I really hate to complain but I need to write this down. It will act as therapy for me. Once I get it out I think I will feel better.
Walmart.
I used to love grocery shopping. I never got it when I heard other woman say they hated it. I get it now. I try to be so prepared by going through the ads and match pricing (the main reason I go there). I plan my meals for the week or so then write my list accordingly and by the route I take so I follow my list in the order I am walking through Walmart. I know what you're thinking but it's supposed to help me get out of there quicker. If I have coupons, I asterick the items so I know to pull them out as well.
Anyway, after a good hour and a half (grocery shopped out and two hungry but pretty well-behaved children asking to ride the horsie), I pull my heavy ladened cart to the check stand. I can tell the clerk already seems irritated as soon as I mention "price match" items. I only have a few. I think, "Okay, I certainly wouldn't want to have to deal with customers all day on my feet." I try to be pleasant.
When the total is called out flatly, I swipe the good old debit card and proceed to follow the prompts. In the background, Ella and Aidan are excitedly inquiring about riding the horse (her name has been Isabelle/Tinkabell for as long as I remember now) and Dumbo.
I know that once the till is opened and closed at Walmart for a transacation it can only be opened again by permission from a "supervisor." I try to be courteous and ask the clerk for four quarters in exchange for my one dollar bill (horse and Dumbo ride) before the till opens. Here's the conversation:
Me - Could I please get four quarters for my dollar, if you have it?
Clerk - No. I can't.
Me (puzzled but trying to smile). I see now that with a debit transaction the till does not open. I also know one just has to press a button for a supervisor to give permission (from somewhere) and magically open the till.
Me - Do you know if the "Fun Center" gives change?
Clerk - No.
Me - Can you call someone to open your till? (determined to get some customer service in this dying practice and reward my children for enduring another long trip to Walmart)
Clerk - sigh, I guess.
Honestly, I was shocked. All it took was for this person to push a button. The supervisor (somewhere in some magical location simply grants permission intangibly and voiala, the till opens).
I remember when groceries were bagged for you, put in your grocery cart (yes, Maceys does do this), then a bagger would push your cart to your car and load your groceries. Call me old fashioned, call me demanding but I call it customer service. I just want a little customer service. Is that too much? I actually walked out of there thinking, "what is happening to our world? What is customer service going to be like when my children are adults?" It make me wonder and it makes me want to shout out, "Hey, I'm a paying customer! I'm nice to you. Be nice to me!"
And now . . . I feel better.
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Take the Quiz and Share Your Results! You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and appreciate the kind way you always handle things.
Aidan - "See, I can do opposites with my toes!" ??
6 comments:
AGREED! And they always act annoyed when you price match, too.
I totally agree with you! I am sure when I walk up there with my three screaming children price matching and having all my coupons they are like great! I love maceys and the service they give you!
I totally agree. Customer service just keeps getting worse and worse everywhere. Walmart is especially wonderful that way ;)
Right on! I'm so glad you persisted and at least got your quarters and didn't back down. You're a good example, too, because you did it like a lady. Sometimes I have a hard time not giving them some of my scariest, cold, icy crusties.
This is also a huge reason I love to shop at Costco. They have wonderful customer service. They're instructed that no matter what the customer's request, they do it with a smile. Did you know that you can ask any employee to shop with you and they'll assist the whole time (I've never done it but my Grandma does and I've been told by employees that it's part of their job).
This really made me appreciate our two grocery stores here in my little town where they still bag your groceries and put them in your cart and are always happy to help you out, which I always have them do if I have any children in tow.
I am with you on this! I can NOT beleive the way customer service is a thing of the past. It is sad when it is their job and they can't even be nice. I do have to agree that Maceys has stayed good, but I guess every place has their moments or "that one employee." Good job on staying positive!
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