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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To get a bit annoyed when I walk into a shop and the staff are standing around...

48 replies

MrBloomsNursery · 02/11/2011 21:29

...laughing and joking with one another really loudly?

I don't know why, but I find it really unprofessional and rude. Surely colleague bantering (at that noise level) should be left to the confines of the staff room?

Today I went to two shops where I witnessed customer assistants standing around joking with each other and laughing really loudly with customers walking by, or being served.

It makes me feel uncomfortable and I can't quite put my finger on why...

OP posts:

exoticfruits · 02/11/2011 22:23

Unless you want to be served and they are ignoring you I don't see the problem-I think it is far better than them hovering.

missymarmite · 02/11/2011 22:25

A level of professionalism expected???

Seriously????

For a job which probably just pays over the minimum wage which is not enough these days for people to live on independently?

Original poster

MrBloomsNursery · 02/11/2011 22:35

missymarmite - I think anyone with any job is lucky to be employed these days. Just because it's minimum wage it doesn't mean you don't need to act professional on the job. What a stupid thing to say.

OP posts:

emsyj · 02/11/2011 22:41

Many beauticians doing waxing etc are earning min wage or not much more - but I expect you would want someone pouring hot wax over your bits to act a bit professional, non? And carers earn jack shit, but still have to treat their clients with a bit of respect and focus on the task at hand when they're working.

Anyway, working in a shop is a job the same as any other. Regardless of what you get paid, you should take your job seriously and do it to the best of your ability IMO.

exoticfruits · 02/11/2011 22:43

When I worked in a shop as a student I treated people in the way that they treated me. I did the job and was polite, but they got the bare minimum if they were rude or judgemental and I went out of my way to be really helpful to the friendly and pleasant. Shop assistants are human, not machines.

missymarmite · 02/11/2011 22:43

Being waxed in the nether region is a different kettle of fish. Although, no, I wouldn't really care as long as they weren't laughing at my cellulite, or someone elses. I'd probably join in with the jollity. Really, some people need to take a chill pill and enjoy life a bit more.

Original poster

MrBloomsNursery · 02/11/2011 22:48

exotic - I know shop assistants are human, and I'm not complaining about their attitude towards customers when face to face.

When I walk into a shop, I don't want to see people faffing around doing nothing and bantering. I think it gives the shop a bad image. I am sure their manager wouldn't be happy either. They're paid to do a job, not talk loudly to one another. This is one of the things that mystery shoppers can mark you down on aswell. Every shop has targets and a level of professionalism to meet.

OP posts:

emsyj · 02/11/2011 22:51

Some people have different ideas about what constitutes 'enjoying life' I guess.

verlainechasedrimbauds · 02/11/2011 22:52

I asked a shop assistant about some stock in a clothes shop (interrupting her chat with a colleague) - she said "we've just go what's on that rail" (which I discovered a few minutes later wasn't true as there were other rails) and then carried on chatting to her colleague about an interview for a job she'd had where she'd told them that she'd done all the customer service training stuff

Original poster

MrBloomsNursery · 02/11/2011 22:56

missymarmite - if anyone takes your advice about "enjoying life" they won't be in ANY kind of job...regardless of higher wage or minimum wage

OP posts:

Xmasbaby11 · 02/11/2011 23:01

I really don't mind if shop assistants chat while they work - god it must be a boring job otherwise. I do mind if they talk to each other while they are serving you, don't make eye contact and then get annoyed they've forgotten to ask for your advantage card (yes, I mean you, Boots) and need to get someone to open the till.

The service in the UK is pretty poor. I lived abroad for the best part of a decade and took a long time to get used to it again. Having said that, Spain was just as bad. I like that generally people do chat to you, as long as you're not in London I hasten to add.

Xmasbaby11 · 02/11/2011 23:04

'Shop assistants are human' well yes of course, but it is their job to provide a service and be polite and helpful as much as possible.

I am a teacher and I certainly don't always feel like being on show, being friendly, interested, enthusiastic and on the ball. BUT that's my job, so I am. You don't have to be a robot to do your job.

proudfoot · 02/11/2011 23:07

YANBU

I agree with what Emsyj said.

at "shop assistants are human" - missing the point!

grovel · 02/11/2011 23:11

I listened to a conversation at a major electronics retailer between two staff who were complaining that their commission had been awful recently. They couldn't be bothered to serve me. I had £400+ to spend. I walked out.

Crazybit · 02/11/2011 23:14

YANBU, I agree with Bendybob.

Mspontipine · 02/11/2011 23:19

I agree with op
Ds and I recently went to Tescos while away as I like to look at their clothes etc (we don't have one) and I was sooooo annoyed with two members of staff stood near a kind of trolley table things yapping constantly (and doing no work) for what must have been about half an hour. I was pointedly trying to see the displays they were standing in front of but not once did they stop talking, acknowledge me or shift so I could see what was there. I couldn't believe it!! Nor could ds (8) We even popped back at the end of our shop JUST to see if they were still at it and yes!! Talking - full conversation pretty loudly and doing not an ounce of work whatsoever!!

It really annoys me as at the moment I am out of work and desperately looking for a job and it just makes me think - I could be doing and that job and doing it a darn sight more professionally if given the bloody chance. (Though not there as is miles away from hometown :) )

exoticfruits · 03/11/2011 08:38

I think there are too different things. It is highly annoying if customers are waiting to be served or want help but doesn't matter if they are just browsing. I would far rather browse in peace and let them chat than have them asking if I want help and giving (unwanted) advice.
In case of OP they were chatting as she walked in, maybe it was an empty shop and it seems a bit harsh to have them silently busy.

Pagwatch · 03/11/2011 08:47

I worked I a shop for about 4 years and tbh customers win most prizes for rudeness. But I agree with some of what the op says.

I have no problem if staff are chatting and joking. I certainly don't think they have to be busy to satisfy my desire that they should be doing something. Sometimes the job is just being on hand in case you are needed. And staff talking is nice. Certainly better than a silent shop

But a group of staff having a loud, involved, raucous conversation makes me feel like I am wandering in on a private party and that, were I to need something I would have to insert myself into their conversation. I think it is unprofessional if your customer feels like they are intruding.

melika · 03/11/2011 08:49

As long as they serve me when I need them to, I couldn't give a monkeys.

emmam25 · 03/11/2011 08:55

I agree, YANBU to expect shop assistants to act professionally in front of customers.

I worked for Woolworths before they went bust and all the staff in our store were professional, polite and courteous sometimes in the face of extreme provocation. We saw it as a part of the job to represent the brand and took pride in wearing our uniform properly and behaving professionally. We joked and chatted in the store room, away from customers. And this was all for marginally above minimum wage.

It is not "human" to be expected to behave professionally whilst being paid to work! And as a store assistant the customer pays your wages, so they are always right.

Seems like things have changed a lot... Woolies :( I miss it.

Hullygully · 03/11/2011 08:56

Bang their heads together.

YourMother · 03/11/2011 09:00

I prefer shop assistants to ignore me unless I am asking for help. Hate, hate it when you walk into a shop to dead silence and the staff hovering around you, it makes me feel so on edge and self conscious.

exoticfruits · 03/11/2011 09:03

Me too, yourMother-I would walk out. If they are chatting it leaves me in peace.

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