The Public Opinion Soapbox

convoyducky · Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 100 Location: Mercersburg

mmm, informative...i did not think of that.
But what if there's a really, REALLY interesting display that would make for photo of hilarity? Without my trusty camera, it'd be memories lost to no cause
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You can lead a fish out of water...but you can't make him breathe.

mjr260 · Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 28

Then I would click and split!

Fiver1 · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 1

Hello, I am relatively new to this forum but could not let this one pass by. I have been a Store Manager for many, many years. I will not say how many, that will age me.

#1. Word of mouth hurts a business far more than anything else.
I have always taught my employees this.
#2. The reason I have been in business for so long is that we provide our customers with excellent customer service. Customers are our bread and butter, without you we would not have a pay check.
#3. I sell merchandise ranging from $2.00 to $400.00 per item. Regardless of how much a customer spends I always say " Thank you for your business." I have had customers tell me that it was the first time they heard "thank you" in a long time. I was not shocked by this, when I shop I too rarely get a "thank you". The other day a cashier was actually texting while he was waiting on me (I felt like snatching his phone and chucking it across the store but resisted the temptation.)
#4. About cameras in a store...NO! Someone pointed out that they could be taking photos of credit card info. etc. That is true but they could also be taking photos of our Exits and Alarm Systems...no cameras people you could actually be arrested for this.

It is a shame that many businesses have forgotten how to give great customer service. The fast food industry has such a high turnover rate that they cannot effectively train their employees. Large chain retailers could care even less, they want your money right then and there with no thought of the future. "Try to find another provider" is what cable, eletric etc. companies say. They treat their customers like employees. I could go on and on. Banks! well that's another topic altogether.

If you come into my store (I cannot say the name, but it's in Adams and not Franklin County), you will get a smile, a nice hello, be treated like a friend and yes you will be thanked.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2663 Location: Chambersburg

Well Fiver, thank you for joining us here and for your commentary; if more businesses around here ran theirs like you do, perhaps they would be doing better business. I'll leave the meet and gree to 45chel.

There's nothing worse though than being in a store and someone is on a cell phone; a customer, an employee, whatever. Text messaging is perhaps the most annoying.

Perhaps one of the worst cases of awful cell phone ettiquette is when someone is going to checkout at a cashier in a store or order food in a restaurant while on the phone. I can't think of anything more rude and ignorant.

I will say one business that treats their customer exactly like you do fiver here in Chambersburg is Boswell's Pipe Shop, for the tobacconists out there (if there are any left these days). I wish more small businesses in town were as friendly and inviting as they are and I had forgot to mention them while we were praising local businesses.

cookieclaygirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 2289 Location: shippensburg

welcome fiver Smile

(i'll join chel in meet n'greet!)

attention to service is just such a plus in my book. future vision the other week gave me the most awesome service (my helper lady was actually helpful!!! and fun! and...helpful!!!) and it made SUCH a difference in my purchase.

one thing too, which coppy sort of said, was that bad customers can suck too---my exH would NEVER say thank you after a purchase (i'm a small talker and always thank the clerks and tell them to have a great day) and that just bugged the bejesus out of me....

so bravo to you fiver for encouraging great servcie!!!!! Very Happy

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3093 Location: Chambersburg

Ha Ha!

Coppy sorta kinda meeted n' greeted somebody!
His reputation is forever changed! Very Happy

Cookie's a sweetie as always, but she isn't the only one in our little Soapbox world!

Fiver, you will come to find that most of the members are good people, albeit good people with differing opinions. Sometimes some of us (me) may be a little tact-challenged, but please try not to take it personally.
We are so glad you decided to take the time to register and share your experiences!

I look forward to reading more of whatever you feel like typing! Very Happy

So, come on in, make yourself at home and if you have any questions at all, feel free to ask!

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2663 Location: Chambersburg

cookieclaygirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 2289 Location: shippensburg

here was what i did (because i have have NO good visits there EVER except for this last one)...the trick?

i got my eye exam elsewhere and got the glasses there. she was so helpful and friendly that for the first time in a decade i was glad i went there.

but yeah, agree with you----the rest of it SUCKS.....

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2663 Location: Chambersburg

Ah, understandable because of their great frame selection. As for me, they've lost my business, but by the looks of things they don't really need it.

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 577

cookieclaygirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 2289 Location: shippensburg

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2663 Location: Chambersburg

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 577

i thought you were just talking about contacts, you can use the box info to buy them online. i always just buy glasses at my eye doctor, i never thought about it like that

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2663 Location: Chambersburg

I see what you're saying now; yes, I suppose that if you went through 1-800 Contacts or something like that, you could just use the prescription on the box... however, here is where the dilemma there would lie.

I go to, oh, say Future Vision and get an eye exam; my prescription changes every time I go so far. Then I say, "Hey doctor so-and-so, can I get my prescription?" and he says "Screw you, we have contacts here."

In fact, Future Vision will just give you the boxes to buy; it's a whole scam they have by not even giving you the opportunity to ask for your prescription. The point is, without the written prescription from the doctor, or lenses you buy from him, you don't know what your prescription is anyway.

Oh, and if your prescription is out of date (one year) they'll know; the online contact retailers are required by law to verify your prescription with your optometrist.

cookieclaygirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 2289 Location: shippensburg

i used 1-800-contacts.

i usually tell my exam ppl that i'd like my perscription while i shop around. i keep it w/me until i find what i need..then store it if i need it for 1-800 later...no hoop jumping for that slip then.