Well surprisingly we haven't been out much over the Christmas holiday.
So I'm going to hit on a previous experience.
Rachel at Steak-n-Shake North. She's about as much fun as you can have in fast food.
My family tends to be slightly sarcastic, just about all of the time.. You'll need to keep this in mind to appreciate Rachel.
Scott and I went to S-n-S on our usual Friday "date" night. The hostess sat us down and we were continuing a conversation we had started in the car. A conversation about a 14 year old girl we had heard about, that had her hair dyed green or purple or something. Her nose was pierced, belly button and who knows what else. And as our waitress came to the table I said "she's a freak". The waitress smiled and said "no I'm Rachel". This set the tone for the rest of the night. She is young, so we described the afore mentioned 14 year old and Rachel said "she's a freak". Our service was great. Food came in a timely fashion. Drinks were never empty. Rachel even offered me a "takehomeasak-cup" for my diet coke.
There was one point where we didn't see Rachel, but we needed some ketchup or something. We decided we would call the S-n-S number and ask for her. When she answered we would say "hey did your shift end?". By the time we got the phone ready to dial, she appeared. I told her of my plan and she laughed and said "oh man, that would have been great".
So I guess the service was really just "okay". But the fact that Rachel felt us out to see what our personalities were, and adapted her service technique to that, made her excellent.
A couple weeks later we were back. I saw Rachel, but didn't ask for her. After we were seated she was at the table across the isle from us with a bus tub. The tub slipped while she was wiping the table. It didn't fall, but the dishes inside clanged. I said (so she could hear me) "Oh that would have been funny as hell".
She turned to look at me (I was smiling) and said "Hey, that was mean. But if I had dropped them, it would have been in your lap. I love when you guys come in. You're always in a good mood and that puts me in a good mood".
The thing is.. We're NOT always in a good mood. But teasing her and knowing that she enjoys it, puts us in a good mood. It makes us smile, to make her smile.
So next time you're at Steak-n-Shake North, ask for Rachel.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Customers
I think I've figured out the problem with customer service. It's the customer.
I go on and on about the customer service in the Danville area. Some times it's excellent. But most of the time I'm complaining.
But in the defense of service providers, I understand.
The general morale in Danville is low (although I think it's improving). Is it possible that the economy is the problem? Probably. But we're all broke. So what gives one broke person the right to be grouchier than the other broke person.
When I am out and about, I watch people. And yes I even ear hustle.
Today I was at Big R. The customer service there was really good. I wouldn't go with "excellent", but it was above average.
But the people.. The last minute shoppers, stressing because they've waited until the last minute. And now they're out pillaging for something to make their loved ones happy on Christmas morning. Paying more than they should for second rate gifts because they've waited too long to get what their spouse or child REALLY wants. Those people have obviously gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. They are rude, mean, grouchy, hateful and in a hurry to get to the next store in hopes there will be another last minute gift that will impress the gift receiver even more.
I was crashed into by 2 carts whose drivers were so engrossed in trying to figure out what to buy, they never even saw me. And what is with the people that stand on one side of the isle and look at things across the isle. Then get ticked off because you walk in front of them..
People refuse to move and allow you to pass. Or they run into someone they know, and start a conversation. Then get mad at someone trying to get by, because they're interupting their conversation.
And just what the heck happened to saying "excuse me" when you find yourself in the path of another customer? It's two words. And I don't even care if you say it with a friendly tone. JUST SAY IT.
Then they get up to the check out and complain to the cashier about prices or lack of merchendise, like it's her fault. Like this poor girl is responsible for ordering, stocking shelves, and pricing. Today I saw a man get nasty with a cashier because the ELECTRONIC MACHINE THAT TALKS TO HIS CREDIT CARD COMPANY DIRECTLY, didn't like his credit card. Again, is this her fault?? PAY YOUR BILL.
After Big R, I went to Aldi's. Aldi's has never been a warm and fuzzy place to shop. But Andrew is getting groceries from Santa and I went to Aldi's to stock up on Ramen and Macaroni.
As always, there was only one checker. As I watched the line start to form and extend clear back through frozen foods, I could feel the tension mount.
People in this town never talk to strangers. If you're standing in line, people will dig through their purse, grab a magazine, read the labels on their food.. Anything to avoid eye contact and/or conversation with the stranger standing in line with them. Unless of course they want to complain. Then all of sudden, they're best buddies. The Aldi's line was buzzing with strangers complaining to each other about how there was only one checker and they were in a hurry. THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.
And when it's their turn, they take it out on the poor girl just doing her job.
So even if I didn't find excellent customer service today, Kudos to the checkers that didn't reach across the counters and slap the Christmas snot out of these rude ass people that can only blame themselves for their stress.
And no this does not mean customer service providers are safe from future posts in the Tip Jar.
I go on and on about the customer service in the Danville area. Some times it's excellent. But most of the time I'm complaining.
But in the defense of service providers, I understand.
The general morale in Danville is low (although I think it's improving). Is it possible that the economy is the problem? Probably. But we're all broke. So what gives one broke person the right to be grouchier than the other broke person.
When I am out and about, I watch people. And yes I even ear hustle.
Today I was at Big R. The customer service there was really good. I wouldn't go with "excellent", but it was above average.
But the people.. The last minute shoppers, stressing because they've waited until the last minute. And now they're out pillaging for something to make their loved ones happy on Christmas morning. Paying more than they should for second rate gifts because they've waited too long to get what their spouse or child REALLY wants. Those people have obviously gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. They are rude, mean, grouchy, hateful and in a hurry to get to the next store in hopes there will be another last minute gift that will impress the gift receiver even more.
I was crashed into by 2 carts whose drivers were so engrossed in trying to figure out what to buy, they never even saw me. And what is with the people that stand on one side of the isle and look at things across the isle. Then get ticked off because you walk in front of them..
People refuse to move and allow you to pass. Or they run into someone they know, and start a conversation. Then get mad at someone trying to get by, because they're interupting their conversation.
And just what the heck happened to saying "excuse me" when you find yourself in the path of another customer? It's two words. And I don't even care if you say it with a friendly tone. JUST SAY IT.
Then they get up to the check out and complain to the cashier about prices or lack of merchendise, like it's her fault. Like this poor girl is responsible for ordering, stocking shelves, and pricing. Today I saw a man get nasty with a cashier because the ELECTRONIC MACHINE THAT TALKS TO HIS CREDIT CARD COMPANY DIRECTLY, didn't like his credit card. Again, is this her fault?? PAY YOUR BILL.
After Big R, I went to Aldi's. Aldi's has never been a warm and fuzzy place to shop. But Andrew is getting groceries from Santa and I went to Aldi's to stock up on Ramen and Macaroni.
As always, there was only one checker. As I watched the line start to form and extend clear back through frozen foods, I could feel the tension mount.
People in this town never talk to strangers. If you're standing in line, people will dig through their purse, grab a magazine, read the labels on their food.. Anything to avoid eye contact and/or conversation with the stranger standing in line with them. Unless of course they want to complain. Then all of sudden, they're best buddies. The Aldi's line was buzzing with strangers complaining to each other about how there was only one checker and they were in a hurry. THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.
And when it's their turn, they take it out on the poor girl just doing her job.
So even if I didn't find excellent customer service today, Kudos to the checkers that didn't reach across the counters and slap the Christmas snot out of these rude ass people that can only blame themselves for their stress.
And no this does not mean customer service providers are safe from future posts in the Tip Jar.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Here, there and everywhere.
I did a ton of Christmas shopping today in Champaign and Danville and here is what I've found... Customer service is better in Champaign.
Let's see, where all did I go..
First stop, Sam's (Champaign). The ladies at the sample stations where okay. Nothing to write home about.. Although I did get my arse chewed for taking a sample off of a a tray not designated for sample taking. My bad.. It looked like a sample to me, and there were like 5 women just staring at it like they wanted it, so I took it. But apparently it was trash and the lady seriously made me put it back. I felt like a little kid that reached into the candy jar without permission. And Sams has someone standing at the exit door. Their job is to make sure you have the same number of items in your cart that your receipt says you should have. Because I guess you could grab a bunch of stuff in the 50 feet you walk from the check out lane to the exit door. In any case, I've never had them actually COUNT my items. They just mark my receipt with their yellow highlighter. But they do it in a very friendly way.
Then off to Gordmans. Nothing special there. No one went above and beyond. But it was adequate.
Lunch at Chili's. Service there was outstanding. Our waiter was Chris, and he was perfect!! Not overbearing, but attentive enough to get a great tip.
Target. Eh. Can't complain. Friendly but nothing above and beyond.
Back to Danville. Ran to the Vermilion County Health Department for H1N1 vaccines. Everyone there was super friendly, making it a pleasant experience to get a shot. They were all joking and in good moods. I even overheard someone say "is it really almost time to go home? Time flies when you're having fun". Way to go VCHD staff!!!
Then took the kids to Subway on Main street (for not crying when they got their shots, even though they're 20 and 12). Boo to Subway. Three of the most unfriendly guys I've ever let make me a sandwich.
Last stop Elder Beerman. I got a couple clothing items but ended up paying at the cosmetic counter. Candice was my cashier and another young lady was working with her. They were excellent. I had two different coupons with me. One for $10 off entire purchace, and one for 20% off. They took the time to figure out which coupon was going to save me the most money. They were having a conversation about the new "make your butt look better" shoes, and made it a point to include me in the conversation. It relaxed me, and made me feel less apprehensive about the amount of money I had spent throughout the day.. I wanted to pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and just hang out with them. Nice job ladies.
Let's see, where all did I go..
First stop, Sam's (Champaign). The ladies at the sample stations where okay. Nothing to write home about.. Although I did get my arse chewed for taking a sample off of a a tray not designated for sample taking. My bad.. It looked like a sample to me, and there were like 5 women just staring at it like they wanted it, so I took it. But apparently it was trash and the lady seriously made me put it back. I felt like a little kid that reached into the candy jar without permission. And Sams has someone standing at the exit door. Their job is to make sure you have the same number of items in your cart that your receipt says you should have. Because I guess you could grab a bunch of stuff in the 50 feet you walk from the check out lane to the exit door. In any case, I've never had them actually COUNT my items. They just mark my receipt with their yellow highlighter. But they do it in a very friendly way.
Then off to Gordmans. Nothing special there. No one went above and beyond. But it was adequate.
Lunch at Chili's. Service there was outstanding. Our waiter was Chris, and he was perfect!! Not overbearing, but attentive enough to get a great tip.
Target. Eh. Can't complain. Friendly but nothing above and beyond.
Back to Danville. Ran to the Vermilion County Health Department for H1N1 vaccines. Everyone there was super friendly, making it a pleasant experience to get a shot. They were all joking and in good moods. I even overheard someone say "is it really almost time to go home? Time flies when you're having fun". Way to go VCHD staff!!!
Then took the kids to Subway on Main street (for not crying when they got their shots, even though they're 20 and 12). Boo to Subway. Three of the most unfriendly guys I've ever let make me a sandwich.
Last stop Elder Beerman. I got a couple clothing items but ended up paying at the cosmetic counter. Candice was my cashier and another young lady was working with her. They were excellent. I had two different coupons with me. One for $10 off entire purchace, and one for 20% off. They took the time to figure out which coupon was going to save me the most money. They were having a conversation about the new "make your butt look better" shoes, and made it a point to include me in the conversation. It relaxed me, and made me feel less apprehensive about the amount of money I had spent throughout the day.. I wanted to pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and just hang out with them. Nice job ladies.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Arby's North
Usually I complain about Arby's North. They had a crew member there that apparently was born mute. When you walked up to the counter she would look at you over the register like you where infected with some flesh eating bacteria, and if she dared speak to you, she might catch it. I think they got rid of her.
So tonight I had some running around to do. Whilst doing said running around the lad called. He wanted to borrow $5.00 (as always). I NEVER carry cash. But I could tell from his tone and the conversation that he was looking for money to buy himself some dinner (he lives by himself and doesn't have so much as a can opener).
I took the bait (I always do) and offered to run him out a sandwich. He picked Arby's, so I swung into the drive thru..
As always the speaker blared at me "would you like to try one of our combinations?".
Why yes I would "Can I have a number 20 with curly fries and a mountain dew please".
Friendly voice at the other end of the speaker says "you sure can, please pull to the window".
I looked at her name tag but I guess I'm getting old, because now I forget.. I think it was Kayla or Kyla.
She was the most pleasant teenager I've encountered this week.
It wasn't a fake friendly. I really think she was just a friendly girl.
Since Andrew doesn't have a lot of staples (not the kind that hold paper together), I wasn't sure if he had condiments. So I asked "can you please put a little bit of every kind of sauce you own, and some salt and pepper in there?"
Again with the friendly "absolutely".
I could see her packing my bag in the window. She opened the window again and handed me the mountain dew and then the sack "All your sauces, salt, pepper and a straw are in the bag". I said "thank you" and she said "you're very welcome and you have a great night".
Big kudos to Arby's North.
So tonight I had some running around to do. Whilst doing said running around the lad called. He wanted to borrow $5.00 (as always). I NEVER carry cash. But I could tell from his tone and the conversation that he was looking for money to buy himself some dinner (he lives by himself and doesn't have so much as a can opener).
I took the bait (I always do) and offered to run him out a sandwich. He picked Arby's, so I swung into the drive thru..
As always the speaker blared at me "would you like to try one of our combinations?".
Why yes I would "Can I have a number 20 with curly fries and a mountain dew please".
Friendly voice at the other end of the speaker says "you sure can, please pull to the window".
I looked at her name tag but I guess I'm getting old, because now I forget.. I think it was Kayla or Kyla.
She was the most pleasant teenager I've encountered this week.
It wasn't a fake friendly. I really think she was just a friendly girl.
Since Andrew doesn't have a lot of staples (not the kind that hold paper together), I wasn't sure if he had condiments. So I asked "can you please put a little bit of every kind of sauce you own, and some salt and pepper in there?"
Again with the friendly "absolutely".
I could see her packing my bag in the window. She opened the window again and handed me the mountain dew and then the sack "All your sauces, salt, pepper and a straw are in the bag". I said "thank you" and she said "you're very welcome and you have a great night".
Big kudos to Arby's North.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Kim
Friday nights are "date night" at our house.. Ryleigh usually goes to the mall with her friends and Scott and I go to dinner, just the two of us.
Tonight we went to Steak-n-Shake North. Our waitress' name was Chelsey. She was okay. No major complaints with her. Okay maybe a couple, but nothing over the top.
But Kim... OUTSTANDING.
As soon as we were seated Kim walked by and said "hi guys, someone will be right with you". She was not our waitress, I don't think she's ever been our waitress there. But she acknowledged us anyway. I can say, I don't think I've ever had that happen.
When I finished my sandwich, I scooted my empty plate to the side of the table. Moments later Kim walked by, looked at my plate, stopped and said "How was everything for you tonight?" And she waited for the answer.
Again............. This was not our waitress.
It really felt like she liked her job and was glad we were there.
Way to go Kim!!!
Tonight we went to Steak-n-Shake North. Our waitress' name was Chelsey. She was okay. No major complaints with her. Okay maybe a couple, but nothing over the top.
But Kim... OUTSTANDING.
As soon as we were seated Kim walked by and said "hi guys, someone will be right with you". She was not our waitress, I don't think she's ever been our waitress there. But she acknowledged us anyway. I can say, I don't think I've ever had that happen.
When I finished my sandwich, I scooted my empty plate to the side of the table. Moments later Kim walked by, looked at my plate, stopped and said "How was everything for you tonight?" And she waited for the answer.
Again............. This was not our waitress.
It really felt like she liked her job and was glad we were there.
Way to go Kim!!!
Waitstaff pet peeves
I am fully aware the not all customers are as great as me. Some customers are down right rude. But that's not what this blog is about.
There are things that waitstaff do that just drive me crazy.
1) calling me by a pet name like honey or babe and the worst one I've been called is sweetie. Pet names are for loved ones. I don't know about any of you, but I am not in love with any of my waitresses. You can call me ma'am or miss or ask me my name and call me that. But don't call me sweetie.
2) Asking me if I need more to drink. If my glass is more than half empty, yes I want some more to drink. Don't ask me, just bring it.
3) Not clearing empty dishes. Don't come ask me if I need anything and walk away empty handed when there are empty dishes on my table (O'Learys is horrible about this). Do they think I'm going to leave faster if I have to look at a half eaten tenderloin?
4) Not letting me know if there is a delay in my food. I get that places get busy and service may be slow. Just let me know, I get it. Don't leave me hanging.
5) Bringing my bill while I'm still chewing. This will likely prevent me from ordering dessert because they've already given me my total.
6) Not checking on me enough.
7) Checking on me too much.
8) Telling my table of two, that they're "sorry they didn't bring my drink sooner, but there is a large party that's keeping them busy". So the large party is more important than me??? Nice.
9) A waitress that says "I'm going on break, I'll come check on you when I get back". Uh hello??? unacceptable.
10) Complaining about her feet hurting or being tired or any other thing that idicates they don't like their job.
11) THE WORST OF ALL.. Picking up my money and saying "Did you need change back". Hell yeah I need change back.. Don't assume I'm going to tip you..
I actually wrote on the back of a receipt once "i'm sorry you hate your job".
What are your pet peeves???
There are things that waitstaff do that just drive me crazy.
1) calling me by a pet name like honey or babe and the worst one I've been called is sweetie. Pet names are for loved ones. I don't know about any of you, but I am not in love with any of my waitresses. You can call me ma'am or miss or ask me my name and call me that. But don't call me sweetie.
2) Asking me if I need more to drink. If my glass is more than half empty, yes I want some more to drink. Don't ask me, just bring it.
3) Not clearing empty dishes. Don't come ask me if I need anything and walk away empty handed when there are empty dishes on my table (O'Learys is horrible about this). Do they think I'm going to leave faster if I have to look at a half eaten tenderloin?
4) Not letting me know if there is a delay in my food. I get that places get busy and service may be slow. Just let me know, I get it. Don't leave me hanging.
5) Bringing my bill while I'm still chewing. This will likely prevent me from ordering dessert because they've already given me my total.
6) Not checking on me enough.
7) Checking on me too much.
8) Telling my table of two, that they're "sorry they didn't bring my drink sooner, but there is a large party that's keeping them busy". So the large party is more important than me??? Nice.
9) A waitress that says "I'm going on break, I'll come check on you when I get back". Uh hello??? unacceptable.
10) Complaining about her feet hurting or being tired or any other thing that idicates they don't like their job.
11) THE WORST OF ALL.. Picking up my money and saying "Did you need change back". Hell yeah I need change back.. Don't assume I'm going to tip you..
I actually wrote on the back of a receipt once "i'm sorry you hate your job".
What are your pet peeves???
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Phillips 66 - North Vermilion.
One of my favorite gas stations in town.
I call it the Curry gas station because it smells like curry as soon as you walk in.
I hate to label and say they're Indians (not the "how" kind that ate dinner with the pilgrims), but I believe they're Indians. Why does this matter?? It doesn't, except they are obviously of a different culture than my own. And yet every time I go in, they make it a point to acknowledge MY culture. The week before Thanksgiving they told me to have a great Thanksgiving, every time I went in. Now they're asking me if I'm ready for Christmas. I love this about them. This makes me want to learn about their culture, so I can do the same.
They know their "regulars" and make it a point to personalize the conversation.
They are all quick with a smile. And they love to tease. Scott broke his foot working on the Extreme Makeover home in Philo. So he had to go in on crutches a couple times. He told the guys at the gas station I kicked him. They teased us for weeks about this.
I have been known to drive out of my way to get my 32 ounces of diet coke there.
Tonight I stopped in before my Life Skills class. The guy in front of me didn't have enough money for his cigarillos. He said to the man working "you know I'm good for it, I'll pay you back". And the man agreed, handed him his cigarillos, and off he went.
No they don't have everything the newer, bigger gas stations have. And no, I don't recommend buying any dated food there (the yogurt and milk are always out of date).
But if it's customer service you're looking for, Stop in to Phillips 66.
I call it the Curry gas station because it smells like curry as soon as you walk in.
I hate to label and say they're Indians (not the "how" kind that ate dinner with the pilgrims), but I believe they're Indians. Why does this matter?? It doesn't, except they are obviously of a different culture than my own. And yet every time I go in, they make it a point to acknowledge MY culture. The week before Thanksgiving they told me to have a great Thanksgiving, every time I went in. Now they're asking me if I'm ready for Christmas. I love this about them. This makes me want to learn about their culture, so I can do the same.
They know their "regulars" and make it a point to personalize the conversation.
They are all quick with a smile. And they love to tease. Scott broke his foot working on the Extreme Makeover home in Philo. So he had to go in on crutches a couple times. He told the guys at the gas station I kicked him. They teased us for weeks about this.
I have been known to drive out of my way to get my 32 ounces of diet coke there.
Tonight I stopped in before my Life Skills class. The guy in front of me didn't have enough money for his cigarillos. He said to the man working "you know I'm good for it, I'll pay you back". And the man agreed, handed him his cigarillos, and off he went.
No they don't have everything the newer, bigger gas stations have. And no, I don't recommend buying any dated food there (the yogurt and milk are always out of date).
But if it's customer service you're looking for, Stop in to Phillips 66.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
K-Mart
I wish I could give you an alternative to shopping at the local K-mart. Unfortunately, there really isn't one.. Unless you love Wal-Mart (which I don't).
There just isn't somewhere that you can go get a prescription filled, a gallon of milk, Christmas decorations, pizza and panty liners all in one stop shopping. Unless you love Wal-Mart (did I mention that I do not).
So I go to K-Mart today more than anything to get out of the house.. But I also needed a couple small things..
First of all, HAVE YOU BEEN TO K-MART LATELY??? This has got to be one of the dirtiest stores in town.. What's up with that.. I beg of you to not wait until you're at K-Mart to have to pee. You need a hazmat suit to use that bathroom.
I see a lot of red vests just standing around.. My experience at Heatcraft taught me that - if you've got time to lean, you've got time to clean. Hand one of these red vested folks a mop..
But not the issue.
I'm pretty sure no K-Mart employee likes their job.. This conversation has happened to me more than once at the K-Mart check out.
Checker: How are you?
Me: I'm fine, how are you? (I ask out of politeness, not because I really care).
Checker: Tired. I'll be a whole letter better when I get out of here.
I don't know about you, but what I heard was "I hate my job, I don't want to ring your crap up or take your money, and I'll be glad when I see you walking out the door because it is a complete pain in the ass to stand in one spot and push buttons".
Then as I passed the CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK, a red vested employee behind the counter starts complaining to a manager about 20 feet from her, about how bad her head hurts, she wants to go home, there should have already been someone there to relieve her. blah blah blah blah..
So here is my question.. When you're applying for and/or accepting a job at K-Mart, do you not understand that you will have to deal with the public?? And if you know you're the type of person that doesn't do well dealing with the public(and some of us don't), DON'T ACCEPT THE JOB. It's not rocket science.. Go find yourself a job in a cubicle and stop making me feel like it's a crime to shop there.
So how does K-Mart get away with a dirty store and lackluster employees?? BECAUSE THERE IS NOWHERE ELSE TO GO....
There just isn't somewhere that you can go get a prescription filled, a gallon of milk, Christmas decorations, pizza and panty liners all in one stop shopping. Unless you love Wal-Mart (did I mention that I do not).
So I go to K-Mart today more than anything to get out of the house.. But I also needed a couple small things..
First of all, HAVE YOU BEEN TO K-MART LATELY??? This has got to be one of the dirtiest stores in town.. What's up with that.. I beg of you to not wait until you're at K-Mart to have to pee. You need a hazmat suit to use that bathroom.
I see a lot of red vests just standing around.. My experience at Heatcraft taught me that - if you've got time to lean, you've got time to clean. Hand one of these red vested folks a mop..
But not the issue.
I'm pretty sure no K-Mart employee likes their job.. This conversation has happened to me more than once at the K-Mart check out.
Checker: How are you?
Me: I'm fine, how are you? (I ask out of politeness, not because I really care).
Checker: Tired. I'll be a whole letter better when I get out of here.
I don't know about you, but what I heard was "I hate my job, I don't want to ring your crap up or take your money, and I'll be glad when I see you walking out the door because it is a complete pain in the ass to stand in one spot and push buttons".
Then as I passed the CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK, a red vested employee behind the counter starts complaining to a manager about 20 feet from her, about how bad her head hurts, she wants to go home, there should have already been someone there to relieve her. blah blah blah blah..
So here is my question.. When you're applying for and/or accepting a job at K-Mart, do you not understand that you will have to deal with the public?? And if you know you're the type of person that doesn't do well dealing with the public(and some of us don't), DON'T ACCEPT THE JOB. It's not rocket science.. Go find yourself a job in a cubicle and stop making me feel like it's a crime to shop there.
So how does K-Mart get away with a dirty store and lackluster employees?? BECAUSE THERE IS NOWHERE ELSE TO GO....
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Boooooo
Boo to McDonalds North (not usually)..
Ryleigh and I have Bethlehem live practice tonight, so I ran her through the drive through for her usual #10.
Speaker: Would you like to try an iced coffee?
Me: No thank you, I'll have a number 10 with sweet tea please.
pause.............................................
pause..............................................
Speaker: Welcome to McDonalds can I take your order.
Me: Sure, I'd like a number 10 with a sweet tea, again.
Pulled to the first window and pay.
Pulled to the second window. A very tall young man opens the window, turns over his shoulder as he hands me Ryleigh's sweet tea, and finishes a conversation (not big mac related) with his co-worker/friend. He then hands me the bag of food and closes the window. NOT A WORD TO ME.
Not a "here ya go" or a "have a nice night" or even a "thank you".. NOTHING.. He barely acknowledged my existance.
I would like to add a little positive.. When Danae Butler's daughter Kierra is working, the service is always top notch. Way to go Kierra.. Be a good role model for you co-workers, they need it.
Ryleigh and I have Bethlehem live practice tonight, so I ran her through the drive through for her usual #10.
Speaker: Would you like to try an iced coffee?
Me: No thank you, I'll have a number 10 with sweet tea please.
pause.............................................
pause..............................................
Speaker: Welcome to McDonalds can I take your order.
Me: Sure, I'd like a number 10 with a sweet tea, again.
Pulled to the first window and pay.
Pulled to the second window. A very tall young man opens the window, turns over his shoulder as he hands me Ryleigh's sweet tea, and finishes a conversation (not big mac related) with his co-worker/friend. He then hands me the bag of food and closes the window. NOT A WORD TO ME.
Not a "here ya go" or a "have a nice night" or even a "thank you".. NOTHING.. He barely acknowledged my existance.
I would like to add a little positive.. When Danae Butler's daughter Kierra is working, the service is always top notch. Way to go Kierra.. Be a good role model for you co-workers, they need it.
Donna
Donna has been waiting tables at Montana Mikes, since it opened. Love this woman.
Several months ago, Montana Mikes was offering some new salads. There were pictures on the menu and they all looked amazing.. One of the salads came with a hard boiled egg.. I don't know about you, but I LOVE hard boiled egg on my salad. The problem was, I didn't want that particular salad. So I asked Donna for a side salad and jokingly said "can I get some of that hard boiled egg on that?". Low and behold when I got my salad, there was the egg.
That's not the best part..
Over this past weekend, we decided we had had too much poultry and needed some red meat. So off to Montana Mikes we went.. As always, we asked for a table in Donna's section.
I ordered my usual.. Steak (so rare, you would be grossed out to watch me eat it), baked potato and a side salad (they have discontinued the special salads so I didn't ask for egg). When Donna brought our salads, she set them all down in front of us. And then she set a small dish next to me with a sliced hard boiled egg in it. She said "I brought my lunch today, and I happened to bring an egg". She remembered from months ago that I liked egg and gave me hers.
To top it off, my steak was perfectly raw. Come to find out, when she puts my order in, she makes sure the cooks know how rare I really want my steak.
This is only an example of what a great waitress Donna has been over the years. And a prime example of customer service excellence. So go to Montana Mikes and ask for Donna.. Tell her the raw steak, egg lady sent you.
Stay tuned for some not so excellent moments at Mikes.
Several months ago, Montana Mikes was offering some new salads. There were pictures on the menu and they all looked amazing.. One of the salads came with a hard boiled egg.. I don't know about you, but I LOVE hard boiled egg on my salad. The problem was, I didn't want that particular salad. So I asked Donna for a side salad and jokingly said "can I get some of that hard boiled egg on that?". Low and behold when I got my salad, there was the egg.
That's not the best part..
Over this past weekend, we decided we had had too much poultry and needed some red meat. So off to Montana Mikes we went.. As always, we asked for a table in Donna's section.
I ordered my usual.. Steak (so rare, you would be grossed out to watch me eat it), baked potato and a side salad (they have discontinued the special salads so I didn't ask for egg). When Donna brought our salads, she set them all down in front of us. And then she set a small dish next to me with a sliced hard boiled egg in it. She said "I brought my lunch today, and I happened to bring an egg". She remembered from months ago that I liked egg and gave me hers.
To top it off, my steak was perfectly raw. Come to find out, when she puts my order in, she makes sure the cooks know how rare I really want my steak.
This is only an example of what a great waitress Donna has been over the years. And a prime example of customer service excellence. So go to Montana Mikes and ask for Donna.. Tell her the raw steak, egg lady sent you.
Stay tuned for some not so excellent moments at Mikes.
What's in the Jar
So here we go.. If you are one of my Facebook friends, you know that I frequently post about customer service in the Danville area..
I've become very frustrated with this new generation of customer service providers, and their sense of entitlement. Whether it's cashiers, wait staff or call center employees, they seem to expect you to be thankful that they managed to drag their ass out of bed and in to work so that you have somewhere to go to purchase something or eat something. Thankful that you are allowed the privilege to walk into their establishment and hand them money for a service offered at their gas station, store or restaurant.
What they fail to understand is that without a customer, their establishment wouldn't run and their paycheck wouldn't be cut.
Why do I think I'm qualified to write this blog?? I'm the customer. And I also spent 10 years as a banquet waitress.
I worked for the greatest General Manager ever (who also happens to be my mother, Bev). She ran the Ramada back when the Ramada was considered an upscale hotel/restaurant. She demanded customer service excellence. It wasn't beyond her to pull any one of her staff aside and say "I don't care what kind of day you're having, you're going to go out there and smile for my customer and make sure they have the most enjoyable meal or hotel stay ever, or you're going to go home".
Patrons included both Dick and Jerry Van Dyke, Red Skelton, Gene Hackman, Marie Osmond and every day folks like me and you.. It didn't matter if you had some claim to fame, or if you were a Danville native on a budget, everyone was treated the same.
You don't find that now.. When you walk into a store or restaurant, you are judged on appearance and sized up on whether you're going to be a big spender or a good tipper. This judgement determines the level of service you will be getting.
So what is the goal of The Tip Jar?? To tell you about my experiences as a customer in Danville, both good and bad. Giving you a chance to choose a gas station, store or restaurant ahead of time, where you can expect to be appreciated as a paying or tipping customer.
I've become very frustrated with this new generation of customer service providers, and their sense of entitlement. Whether it's cashiers, wait staff or call center employees, they seem to expect you to be thankful that they managed to drag their ass out of bed and in to work so that you have somewhere to go to purchase something or eat something. Thankful that you are allowed the privilege to walk into their establishment and hand them money for a service offered at their gas station, store or restaurant.
What they fail to understand is that without a customer, their establishment wouldn't run and their paycheck wouldn't be cut.
Why do I think I'm qualified to write this blog?? I'm the customer. And I also spent 10 years as a banquet waitress.
I worked for the greatest General Manager ever (who also happens to be my mother, Bev). She ran the Ramada back when the Ramada was considered an upscale hotel/restaurant. She demanded customer service excellence. It wasn't beyond her to pull any one of her staff aside and say "I don't care what kind of day you're having, you're going to go out there and smile for my customer and make sure they have the most enjoyable meal or hotel stay ever, or you're going to go home".
Patrons included both Dick and Jerry Van Dyke, Red Skelton, Gene Hackman, Marie Osmond and every day folks like me and you.. It didn't matter if you had some claim to fame, or if you were a Danville native on a budget, everyone was treated the same.
You don't find that now.. When you walk into a store or restaurant, you are judged on appearance and sized up on whether you're going to be a big spender or a good tipper. This judgement determines the level of service you will be getting.
So what is the goal of The Tip Jar?? To tell you about my experiences as a customer in Danville, both good and bad. Giving you a chance to choose a gas station, store or restaurant ahead of time, where you can expect to be appreciated as a paying or tipping customer.
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