I can appreciate it when a cashier markets his or her store’s latest mailing list, sale, or offer. I understand that there is a push for numbers, and hidden behind those friendly smiles is an immense pressure to get those numbers. I also understand that retail isn’t always a walk in the park. Tales of inconsiderate people screaming at cashiers, discarding their fast food cups and wrappings on shelves, and demanding discounts because they failed to read the price tag fill the Internet these days with colorful imagery that is sometimes hilarious.
However, it works both ways.
I bought some clothes the other day. I took them to the register and already had my wallet out by the time it was my turn (I hate holding up lines, and shopping takes away from “me” time, so I like to be as quick about it as possible). Before the cashier even touched my items, she asked for my telephone number and email address. She barely cast me a passing glance as she told me about the store’s mailing list.
I politely uttered a “No, thanks.” Her hands did not move from the register. My items slept on the counter in listless lumps.
“What’s your email address?” she asked as if she hadn’t heard me.
“No thanks, I just want to pay for these and leave,” I replied.
“What’s your email address?” She would not budge from her perch at the register. I frowned.
“I am in a hurry. I just want to pay for these and leave,” I said.
“What’s your email address?” Her hands would not touch the scanner, and it became clear to me that she was not going to scan my items until she got her way. I felt like I was talking to a robot.
“I want to pay for these and leave.” I stated in a flat tone.
“What’s your email address?”
You have got to be kidding me, right? my mind whirled. The line was growing, and finding women’s clothing that actually fits properly is like finally grasping that fated needle in the haystack. It was the only thing keeping me from walking out right then and there.
When someone says “no”, and when someone says “no” several times, I believe that’s a sign that they are clearly not interested…There’s nothing wrong with asking once or twice, but after that, back off.
To play devil’s advocate with myself, I’ll ask a few questions. What if her managers were placing a ridiculous amount of stress on her to meet her numbers? What if they threaten their cashiers with their jobs if they don’t get so many sign-ups a week? The bottom line is that this tactic is not fair to the cashier or the customer. I don’t have all the answers for situations like this. I know that business is business, but there is also a line. Ignoring your customer after she repeats herself several times is crossing it.
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