Do you let things that people in customer service do slide?

[Anonymous]

Maybe I'm noticing more or getting more sensitive but I notice more that some customer service people are not only rude but it's like they are waiting for their next victim. Their next victim to approach and even if I'm kinder than a kitten, it's like they are ready to say something rude or do something annoying.

Is it just me?

[Anonymous]

I've experienced this, too. When I receive great, even good, service, it's like a breath of fresh air and I think about it long after I leave the store. I worked in the service industry during college in a town that is all about service, so being cheerful and helpful was the expectation.

[Anonymous]

Yep, I’ve noticed this too. Recently somebody walked away from the desk and fiddled with her phone—and she hadn’t exchanged a word with me, just finished with the previous customer.

[Anonymous]

Definitely. Most of the times I just walk away, recognizing their job is annoying and to give people grace. I have been quick to write in with a compliment when customer service is great, most recently at Total Wine and Lowe’s.

I had one experience lately at Staples where the girl berated me, to the point I called and complained. She was screaming at me and I walked away in tears! I am a tough cookie, so it was truly a bizarre interaction.

[Anonymous]

I have asked them if they’re okay when they’re really giving shitty service. It’s a kind way of pointing it out to them.

[Anonymous]

I just ask to speak to the manager.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've experienced this, too. When I receive great, even good, service, it's like a breath of fresh air and I think about it long after I leave the store. I worked in the service industry during college in a town that is all about service, so being cheerful and helpful was the expectation.

I used to work in customer service/hospitality in everything from dive bars to restaurants where you’d see Supreme Court justices. Providing *good* customer service requires one to be outgoing, cheerful, communicative, agile and adaptable. I am embarrassed at how low things have fallen- and my experience in that realm was from about 2005-2018 so not that long ago.

It’s becoming a lost art. I understand that some Gen Z’ers like to say that smiling and chatting with customers is “emotional labor” and shouldn’t be expected - in customer-facing roles.

We are effed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely. Most of the times I just walk away, recognizing their job is annoying and to give people grace. I have been quick to write in with a compliment when customer service is great, most recently at Total Wine and Lowe’s.

I had one experience lately at Staples where the girl berated me, to the point I called and complained. She was screaming at me and I walked away in tears! I am a tough cookie, so it was truly a bizarre interaction.

I usually just walk away, but mostly it’s to avoid giving them the satisfaction of treating me badly. They can wonder if I’m complaining about them somewhere (I usually don’t).

[Anonymous]

Yes. I’ve rarely had any problems, and the ones that I’ve had have been about policies beyond the sales associate’s control. Think refusing to provide my personal information when I’m making a cash transaction.

On the other hand, I have frequently observed customers treat associates and especially cashiers horribly — apparently just because they feel that they can. I often suspect that there’s a racial component to such mistreatment. While it’s not “fair” I wouldn’t be surprised if the associates sometimes have trouble snapping back to something that resembles patience. As we head into the holiday season and the door buster sales, I expect things to get even more stressful on all sides.

[Anonymous]

I find myself having very little patience with how corporations treat customers. Like the non-responsive phone trees that never have the option I need. By the time I reach the human, I am pretty angry. Which I know is fruitless and unfair.

Is it me?

[Anonymous]

Customer service is worse, but so are customers. I have worked in healthcare for 30 years, patients and family members can be very difficult these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Customer service is worse, but so are customers. I have worked in healthcare for 30 years, patients and family members can be very difficult these days.

Health care is much worse too. Most doctors do the bare minimum.

[Anonymous]

I have not experienced this. 99% of my interactions are perfectly fine. But then, I didn't grow up here. I was subjected to rude Parisian customer service for years! So here I always think they're so nice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just ask to speak to the manager.

Okay Karen!

[Anonymous]

Some blue haired B was following and watching me around a store subtly until I noticed. I'm a poc. Plan to report that shthead