It seems most servers seem to address customers as "guys" such as, "Hi guys", "What can I get you guys"? This happens if the customers are young people or women or couples up into their sixties. Is there a better way to address customers, for example, a group of men, a goup of women or how to address a mixed group?
2007-05-24 05:40:00 · 13 answers · asked by Dodie M 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I absolutely DESPISE being called "you guys". I went with my two daughters to a restaurant... I am obviously a woman, it's hard to miss the "d" cups. My oldest daughter is very close to being the same bra size as me, my youngest daughter was wearing a dress.... The server asked, "Can I get you guys drinks first?" Then, "Are you guys ready to order?" I finally had to ask her... "What makes you think we're "guys" and we are "gals", "girls", or even better "ladies". Please don't call us guys again."
I'm more tolerant when my husband is with us, but when they call a bunch of women "guys", it's just rude.
2007-05-24 06:04:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
I was a retail clerk for several yrs in college, and it was pretty easy to avoid any kind of "term" for customers- it was pretty much a "how can I help YOU" sort of thing. I guess servers could do the same thing- just say "hi, I'm Jody and welcome to Applebee's".....what can I get YOU? I don't think most people are upset by the "guy" - even older ones or women. Even if you had a group of only women, you could ask the "ladies" what they want, or the "gentlemen" but that seems kind of old fashioned (rather than too casual). So maybe the generic YOU (how can I help YOU tonite) is the best bet and leave off any other label/
2007-05-24 05:52:13 · answer #2 · answered by GEEGEE 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I live in California where saying "ma'am" to a woman under
100 is really insulting though in other parts of the country
it's considered polite. We're such a youth oriented society
that everyone wants to be thought of as young or at lease
youngish, so I think the "you guys" thing is comfy, not
overly familiar and not offensive in any way. I also think
not addressing them at all, but simply saying "good evening,
what can I get you", etc. is acceptable. Just because
someone is a waiter or works in a store is no reason for
them to assume a subservient position to anyone or be
treated in that way. They are there to help you.
2007-05-24 06:41:17 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look Dodie M, about 89% of all time users on net are peoples old less than 25 years. And Customers service managers both employed at the servers companies and at net and other shops aims on this population. But take into consideration that and this officials are young peoples and for him is normal to call customers "guys" and greeting him with "hi". The web is the only one place where officials don't care abuot, let's call it, "the basic manners". But, for ours luck, there are and exceptional examples. My site is at FREEHOSTIA server and I very frequently got correspondention with technicians from server and I can tell you that the boys are so kind and courtesy. See, the situation is not absolutely black but we have to take usualy situation as she is. Best Regards and veradisca! Neven.
2007-05-24 06:00:27 · answer #4 · answered by NEVEN , 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the business and the group of people you are dealing with.
I work in a small rental store and we're pretty informal. With new customers, I just say "Hi", with most regular customers I use their first names, with some regulars I use their last names.
If I worked in a restaurant I would probably just say "Hi" too. Maybe "Hi guys" if the people were younger, but if they were older, then I would stick to just "Hi".
2007-05-24 05:47:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay away from addressing them personally since as you can see from these answers it causes offence. If you must, address a group or couple as "people", but don't go any further. I once addressed an elderly woman as Madam to show respect and that only caused offence, so I have learned my lesson.
2007-05-27 08:06:11 · answer #6 · answered by jenesuispasunnombre 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't classify anyone. Good evening my name is ____, I'll be your server tonight, etc. What not to address women as is Sweetie, Honey, Especially older women. As I progress, I hate hearing it more and more. I'm not your sweetie Im not your honey I don't even know you. Treat me with respect and your bound to get a bigger tip. Mostly ask yourself if the roles were reversed what would I like to be called.
2007-05-24 18:34:02 · answer #7 · answered by Maureen L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sir and Madam for older customers and Mr and Miss for younger customers.
2007-05-24 22:11:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my humble opinion, a retail clerk or food server should have enough respect in him/her self and his/her customers to make them feel welcome. I've always been partial to
"Good afternoon, Sir/Madam, how may I help you today?"
or
"Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Sam and I'll be your waiter this afternoon."
You can never go wrong with the Sir/Ma'am, route.
2007-05-24 06:20:25 · answer #9 · answered by josephwiess 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For retail, I prefer a simple "Hi! Can I help you with something?"
For restaurant, it better be "Sir" or "Ma'am". Even though it makes us sound old, it's polite.
2007-05-24 06:29:39 · answer #10 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋