Too much Customer Service is annoying!!
I’m a #cashier at #Cabela’s which is cool job for the most part but recently I’m feeling constantly pressured by my manager to engage customers while they’re checking out. I always make sure I greet customers coming in and out of the store and I often go out of my way to make myself available for help in the aisles answering customer questions or helping them locate items. I’ve tried to be more engaging at the register but I stopped doing that because I noticed customer just want to pay for their items and go home. Do I need to be more aggressive or is my manager being unreasonable?
Rhonda,
Ask your manager what the expectation is for productivity and professionalism. As a cashier your job is to expedite my purchase and let me be on my way. If there is information that you can give me in a polite and beneficial manner great but my time is something I do not want wasted.
There can be a balance that can achieve both goals but we have all experienced the wait staff in a restaurant asking us multiple times if everything is OK. The 'magic number for me on this question is two beyond that you are interrupting my meal and the conversation I may be attempting to have.
Balance as I said is the key.
I think you're right on point Rhonda. When I check out I don't mind occasional pleasantries but I want to finish the process pay and leave.
Speaking as a customer, I like customer service professionals who are friendly and approachable. The reason why businesses are focusing more on customer service is because they know that some businesses have lost business due to rude customer service reps. Particularly with some of the younger workers. I think it's more about showing customer appreciation to give the store that edge in the market. However, I don't think people are looking for long conversations and your life story. Just saying "Hi" or "Welcome" and "Let me know if you need any assistance" is enough to let the customer know that you are friendly, welcoming, and approachable. I think that's all your manager is seeking.
I totally agree. It's one thing to polite, but overkill in Customer Service could have the opposite effect. I also work two jobs and one is a part time cashier. I believe less talking is better.
Thats the new customer service standard for every brick and mortar retailer. I interviewed recently for one of the big box retailers and the emphasis was on customer experience through building relationships. They're pushing this kind of contact in all their stores.
Ooooh, that's a good question. Sometimes I don't mind a chatty customer, but if it's busy or I'm in a rush, I just want to pay for my things and go. I think you're doing the right thing by taking it case-by-case - I can DEFINITELY imagine customers in line getting annoyed if they feel like you're taking up too much time by being chatty!
Even tho the customers might seem that way its still good to be pleasent and uplifting toward ur customers.just smile and continue to greet them.