I feel very sorry for big box store clerks. Every day they have to ask each customer to consider getting one of their credit cards. Don’t take it personally, and whatever you do, don’t take it out on the cashier. They most likely have to ask as per their job, or run the risk of getting a reprimand.
The cashier get $4(?) added to their paycheck for every MasterCard that gets approved under their number. There’s also a competition between stores across Canada to see which store can get the highest number of approved MasterCards (and that store gets recognized with email from Head Office). It’s part of the Walmart Welcome Code.</div
Years ago I won recognition from The Ottawa Citizen for being one of Ottawa’s top sales clerks. Of course I really wasn’t a sales clerk– I owned the business, but I was taught to appreciate anyone that took the time to enter your establishment by my family.
Holding a package of packing tape and envelopes I place them down on the counter and open my wallet. Within seconds the tsunami of words began:
Hi how are you? Do you belong to our bonus points club?
Can I have your zip code please?
Do you need a bag? It’s 10 cents if you do as it is against the law to issue out plastic bags in Alameda, Californa since January 2012.
Years ago I won recognition from The Ottawa Citizen for being one of Ottawa’s top sales clerks. Of course I really wasn’t a sales clerk– I owned the business, but I was taught to appreciate anyone that took the time to enter your establishment by my family.
To put another factor in reality, I love people, I like talking to people and would give off my right arm to anyone. I know a good sales clerk as soon as I talk to one, but sadly with all this retail cost-cutting, try and find one to help you or even care. Now sales clerks, who also act as warehouse and cashier personnel, are groomed to sell you whatever the store deems they want to push that week.
Let me give you and example of what happened to me in a US office supply store. Please note our local Staples is nothing but good people and great customer service.
Holding a package of packing tape and envelopes I place them down on the counter and open my wallet. Within seconds the tsunami of words began:
Hi how are you? Do you belong to our bonus points club?
You don’t? Would you like to join?
Would you also like to apply for one of our credit cards?
Why not? Is there something that you don’t like about our store?
You know if you join, we will email you every week with great sales and sometimes bonus points offers.
Would you like to buy one of our new pens here? (gestures to the side of the counter)
I’m on the store’s new program trying to sell as many as we can so we can place 1st in the district- so won’t you please consider it?
Is there something you don’t like about our pens?
Aren’t you always looking for a pen? These are very colourful and you would never lose them.
Can I have your zip code please?
Do you need a bag? It’s 10 cents if you do as it is against the law to issue out plastic bags in Alameda, Californa since January 2012.
Local Note–Now it is 5 cents to get a plastic bag at our local Walmart. They are still legal here.
Will that be cash or charge? If you belonged to our club you would have a 5 % bonus right now.
Can I have your email address so we can email you your bill?
Thank you so much and think about our bonus program and a new pen next time.
Isn’t this such a great day?
Note to self– buy tape at the flea market next time.
Welcome to my life!
lindaseccaspina 