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A Smile Goes A Long Way

I have mentioned in the past my little routine when I go into any retail establishment. I always end every transaction with "Thank you for working at...." I'm always amazed at the reaction I get. And those who are used to my routine are disappointed when I fail to say that.

I've been stopping at a certain convenience store lately to get a snack and soft drink. There are a couple of employees there who have a different reaction to the way I end the transaction. One person, an older gentleman and curmudgeon of sorts, tells me that he doesn't work for free. Another employee, a young lady, has a quite different reaction.

One day I was there getting a Coke Zero and pack of crackers. I was in line to pay the older guy when Mae told me that her register was open. I went over to her side, paid for my items and thanked her for working at the store. Next time I stopped there, I went to Mae's register. She told me that she enjoyed my positive attitude and my smile when I stopped by.

I'm proud to say that I have made a new friend. Mae is part of a growing list of friends I have made of people from my kids generation who have respect for their elders. Anymore that is becoming more the exception than the rule. Maybe if more of us older folk smiled at the younger folks and showed them some respect, we'll get it back.

Comments

Syd said…
Politeness and kindness goes a long way with anyone, young or old.
April 11, 2013 2:22 PM
Amel said…
Here it's actually a very common practice for cashiers to say "hi" and "thank you" for each transaction (you'll find it everywhere you go). Of course the difference is in how the cashiers say the words (and whether or not they smile), but I must say that my fave customers are the older ones (there are many retired people here in this small village) 'coz they're never in a hurry and they take time to give me positive feedback and smiles. I guess it also helps that they're not in the "rat race" anymore, but I've also found that they're more thoughtful than the young ones. :-) And I love the fact that it's a small village, so I have so many regular customers. It's just nice to meet familiar faces that smile back at you. :-)
April 11, 2013 4:20 PM
Mae Moore said…
I like to treat everyone I meet with respect, but those who show it back to me and kindness added to it means the world! Customer service is a hard line of work but it is the smiling faces and the kindness of strangers who become good friends that keeps me going. Thanks Cliff! Love Mae :)
April 12, 2013 1:37 AM
Cliff said…
One thought that crossed my mind this morning is that the cashiers are also our customers. Cashiers like Mae are buying our money with the goods and services they provide. It is definitely a two way street.
April 12, 2013 8:19 AM
YEKIMI said…
Unfortunately some people who work in the service industry could use an attitude adjustment. I was recently in a Subway in Barberton and the cashier acted like it was an imposition to wait on me, never once cracking a smile. As I got my change, and was turning to leave she snarled "We were nice to you, so please tip the cashier". Needless to say, she did NOT get a tip and I'll make it a matter of choice NOT to ever go to that Subway again. [and if I find out who the franchise owner is, I'll be sure to NOT patronize his other stores.]
May 19, 2013 3:16 AM
Kalyha said…
What a wonderful thing to do. Love your attitude!
June 27, 2013 11:32 AM
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