Customer Service Trini Style

It is so normal now to encounter less than fantastic customer service anywhere in Trinidad. I am floored when a store clerk smiles at me without prompting. Seriously- I always need to let them know that I really didn't expect them to do that. The poor customer service is almost now acceptable, as I believe we have given up the fight for courtesy. Yesterday I was perusing a home store, looking for a house warming present, when I noticed a shadow creeping quietly behind me. I turned every corner I could suddenly, hoping that the figure to whom it belonged would show itself. A bit dramatic, I know. It was a floor attendant. She made me feel like I was prey and she would pounce on me at any time with her talons wrapped around my neck. It really got me thinking about all the different types of poor customer service that we encounter here, so I've listed the popular scenarios that I have been in. (Do feel free to add!)

1. Stalkerazzi
This is like the attendant I had yesterday. They follow you around without uttering a word!! The least they could do is ask if you want help! I get so nervous around these people that I ask about products that I don't even want! " Umm.. does this come in green?" I'm not stealing! You're making me feel like I'm guilty of a crime I don't intend to commit! I usually leave immediately.

2. Social Butterfly
Ever walked into a store and your bubbly "Hello there" receives a talk-to-hand-I'm-on-the-phone? I understand to a point if the place is quiet and you may have to call your boss to clarify something, but I would appreciate if you end your call and at least wave at me. I once had an attendant in a clothing store stop me mid-sentence so that she could answer her cel phone- which she pulled out from her bra. True Story.

3.Emo
You know when you open the door to a shop, feeling excited because the window display had just what you needed, then the moment a gust of air from inside hits you, you feel a heaviness? You look behind the cashier's counter and see a big swell up face, gazing at you with scorn. You try to cut the tension with a little smile and greet, but the level of cut-eye made you swear you heard a steups. I really feel some people don't want customers! I get that you are tired and not in the mood to serve people, but this is how your employers get money to pay you. Don't tell me you don't want to get paid!

4. Loud and Proud
The worst is to go into a store where the floor staff is made up of bosom buddies who find it the best time to talk about their personal lives across the floor. I once went to Mezzaluna for an overpriced salad. It took such a long time to even place my order because I literally had to wait for the cashier to stop chatting away with one of the cooks. They were cursing and laughing scandalously, as though this was some sort of comedy tent starring Leary Joseph. This is not unusual. I experience it ALL THE TIME! "Whey she dey? I eh wukking nobody shiff! So she betta come fass cuz she ha a customah." Seriously? Send them a text message. I know you have a phone in your pocket.

5. Authority Complex
These are the employees who are excited by a little power, and find joy in asserting their position. I once walked with a friend into Zita's in Trinicity Mall, and my friend touched the fabric on a dress that was on display. The attendant pointed at a "Don't Touch" sign in the back and shouted "What happen? You can't read?" Well I'm never going there again. This is the same kind of complex that I would see at Public offices that close for lunch, the extra long lunch breaks with no consideration for the waiting patrons, the visible liming and chatting we see between workers when they tell us to be patient, the lack of care and sensitivity when responding to requests for advice and guidance-- It's gross.

I'm not saying that working in customer service is easy. I do it for a living, and it does call for you to employ patience, understanding and constant practice of interpersonal skills. I reject the common comment, "I'm not being paid to smile". Truth is , you are! Furthermore, you shouldn't have to be, smiles should be free and easily distributed.

I think you may be surprised by the reactions you get from store clerks if you take the initiative to greet them first and make small talk. It's sort of like a cycle, it doesn't matter who's polite first, what matters is that is goes around. There will of course be the stubborn few who seem mad at the world, but let's try not to let them spoil our shopping experience!