When at a checkout and the person waiting on you is talking to another person, not even acknowledging you?

Question

More than once I have been at a checkout and the cashier is talking with a co-worker or friend about their date, their children or whatever. The only time a comment was made to me was when I was told the," total is...". What is the best way to handle this situation? It is very annoying. Should the store manager be told?

Answer 1

i work in customer service, and that is totally unacceptable! Yes, if you feel that you have been ignored or slighted in any way, tell the manager. that is the only way that the problem employee can be corrected.

Answer 2

This is one of my pet peaves! When I encounter one of these rude checkers, I simply say, "Could you put your converstion on hold for one minute so that we can keep the line moving?" (or something like that depending on the situation). I once told a female checker who was on the cell phone talking to her boss that I would go across the street where I could get the attendant's full attention. That got her attention and she told her boss bye. It is ridiculous how many times in a month's time that I run into this situation. Managers should be alerted I suppose to really get anything done about it. I will say though that I have not had any repeat offenders after getting their attention - in fact they tense up when I walk up to the counter and are very polite. Good luck - I vote for telling the managers (however, do not be surprised when they are the same way).

Answer 3

When they say "the total is," answer back "are you sure, because you weren't paying a lot of attention?" You'll get an ugly look, but they'll get the point and if you tell the store manager they could lose points for a raise or lose their job.

Some store managers don't care and it would be pointless to tell them anyway. Now, if you could find the owner you might get somewhere. Most managers work for the store just like the terrible employee.

It is hard to believe that people do not realize this is poor customer service, but they don't. They've never been taught or they just don't care.

Answer 4

This sounds familiar!!! Yesterday while checking out, the girl was so interested in what everyone else around her was talking about it took a good 20 mts in line, as she was slow as a turtle as well, and I only had 1/2 conveyor belt worth of items...
I wouldn't say any thing to the manager 1st time, but 2nd time yes... People have places to go, and have already put their 8 hrs in at work when they get there and shop. It is their job to greet you and assist u any way they can. Burger King in my area is well known for not even saying a Thank u... I have mentioned it a few times to the mgr.... All they are interested in is your money. Customer Svc is yesterdays goal,

Answer 5

This really annoys me too! It's not like I want them to talk to me or anything but at least acknowledge I'm there and treat me with a bit of respect. It works both ways because when I'm waiting in line you always get people moaning loudly how long it's taking, but I never do that (if the cashier is actually "doing" his/her job) because it's just rude.

Answer 6

I put my two cents into whatever sort of conversation the cashier is having with another member of the sales staff. Once they are taken aback from my comment, I will politely tell them to conduct their personal business during their personal time. Inform the store manager that since these shenanigans are taking place, you feel that you are not valued as a customer and take your business elsewhere.

Answer 7

Why bother? It will just hold you up in the long run anyway (explanations/complaining, etc.). It has happened to me a couple of times, but it was in a store that I don't visit a lot, and they aren't world-renowned for their customer service.
Just grab your goods, be thankful you even got through the checkout and enjoy the drive home...you're obsessing about it and for what? It won't do you any good to sweat the small stuff. If someone is going to be a bad employee, they will - complaints or no. Just don't take it personally - this world is full of inconsiderate people. Take care. :)

Answer 8

Do you want them to talk to you? In that case, strike up a conversation with them - take the initiative. Are they not paying attention and not doing their job? Then say cut in to their conversation and let them know you don't appreciate their gossip on your time. Then I would go to the customer service desk at the front of the store and ask for a manager. Let them know how poor their service is and you don't appreciate feeling invisible - if you wanted that you'd use the self check-out.

Answer 9

I think it depends on the store.

In an upscale department store, one expects above average service, and associates should pay attention to you while completing the transaction, and thank you afterward.

In a discount or grocery store, I'm a little more forgiving. I'm only standing there for a minute or two; as long as the transaction was processed accurately I don't mind if they don't engage in conversation with me.

Also remember it works both ways -- if you are engaged in a transaction with a sales associate, you should be interacting with her, not talking on your cell phone or to a companion when the associate is trying to help you.

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Answer 10

I have the offending cashier call the shift manager for me. That insures that I know the manager knows, the clerk knows that the manager knows, and it impresses upon both of them that there is a very annoyed cash customer.

Answer 11

Tell them paying attention to the customer should not be that difficult and play time is during a break. If it happens again with the same person, then tell the manager.