Does a cashier need to be polite to someone talking on a cell phone who won't even acknowledge them?

Question

I think polite is nice, but I think one can waste politeness on a dolt.

Answer 1

You can acknowledge presence with a nod and a smile.

It is an unreasonable expectation for the person on the cell phone to expect full service while they are otherwise engaged.
Common Courtesy dictates that when you are requesting service you be available to receive it.

Answer 2

When you secure employment that requires you to answer your phone, because you've spent thousands in advertising, perhaps you can understand the "dolt" that doesn't want to lose a prospective client or throw advertising money out the window - just to ensure that the cashier isn't offended.

When you realize that the person may be on a call with a doctor that has just called to deliver a medical report and the person decides that they'd rather listen to that than prevent the cashier from being offended -

perhaps then you'll have learned the meaning of 'tolerance'.

Conversely, I've been the customer standing in line, waiting for the cashier to finish their conversation about their new dog, cat, uncle, etc. to the customer before me with no regard for the 10 people standing in line trying to move on.

Your vocation requires you to be polite. If that's not possible or you find that difficult - find another vocation.

I type this with a smile, just as I would do if I were on a call and you were my cashier. Acknowledging someone is a wonderful thing and you feel ignored - shame on those cell phone users!

Answer 3

That's true, sometimes it can feel wasted. However, when you're working in retail, remember "the customer is always right" even when they're wrong. Personally, I also always try to take the high road and not lower myself to their level. I would rather have more class than the dolt I'm waiting on. There are also times when the person waiting on me is the rude one, and again, I try to have a little more class than they do. It's not easy but I just don't like to let myself sink to their level. Good luck!

Answer 4

It takes very little effort to be polite and generally people who are polite have a more cheerful and pleasant attitude than those who are rude and aggressive. I would suggest that being polite serves the cashier well, regardless of the behavior of the cell phone user.

Answer 5

We ALL don't HAVE to be polite, it just makes things go smoother, if they are on a cell phone, that is rude, I would say "Hello" anyway, I work with the public too, I always make it a point to say good morning, sometimes it's to people that I don't know, they just get in my way in the morning, sometimes I get kooky looks, most times people say it back, and politely move aside because I was courteous. It's NOT a sign of "WEEKNESS" but, a sign of mutual respect. It's all in the "Approach", a smile and a "GOOD MORNING" or "GOOD AFTERNOON" when greeting people often softens them up to deal with you in a polite way.

Answer 6

In your personal life you may "waste" politeness on a dolt, but in your professional life, part of your job description undoubtedly requires you to be polite and courteous to your customers -- even the dolts.

Answer 7

talking on the phone while youre at the checkout is so rude and tacky. however, i am guilty of having to take a call on several occassions right as i get to the register. i have this bad luck cloud that looms over me and causes me to only get important phonecalls as soon as it is my turn to check out. while on the cell, i always make eye contact with the cashier and acknowledge them, say hello and always atleast mouth a big thankyou at the end of the transaction. i know its probably still frustrating but that is better than what most people do.

in a case where someone is just gabbing away on the phone and barely puts enough focus onto what's going on in the room to select a bankcard or bill, let alone make any sort of contact with the cashier, i'd say its fair to just do your job and ring the transaction and get the rude person out of the line as soon as possible. are they honestly going to notice whether you say hello or not? i wouldn't extend them the courtesy

Answer 8

Anyone working in customer service needs to remain polite with their customers at all times. That said, many businesses have signs posted near the registers stating that customers must conclude all cell phone conversations before approaching the register. If your workplace has this policy, you may be within your rights to politely ask the customer to stand aside and finish their conversation while you help other waiting customers. I would check with your manager before doing so, just to be on the safe side.

Answer 9

Sometimes it can be a catch 22. My sister calls me all the time and if I don't answer she gets miffed about it. So, I usually end up taking the call, just to fend off World War III. I always make eye contact with the cashier and smile and say hello. Because I always do and because I want to let the other person on the other line see that I am busy and can't give them my full attention.

That's just me though.

Answer 10

I would have to say, it's the cashier's job to be polite no matter what...isn't that why they say the customer is always right? In this case, just b/c someone is being rude doesn't mean you have to be rude back.