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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Supermarket checkout chit chat - Love it or hate it?

155 replies

TaliZorahVasNormandy · 30/09/2014 13:17

Not really a AIBU.

I've just had an interview for tesco for the checkouts, they had me shadow someone for an hour. Apparently I didnt interact enough with the customers, I chatted with some, did polite, Hello/do you need help packing/goodbye stuff. But I'm aware some people really dont want the chit chat.

So Mumsnet, do you love it or hate it?

OP posts:
ihaveadirtydog · 30/09/2014 14:58

I detest it. Don't mind so much in taxis or hairdressers-I guess because chatting to them generally won't make the task go any slower but I just want to get out of the supermarket ASAP!

Rafflesway · 30/09/2014 14:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

fluffyraggies · 30/09/2014 15:00

Beginning of packing:
''So ... what have you been up to today?''

''Oh not much''.
(Smear test. Small cry in the car. Failed to get hold of DH. Came to Tesco to buy milk and bread. Just want to go home)

''Ah. The weathers a bit grim isn't it?''

''yes''.

''So ... what have you been up to today?''

Hmm
starfishmummy · 30/09/2014 15:10

I dont mind a bit of general chat but I hate this "hello my name is xxx and I am your new best friend for the next few minutes" culture. Just take my money and let me go ffs!

ender · 30/09/2014 15:11

I wish Tescos/ Sainsbos etc would read this thread.
Just a smile and "Hullo" is fine for me then I feel I can chat if I want, or be quiet if I'm not in the mood.
I don't like it when they comment on what I've bought, it seems too personal. Most hated is "What have you been up to today?"

Original poster
TaliZorahVasNormandy · 30/09/2014 15:11

Thanks Raffle

I used to work at an airport and I had to ask people if I could go through their hand luggage, I hated it because it was intrusive, but I did it because its for security reasons.

I just imagine asking a customer some inane question and being told they just had a miscarriage or something, because then I'd feel like a bitch for asking.

OP posts:
Jill2015 · 30/09/2014 15:16

I dont mind a bit of general chat but I hate this "hello my name is xxx and I am your new best friend for the next few minutes" culture.
That happens in my local hairdressers, and yesterday, after sitting unacknowledged by as much as a nod, while the time ticked to fifteen minutes after my appointment, it was even more annoying than usual.

OP, I like a bit of interaction, but not forced stuff. I always treat people as human beings, and I like others to do the same to me.

freshlysharpenedpencils · 30/09/2014 15:17

Used to hate it. Then had a baby and became a SAHM - now love a chat with anyone and everyone. Please talk to me!!

squoosh · 30/09/2014 15:20

The next time a checkout person says 'what have you been up to today?' give a one word reply. 'Masturbating'.

Original poster
TaliZorahVasNormandy · 30/09/2014 15:20

Freshly If I was serving you, I'd happily have a little chat as I'm scanning your shopping, because its what you want and having a chat with customers is nice, if you didnt want to chat, then I wouldnt to make you beyond the basic level of interaction.

OP posts:
freshlysharpenedpencils · 30/09/2014 15:36

They always chat to you in Waitrose - they are very lovely! I love going there. When I was younger I used marvel at how people could just confidently talk to strangers - now I'm one of those weirdos talking to everyone I see.

Original poster
TaliZorahVasNormandy · 30/09/2014 15:40

I dont really hold out much hope getting this job, since they had 500 applications for 11 positions. I just want a job, please no more JSA for me.

OP posts:
HappyAgainOneDay · 30/09/2014 15:51

fluffyraggies If I'd been asked if the children were all by the same father (marital side of excepted), I would have said, "I beg your pardon?" in my best Edith Evans 'handbag' voice. What an intrusive question.

ItalianWiking84 · 30/09/2014 15:53

I haaaaaaate it and also hate it at hairdresser and in taxis.
Luckily I live in dk where we only do the polite hallo, say the amount and have a good day Smile
My hairdresser knows I hate the talking and leaves me alone Smile
But I'm also a very introverted person....

RedundantExpat · 30/09/2014 16:03

Well, bless Switzerland, we are never bothered with chitchat from cashiers! And it seems like company policy is that they must not say hello until after the previous customer has paid. Under no circumstances before.

Original poster
TaliZorahVasNormandy · 30/09/2014 16:06
OP posts:
PBJellyBelly · 30/09/2014 16:35

I dislike it because I'm usually in a rush and want to get out. I do mainly shop in Aldi though and they don't chat so much so it's not usually a problem. However, when I do shop in other places (Asda/M&S etc) I try to use self-scan where possible mostly because I wear a hearing aid and find with all the beeping/bag rustling/general noise I sometimes really struggle to pick out what the checkout operator is saying. I have been very embarrassed in the past with a big queue behind me being totally at a loss as to what the checkout operator was saying and feeling sure others behind me could hear perfectly well. They must have thought I was totally ignorant or stupid (which I find is the case even when people KNOW I wear a hearing aid)..but that is a whole other thread! I did tell them I couldn't hear them properly but was completely mortified by then.

usualsuspect333 · 30/09/2014 16:38

I don't mind .it's a few minutes out of your day interacting with another human being.

usualsuspect333 · 30/09/2014 16:43

I hate customers treating cashiers like a different species because they are sitting behind a till and are therefore not worthy of a bit of pleasant chat.

NoImSpartacus · 30/09/2014 16:58

Blimey you're a friendly bunch Grin

Well good luck, OP Flowers

ItalianWiking84 · 30/09/2014 17:05

I don't look down at cashiers in any way
I have friends and family working as cashiers and been working in customer service for many years. I just don't feel comfortable small talking with strangers and it makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. I always say hi, say thank you and goodbye/have a nice day.
But making small talk really makes me feel stressed and sitting at the hair dresser I just like to silent and let my mind go wandering

amigababy · 30/09/2014 17:07

I like relevant chat eg someone asked which was the best cat litter ( I was buying some) as she was about to get 2 kittens. Which led to a nice Kitty cat chat. I guess I mean a real conversation that has a bit of meaning for 2 minutes rather than talking for sake of it.

HerVagesty · 30/09/2014 17:14

I can tolerate it, but I would rather not have to IYKWIM.

Maybe this is the reason they want you to bleather on so much - probably planning to do something similar (Warning: It's a Daily Fail link)

Andrewofgg · 30/09/2014 17:18

This is why I prefer the machines and think there should be more of them . . .

ithoughtofitfirst · 30/09/2014 17:20

Love it! Bang up for the bantz.

Apart from right now. Because i'm sick of talking about the bump. When's the b.. OCTOBER ... do you know w.. NO

Etc