April 26, 2005
I've probably preached about this before, but it deserves another post...
I went through the drive through of a fast-food restaurant yesterday morning on the way to the lab. There was no one else in line, so the following can not be excused by "they were really busy". I pulled up to the speaker, and politely turned off my diesel engine so I could be heard. A lady came on the speaker soliciting my order.
I pull up to the window, pay for my order, wait a little while, and get my sandwich. The lady says "thank you" (I have to give her credit for that - usually they don't say anything). She closes the window and walks off. I stretched out of my truck, and pried open the window. She was far away, and another guy is looking at me, wondering if they are going to be robbed. I ask for my soda, and he hands it to me. The lady laughed, and mumbled "sorry". In the time it took to do all of this, I could have made everything myself...
I've worked fast food, so I know what it's like. I would never have survived if I had behaved like that. In this day of dollar hoarding, have businesses decided that customers only want the lowest price? If so, they are paddling their canoe without getting the oars wet. I will spend a little more money, if I can get the service. I was at the Home Despot the other day, and noticed a register was open (I usually use the "self service" - it's faster). This kid rang up my stuff, exuding bad attitude. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he'd had some bad customers. So, I said "how are you doing today." Seconds ticked away, and I thought maybe he was hearing impaired. Finally, he just says "awight" (translated: I'm doing well! Thank you for asking!). He handed me my receipt, and I left. The only word (I use the term loosely) he spoke was "awight".
Get with it folks! Don't have people interface with customers that can't... well... interface!
Of course, the obvious question for me is: Why do I go back to these places? Usually, I don't until I find myself needing to take advantage of the convenience. There are two Home Despots between home and work. The convenience thing doesn't always work, though. I'm often more frustrated when I leave than if I'd just go to places where I know I'll be treated well...
Available to train employees for a price
I went through the drive through of a fast-food restaurant yesterday morning on the way to the lab. There was no one else in line, so the following can not be excused by "they were really busy". I pulled up to the speaker, and politely turned off my diesel engine so I could be heard. A lady came on the speaker soliciting my order.
Me: I'd like a "whatever-breakfast-sandwich", and a large coke with no ice, please.
Idjit: How many sandwiches?
Me: One "whatever-breakfast sandwich", please.
Idjit: Ok. One regular breakfast-sandwich, right?
Me: No, the "whatever-breakfast-sandwich".
Idjit: Ok, and a diet coke?
Me: No, a large regular coke, with no ice, please.
Idjit: Ok (gives me the total).
I pull up to the window, pay for my order, wait a little while, and get my sandwich. The lady says "thank you" (I have to give her credit for that - usually they don't say anything). She closes the window and walks off. I stretched out of my truck, and pried open the window. She was far away, and another guy is looking at me, wondering if they are going to be robbed. I ask for my soda, and he hands it to me. The lady laughed, and mumbled "sorry". In the time it took to do all of this, I could have made everything myself...
I've worked fast food, so I know what it's like. I would never have survived if I had behaved like that. In this day of dollar hoarding, have businesses decided that customers only want the lowest price? If so, they are paddling their canoe without getting the oars wet. I will spend a little more money, if I can get the service. I was at the Home Despot the other day, and noticed a register was open (I usually use the "self service" - it's faster). This kid rang up my stuff, exuding bad attitude. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he'd had some bad customers. So, I said "how are you doing today." Seconds ticked away, and I thought maybe he was hearing impaired. Finally, he just says "awight" (translated: I'm doing well! Thank you for asking!). He handed me my receipt, and I left. The only word (I use the term loosely) he spoke was "awight".
Get with it folks! Don't have people interface with customers that can't... well... interface!
Of course, the obvious question for me is: Why do I go back to these places? Usually, I don't until I find myself needing to take advantage of the convenience. There are two Home Despots between home and work. The convenience thing doesn't always work, though. I'm often more frustrated when I leave than if I'd just go to places where I know I'll be treated well...
Available to train employees for a price