Cheerful Frugality Asks For Help
I was browsing K-mart this morning when an employee asked if I had found what I needed. "No," I demurred. "Just admiring the Martha Stewart ornaments, but I don't have any more room in my budget this year."
"Oh, try Dollar Tree," the employee volunteered. "I saw some of the exact same ornaments there under a different label. And of course, if you come back here the day after Christmas, you'll have the pick of what's left. This K-mart rarely sells out of Martha Stewart."
Talk about customer service! As I drove home, I wondered how often a cashier or stockperson has helped me save money. More times than I can count, in thrift stores and department stores alike.
Think about it--who knows the inventory better than the people who look at it every day? Who else is working on a tight budget? Consider store employees as experts in their field.
I'm not advocating that you ask for next week's sale flyer in advance, or request a discount where none is warranted. Neither should you initiate a lengthy chat as the line behind you grows.
But developing these friendly relationships may just make you a better shopper.
My neighborhood thrift has two of the nicest cashiers I've ever met. One day I had to confess, "I see you all every week, but I do not even know your names! How embarassing is that?"
Now I know that Jaqueline spends every Saturday at the soccer field with her children, and Marta is homesick for the Posadas of her grandparents' village. (As I learned when I purchased a nativity for $1.99.)
In turn, they ooh over the pretty baby clothes I select, point out the new rack of winter coats, and remind me not to miss 50% off books next Friday.
Should you expect anything in return? No. But I think you'll be surprised how pleasant everyday shopping becomes.
I struck up a short conversation with the Pepperidge Farm delivery man in Publix. "I got hooked on your Very Thin Bread before Turrentine's closed. Do you know if another Pepperidge Farm outlet has opened lately?"
Lo and behold, he was thrilled to tell me of a local grocer who sells the day-old breads at 50-cents a loaf. "And they're not even out of date yet!" he promised.
When I finally found the store, I saw the bakery lady cutting up fresh trays of chess squares. "This is my first time shopping here, and I don't think I've ever seen bar cookies so tall! Do you make them yourself?"
"Yes," she smiled. "The lemon is my favorite. I just put yesterday's on the reduced rack, if you'd like to try them."
Yet another thrift store has been low on toys for months. When I noticed a new shelf full, I took a moment to tell the manager, "We are so happy that your store is here--and even happier that you have some new board games! Thanks for organizing them so nicely before Christmas."
He practically beamed. "Check back Wednesday. We'll be getting another load from the warehouse then."
Expert advice isn't limited to bargain barns. Locate a well-dressed department store clerk. "I'm looking for something similar to this suit, but I'm afraid it's out of my price range. What do you suggest?"
An honest inquiry may go a long way, whether it's a personal escort to a knockoff line in another section or a tip about next week's clearance sale. It's rare that employees are treated like human beings, let alone like seasoned professionals.
So you're just as shy as I am? Here are some friendly phrases I find myself saying a lot:
- I love your store. What is the best time of the day to come in?
- I'm going to be saving my money for this! Do you happen to know if it will go on sale anytime soon?
- I can tell you really know what you're doing. What do you think is the best bargain here?
- I noticed that this box is broken. Would it cost any less?
Complimenting great service creates a bright spot in a crazy holiday season. I know that not every employee is worthy of praise. All the more important, then, that we honor the employees who are.
I wish I could reward all the examples with $100 tips or something equally grand. Until then, I'll be sending a few notes to store managers instead.
"Dear Mr. Smith, I have been a customer at XYZ Store for a few months now, and I have to tell you how much I enjoy shopping whenever Tina is at the register. Not only is she quick and efficient, she takes time to make a real connection with her customers. I don't know how she manages to pack my bags, make change and say something nice to my toddler at the same time! I hope you will recognize her as the star employee that she is. Sincerely, Meredith X"
Where do you find the most helpful employees when it comes to finding bargains? Has a favorite store clerk helped you become a smarter shopper?
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16 Responses to “Cheerful Frugality Asks For Help”
December 10th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Love this, Meredith!
December 10th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
I can vouch for this! When I worked at a department store in accessories, we would always point our regular customers to bargains, or say “wait on that sterling silver necklace, it goes on 50% off tomorrow” type of things. Some workers would actually set aside clearance items for people they were “personal shoppers” for, in the sizes & styles they knew that shopper liked.
December 10th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
A great way to pay forward such wonderful service is to speak to their immediate supervisors. Often, many stores will give their star employees some type of recognition or perhaps even bonus. I have been told by CVS for example, it will go in their employee work file. I think it’s a nice way to return a favor for such helpfulness. Makes me feel great when I do it too.
December 10th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Oops, I missed the last of the article, sorry – I am sure a letter is very nice too – a permanent record for the employee, which can only be of benefit to them I am sure. Nice touch, Meredith.
December 10th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Meredith, that was one of the loveliest and most gracious posts you have written. When I was in college, I worked at a department store. It is a stressful, tiring job with very few perks or even less appreciation. I think it is important to recognize the employees’ helpfulness and to treat them with the dignity they deserve. Connie
December 10th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
So true! I love our local Publix. Everyone is so nice, and they really go out of their way to help you.
An example: my husband absolutely loves Entenmann’s soft-baked mini cookies (I think more for nostalgia than anything – I’m a little horrified to admit that my husband likes store-bought cookies when I try to make things from scratch as much as possible). Our Publix has carried them once or twice. Once when we were checking out with other items, the customer service manager was bagging groceries at our checkout! She asked if she could help with anything. We told her about how we missed the cookies. She said, “hold on,” and went to the bakery and gave us a free baker’s dozen of their own cookies! She said, “I know this isn’t what you’re looking for, and I’ll ask the Entenmann’s guy to start stocking them more often, but in the meantime, we’d love it if you gave our cookies a try.” This is just one out of many stories like this! Publix tends to be a little more expensive than Kroger, but we’ll pay extra for the good service.
December 10th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
I agree with you on writing a nice letter. So many times people write to complain and these “kindness” letters are much appreciated by employers and employees.
One of my favorite things to say to a cashier is, “Take a deep breath, I left early so I have lots of time”. This never fails to bring a smile and a deep breath, followed by a change in attitude for the better. While waiting in any line, I always say my “Thank You Prayers”. Anytime I hear people complaining about why the line isn’t moving faster I tell them what I am doing with my time and most of the time they not only stop complaining, they smile and bow their heads.
December 10th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
You are right on with this one! This weekend one of my favorite clearks at the thrift threw in a an extra ornament for me! Really it made my day that she was so friendly, but then I enjoy talking to her a bit too.
Also, when I was a clear at TRU I used to ring things up separately for customers so they could use more than one coupon when there was no line and they were friendly. I had this one dad with twins who always came to my line. I think he needed some friendly chit chat as much as the 50cents of the coupon.
December 10th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
I work at Bed, Bath and Beyond part time and I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s a rarity that you get a pleasant customer. There are a lot of apathetic people, but the angry at everything type of folk just tend to ruin your night.
Some tips for shopping at Bed, Bath and Beyond: We accept multiple coupons in the same transaction, so long as you don’t go crazy (4 20% off single item coupons are fine if you have 4+ items, 30+ coupons is not). We also accept competitor coupons (Macys, Yankee Candle, Linens-n-Things) and expired coupons.
Also, ANY item can be returned at ANY time with or without a receipt. No BBB will ever turn you away for making a return on a pillow that you bought 2 months ago.
December 10th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
What a lovely post! A good reminder for us especially at this time of year.
December 10th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
This is an excellent reminder – thank you so much! I am quiet, but I tend to try to catch a discouraged looking clerk’s eye and flash and warm smile and say a few encouraging words, since those were the kinds of things that really brightened my days in the retail trenches.
December 10th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
I don’t have an answer to your question, but it really is shocking how rare a compliment must be.
Last week I went to my old employer’s retirement service to ask to rollover my old balance to an IRA. I had a form, but wanted to confirm that I fill out the form with them first and I wanted to ask what all the steps were and what order to do them in.
The lady at the front desk didn’t know, but used another phone to get their rollover expert on the phone with me while she was working with other customers.
The rollover lady knew all the answers to my questions except for how long it would take–she gave me her direct line and said to call back in two weeks and then she could tell me where I was in the queue.
I saw some evaluation cards and took one and said, “Now I have to say how great y’all are.” I had to ask the front desk lady what her name was so I could properly compliment her. She kept thanking me profusely.
The card said we could mail it or leave it with the receptionist, so I said I’m sure it would be safe to leave it with her. She asked if she could read it. She smiled, but then said she didn’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but could I spell her name properly! Of course.
She kept gushing about how nice it was of me to fill out that card and ended up giving me one of her Christmas cookies. Crazy. Delicious, though!
And I remember one time going to a store manager and saying, “I have to tell you something about that checker (pointing). She’s totally awesome.” And then this huge look of relief came over his face. I try never to make it sound like I might be giving bad news first anymore. It’s all very sad.
December 10th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
I’m sure employees everywhere appreciate your kind words and gestures, Meredith. Thanks for the encouragement to do likewise. I wage a secret campaign of kindness. Sometimes I purposefully get in a long line or behind a customer who is having difficulty because I know I can wait patiently. I can be a buffer between them and the not-so-patient people.
December 11th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Great post! I agree! We know the Goodwill ladies really well!
December 15th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Great post. I worked retail at JCP for a year or so, and I used to wish the customers who were grateful for good service were aware that they could give a good word to a manager and we would get a pin to wear and a gift certificate. Yesterday I was in a grocery store, and the consistently outstanding cashier told me I could fill out a comment card and mail it (postage paid) to the company and she would get points for a prize. I wonder how many companies reward employees, if only we’d take the time to seek a manager, write a note, or ask for a comment card.
Of course, as a few people have said here, too, a simple smile and kindliness go a long way too!
December 15th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
That’s great! I’ve found people are often willing to help if you interact with them. If you treat them like people. And those in retail are often treated so badly that it’s particularly good to be social (though not monopolizing) with them.
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