So, I’m a register jockey for the next few days, no problems. Have a customer roll up in a scooter and the first thing she asks for a carry-out. No problem! In fact, I prefer people ask for that immediately so we have time to locate a “utility worker” for them.
I’m halfway through ringing her up and she asks me to call again because in her experience you have to call a lot. Um… OK, I do that. Tell the coordinator that the customer asked me to call a second time just to make it clear it wasn’t my idea to be a nag.
She also wants a cart because the basket for her scooter isn’t big enough. OK. Well, since the “utility worker” hasn’t shown up quite yet when I’m done ringing her order I run, grab a cart, and load it up for her. Oh, by the way, there are now three more customers behind her, but hey, she clearly needs help being visibly frail so everyone is being a good sport.
She pays, still no utility worker. I call again (mentioning again the customer asked for this third call). Everyone is helping other customers, someone will be there as soon as possible.
The lady does not want to move. I shifted her cart next to a bench that is there specifically for customers to sit on and wait, or just rest, and politely ask her to move. No, she doesn’t want to - she wants to stay where she is, blocking everyone behind her, because, goddammit, she wants her carry-out!
:rolleyes:
I convince that she really does need to move, and yes, someone is coming. Sorry for the delay, but all our carry-out people are already doing carry-outs for other people. Well, she won’t go by the bench, she insists on parking her scooter in the main walkway thereby inconveniencing everyone else, but at least it is possible to get by her now. She wants me to call AGAIN. Since she is now several feet away I call the coordinator again and say “I know everyone else is busy but I am calling again to keep the customer from making a scene.” The coordinator gives a snorty laugh and says “OK”. The next customer in line overhears a bit and is suppressing a smirk.
I ring up a customer. Scooter lady demands another call
I ring up a customer. Scooter lady demand another call (these two customers only had about 3-4 items each, so this was a very short time period).
I am now faking the phone calls because, really, we only have two utility workers on duty at 7:42 am and that many only because it’s a Friday with two sales going on and we anticipate extra business.
Utility Worker #3 arrives for work and, in blissful ignorance, walks by Scooter Lady. Who starts yelling “Hey! Hey you! You work here! Come help me! Hey, lady, why is he ignoring me? THIS IS TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE WHY CAN’T I GET A CARRY OUT THIS STORE SUCKS”
Now, I happen to know that Utility Worker #3 isn’t yet on the clock, and even if he was, he broke his foot recently (a customer ran over it with, ironically enough, a mobility scooter) and is on light duty. In other words, he is not being asked to walk more than absolutely necessary and he isn’t doing carry outs right now. But I just say “I don’t know” and call the service coordinator again “The Angry Customer just saw X walk by and is upset, just so you know why she’s yelling. Please get her a carry-out ASAP”. Coordinator sighs, says “I’m on it”.
Finally, Carry-Out Utility worker returns from carrying out and loading someone else’s vehicle and takes charge of Scooter Lady, who is still loudly yelling about how awful we are and why does she have to wait and why isn’t someone immediately available?
Meanwhile, I’m apologizing to the folks in my line for the bother and delay. To which the second customer in line says “Some people are just rude assholes”. Which I agree with but am not allowed to say while on the clock.
Fortunately, that was the Day’s Worst Customer.
I hope they settle this fast.