How To...gain Service From A Shop Assistant On The Phone
Sun Herald
Sunday November 4, 2007
Nothing rankles like patiently waiting your turn for service then being relegated into second place by a telephone call the salesperson prioritises.
Alice Williams, author of Would It Kill You To Say Please? A Guide To Modern Manners (Text Publishing, $24.95), sympathises. "We are all conditioned to immediately respond to telephones and the perceived rudeness often isn't intended. So take a deep breath."Huffing or loudly tapping on the counter probably won't yield the desired result as the salesperson is too distracted to notice such protestations. "Instead," notes Williams, "use positive body language to assert your presence. Move into the person's eye line and make a polite gesture such as holding up the item you wish to purchase. This tactic ensures this person cannot pretend they didn't see you."Despite your irritation, it's important not to become aggressive or confrontational. "Make your point with a smile and people will naturally want to engage with you." This approach gives the salesperson the benefit of the doubt and should they still continue to ignore you, Williams says, "You then have every right to complain to the store manager."
© 2007 Sun Herald
