Comments on: Cheerful Frugality Asks For Help

By: Mrs. Micah

Mrs. Micah — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:02:10 +0000

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.

By: Margaret Mary Myers

Margaret Mary Myers — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:05:31 +0000

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!

By: hyperactivelu

hyperactivelu — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:18:52 +0000

Great post! I agree! We know the Goodwill ladies really well!

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:18:12 +0000

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.

By: Debbie M

Debbie M — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:16:08 +0000

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.

By: Heather

Heather — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 03:52:14 +0000

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.

By: 50s Housewife

50s Housewife — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 03:11:17 +0000

What a lovely post! A good reminder for us especially at this time of year.

By: ed

ed — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:10:51 +0000

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.

By: Jane

Jane — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:21:39 +0000

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.

By: Carol

Carol — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:23:04 +0000

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.