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Terrrific!

I've been listening to the Ed Foreman Healthy Happy and Terrific tape set on the way home at night. Helps me go into my house with a smile on my face. Also makes me wonder if employers should offer that to their people. Would make a difference in some circumstances.

Yesterday on my way to work, I had to get some money out of the ATM as the WIXYmobile needed gas. I stopped at the Circle K in Wadsworth, located in front of the Evil Big Box Store(tm). I went in, got a Beacon Journal, two bottles of Coke Zero, and paid for 25 dollars of fuel. The cashier was a young lady named Tabatha. I notice every time I'm in that store that she has a very bubbly personality, something some think should be illegal at 5am. I also notice that she is married. Most women would prefer to be home, asleep in bed, cuddled next to their husbands at that time. Tabatha evidently prefers to make the best out of her situation and whenever I stop there this burst of enthusiasm makes my long trip to work a bit easier. I think Tabatha should be rewarded for this exceptional customer service.

Now in comparison is this cashier(name unknown) working the same shift at the Evil Big Box Store(tm). This young lady acts as if she is doing you a favor by taking your money off your hands. The other morning I went there to get some items for my lunch. I go to her register, the only one open at the time. She comes to her register and I "How are you doing this morning?" She replied with "I'm doing okay this DAY." She rings me up and I pay her, concluding with, "Have a good day and thank you for working at Walmart*" She grumbles something at me and I'm on my way. Makes me wish the Giant Eagle is open at that time.

With people not making as much money nowadays and therefore not having as much disposablle income, if the situation was even, which cashier would you rather deal with? I choose Tabatha.

Comments

Brenda said…
I am all for the bubbly personality. I used to work a gas station starting at 6 a.m. It's not easy to be all happy that time of day, esp. when most customers are pretty grumpy at that time. I thought it my job to try to start their day off a little brighter!!

Have a GREAT day Cliff..
Cliff said…
So Brenda, you are sending me greetings from sunny Fla. Hope you are having a great time there. And you'll be happy to know that I wrote an email to the regional headquarters of Circle K about Tabatha. I hope they give her some sort of reward for her customer service.
Pat Jenkins said…
it is good to be around a cheery personality! i know i am fortunate enough to live with such a lady, and it can MAKE YOUR DAY!
Pigeon said…
Building a good relationship with customers really can make a big difference as to whether or not they become repeat customers. I always shop the mom and pop stores around here when I can. I am going to start borrowing your Evil Big Box Store(tm)phrase. It really says it all.
Cliff said…
Elise, I think Sam Walton is turning over in his grave over what is happening in the chain he started. It's ironic that Sam Walton's autobiogtraphy was titled "Made in America."
Anonymous said…
They say that smiles are contagious but I'll swear that some people have been vaccinated from them!
Jen said…
I vote for Tabitha.
This stuff of service with a smile is a thing of the past it seems. But I do the same as you and try to start a conversation. I usually try to pay them a compliment or say something un-work related, to take their mind of the fact that they have to be on their feet all day. I sure wouldn't like some of the jobs out there.
Minerva said…
I have had some horrendous experiences with a few Walmartians.
I keep vowing never to return, and yet I do. Tabitha? Where are you?!
Ben said…
Cheers to you for taking the time to email corporate about their winner of an employee. People are quick to fire off a complaint, but it's good to give some props to the upbeat, hard working folks who help make our day.
J. Moses said…
I would take Tabatha anyday over the EBBS cashier!
John said…
Before everyone condemns the cashiers and workers at retail stores, I have some experience in the field from my past. Many managers treat their employees like dirt and many customers are very very rude to workers in stores. Demanding things and swearing at employees for not having items they came in looking for. I m willing to bet if some of you worked a few days in their shoes you might understand why they are sometimes not overtly friendly. Just my two cents. Don't be so quick to criticize.
Connie said…
The other day while working at the library, my coworker and I were swamped. We had several carts full of returned books waiting to be shelved, movies to put away, the phone was ringing off the wall, and people were lined up to the stairs waiting to have their materials checked out. We were multitasking and doing the best we could to help everyone and do our jobs right, but we were feeling rather harried. A gentleman came up to the desk, and I checked his books out for him, thanked him, and told him to have a nice day. He thanked me back and then said "Thank you ladies for all the hard work you do. You do an excellent job here, and I appreciate it."

That made our day quite a bit brighter. It makes a world of difference when people are polite and kind, and they appreciate what you do.

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