Professional customer service

dbnavan

I was in a computer shop the other day when I was approached by a guy who has worked there for some time and would be considered expierenced in the shop and he greeted me by "Yo dude, how can I help you"

When I was in Mcdonalds this afternoon for lunch the shift manager got my order wrong and apoligiesed by saying "Sorry about that Bud",

Now sorry if I am nit picking but Dude and Bud, are not IMO professional ways to speak to customers no matter what your buying, what age you are or, what your spending.

We slag off americans for "Have a nice day" comments but we heading for the other end of the scale.

HelterSkelter

Sorry about that Sir.


Now get a life.

Plug

Sounds like cork slang to me.

aidan_walsh

Frankly, I wouldn't care as long as I got what I wanted.

Customer service seems to be something of a pet peeve with you, doesn't it? This is, what, your fourth or fifth thread on it that I have seen now?

PowerHouseDan

Dude/Bud? You obviously havent been to Cork...

Plug wrote:

Sounds like cork slang to me.

Ruu_Old

You are lucky you got any sort of a reponse tbh. Fast food staff are hardly the most "professional" in the world now are they? Dont let it bother you.

Karoma

I'm with the OP on this; I like to be called sir before I'm thrown out or before someone spits on my burger. How dare they use an informal means of addressing me, to try communicating on a more personal level, and diffuse the situation; is this customer service?! The bastards.

brown*eyed*girl

I think its the way they say it and not what they say that counts. Someone could be a dragon-faced bitch and say "thanks sir" but another person could be all smiles and friendly and say what was said to you. I think its the attitude that is more important. In my local shop the shop owner calls everyone pet. Drives my Mam insane as he's the same age as her and he says thanks pet, bye pet.

Ruu_Old

Karoma wrote:

I'm with the OP on this; I like to be called sir before I'm thrown out or before someone spits on my burger. How dare they use an informal means of addressing me, to try communicating on a more personal level, and diffuse the situation; is this customer service?! The bastards.

"Heres your big mac, dude, enjoy"
"DUDE?!, DUDE?!. I demand to be called sir at once!":p

sunzz

No offence But I worked in a computer shop selling and for me personally I greeted the person as a fellow peer not in a level whereby i tried to kiss their arse in order to make a sale.

People prefer a friendly person talking to them in a not so professional manner least then its a conversation and not a sale, and personally I myself like being greeted by "you allright there mate can i help you with anything" as apposed to "GOOD AFTERNOON THERE SIR HOW CAN I ROB U OF UR MONEY TODAY"

dbnavan

aidan_walsh wrote:

Frankly, I wouldn't care as long as I got what I wanted.

Customer service seems to be something of a pet peeve with you, doesn't it? This is, what, your fourth or fifth thread on it that I have seen now?

Yes Customer service is a pet peeve with me, having studied management, worked with the public in many position, I always like to be treated well mannered by people for whom I paying to provide a service come to think of it, I know of a guy that was sacked because he spoke to a customer by saying "Whats the story how can I help you bud" not knowing the customer who he was talking to was actually a Managing Director of the company he worked for.

InFront

Dude/ Bud? Whats the problem? I say it all the time including, probably, where i used to work (in an electrical shop, for my misdoings) Sir is a bit too oldfashioned or something I dont think Ive ever said it except in school

Bluetonic

Homer Simpson wrote:

I just wish once someone would call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene.'

.

HelterSkelter

dbnavan wrote:

Yes Customer service is a pet peeve with me, having studied management, worked with the public in many position, I always like to be treated well mannered by people for whom I paying to provide a service come to think of it, I know of a guy that was sacked because he spoke to a customer by saying "Whats the story how can I help you bud" not knowing the customer who he was talking to was actually a Managing Director of the company he worked for.

Well I am not for all this "Sir" nonsense. I find it a very cold way to address someone. I think it is very bad customer service actually.

Rb

Jesus some people would moan about anything.

I agree with sunzz, customers in general prefer to be greeted in a friendly, informal way than a formal but not so friendly way. It also makes them feel more comfortable.
Having worked in various customer service roles over the past 4 or so years, I can honestly say that 60%+ of all customers are inconsiderate (whether intenitional or not) assholes and don't even deserve customer service.
The staff you're dealing with have to put up with loads of crap from customers each day so just be glad you're getting friendly service.

Just comes across as though you want to feel superior to other people, or as though you think you're superior to people who work in shops/stores etc tbh.

rsynnott

I prefer that people just be people, really, even if they do work in a shop...

dbnavan wrote:

Yes Customer service is a pet peeve with me, having studied management, worked with the public in many position, I always like to be treated well mannered by people for whom I paying to provide a service come to think of it, I know of a guy that was sacked because he spoke to a customer by saying "Whats the story how can I help you bud" not knowing the customer who he was talking to was actually a Managing Director of the company he worked for.

This whole calling the customer 'sir' thing seems to be very new to Ireland, actually. I never heard anyone say it when I was a kid, except on television. I don't like it very much.

Ruu_Old

sunzz wrote:

No offence But I worked in a computer shop selling and for me personally I greeted the person as a fellow peer not in a level whereby i tried to kiss their arse in order to make a sale.

People prefer a friendly person talking to them in a not so professional manner least then its a conversation and not a sale, and personally I myself like being greeted by "you allright there mate can i help you with anything" as apposed to "GOOD AFTERNOON THERE SIR HOW CAN I ROB U OF UR MONEY TODAY"

Exactly, I hate being called sir for anything, Im havent been knighted or something (yet) but thats just me.

Karoma

dbnavan wrote:

...having studied management, worked with the public in many position...

You sound like a prostitute.

It really does depend on the tone / people involved. I'd rather people not use any form of address. Irish people generally don't pull off "sir" or "madam" without sounding patronising.

Much ado about nuffink, mate.

philologos

PowerHouseDan wrote:

Dude/Bud? You obviously havent been to Cork...

boyo would be a bit more typical of Cork. However yeah that isn't very professional, I wouldn't mind as long as they were willing to facilitate me at the very least.

randomname

Ruu wrote:

"Heres your big mac, dude, enjoy"
"DUDE?!, DUDE?!. I demand to be called sir at once!":p

LMAO!:D

People can barely speak English as it is in McDonalds..If they speak english, you should be happy....dude.

Karoma

Would you like fries with that, baiiii?

rsynnott

Actually, now I think of it, the OP is generally one of the ruder posters around. Not me levels of rudeness, but hardly politeness itself.

OMcGovern

dbnavan wrote:

Yes Customer service is a pet peeve with me, having studied management, worked with the public in many position,.....

If you're buying an expensive suit, car, etc.... then customer service is important. Computer shops are very casual, and McDonalds isn't exactly a 5 star restaurant where a waiter directs you to a seat and asks if you want to see the wine list....

In summary.... get over it !
Women complain about perceived slights like that.... sounds like you need a testosterone patch to help with your fragile ego.

WhiteWashMan

dbnavan wrote:

I was in a computer shop the other day when I was approached by a guy who has worked there for some time and would be considered expierenced in the shop and he greeted me by "Yo dude, how can I help you"

When I was in Mcdonalds this afternoon for lunch the shift manager got my order wrong and apoligiesed by saying "Sorry about that Bud",

Now sorry if I am nit picking but Dude and Bud, are not IMO professional ways to speak to customers no matter what your buying, what age you are or, what your spending.

We slag off americans for "Have a nice day" comments but we heading for the other end of the scale.

and what would sir have us do to remedy this situation?

also, if sir could perhaps put his posts in the correct forum from now, the management would greatly appreciate it.

have a nice day sir.

thelordofcheese

If someone addressed me as "sir" in a shop I'd be on my guard instantly, that method of addressing a customer always strikes me as very false and put on.

If I were to be addressed as "bud" or "dude" I'd feel more at ease, it seems more natural, less like an act. The fact that the shop assistant doesn't know me from Adam, or indeed give a flying fuck about me, is immaterial.

whiskeyman

OMcGovern wrote:

If you're buying an expensive suit, car, etc.... then customer service is important. Computer shops are very casual, and McDonalds isn't exactly a 5 star restaurant where a waiter directs you to a seat and asks if you want to see the wine list....

IMO, a part of excellent customer service is how the staff members gauges on how the customer wants to be treated.
As we can see from the thread, people like to be treated differently, no matter what the service / scenario in the customer experience.
Even in the most formal of circumstances, the customer may feel more relaxed with a more informal approach from the staff member. The true is the same for the flip side.
It's may seem like a small issue, but it still niggles a lot of people.

Dragan

dbnavan wrote:

I always like to be treated well mannered by people for whom I paying to provide a service

To be honest, i'd have more time for "I always like to think that i treat my customer well."

Ah well, we're all just spinning around you buddy!!! ( j/k btw )

in all seriousness , there is a degree of what can expected depending on where you are. As has already been pointed out, i have genuine enthusiasm from young lads in McDonalds with the "no worries man..." while the post waiters in some of Irelands best resturants gave me the impression they wished i was dead.

Which one is the better service?

Oryx

If I greet a customer with 'sir/madam' in my job, Ill get laughed at. But sometimes it can be appropriate, and appreciated. You have to guage it according to the job and the customer. Being pleasant, willing to help and interested in the customer is what counts, whether you refer to them as dude, boyo or 'mate'.

It annoys me a lot more when shop staff chat among themselves about their love lives/night out and completely ignore you.

dbnavan

rsynnott wrote:

Actually, now I think of it, the OP is generally one of the ruder posters around. Not me levels of rudeness, but hardly politeness itself.

I am one of the rudest posters?? Funny that, never been banned, cautioned, or pulled up about it in anyway? Care to give examples?

Dub13

Can we keep this on topic please,this thread is not about the OP it is about general customer service standers.

Thank You.

Sarsfield

I absolutely hate with a passion being called bud. I expect to be asked for spare change/a smoke/my wallet soon after! 'story bud

I'd laugh at being called dude. It's a bit 70s American. Californian teenager or New York pimp

"Hi, can I help you with anything" or similar is more than enough.

Slice

I don't think the way you're addressed marks a failure in customer service unless you happen to be addressed in a derogatory/offensive way. To be honest it smacks of classism if you think anything less than "sir" is acceptable.

Also, how can you expect a worker in a retail store most likely on minimum wage or close to it to really care too much except to get the job done? Like if the way he addressed you was in some way linked to his failure to follow through with the delivery of a particular product or service that may be grounds to complain but otherwise it's inconsequential. To be honest if you ask me people working in shops get it far worse from customers than they give in most instances and where can such people seek redress?

WhiteWashMan

dbnavan wrote:

I am one of the rudest posters?? Funny that, never been banned, cautioned, or pulled up about it in anyway? Care to give examples?

i dont want to p1ss on your parade but i know ive warned and possibly banned you from the work forum before.

and yes, you can get rude.

simu

Happened upon this online: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_labour

Interesting!

Although, personally, I don't care all that much how a person is with me as long as they do their job properly, leaving emotion out of it altogether.

vector

I'd prefer a "bud" then a "sir", the type of person who says "bud" is real and you can talk to them, whereas the type of person who says "sir" can't speak english or doesn't have any power to negoitate a better deal.

dudara

Bud and Dude would have me turning around and leaving the shop. There are other ways of being friendly, without sounding like that. Those forms of address would just make me assume that the assistant was an idiot who opened their mouth before thinking.

HelterSkelter

vector wrote:

I'd prefer a "bud" then a "sir", the type of person who says "bud" is real and you can talk to them, whereas the type of person who says "sir" can't speak english or doesn't have any power to negoitate a better deal.

Yeah, "I'm sorry SIR, it's not company policy"...

dbnavan

vector wrote:

I'd prefer a "bud" then a "sir", the type of person who says "bud" is real and you can talk to them, whereas the type of person who says "sir" can't speak english or doesn't have any power to negoitate a better deal.

I think you will find the definition of bud is # a partially opened flower
# develop buds; "The hibiscus is budding!"
# a swelling on a plant stem consisting of overlapping immature leaves or petals
# start to grow or develop; "a budding friendship"


whereas the definition of sir is term of address for a man

Source wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

Therefore I dont think its a matter of being able to speak English

Wishbone Ash

dbnavan wrote:

I think you will find the definition of bud is # a partially opened flower
# develop buds; "The hibiscus is budding!"
# a swelling on a plant stem consisting of overlapping immature leaves or petals
# start to grow or develop; "a budding friendship"


whereas the definition of sir is term of address for a man

Source wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

Therefore I dont think its a matter of being able to speak English

Agree with you there, bdnavan - in my area people who use the term "bud" are usually skangers.

rsynnott

dbnavan wrote:

whereas the definition of sir is term of address for a man

Not one which is really used in Ireland, though.

Sponge Bob

Wishbone Ash wrote:

in my area people who use the term "bud" are usually skangers.

yep, its Ok to use 'bud' if they are filling your car with petrol for you (and do not have a lit fag in their gob) otherwise its dead unprofessional.

vector

"Bud" is understood in Hiberno-English as an informal Sir

being informal and localised it may not appear in a US English of British English dictionary

I don't use the word but others do and in todays free world (insert cliches) everyones free to speak and so on

Sponge Bob

its 'understood' in skangerland. "Bud (spelt bod) is the Irish word for p r ic k so yer skanger will simply get decked in the Gaeltacht

In most of the country its simply a pissy american beer.

Gillo

dbnavan wrote:

having studied management, worked with the public in many position

Then you'll be fully aware that no two customers are the same and you should be constantly be changing the atitude (yes that includes the way you address people) to match the customer you are dealing with.
Obviously in they case you feel let down by the service because they didn't call you sir, to me that sounds more like you feel let down because they did not add to your ego trip, I mean it was McDonalds not some expensive restuarant.

seamus

"bud" and "dude" are a little extreme, they'd definitely get a weird look from me. Very very few customer service people can pull off "sir". If they're not unbelievably helpful and extremely professional then they just sound false and wanktastic.

"Mate" is acceptable. Or don't address me at all. Quite often "sorry" or "excuse me" is sufficient to get my attention. Once I'm talking to someone, there's no need to continue addressing me at the end of each sentence.

snickerpuss

I know a lot of women who hate being called "pet" and "love".
That would really annoy me, i find it almost patronising.
"Bud" and "Dude" and "Mate" are a bit weird though. Though i'm a girl so i can't see anyone saying those to me anyway!