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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to hate it when cafe workers and shop assistants say....

142 replies

burberryqueen · 23/07/2013 10:57

"are you all right there?" when they mean 'can I help you?'
it makes me feel like shouting 'DON'T I LOOK ALRIGHT? WHAT ARE YOU SAYING YOU FUCKWIT? ARE YOU SUGGESTING I LOOK WEIRD OR SOMETHING?'
but of course i don't ......(or else they could have a point!
i often say 'fine thanks and are you all right there too?' which makes them a bit Hmm
another one that grates a bit is for example they put a coffee in front of you and you say 'thank you' and they say NO WORRIES!!!
GRRRRRRRR!!!

OP posts:
Feminine · 23/07/2013 10:59

I don't think it matters.

Forgetfulmog · 23/07/2013 10:59

Ummm Hmm

ifyourehoppyandyouknowit · 23/07/2013 10:59

Maybe it's because they have said 'can I help you' to a hundred other people this morning and they want to mix it up a bit before the boredom drives them insane.

I think you need to have a cup of tea and calm down.

Yonihadtoask · 23/07/2013 11:00

It's better than just saying "Next please".

Surely ?

SaucyJack · 23/07/2013 11:01

I hate it when they approach me full stop.

I'm 32 years old, and quite capable of choosing my shopping myself.

ANormalOne · 23/07/2013 11:01

Wow, how dare they be polite and helpful, the cads. Hmm

livinginwonderland · 23/07/2013 11:01

Well,when you've said "Hi, can I help?" to a hundred people that day, it can get a little bit repetitive and boring...

Forgetfulmog · 23/07/2013 11:02

Would it be better if they asked you "what do you fucking want?"?

Sirzy · 23/07/2013 11:02

Cant say it has even crossed my mind to be vaguley bothered by that. As long as they are polite i am happy!

Original poster
burberryqueen · 23/07/2013 11:02

Grin point taken.....
i am off for an espresso....

OP posts:
CajaDeLaMemoria · 23/07/2013 11:03

What's wrong with 'no worries'?

Would you prefer that they just walked away? It would make them look very hostile!

Neither of these things bother me at all, thinking about it. I'd be much more irritated if were unfriendly.

Mimishimi · 23/07/2013 11:03

Are they Australian? We say "are you alright?' and 'no worries' all the time without really thinking about it.Lots of young Australians go over to England on work visas and do that sort of work.

Original poster
burberryqueen · 23/07/2013 11:04

tbh if an Aussie says 'no worries' i do not really mind....

OP posts:
mylittlesunshine · 23/07/2013 11:04

I used to work in a shop as a teen and my boss wouldn't let us say 'Can I help you' as customers would say no and we had to try and avoid that.

MrsWolowitz · 23/07/2013 11:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Shakirasma · 23/07/2013 11:05

Will we lowly shop workers ever get it right? If itsnot threads complaining we are ignorant/rude/bored looking, we are being criticised for being friendly/polite in a fashion that doesn't suit sir/madam.

MissBetseyTrotwood · 23/07/2013 11:06

Well, I do love good, intelligent service that has a point instead of empty platitudes like the 'Have a nice day' you get at the door of Gap.

I bought a dress a while back at the Vivien of Holloway shop and they were amazing. Dress fits like a glove because it was properly measured and fitted. Service was friendly but laid back and not salesy. Nice.

And while we're here and I'm being a pedant I do like a 'May I help you'. I assume they can help because they are employed by the shop for that very purpose. (Rant over, sorry).

KittyLane1 · 23/07/2013 11:08

I work in a shop, we are not allowed to ask if we can help, it has to be a non business opening line, such as hi how are you, are you alright, weather is grand today etc.

We hate it.

we must approach everyone. We must talk to everyone.

We have so many rules about what we can and can't say, do, wear, eat, drink etc at work.

The Company I work for have poor sales and no hours so are desperately looking at ways to get rid of people, we have to do every single think we are told to do or could get in trouble.

MardyBra · 23/07/2013 11:09

I don't mind it once. It's when every member of staff approaches me in quick succession. As in:

"are you alright there?"
Yes thanks, I'm happy just to browse.

"Are you alright there?"
Yes thanks, I just told your colleague I'm happy to browse
"Are you alright there?"
(getting forced now) yes I'm fine thanks.

(4th person comes out of stockroom).
"Are you alright there?"
(politely) Look, you are the 4th person to approach me in 2 minutes. I'd like to shop in peace now please or I'll just leave. Thanks.

In Lush recently.

Pudden · 23/07/2013 11:09

I hate it when you order summat and they say "no problem"...of course it isn't a problem as a) you are a shop/cafe selling said items and b) I am the customer buying it

Ginocchio · 23/07/2013 11:10

Next time, take the question seriously. Launch into a detailed monologue about every aspect of your life - medical problems, work issues, relationships. Maintain eye contact throughout. If possible, manouvre so that they can't easily get away. Ask for their advice. Show them your rash. Ask if they'll speak to your ex about maintenance payments. Call your ex, and hand the phone to the shop assistant. See how long you can keep them engaged. If you make it to 10 minutes, then abruptly stop, look at them in a puzzled way as if you've never seen them before, and walk out.

They may feel a bit uncomfortable at the time, but it'll give them a great anecdote to tell.

Or, y'know, you could just "fine, thanks!" and get on with your day...

MardyBra · 23/07/2013 11:11

I do feel for the shop workers though. I realise it's company policy.

Original poster
burberryqueen · 23/07/2013 11:11
Grin
OP posts:
Original poster
burberryqueen · 23/07/2013 11:12

yes i expect they are following orders.....

OP posts:
MalcolmTuckersMum · 23/07/2013 11:13

FFS - what a self indulgent little whinge your OP is. Have you ever done customer service type work? Then you'd know that it's the tiny little things that keep you from going stark staring crazy. Get a grip and go find something real to bitch about.