How can i ignore you Sir .

[Saluki]

Oh Lordy. @stephec & @ScotiaLass are flirting again.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Oh Lordy. @stephec & @ScotiaLass are flirting again.

 

[Rezillo]

I walked out of PC World for a similar reason.

The tablet was already on the counter and scanned through the till when he still wouldn't give up on the extended guarantee -

So you don't want the extended warranty?
No.
Why not?
Because I don't.

The tone of my reply obviously wasn't enough to cause him to deviate from his salesman's training course script as I then got -

I'm interested to know why you don't want it?

Which ended with me saying, "I've already told you I don't want it, and now I don't want that either," and pointing to the tablet I exited empty handed with a big grin on my face.

I did something similar at Currys a few years ago when buying a washing machine. It had been hoiked out of the warehouse and was sitting on the showroom floor while the salesman sorted out the paperwork for the till. He then went on and on about having an extended warranty, which I was having to repeatedly refuse. After about the sixth attempt, I said "If you mention extended warranty one more time, I'm walking out the door". He responded with "But the extended warranty is excellent value and...". I interrupted with "I know it's a s*** job but I did warn you, good-bye" and walked out. Went to Hughes, better service all round.

 

[stephec]

Oh Lordy. @stephec & @ScotiaLass are flirting again.

What do you mean 'again?'

is there something I've missed @ScotiaLass ?

 

[nickyboy]

Thanks for the feedback people, points taken onboard. It's a puzzle isn't it ? Customers go to a shop to spend money but a lot of staff just seem to be there to go through the motions to collect their wage and not give a damn about the people they serve.
One more quick point..... How would you like to be addressed once you've decided on your product and are paying at the till ?

Initial contact in the shop should be "Sir". Anything else just feels too laddish. Having said that, I suspect my 14 year old son would cringe at being called "Sir" so I suspect it's an age thing. A clever salesman will modify his approach accordingly. If in doubt, get round the issue by saying "Hello, how can I help you". Miles better than sticking "mate" on the end.
After the initial contact, you can drop the "Sir" and just talk as one would to anyone else. Paying at the till I wouldn't expect a "Sir" or anything else for that matter. Whatever you do till person, don't call me "mate", "buddy" or the like

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I expect the assistant to drop to his hands and knees, chanting "I am not worthy".

Any less and I'm out.

 

[Cow Pie]

Having to call the 'Ruperts' sir all day is a part of what I do.
To have someone call me sir makes me shudder. I work for a living

 

[Globalti]

Acceptable form of address by barmen and shop assistants: Sir or Madam.

Unacceptable: Mate or Guys. I HATE people who say "Guys".

 

[tiswas-steve]

This has become great research for me, thank you people !! ...... Was "people" ok ? Hehe

 

[stephec]

Acceptable form of address by barmen and shop assistants: Sir or Madam.

Unacceptable: Mate or Guys. I HATE people who say "Guys".

'Alright bud,' has to be the worst.

 

[Globalti]

"People" is too American and pally.

"Guys" is a crass copout for people who want to try to sound informal but don't realise that you can address people correctly yet still sound relaxed and informal.

"Folks" is just ghastly.

 

[Moon bunny]

You can call me what you like, as long as you do not forget to call me for tea.

 

[Jefferson Meriwether]

There's been a few times when I've been standing at the till in a shop being ignored and, after about a minute, just dumped the items I've intended to purchase on the counter and walked out.

When I'm in a shop such as a milliners or a tobacconist it's quite nice to be referred to as sir; in a normal common-or-garden shop I'm quite happy with a 'Hello, how can I help.' Shop assistants calling me mate or anything similar is only acceptable when I've reached at least semi-regular customer status.

I don't feel comfortable referring to a woman as Madam, simply because I tend to think of a Madam as a woman who owns a Brothel; I personally feel much more comfortable referring to a woman as Ma'am as i feel that is a much more respectful term for a woman.

 

[classic33]

I used " Can I be of any help" or asked them if they wanted any help. Making them aware not to put of asking me for help if they did require any. Even if I was doing something when they wanted help.

 

[Hover Fly]

Having to call the 'Ruperts' sir all day is a part of what I do.
To have someone call me sir makes me shudder. I work for a living

I hated being called sir. Since I left the mob,I might call someone sir if they are wearing this or its equivalent: