"Greeters" in shops

hollydays

usefulmale wrote: »

1st world, Stevie (although this cesspit of a country could be classed as 3rd world these days)

Have a nice day.

bairn7

Ha! This whole thread is about 1st world issues!!

The two times I've taken a bank greeter up on their offer to use the automated machines, they have stood with me while the transaction has been processed...why not just sit them behind a desk instead!?

pappa_golf

last time a greeter "accosted" me in the town centre PO by asking if he could help me , was handed a £5 note and told to get me a £3 postal order , a HB pencil and 4 x 1st class stamps ,

hollydays

bairn7 wrote: »

Ha! This whole thread is about 1st world issues!!

The two times I've taken a bank greeter up on their offer to use the automated machines, they have stood with me while the transaction has been processed...why not just sit them behind a desk instead!?

Because they are there to try and get people who are technophobes over their fear of automated systems, and using them.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

I prefer to keep people in jobs so avoid the automated machines where at all possible.

hollydays

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

I prefer to keep people in jobs so avoid the automated machines where at all possible.

I agree, but no doubt the po doesn't.
Having someone " signposting " you to particular services is obviously the precursor to more automation whether we want it or not.

NBLondon

hollydays wrote: »

Because they are there to try and get people who are technophobes over their fear of automated systems, and using them.

That's the Post Office line - they want you to think they are helpful. I'm more inclined to agree with Jack :

JReacher1 wrote: »

If he had convinced you to use the faster paying in machine then that would have saved the time of the cashier as he wouldn't have to manually deal with you. The greeters in the bank are all about sending people to the automatic machines and keeping the cashiers free for those people who needed a direct face to face transaction (which you didn't need)

they want to improve throughput and reduce costs for routine transactions like buying a stamp or sending a package. At Trafalgar Square at peak times, it makes a lot of sense.


But as Bob and Pennywise describe - it clearly isn't working when the greeter isn't apparently capable of doing anything other than operating the self-service machines for the terrified. The Virgin Money greeters are actual cashiers taking turns - so if they can help you at the front desk they will and if they can't, they take you to a proper desk and someone else takes over at the front.

hollydays

Yes , I've already stated I disagree so You are preaching to the converted.
However, the more people are encouraged to use these machines- the less terrifying it will be when the greeters are taken out of action and the staff are reduced. It will happen whether we like it or not.

Bobcrowther

JReacher1 wrote: »

If he had convinced you to use the faster paying in machine then that would have saved the time of the cashier as he wouldn't have to manually deal with you. The greeters in the bank are all about sending people to the automatic machines and keeping the cashiers free for those people who needed a direct face to face transaction (which you didn't need)

If only I had already mentioned why I now refuse to use said machines in my opening post. That would have been so useful.

Gavin83

Bobcrowther wrote: »

Shopping in a town centre is bad enough - having to dodge beggars, chugggers, survey takers. Now you have to dodge greeters in every bloody establishment too.

Then businesses sit there wondering why the high street is dying and people prefer to shop online instead. The amount of hassle doesn't help. You forgot big issue sellers as well, especially when our local one is richer than me!