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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:24 PM
Original message
Poll question: How do you treat the people who work in the service industry?
Meaning servers, bartenders, cashiers, hotel clerks, sales associates, retail managers, etc.
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flvegan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:27 PM
Response to Original message
1. A bartender is like royalty to me.
:P

I always try to be polite and nice to them. I know they deal with some real assholes every single day, are usually overworked, underpaid and underappreciated.
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:54 PM
Response to Reply #1
13. Absolutely.
:thumbsup:
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TK421 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 07:27 PM
Response to Reply #1
37. The bar I frequent, however is managed by a complete asshole who goes out of
his way to be rude to our staff at the theatre where I work ( just two doors down ) I always try to be polite and usually over-tip at bars but not when that asshole is working.

Having worked in retail most of my working life I can attest to the rudeness of customers and that attitude they come into the store with ( bow down...worship me..I'll talk to you like you are a piece of shit I need to scrape off of the bottom of my shoe but...whatever you do...BE NICE TO ME ).

Human beings don't operate that way, though...I would tell them to just go fuck themselves ( working for a non-profit, no repercussions ).
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SarahB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:29 PM
Response to Original message
2. Always polite.
Sometimes I find myself apologizing for the asshole who proceeded me as well.
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:55 PM
Response to Reply #2
14. Heh, I love customers like you.
:D
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lost-in-nj Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:29 PM
Response to Original message
3. I always try to be polite
I treat them the way I would want to be treated.....

they are no different then anyone else....

now if they start getting snarky, I might get rude but it takes an awful lot to make me mad that way...

I try to think that they are working with the public 8-12 hours a day....

the last person they dealt with could have been an ass......

lost
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:57 PM
Response to Reply #3
16. Oh yeah.
Happens all day. x(
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TZ Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:29 PM
Response to Original message
4. Having worked in retail for about 6 years..I try to be really polite
I well remember what its like to try to maintain a polite demeanor when some a-hole know it all customer is yelling at you about something that you can't do anything about...x(
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:05 PM
Response to Reply #4
19. Oh, I get snarky if they deserve it.
And only in a sublte way that'll make them look like idiots if they try to "tell on me".
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GirlinContempt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:32 PM
Response to Original message
5. I think most people
are going to answer with the first option, no matter how they actually behave in real life. Also, it seems like many people don't really see how they're behaving. I can't count the number of rude, dickish things that have been done by people who're completely oblivious to it and have no idea what their behavior is like. Ick.
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:05 PM
Response to Reply #5
20. You're probably right.
=/
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Xipe Totec Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:37 PM
Response to Original message
6. With respect
How else?
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:40 PM
Response to Reply #6
7. I was just tallying up the number of assholes I've dealt with today.
On many days it seems like there are more assholes than decent people.

:P
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Xipe Totec Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:44 PM
Response to Reply #7
8. And they get what they deserve, I expect...
"Look, the people you are after are the people you depend on. We cook your meals, we haul your trash, we connect your calls, we drive your ambulances. We guard you while you sleep. Do not... fuck with us."

- Fight Club :P
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Franzia Donating Member (297 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:45 PM
Response to Original message
9. I try to always treat them very politely, and with a great deal of respect.
I tip well, perhaps too well.

BTDT.
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:06 PM
Response to Reply #9
21. Same here.
I was a server for six months, and a terrible one at that. I always tip Very well.
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LostinVA Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:45 PM
Response to Original message
10. I've worked lots of retail and was a server for one summer
I treat them very, very well. If I ask for a manager, they royally fucked up. If it's a tipping situation, I start at 20% and go up or down according to service. I tell other customers being rude to knock it off.

I feel their pain. It's hard work and bad hours -- they deserve higher pay. Treat them with respect, people.

I think everything should -- by law -- be made to work a service job for six months.
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:07 PM
Response to Reply #10
22. That's a great idea.
If I end up having kids one day they will work retail at least once so they know not to treat people like shit.
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LostinVA Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:37 PM
Response to Reply #22
28. Exactly -- I think it would cut down the jerkish customers by 90%
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Angleae Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:50 PM
Response to Original message
11. Generally polite but there are exceptions.
Like when i'm in freddy's or best buy looking at DVDs and someone comes up to me and says "Can I help you find something?" like I'm too stupid to find something that's arranged in ****ING ALPHABETICAL ORDER.
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:53 PM
Response to Reply #11
12. In most stores
Sales Associates are required to ask every customer they see if they need help. You're being rude to them for doing what they have to do to keep their jobs.
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cemaphonic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 07:13 PM
Response to Reply #12
32. Yeah, but it is annoying
I figured out that that what was going on when I was a teenager, so I don't give them any grief about it, but I can see how someone already in a bad mood could snap back at them.

The especially annoying thing about it is that the stores that are most consistent with this practice already seem to be pretty well organized to begin with. The stores where you really need the help, it can be hard to find anyone to point you in the right direction.
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Zomby Woof Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:56 PM
Response to Original message
15. Using the Golden Rule
I am unable to think of anyone as my servant or underling. Goes against my congenital egalitarian impulses. I always feel a little ill at ease with the concept of someone 'waiting' on me, so I veer between being polite to a fault, or very introverted and quiet.

I have a modest proposal, which I came up with during the 4 dark years in the 90's when I worked retail:

Every able-bodied American 18 and over, should be REQUIRED to work in the retail sector for ONE YEAR FULL TIME.

I guarantee that would improve treatment drastically, and service would improve too.
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:12 PM
Response to Reply #15
23. At least one or two summers of it while in high school or something.
:hi:
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Zomby Woof Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 09:41 PM
Response to Reply #23
41. Not effective enough
Nobody really learns anything in high school. :P :hi:

(not even when they work at Pembroke Mall!)
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Adsos Letter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 05:59 PM
Response to Original message
17. Polite, and with respect... I worked as a painter for 30 years...
I understand how some people disrespect those that work with their hands.

Doesn't mean I don't have expectations regarding quality of work produced...
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:15 PM
Response to Reply #17
24. Doesn't mean you shouldn't have expectations regarding quality.
But everyone should understand, in retail specifically, some rules can be broken, and some can't. A retail worker who is refusing to do something you want them to do likely isn't trying to be an asshole, but will get fired if they let you have their way.
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DS1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:00 PM
Response to Original message
18. It's a two-way street
if I'm at a register and the person is on a cellphone for more than a minute they can forget any Ps and Qs

If they're the types that dump change on the counter, I'll remember that shit.

If they're a fast food joint and started cleaning ten minutes early and won't make me something they'll probably get an earful.

But everyone gets a fair chance.
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:18 PM
Response to Reply #18
26. That's fair.
Edited on Sat Nov-08-08 06:31 PM by mutley_r_us
They shouldn't be on their cell phone at all if they are on the clock.

They shouldn't be dumping your change on the counter, but neither should you. :P

Many fast food places require you to set the alarm by a certain time, and often that doesn't leave you enough time to clean up, especially if it was a very busy day. The only choice is to start early.

Oh, they shouldn't refuse to make you something, though. Unless it requires turning on a piece of equipment that takes 20 minutes to start up and 20 minutes to shut down.
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Inchworm Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:16 PM
Response to Original message
25. I get upset if they do something wrong
but, I do it politely.

How can you "always be polite" if your steak has been brought back to you 4 times and it's still rare? Well, unless you are drinking.

I'm the odd man in this poll so far hehe.

:hi:

:toast:
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:21 PM
Response to Reply #25
27. Well, it's fair to get upset in that situation.
Edited on Sat Nov-08-08 06:24 PM by mutley_r_us
But also know who to blame. Don't yell at your server and refuse to tip because the cook messed up your meal. Also, keep in mind that if it's busy, the server may have ten or more tables at once, and the cooks may have 20-30 or more tickets they are trying to get out within 20 mintutes.

:hi:

At least you're honest. :D
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cwydro Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:39 PM
Response to Original message
29. How about the frontline airline folks?
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Mutley Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:51 PM
Response to Reply #29
30. Like flight attendants and stuff?
I think they fall in the service industry.

They probably get it worse than most, actually. That's one of a few jobs I actually haven't done. :P
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DarkTirade Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 06:54 PM
Response to Original message
31. I throw food at their heads to get their attention.
Okay, so I haven't done that since I was much younger.

... but enough about last weekend... :P
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cemaphonic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 07:21 PM
Response to Original message
33. I try to be polite, and am usually pretty successful.
I had a retail stint in HS, and did occasional phone and email tech support at my programming job, so I know how unfun those jobs can be, and how an asshole customer can really ruin your day.

Usually, people in service jobs are pretty helpful and nice if you don't come at them with a bad attitude, and if someone is giving *me* attitude, I politely but firmly ask to talk to someone else instead. (If you go this route, *don't* try to sabotage them with their boss - if you've been dealing with a problem employee, they already know, and if not it will just piss them off, and make them less helpful as well.)
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begin_within Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 07:22 PM
Response to Original message
34. I treat them the way I would want to be treated if I had that job.
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lunatica Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 07:30 PM
Response to Reply #34
38. I always treat them with respect and consideration
Edited on Sat Nov-08-08 07:32 PM by lunatica
Their jobs are not easy and it's shocking how inconsiderate people are to them. Either that or they never acknowledge their humanity or decency. It's shameful to watch. Without janitors at my job we would be run over with filth and garbage in no time with their accompanying rats and cockroaches and mold.

I make a point of knowing what their names are and to smile and ask them how they're doing. And they always reciprocate.
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begin_within Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 08:59 PM
Response to Reply #38
40. I usually figure that if they are rushed or inattentive that it's usually not their fault, it's
the fault of their greedy boss for understaffing the place. But if they are outright rude, it's their own fault.
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MorningGlow Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 07:23 PM
Response to Original message
35. Always extra polite
I've worked retail, and I was on the receiving end of a lot of abuse (none earned--I'm talking about people who came into the store with a chip on their shoulder), so I would NEVER give a service worker grief. On the other hand, Mr. MG tends to be slightly rude to waitstaff (curt, dismissive, doesn't say please and thank you) so I make a point of kicking him under the table and being extra nice myself to counteract his behavior.
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WildEyedLiberal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 07:25 PM
Response to Original message
36. I'm very polite and friendly unless they're rude or sullen
Then I get a lot less friendly. Seriously, I know your job sucks ass, but if you're rude and you glare at me hatefully like I'm the scum of the earth for coming into McDonald's and having the audacity to ask you to do your job, I'm probably going to save my smiles and thank yous for someone who cares.

The vast majority of service workers are not like that, thankfully, but every now and then you get the ones that get pissed off if you make them do any work.
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FloridaJudy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 07:43 PM
Response to Original message
39. I try to put myself in their shoes
It's not too hard, since I actually was there at different times in my life. I also overtip. A lot.

Karma's an amazing thing. Since I tend to patronize the same neighborhood establishments over and over, I usually get really good service. And lots of free coffee.
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Swede Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 09:55 PM
Response to Original message
42. I always say please and thank-you.
Just like my parents taught.
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fizzgig Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Nov-08-08 10:07 PM
Response to Original message
43. i try to be as awesome as possible
Edited on Sat Nov-08-08 10:07 PM by kagehime
if things get messed up, they get messed up. i understand how things get busy.

unless i see you spit in my food or you tell me to fuck myself, you're getting 20 percent, at least.
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MilesColtrane Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-09-08 04:12 AM
Response to Original message
44. Having been in the service industry, I generally treat them well.
I don't get upset if there's a delay, as long as someone is clearly working hard. Management almost always understaffs, because businesses are cheap and don't want to pay.

I don't mind waiting as long as they acknowledge that I'm there waiting.
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deucemagnet Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-09-08 05:17 AM
Response to Original message
45. I supported myself in college by working in food industry jobs,
so I am very polite to the point that you have to be actively trying to piss me off to get a complaint or an average tip.
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Heidi Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-09-08 05:21 AM
Response to Original message
46. With respect,
just as I treat everyone else with whom I'm doing business.

Hi, sweetie. :hug:

:loveya:
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liberalitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-09-08 05:54 AM
Response to Original message
47. I teach and wait table part-time......
So I'm abused by society nine ways to sunday.... I try to be polite, but because I KNOW that giving really good service is NOT THAT hard. I can be a little demanding.
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BarenakedLady Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-09-08 11:41 AM
Response to Original message
48. I could never do what they do.
People piss me off too much. I'm as polite as can be to working people.
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datasuspect Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Nov-09-08 11:44 AM
Response to Original message
49. like people who possibly know where to get weed and coke
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