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AIBU?

...to hate Sainsburys checkout staff asking "and what have you been up to today?"

168 replies

goodbyegirl · 26/06/2014 18:46

...as if I was 10 years old and they were my auntie? I know it is part of their training to engage with customers but not all of us want to discuss our activities - feels a bit intrusive to me. I'd rather a harmless chat about the weather!

OP posts:
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anothervisittothepark · 26/06/2014 18:47

Totally agree. I try to answer politely but i cant really be bothered.

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VampyreofTimeandMemory · 26/06/2014 18:47

I agree. Why does whoever's in charge want customer service assistants (myself included) to annoy people and make twats of ourselves in the process?! Angry

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Bowlersarm · 26/06/2014 18:48

YABU, you miseries.

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Watercolourfootballs · 26/06/2014 18:48

Just say nothing and smile vaguely. They generally get the message.

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EatShitDerek · 26/06/2014 18:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BettyBolognese · 26/06/2014 18:50

I have to say I don't like it but they are just doing their jobs and so I happily tell them and we have a tiny bit of a chat. Usually if DS is with me they talk to him instead.

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MrsFogi · 26/06/2014 18:51

They are asked to do this? Shock I always thought I'd landed the nosy/crazy/slightly strange [delete as appropriate depending on manner of delivery] checkout person.

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TheOriginalSteamingNit · 26/06/2014 18:52

It's an awkward one. The most difficult to answer is 'so, you out doing a bit of shopping then?'. I mean, what answer can you actually give that's not sarcastic? I'm looking at you, New Look.

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CoffeeTea103 · 26/06/2014 18:53

No it's just you being a misery guts.

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JellyBeansHaveNoAgeLimit · 26/06/2014 18:53

I find it annoying & imagine they don't give two hoops what you have been up to!

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Bowlersarm · 26/06/2014 18:53

I wasn't asked that at sainsburys this morning. Did my checkout lady miss out on that training bit?

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Happydaysatlast · 26/06/2014 18:54

Shop at my local ASDA. I get orite love. Us brummies are genuinely friendly. Grin

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Back2Two · 26/06/2014 18:54

YANBU

I don't like this in general. It's obviously what they've been told to say and thus is often insincere. It's not their fault, so I'm polite when asked.

But, it's not a good policy IMO. It comes across as patronising.

(They don't so this in sainsburys but I also can't bear being called "darling" by a 20year old. Wrong.)

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standingonlego · 26/06/2014 18:54

They have just started this "hairdresser chat' at our local Next as well. They asked me "where in the world would you go if you have the choice"...no context....was not even buying holiday type clothes Confused

Ended up with me giving sales assistant a lecture on why she needed to get herself a passport

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 26/06/2014 18:55

Oh for goodness sake. I'd far rather they were chatty and friendly than chewing gum and grunting. Can't win.

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standingonlego · 26/06/2014 18:55

Next has just been expanded - obviously part of the new emotional connection customer service script list

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standingonlego · 26/06/2014 18:56

I LOVE chatting, it was just so false

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CrackedNipplesSuchFun · 26/06/2014 18:57

YANBU, sometimes you just dont want to chit chat. I'm hopeless at small talk.

However, as perspective. I work for a supermarket might be this one, might not, all customer facing staff habe to follow certain customer service principles. Some slightly different depending on your department. We are encouraged to adhere to this at all times. We have frequent mystery shoppers bother internally sourced and externally. These people report back and the stores will get marked down. This can then I m pact staff bonuses. Also if say like your example OP that person didnt follow the principles and ypu were a mystery shopper. The person at checkouts name wouldbe reported back to the store manager.

So whilst its a ballache for you, it can be really awkwardfor the shop staff to. Smile

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Ibizatime · 26/06/2014 18:57

Oh bloody hell, if you don't wanna talk to anyone piss of to self service.

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VampyreofTimeandMemory · 26/06/2014 18:58

right on ibiza, right on.

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Fideliney · 26/06/2014 19:03

Insincere chit-chat because they have been told they have to is a bit Sad

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JellyBeansHaveNoAgeLimit · 26/06/2014 19:03

The most annoying one has got to be new look "Did you find everything you need today?" Well i wouldn't be here buying something if i hadn't!

I am very glad they didn't force you to make small talk when i worked in retail.

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NewtRipley · 26/06/2014 19:05

Ok it is a bot false, but it might just lead to a smile or a friendly connection. That 's better than nothing.

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Fideliney · 26/06/2014 19:06

The M&S diktat to 'find something positive to say about the customer's clothing purchase' is a bit transparent too.

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Back2Two · 26/06/2014 19:06

I love the way all the ones on this thread that think it's a good idea to be fake friendly are all rude and insulting to those who don't Grin

We don't need to piss off anywhere and yes, people can "win" with being friendly. Like someone else said, I'm from up North and friendly chat is the absolute norm.

Fake friendly chat? Bleurgh. If it comes naturally, all good. I'll chat away.

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