Toronto Public Space Renaissance?

[SD2]

I believe customer service runs both ways, if you come across as being a pain in the ass right from the beginning, what does one expect?

Even assuming someone is being a pain in the ass, it's the job of a sales person to be as helpful and accommodating as possible.

Any company with sales people that take the attitude you've suggested aren't going to be in business for very long.

 

[afransen TO]

That may be, but I find it usually helps to be calm, reasonable and concise when dealing with people in customer service positions. Their jobs aren't usually that great, and being a little bit pleasant can make them easier to deal with.

It doesn't take much effort to be in the habit of being polite...

 

[SD2]

That may be, but I find it usually helps to be calm, reasonable and concise when dealing with people in customer service positions. Their jobs aren't usually that great, and being a little bit pleasant can make them easier to deal with.

It doesn't take much effort to be in the habit of being polite...

I don't disagree.

But I've also found it quite common, in my experience, to walk into a store and not have a single sales person ask if I require any assistance. Or, you ask for some assistance and receive what seems to be the most half-assed effort possible.

In large chain stores/malls things are generally better, and things have improved, but there is still a lot to be desired.

 

[afransen TO]

Frankly, sometimes I'd rather not be bothered by sales people. As long as they're available, I don't mind if they don't pounce on me the moment I walk into the store.

 

[SD2]

Frankly, sometimes I'd rather not be bothered by sales people. As long as they're available, I don't mind if they don't pounce on me the moment I walk into the store.

Me too. But even if I don't feel like being bothered by sales people, I have no problem if they ask if I need any help...that's their job. If they continue badgering me, then there's a problem.

I've found if you say "no" to most sales people who ask if you need help, they just provide their name and tell you they're available if you happen to have any questions or need any assistance.

 

[tudararms]

Just witnessed it again yesterday: A perfectly sweet if somewhat befuddled lady in a somewhat upscale sandwich/pastry shop was being treated with rudeness and hostility by the lady serving who was literally rolling her eyes and snapping at her in a , "figure out what you want and get back to me bitch!" way. There was 'zero' service, at best. I see this so often, a 'give me your money and f***-off' attitude in this city, and we wonder why American tourists are staying away. The standard is definately different south of the border where competition is fierce and the customer is king. My husband is American and so we travel a lot there, and he still works there contractually at times. We are constantly amazed by the daily examples of extraordinary service we get there in comparison to the common dismissive indifference that passes for service here. Always exceptions of course, and we are truly delighted when we do find good service here, and always make sure to go back!!!!

 

[building babel]

When I was up on the Danforth the other day I noticed that Alexander the Great Parkette is getting a mini makeover. They're adding a Greek column thingy at the north end to create a shrine for the little bust of the great man.

 

[Archivistower]

The standard is definately different south of the border where competition is fierce and the customer is king.

It might also be those new "Legal to shoot if you receive bad or slow service" laws that so many states have now. I'd smile too.

 

[samplain]

They're adding a Greek column thingy at the north end to create a shrine for the little bust of the great man.

my big fat greek public space.

 

[SD2]

Just witnessed it again yesterday: A perfectly sweet if somewhat befuddled lady in a somewhat upscale sandwich/pastry shop was being treated with rudeness and hostility by the lady serving who was literally rolling her eyes and snapping at her in a , "figure out what you want and get back to me bitch!" way. There was 'zero' service, at best. I see this so often, a 'give me your money and f***-off' attitude in this city, and we wonder why American tourists are staying away. The standard is definately different south of the border where competition is fierce and the customer is king. My husband is American and so we travel a lot there, and he still works there contractually at times. We are constantly amazed by the daily examples of extraordinary service we get there in comparison to the common dismissive indifference that passes for service here. Always exceptions of course, and we are truly delighted when we do find good service here, and always make sure to go back!!!!

Husband? I didn't know you were a woman! Pretty rare on this board. Or maybe you're just a gay man, of which there's plenty

I think the drop in American tourists had a lot more to do with things like SARS, the dollar, etc. than bad customer service.