Do you want a BAG with that???**!!

My family loves me dearly, at least I'd like to continue living under that delusion. A long LONG time ago, in a town far FAR away, I had a summer job that entailed A LOT of customer service. This job was my first real foray out into the working world and for this casual mind it was a great adventure.

That being said it was an education as well. I learned that from that first fateful job that I WAS NOT cut out to do any sort of direct customer service. My attitude was far from congenial and my patience, even at that young age, was not enough for me to be able to deal with the general public and their never ending needs, "can I have bag with that, you didn't give me the right change, are there any fresh baguettes (said while standing in front of a basket FULL of warm steaming fresh baguettes), or is this Organic Raspberry Jam organic (I kid you not the jar said organic, but perhaps this "out of Towner" just thought we were pulling one over on her ....or she simply couldn't be bothered to read, I'll let you decide)" completely illustrated that I, me, personally was not cut out for customer service.

The title of this blog were the very words I uttered to my family, who I love mind you, one day when they came in to - poke the tiger as it were- see me in action at my first job. My fate was sealed and I will NEVER live that statement down. Now, in hindsight, I find it an amusing quirky story.

But that leads me into one of my every favorite gripes - If you don't have the talent or desire to do customer service then -PLEASE- do us all a favor and DON'T.

On Friday evening, I went rushing eagerly out to a local store. I was trying to get to them before they closed and knew that I would be pushing the time pretty close, but in today's economy, I thought hey, perhaps they'll be okay with me asking some questions even if I run over their closing time just a tad.

I get to said store and am greeted by the greeter, a young bubbly little girl with a smile and a headset. I am informed before I even set foot in the door, "you are aware we close at 8pm and it is now 5 mins till 8. We will be open again tomorrow for your shopping enjoyment, but if you have any real shopping to do you probably shouldn't come in now"

....I pause for effect here.....let that sink in a bit....okay.....good.....

so here's what I'm thinking at that moment, "um, hello, I'm a CUSTOMER, I have questions in regards to purchasing something from your overpriced and expensive store, I indicated to you that I wanted to make a large purchase but had a few questions to go with that and in today's economy where you can't get people to take some of these higher priced things FOR FREE, you - the CUSTOMER SERVICE REP for this establishment is saying please, take your money and leave and if you so desire to make a purchase, come back when it's more convenient for ME."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME????

Sorry for all the caps but this really got me irritated on Friday and as I write about it now I'm getting all worked up all over again! What did I say to the bubbly little girl at the door.....I'm ashamed....I said, "uh, gee, okay, uh thanks?" Yup that's it folks that's all she got from me.......

Now do you see why I need a blog!