2007-04-15 14:38:56 · 14 answers · asked by Jackie Oh! 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Let me clarify my question is why do people ask when it's OBVIOUS the person does work there. Either the have a nametag on, a blue vest, a red vest, they are standing behind the cash register. That sort of thing.
2007-04-15 15:45:07 · update #1
I wish I knew. There have been more than a few times when I've felt like telling them "No, I just like the shirt and I'm a compulsive cleaner.".
2007-04-15 14:52:34 · answer #1 · answered by roachc420 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer is most likely that they are not sure that you work there. Try walking into a target with a red short sleeve shirt. How many times will people ask that you work there? Haven't you ever mistakenly thought someone worked somewhere before and they didn't? Isn't it embarrassing?
Also, don't forget that many companies have contractors that do things in the office but aren't employees. (They may think you are there - but if you are not a direct employee then you may not be able to help them.) Or you could be a someone from another company on business there. (What if they thought you were a vendor or a client?)
The people think that you are most likely an employee, but just want to be sure. Try not to take their queries personally. They are just someone else that needs to know you work there for sure - that is it.
2007-04-15 21:58:23 · answer #2 · answered by Think.for.your.self 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While I appreciate that it's embarrassing to ask someone a question to find they aren't an employee, I think the question refers more to when it's REALLY obvious you are.
I wear bright green scrubs and a lab coat and a name badge at work and yet I get asked this question. Yes it is mildly annoying but not enough for sarcastic retorts.
2007-04-15 22:47:49 · answer #3 · answered by barbara 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be so satisfying to say DUUHHHH but the only polite thing to say is, "Yes, can I help you?"
People often ask questions to which the answer is blindingly obvious. Who knows why. They might not be too sure of themselves. It's probably the same gene that makes people remark to someone who is really tall, "Gee, you're really tall."
2007-04-16 16:18:49 · answer #4 · answered by Parrot Eyes 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they're desperate for sales assistance and many stores aren't providing that these days.
Personally I try to help the person if I can, like if they need to find the restroom or other directions, or what time the store closes.
2007-04-16 20:29:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
One day, I asked a clerk fo some help at a store. He looked at me, and said I was the 3rd person to ask him something. He was a customer, who happened to be there in short sleeves and a tie.
Looked like a clerk to me. No wonder people have to ask.
2007-04-15 23:01:21 · answer #6 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Mostly because the people who work there just stand around and look at you when it's obvious you want help.
And even if it wasn't obvious, a salesperson should always ask to help.
2007-04-15 21:45:55 · answer #7 · answered by Toeless_Joe_Jackson 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It may be obvious to you, but not necessarily to them. I've walked up to an employee before to ask for help, and found out that that person was just there to do inventory. It's best not to assume.
2007-04-15 21:46:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because those same morons ask if the elevator is going up when it just stopped in the basement.
2007-04-15 22:26:51 · answer #9 · answered by Mike G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOL! I don't have a job yet so I haven't expeirenced that. But when theres that name tag with your name on it and the name of the buisness, isn't it kidna odvious? go figure! But maybe they want to make sure instead of embarssing themself by asking another customer.
2007-04-15 21:46:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋