I work in a small clothing store that was sold one year ago to a different owner. (I have been here for four years with the old owner too) People who shop here want to know every single detail of who bought it and why and just EVERYTHING! I don't think it's any of their business and no matter how nice I stay they argue with me if I won't tell them what they want to know ! I think this is so rude! But am I crazy? Do you think this is rude?
2007-02-16 08:13:08 · 16 answers · asked by aly 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I have no problem talking to people who ask nicely or are loyal customers but there are just some people who act like they need to know everything just bc and are rude when I don't give a speech about everyone involved with the store. It's just so wierd!
2007-02-16 08:22:47 · update #1
I would tell them some information and then tell them that the rest of the info is confidential that you can not share with others. Your going to get people that complain either way. My parents own a business and when they had first bought the business people were the same way. It was very annoying but you basically have to smile and deal with it or loose your customers.
2007-02-16 08:22:59 · answer #1 · answered by Luci 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, I think you're taking this way too seriously. People are just curious. Giving them vague answers isn't going to hurt anything, but why is it necessary to hide every bit of information about the new owners? If it's a small clothing store, then the possiblity is that you have very regular customers who just want to know who they're giving their money too. Also, I ran a small business, no one ever comes in their just to shop. They arrive with pictures of their new grandchildren, their new puppy, a new tattoo, people just want to talk. Unless this new owner you're working under has something to hide, why not answer the inquiring mind's questions? If all else fails and you still feel uncomfortable, just smile politely and answer any question with "I'm sorry, I really don't know. They didn't keep me in the loop about ________ (insert topic here.)"
2007-02-16 08:24:42 · answer #2 · answered by greenbuddha03 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In my personal experience with retail, people often don't know what to talk about while shopping. You can only go SO far with the perfect _______ of this season. This situation, while to you may feel gossipy and repetitive probably feels like THE thing to talk about to the customer who is coming in given the time frame and circumstance of the store.
It's kind of like the aunt who comes up to you at every family function to ask "who that special someone is" and "when you're planning on settling down." To her it seems like it's THE thing to ask you given the time frame and circumstance in your life, but to you it's tedious and thoughtless - even rude.
There are probably several comebacks that would make you feel better if you said them, but if you really don't feel comfortable talking about it or don't feel it's appropriate, then talk to the new owners and see how they want it handled. They may have a way that want it handled specifically.
2007-02-16 09:10:52 · answer #3 · answered by ST 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is normal for people who are loyal customers of a store to want to know if they should remain so when the store goes under new ownership.
Rude questions are along the lines of , how much did the new owner pay for it. Are they this or that race, etc.
2007-02-16 08:19:22 · answer #4 · answered by Sara 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes people care too much but other times people just want to know why. If there asking the price I would think thats rude but if there just asking why I can't see the harm. If they shop there all the timne they might feel they have the right to know why.
But it seem you have a hard time working with needy people.Because in customer service yu have to deal with all types of people. Sorry
2007-02-16 08:25:33 · answer #5 · answered by Jennifer V 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's rude.
Don't listen to those who say you should tell them you can't talk about it; they'll just make up the most sordid thing they can think of (and probably blab it around as fact). (Think of politicians and such saying "No comment.")
Bland smiles and noncommittal words are called for here.
Don't argue or explain anything; just keep changing the subject to whether they need help finding the right thing, saying "I have no idea" (when plausible), or answering questions they haven't asked ("They're very nice people" or "They haven't changed store policy" or whatever worthless and meaningless info would be appropriate).
When someone asks something they have no right to know, you have no obligation to be truthful with them. (I'm not saying making up stories, I mean saying "I've never asked; I don't know" etc. even if you do know.)
2007-02-16 11:54:00 · answer #6 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to develop some distracting behavior that makes it easy to change the subject. You can't get someone off a subject by telling them to steer clear now can you? Its like saying: "try not to think of an elephant".
You could drool a little and then cross your eyes and say something like, damn that hurt or you could wet yourself. Thats always a show stopper. Anyway have fun with my great ideas. No charge for the consultation. Image Consultant to the best Land Fills.
2007-02-16 08:21:24 · answer #7 · answered by regmor12 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2007-02-16 08:20:19 · answer #8 · answered by RedruM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is rude.
I'd just fake ignorance and move on. If you want to be honest just say you are busy or tellt hem the truth that you don't think you should really be talking about it.
2007-02-16 08:30:44 · answer #9 · answered by mitchell2020 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd just be like sorry we can't reavile that information. Because as legal rights you dont have to answer any questions you dont wanna. but yea it is rude. just dont say and see what happens
2007-02-16 08:18:52 · answer #10 · answered by bearcatz_07 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋