to "boost morale" that way to keep you around longer. I bet they don't pay you much (if at all) extra compared to the day shift, correct ?
P.S. Try a more formal "good evening sir/madam, do you need help finding what you need to buy?" and see if there's any change in response frequency. It should help put people in a slightly less evasive mood, at least theoretically. _
Make ISK||Build||React||1k papercuts _
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Vogue
Skynet Nexus
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:13:00 -
[13]
When I briefly worked in a hotel there was a lot of staff seriously interested in helping the team and delivering good customer service. This was a revelation to me having worked in snotty, snobby pent up emotions, corporate douchbag world. And when working in a hotel this rubbed off on me. I worked in retail when I was a student and gave amiable but rather lukewarm customer service. When I did waiter service I tried a bit harder as everyone else was.
Thing is in workplaces if you have few pay grade scales and no pay rises there is no sub context of irate competition between staff. And this was the case in the hotel I worked.
.................................................. One man with courage is a majority
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Captain Die
Suicide by Cop
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:17:00 -
[14]
Edited by: Captain Die on 11/01/2011 21:22:12 Edited by: Captain Die on 11/01/2011 21:21:19
Originally by: Akita T Edited by: Akita T on 11/01/2011 21:15:28
Originally by: Captain Die Makes sense seeing how the day crew also ignores the majority of the night crew. The store I work at is open 24/7 and we work 10pm to 6am. But yet are considered the 'backbone' of the store, or so I was told when I was hired.
Words are cheap, and night shift workers have ugly churn rates, so they try to "boost morale" that way to keep you around longer. I bet they don't pay you much (if at all) extra compared to the day shift, correct ?
P.S. Try a more formal "good evening sir/madam, do you need help finding what you need to buy?" and see if there's any change in response frequency. It should help put people in a slightly less evasive mood, at least theoretically.
Ten bucks an hour. Shhh. I know already. But jobs are hard to come by.
I will try being more formal tonight when I head in and see how that works out. Although when a customer is drunk they seem to care less about formalities.
Originally by: Vogue Thing is in workplaces if you have few pay grade scales and no pay rises there is no sub context of irate competition between staff. And this was the case in the hotel I worked.
Interesting. (Sincerely) --- DIE |
Colonel Handgrenade
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:26:00 -
[15]
LOL!!! The drunks! Yeah, I bet though that in their case, you either can't get them to verballize at all - or you can't get them to shut up! (Or stand up) HAHA!
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Colonel Handgrenade
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:30:00 -
[16]
Oh yeah.... you mentioned it already that jobs are hard to come by right now. You're absolutely right and are very fortunate to have one. So don't feel too bad about other people's lack of response to you... just whistle while you work and see what effect that has - on you AND your customers.
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Captain Die
Suicide by Cop
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:31:00 -
[17]
Edited by: Captain Die on 11/01/2011 21:32:08
Originally by: Colonel Handgrenade LOL!!! The drunks! Yeah, I bet though that in their case, you either can't get them to verballize at all - or you can't get them to shut up! (Or stand up) HAHA!
I couldn't believe it when this happened. On my smoke break (before liquor sales ended for the evening) a rather attractive female approached me and was 'open' you could say. Admittedly under the influence though.
Originally by: Colonel Handgrenade Oh yeah.... you mentioned it already that jobs are hard to come by right now. You're absolutely right and are very fortunate to have one. So don't feel too bad about other people's lack of response to you... just whistle while you work and see what effect that has - on you AND your customers.
A common trait amongst the crew is to sing out of tune and with impromptu lyrics to the generic songs playing over the comms. --- DIE |
Kalle Demos
Amarr Hysteria Nexus
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:34:00 -
[18]
Linkage
Originally by: Kool StoryBro <---
Originally by: CCP Spitfire Spam post removed.
Random forum moments <0> |
Captain Die
Suicide by Cop
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:37:00 -
[19]
Originally by: Kalle Demos Linkage
MY !!!! ZE GOGGLES! ZEY DO NUZZING! --- DIE |
Kalle Demos
Amarr Hysteria Nexus
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:38:00 -
[20]
I feel bad for linking that now tbh :( poor girl, she was probably having fun with the cam and now ive ruined her life by sending you ********s her way :(
Originally by: Kool StoryBro <---
Originally by: CCP Spitfire Spam post removed.
Random forum moments <0> |
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Captain Die
Suicide by Cop
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Posted - 2011.01.11 21:44:00 -
[21]
Originally by: Kalle Demos I feel bad for linking that now tbh :( poor girl, she was probably having fun with the cam and now ive ruined her life by sending you ********s her way :(
There is an element of sympathy I have for her as it seems she is being taken advantage of. But yet, I lol at her for putting herself in that position. --- DIE |
Chainsaw Plankton
IDLE GUNS IDLE EMPIRE
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Posted - 2011.01.11 22:03:00 -
[22]
I like to do my shopping late night, and well the guys restocking the shelves usually ignore me, and I ignore them. they usually tend to be looking busy and such. if they said hi or something yes I'd return the conversation, I just don't think it is expected.
wait what!? its your job to greet shoppers and you might get fired if you don't
I'd expect that from the cashier but not from one of the guys stocking shelves.
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Captain Die
Suicide by Cop
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Posted - 2011.01.11 22:05:00 -
[23]
Originally by: Chainsaw Plankton I like to do my shopping late night, and well the guys restocking the shelves usually ignore me, and I ignore them. they usually tend to be looking busy and such. if they said hi or something yes I'd return the conversation, I just don't think it is expected.
wait what!? its your job to greet shoppers and you might get fired if you don't
I'd expect that from the cashier but not from one of the guys stocking shelves.
Yeah. Some time ago a guy got fired for not greeting a manager. I swear. --- DIE |
Atomos Darksun
D00M. Northern Coalition.
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Posted - 2011.01.11 22:29:00 -
[24]
Because that is, in my opinion, the worst question in the history of casual encounters.
You are compelled to lie. Or tell the half truth. It's a pointless question, at any rate, and most people who ask it really want to hear the truth.
It is vague, it is a trick question, it drives me up a wall, AND I HATE IT WITH MUCH OF MY BEING
Originally by: Amoxin My vent is talking to me in a devil voice...
Linkification, Baby. |
Slade Trillgon
Endless Possibilities Inc.
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Posted - 2011.01.11 23:10:00 -
[25]
Edited by: Slade Trillgon on 11/01/2011 23:12:19 Just do your job and be thankfull that you are not the one that they go to when they want to *****.
:EDIT: The above sounded harsh after I posted it. What I should have said is greet them and if they ignore you do not take it to heart. As others have said night time people tend to be less conversational for a multitude of reasons. :END EDIT:
As I tend to agree with what Atomos said above I have changed my greeting to, "I hope things are well for you today". That way they are not obligated to answer and if they want to they are free to answer with a polite I am fine, or they have the option to open up and discuss their bad day. That being said my job allows for that form of conversation with the coustomer which not all people at work have that luxury. Akita's PS sounds like it would work the best in your situation.
Slade
:Signature Temporarily Disabled: |
Salyan
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Posted - 2011.01.11 23:12:00 -
[26]
Edited by: Salyan on 11/01/2011 23:13:58
Originally by: Atomos Darksun You are compelled to lie. Or tell the half truth.
I'm the very introverted type.
I go to grocery stores that have the self-checkout with the silly machines to avoid the checkers, even though the selection of food is worse.
When I do go to the regular store, I dread the checkout process. The checker will always feel the need to make smalltalk or comment about my purchases.
*Various items such as pre-made halves of sandwiches, cut fruit in containers/jars, some fake supermarket sushi, bread, boxes with "Microwavable!" all over and other items that scream 'single guy living alone' pass on the conveyor*
Checker: "Oh, it looks like you're having a picnic!" Me: "Uh... Yup! That's it!"
*Looks outside window to see it's snowing*
And I HATE it when people greet me! I always hope they will be too busy to notice me, or notice that I'm feigning interest on some item on the opposite shelf lest I need to make some response up on the spot (even if it is the usual "fine, thanks"). It's stressful.
I can see Akita's point for women, but for the rest of us please don't take it personally. It's just that we're introverted and ***** up in the head like this.
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Akita T
Caldari Navy Volunteer Task Force
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Posted - 2011.01.11 23:22:00 -
[27]
Originally by: Kalle Demos Linkage
"This video contains content from Sony Music Entertainment, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds. Sorry about that." _
Make ISK||Build||React||1k papercuts _
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Louis deGuerre
Gallente Malevolence. Imperial 0rder
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Posted - 2011.01.11 23:43:00 -
[28]
At night...the survival instinct kicks in...stealth means safety.
Be vewy vewy quiet !
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Danton Marcellus
Nebula Rasa Holdings
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Posted - 2011.01.12 00:13:00 -
[29]
People don't care yet I'm of the 'don't ask, do tell' persuasion. If people ask me how I'm doing they will get an honest answer they most the time will be disatisfied with, can't that guy just play along?
Myself I never ask that question outright and certainly not as a greeting, hate the phrase, hate the game.
Should/would/could have, HAVE you chav!
Also Known As |
Okie Wren
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Posted - 2011.01.12 00:23:00 -
[30]
I always respond when anyone asks me a question like that, even at night. Though for some reason I find it very hard to maintain eye contact with anyone.
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