to think someone gets to the front of the queue, sitting in their underpants at home, when the person at the front of the queue has walked all the way in to see you in person?
2007-04-21 07:40:43 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Well...it depends. I work at a police department, so if i have someone in the lobby talking to me and the phone rings, I always answer the phone because it may be an emergency. I also have to answer the radio so the officers won't think something has happened to me.
2007-04-21 07:44:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should answer the phone as you do not know what the person on the other end needs. However in the interest of being fair to all, I'd answer the phone and place the person on hold by saying please hold - do not ask if they mind holding because they always do. Also you have to remember that the person on the phone is now next in the queue, not the person next in line. I think this is where people go wrong. I once called a business to let them know that my husband would be picking up an item instead of me - as per their request. After being placed on hold for more than 10 minutes I called back only to be told that there were people in the store who needed help too and I would have to continue to hold. Long story short, my call was never answered. My husband was able to drive 15 minutes to the store pick up the item in question and call me to say he was heading back home before the attendant took me off hold.
2007-04-21 17:05:11 · answer #2 · answered by Franny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am going to assume that the person at the front of the queue, who has walked so far to see me, personally, is slightly more formally attired.
Now that I have distracted you, I will scamper off laughing, as I do not know the 'correct' procedure to adopt, in this hypothetical.
I would assume excusing myself, answering the phone, asking them to hold, then turning my attention back to the 'live' customer, before returning to the phone would be the right thing to do.
But, as I said, Ooh! look ! a Butterfly!!
There, distracted you, again.
See? Customer service is not my field.
Sorry, I wish I could've helped.
2007-04-21 15:11:41 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, this is considered bad manners. If you work in a shop or a hotel you have to remember that you are selling the business. you have to give the customer your undivided attention at all times, otherwise you never know they could report you for ignorance. If there is someone else near by to take the call ask them to either speak to the customer, or alternatively get them to take the call.
Hope this helps
2007-04-21 14:51:26 · answer #4 · answered by belcherleanne 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If we apply the "first come-first serve" policy, then you have to finish your transaction first with the one who first talk to you. In this case, the person infront of you.
However, in real situations, I guess it has been an acceptable practice and etiquette, to excuse one's self and take the call first because it could be an emergency call. It's now up to you how you would handle the situation. Best judgement comes in. You may answer the call briefly and get back to your customer quickly, depending on the nature of the call.
2007-04-21 17:01:05 · answer #5 · answered by Mother Bear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they should answer the phone and put the person directly on hold.
I understand your sentiments, some sales reps start blathering away to the caller while in the middle of helping you. Next time, just leave. You probably can get the thing elsewhere. I am sure you have your own agenda.
2007-04-21 15:03:24 · answer #6 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's a business phone, you have to answer it. Excuse yourself, answer the phone, and ask the person on the other end to wait a moment. Then continue with your in-person customer.
2007-04-21 14:44:44 · answer #7 · answered by Terri J 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋