Customer service has gone to hell in a handbasket

[endeka]

Originally Posted by russotto

As the economy improves, more and more retail jobs are left for the dregs. It's a good sign, in a way. It was VERY noticable during the dot-com boom.

As for Wal-Mart, just don't go. I only go when there's something they have I've found nowhere else (frigging Target can't keep shaver blades stocked). And yes, their greeters are there to deter shoplifting; that IS their real purpose and always has been.

1. We don't go anymore.
2. Yes, I understand that, but deterrence can be done without being overtly obvious. Check the receipts, but be friendly. Don't eyeball people. That's the whole point: Regardless of the specific nature of their job, the "greeters" work with the public and are usually the first and last employees you see when you go to Wal-Mart. Just because they're there to deter shoplifting doesn't mean the job can't be done subtly- it's how you go about it. If you're going to have people stand at the door and stare customers down as they come in or leave, give 'em a frickin' uniform and a taser. At least then I wouldn't feel like a jackass when I say "hi, how are you" and get ignored. I don't know wal-mart's policies or how they may have changed, but I swear that the greeters used to be more friendly. I can't tell you how many times we've walked in and said hello to a greeter just to be ignored and "scanned"... it's their job to scan customers. It should also be their job to make people feel welcome. (A long statement for a small point, but I'm a little windy...)