In the past weeks much has been written about our behavior and how others behave. I must admit that I may have been responsible for inciting people’s reaction. What I did…innocently was to post something I called “you think you had a bad day??” My intent was to share my daily frustrations with those that serve us and those we serve. Basically it was to deal with customer service. I brought this up because of the surge of new businesses not only in San Antonio, where I live, but also Eagle Pass. Friends of mine that manage such places all tell me the same thing; customer service often makes the difference in repeat business. I must agree because there is one place I will never go again because of their bad food but they topped it off with unfriendly service. But it is true that customer service is important to the customer. It should also be very important to the manager and its employees.
On the other hand, customers need to know that they are not always right. God knows who created that saying but it is a big lie. A business or employee should not bow to any customer who chooses to treat an employee without respect. Berating an employee says more about what kind of customer you are. Let me tell you that business people know but do not talk about a growing number of “customers” that basically “rent” goods by often returning what they bought after they have no more use for it and return it in deplorable condition. If refused a refund, they will do everything to embarrass anyone behind the counter. Their favorite final word, “I am going to the media.”
So lets stop talking about what businesses have to do. How about the customer, you and I, start by keeping our community stores clean. I don’t mean that we must sweep them clean; I mean don’t get them dirty.
I know times have changed from the days that our mothers and fathers would make us pick up after ourselves and we were not allowed to leave our mess around. Lets draw on that when we are in a clothing store. Lets stop unraveling shirts, pants, dresses, blouses and throwing them back on a heap. When you miss the heap and they fall on the floor, pick it up. Remember that the store attendant did not mess it up. If you think that it’s their job to pick up after us, stop and think about it.
All store parking lots have trash cans so use them. If you cannot leave your trash inside your car in an empty plastic bag, then walk over to the trash can and leave it there. You will feel good and you are setting and maintaining what should be a community standard. The the worst of all social infractions is dispensing soiled diapers in store parking lots. Worse yet when you see pigeons, crackles and other birds feasting on what belongs in a sewer treatment plant. Above is the pigeon in EP that could not fly after feasting.
How about the empty plastic bags snagged on the fences along Highway 57. Must we blame the city or the county officials for such blight? How about starting with those that throw them out the window as they leave Eagle Pass. Again, you will find trash cans that are there for us to use. But if you feel that we have a right to disposed of them in that manner because we are taxpayers…stop and think about it. Or do you think that our public officials like our store attendant should pick up after us? Please.
On the other hand, customers need to know that they are not always right. God knows who created that saying but it is a big lie. A business or employee should not bow to any customer who chooses to treat an employee without respect. Berating an employee says more about what kind of customer you are. Let me tell you that business people know but do not talk about a growing number of “customers” that basically “rent” goods by often returning what they bought after they have no more use for it and return it in deplorable condition. If refused a refund, they will do everything to embarrass anyone behind the counter. Their favorite final word, “I am going to the media.”
So lets stop talking about what businesses have to do. How about the customer, you and I, start by keeping our community stores clean. I don’t mean that we must sweep them clean; I mean don’t get them dirty.
I know times have changed from the days that our mothers and fathers would make us pick up after ourselves and we were not allowed to leave our mess around. Lets draw on that when we are in a clothing store. Lets stop unraveling shirts, pants, dresses, blouses and throwing them back on a heap. When you miss the heap and they fall on the floor, pick it up. Remember that the store attendant did not mess it up. If you think that it’s their job to pick up after us, stop and think about it.
All store parking lots have trash cans so use them. If you cannot leave your trash inside your car in an empty plastic bag, then walk over to the trash can and leave it there. You will feel good and you are setting and maintaining what should be a community standard. The the worst of all social infractions is dispensing soiled diapers in store parking lots. Worse yet when you see pigeons, crackles and other birds feasting on what belongs in a sewer treatment plant. Above is the pigeon in EP that could not fly after feasting.
How about the empty plastic bags snagged on the fences along Highway 57. Must we blame the city or the county officials for such blight? How about starting with those that throw them out the window as they leave Eagle Pass. Again, you will find trash cans that are there for us to use. But if you feel that we have a right to disposed of them in that manner because we are taxpayers…stop and think about it. Or do you think that our public officials like our store attendant should pick up after us? Please.
