Grocery Store Clerk - CONSUMER OPINIONS

After I was done researching Mystery Shoppers, I decided to find some consumer report sites.  On these sites I looked up reports on grocery stores, not any particular company, just grocery stores in general.  While reading the reports, on these stores, I noted that consumers listed four items in their reports; service, perishable, selection and prices.    Usually it was prices that seemed to be the first item of discussion, then it was the freshness of the perishable items, such as the produce, available selection and at the end the consumers would state if the associates were helpful and/or friendly.  But the consumers were more interested in the prices and selections, and there were some that even took cleanliness into consideration.

Having read these consumer reports, I find that it is very apparent that companies need to be more  conscientious of what they are offering the customers.   Customer Service was more of a nice touch and was usually listed at the end of the reports; not the first three choices. That's not to say, that customers don't want great service, or a friendly atmosphere, it is just that customers were more inclined to list that as being the last thing. 

Besides, if Customer Service were the most important practice for a company then, it would be safe to assume that, the leading competition would not be number one - we would be.

Talk at ya later!

Grocery Store Clerk - HOW TO BECOME A MYSTERY SHOPPER

While I was at work, last night, a couple of us were reviewing some emails that had been printed out for our benefit.  The first one, and probably the only one, that I read was in regard to the Mystery Shoppers.  I guess that there is going to be another round of people, who will come through our store and once again rate our performance.  This is something which I find, not only comical but, truly a waste of time and money.  Of course, I guess one could look upon Mystery Shoppers as a means of boosting the job market. 

Listed in this email were certain steps that a cashier is to take when checking customers out.  One of the steps is greeting the customer, while another step reminds one to invite the customer back.   Then of course there is a reminder to make sure that the Pump Perk strip is attached to the name badge and another step is to remember to circle the Pump Perk balance on the receipt with a red pen (if you can find one).  There were other items listed, but these are the ones that come to mind. On this Blog  I have written quite a few entries regarding the Mystery Shopper. In fact, the reason that I started this Blog was due to Mystery Shoppers. So, today I decided to research the Mystery Shopper.

Mystery Shoppers, it is considered an employment opportunity.  To be a Mystery Shopper all one has to do is  to Google, Mystery Shopper and there will be associations that are, not only listed but, rated for ones convenience.  The descriptions that these jobs are given is, 'easy', 'fun' and 'exciting', way to make money.  You can eat out, go to the movies, shop, and whatever else you might enjoy doing, and all you have to do is fill out a survey and rate the company.  All of this, at someone elses expense.  What caught my eye was, 'be your own boss' and 'earn substantial income.'  Now I don't know if all of this is true (if it is, sign me up), or if one has to incur any expenses in order to do this job.  What I do know, is that it is made to sound like easy money.  But, of course, there is a flip side to this type of job.  Apparently, there are Mystery Shopper scams out there that prey on the unsuspected that wish to have this easy, fun type of employment.   I guess, not even Mystery Shopping is perfect.

Talk at ya later!

Grocery Store Clerk - FAMILY

About a week ago, a former employee was in the store getting groceries.  It has been approximately nine years since she left and went to work at another establishment.  Being curious, I asked her if she was glad that she had left.  Well immediately I wished I hadn't asked, what appeared to me to be, such a ridiculous question.  But her answer was surprising.  She said that she did miss working at the store because she missed the people that she had worked with.  It wasn't the same anymore. Then a few days later, another former employee was in the store and she was hoping to come back to work with us.  She said that she had missed us here at the store and described us as a family - sometimes a dysfunctional family- but a family none the less.  We complain and argue with each other but when something happens, we all seem to come together.  And today, the first day of the New Year, was no exception.

Over the last couple of days, two of our employees have been hit hard.  And for each, it will take time as they will try to pick up the pieces and learn to cope with what has been handed them.  So as the news was shared, from employee to employee, these people were already jumping in to try and make things a little easier for their co-workers.  There is a co-worker that knows of certain programs that can help one of the employees, since she has small children and will need assistance in various ways, and is going to get the necessary paper work and contacts together.  While other employees were offering to give some of their vacation time if either of the ladies needed the time, so they wouldn't lose income.  And then there were others planning on giving some financial assistance if needed.  Within no time, plans were being made.  Everybody wanting to help lessen the burden of these two employees, any way they can.

So tonight, as I was getting things done and my shift was coming to an end, I got to thinking about those two former employees and what they had said.  Maybe, at the time, their comments didn't mean too much to me.  But, after what I have witnessed today - I know exactly what they mean.

Talk at ya later!

Grocery Store Clerk - TIS THE SEASON

Since I work in the 'public arena', so to speak, I find that the holidays seem to have more of a profound, presence in my life.  There is no escaping any of the holiday dates.  There is the planning, ordering, scheduling and the estimating as to how much time will be involved in order to complete the necessities of this joyous season - that is the first thing on the list.  The personal end of this season, comes second.  So even though I have managed to get the orders out in a timely manner (barely), I found that I was preparing the greeting cards, shopping and wrapping presents at the very last minute.  After nine years at this job, this seems to be how I prioritize my life.

Even though everything seems to go at a fast pace, I find that I still got to enjoy that holiday spirit.  The customers seemed to be more joyous this year, the employees were upbeat and ready for the rush and I found that the constant blaring of Christmas music, didn't even begin to hamper my spirits.  In fact, I caught myself humming along with the tunes every once in awhile.  Although, some of my fellow co-workers felt just
the opposite.

Then came Christmas Eve and everything that was ordered, prepared and stocked was finally done and the only thing left to do was serve the customers.  There were orders of vegetable and fruit trays, cakes and deli trays which customers came to pickup and plenty of last minute shoppers filled the aisles.  Each employee managed to maintain a fast pace as they restocked, checked out, bagged and assisted customers.  You heard a lot of 'Merry Christmas', being shouted through out the store by customers to employees and visa versa.  Even the weather cooperated and gave way to a beautiful, sunny day. And not until the last customer was served, and the doors were locked at 6:00 p.m., on Christmas Eve, could employees finally make Christmas Eve their own. Everyone wishing each other good tidings and handing out little gifts and cards gave the evening more spirit.  For even though we had worked on this evening, while others were home celebrating, we too were celebrating in a way. 

Customers had been kind and in good spirits.  One gentleman thanked me for working this holiday eve, "So we can do our shopping."  While others praised me for my floral arrangements and gave me a hug and wished me a happy holiday.  All of these things mean a lot.  It provided us with a great atmosphere while we worked which in turn made us happier to do our jobs.  And if one must work, then what could be better then to work with people that you like.  But when the day was done, and on into Christmas Day, I could not help but think about a few of our employees whose holiday was not a joyous one.  And even though there is nothing that I can do to help alleviate any of their burdens,  I can only hope that just being there and being able to listen provides these people some form of comfort.

As I spent Christmas Day with my family, I remembered all of those that had been with us throughout the years and hoped that all of us here on this day will be together for many more.  And I realized how fortunate I am to work with the people that I see day after day, and how lucky I am to share a bond with so many of them and how much they really lighten my everyday life.

So as I lifted my glass, in a family toast, I realized how grateful I am to have all of these people in my life.  Be they family or friends, this is what makes life.  This is what it is all about.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR

Grocery Store Clerk - TAKING IT ON THE CHIN

The last two weeks have really been out of the norm.  There have been incidences that have been sad and then some that have put everyone on high alert, while other moments have just made me shake my head in disbelief.  But through each of these events one cannot help but notice just how much responsibility comes with this job.  So, I have decided to sing the praises of the Cashier.

Being a Cashier is by far the most difficult job in retail. Having to deal with countless personalities, company policies, payments, legal responsibilities and all of those things that seem to go wrong, takes skill and a lot of quick thinking.  And despite a statement which I heard one manager make, "Anyone can do this job." I guarantee you, not everyone can. Of course as a response to that manager, I would suggest that the President of the company, the CEO and the department managers, work this job for one week. These cashiers shoulder the complaints, the hassles, the crooks and every once in awhile a temper being thrown at them.  So tonight, I guess, was my turn to  shoulder some of that hassle. 

As a consumer, there are certain stores which I choose not to shop.  Usually there are various reasons, but never have I hurled my dissatisfaction of the establishment at an employee.  First of all it is not their fault.  And should I feel it important enough, then I should contact the company since they are the ones that would be responsible for whatever the case may be.  But tonight I had to take the fury of a dissatisfied customer and when she was done, and gone, I had to leave my register in order to cool off.

This customer was  unhappy because the sale prices were not ringing up, and naturally I remedied the situation.  I was calm and polite and made sure that everything was completed.  But when everything was said and done, she looked at me and said, "This is what I hate about you people."  When I had cleared the situation, I realised that what had bothered me the most was the words, not her actions. Because one will not find better people, then these employees, to wait on you.

Then, I realized that this type of customer is just a small fraction and that most customers treat us well and respectfully.  So I made my way back to the register, and sure enough, there were some familiar faces and once again we were laughing, discussing the holidays and everything was fine.  Funny how just one person can influence a whole day, if you let them.

It takes some intelligence and dignity to do this job and there are those that are far better at it then I will ever be.  Perhaps, this is why I hold so much respect for my co-workers.

And by the way, HIGH FIVE to the guy from Produce who took the time to take out a customer's groceries to their car - in the rain.

Talk At Ya Later!

Grocery Store Clerk - MUCH APPRECIATED

Every once in awhile there will be a day come along, at work, that just seems to be very strange. It's like there is something in the air.  Things seem to go wrong, events take place, that you never saw coming, and attitudes and personalities just seem to be off beat.  And no matter what direction you turn, there is something wrong.  That is how it was yesterday.  If it hadn't been raining, I would have sworn there was a full moon out last night.

But in the midst of all of this upheaval, something came shining through - compliments.  Now I am very use to hearing compliments from customers.  Either about myself or, most generally, about other employees.  But these last two days, the compliments have been abundant. 

The first one, was about me.  A customer, who had placed an order for a table centerpiece, was quick to tell me how beautiful it was and how I had out done the last arrangement she had ordered. And, she did not think that that was possible.  Now this was not only great to hear, but it had come just at the right time since I had just had a disappointing moment not ten minutes earlier.  Then another customer told me that a young guy, from up front, had just helped her locate the Pesto she had been looking for.  "That's what I love about coming here."  she said.  "You people are always so helpful."  Well, I definitely passed this on to the right guy.  He seemed to need a boost at that moment.  Later, while stocking produce, a customer asked me a question and I went to find out the correct answer.  Again, another compliment.

Then last night, as the chaos seemed to grow, more complimentary words came through.  I worked on Frontlines last night so I got an earful.  The first compliment was for the Meat Department.  The customer spoke of how much she enjoyed the meat specials, but even more important was how good the cuts of meat were.  Then another customer agreed and spoke of how helpful the guys were whenever she needed help.  Then there was the customer with the fruit tray.  While I was ringing up the order, I heard another customer remark on how great the tray looked.  I heard the customer respond, "They do a great job here."  "The cost may be more, but it is definitely worth it."  That one, I will pass on to the Produce Department.

Then I heard how an employee dried off a cart for a customer, since it had been sitting out in the rain.  And wasn't it nice how another employee stopped and asked a customer how they were doing.  And the night continued on like that.

Not along ago, when we attended a Customer Service meeting, it was expressed that most generally the company doesn't hear about the good things we do, instead they will hear about all of the negative things.  Well it would be great if customers would notify the company about all of these positive things that we do, but after last night, I can say that that doesn't bother me anymore.  Because hearing these customers' words, for myself, has meant more to me than any email from corporate complimenting us on a job well done. 

To all of our customers, who gave us recognition - THANK YOU SO MUCH!
We appreciate you all.

Talk at ya later!

Grocery Store Clerk - DO YOU HAVE PRESENCE?

Well now that I am back from my vacation, it didn't take long to get back into the swing of things.  Catching up on all of the latest news, getting out the orders and well, trying to play catch up filled the day with no extra time to spare.  In one way it was kind of good to be back.  Although my time at home was great and fulfilling, never mind that I didn't really wish to leave these walls of comfort, in a certain way it was good to go back. 

I have always noticed that when some people go on vacation, their presence is missed.  It's not just their physical presence, but instead it is all of the attributes that some people provide the work place.  For instance;  the way a person seems to just light up the store with their laughter, the way someone may show a bit of  kindness at just the right moment or the people with whom you just really enjoy talking with when things get just a little chaotic.

For this store, most of the people have such a presence  and I have noticed how much I miss them when they are gone.  So, in making my appearance, yesterday I noticed how many times fellow co-workers would approach me and ask me how I enjoyed my vacation.  And with each, it was the same response - loved it!  And of course I had to explain as to why I had loved it.  Patiently, each employee would stand there and listen and then each would give the same response, "Good, glad you're back."

So, I wondered what there would be about me that might be missed when I am gone.  Could it be my, 'gift for gab', my ability to do my work (so that no one else has to do it), or is it my personality?  Whatever the case, I can honestly say that it felt good to hear that I was missed.  And if by some chance it was just a matter of conversation, well that's okay.  Because in the long run, being made to feel that you are missed is a great morale booster. 

It means that you have presence.

Talk at ya later!