A smiling example
This post is one of praise. Last night I went to the Allied Arms with a friend to watch the football (USA vs Italy).  Despite the two goals and three sendings-off, it wasn’t a great game. But whatever, I could listen to the commentary and my vision of the screen was perfect. Watching England games can be an ordeal, in comparison, because of inane yells from nationalistic louts, beer flying in all directions and visibility of the screen reduced to nearly zero.
Back to the praise. The brunette girl who served me at the Allied Arms was very nice: she smiled, looked me in the eye and helped me with my orders. She was patient and joked with me. That level of customer service left me with a warm feeling inside (and not just from the beer). Â
I’ve encountered many bar staff who were incompetent, grouchy or just plain ignorant. This one was different. Next time I see her, I will say, “Well done. You understand my needs as a customer” (or possibly something less formal) and give her a gold star cut out of a Corn Flakes packet.Â
People who are good at customer service should be told.
Matt Brady on June 18th 2006 in Culture
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Robin responded on 21 Jun 2006 at 9:17 pm #
“I’ve encountered many bar staff who were incompetent, grouchy or just plain ignorant”
Oh really? Ever been a barman have you? Perhaps you should think about *why* they’re usually so pissed off. Bar staff are usually paid minimum wage; they are subject to abuse, rudeness and snobbery. They have to expel potentially violent drunks, break up fights and clean up vomit. They work unsociable hours that harm their relationships. Casual workers, they usually have no job security. They, unlike you, have little opportunity for “international travel and mindblowing food”.
Hugh J. Schlong responded on 22 Jun 2006 at 3:38 am #
Minimum wages can be set below the “equilibrium wage” in an economy. So it could be even less than it currently stands at. So think on.
Anyway, I’ll have another two beers and a pack of salt and vinegar McCoy’s when you’re ready.
Robin responded on 22 Jun 2006 at 4:28 am #
I am a barman no more, thank God. But it is something everyone should do once; it makes them appreciate just what a lousy job it is, and therefore reduces rich-boy wingeing.