Frump to Fab 2018 - Fabulous Dahhhhlings

humptydumptybits

I think a pharmacist talking to you about your medication is them getting on with their job, I thought you were talking about a shop assistant having a friendly chat with a customer which is what I can't be bothered with. I can't see that "having a chat and a laugh" is sorting out their meds. My pharmacist is lovely, she is Polish and has just been on holiday and I'm hoping she comes back as it would be a shame to lose her. She is really knowledgeable and I always go to her for my flu jab as it is a much nicer experience than the flu jab clinic at the GPs which always reminds me of a cattle market.


My aunt lived alone and has dementia, I didn't need anyone to point it out to me. I spoke to her on the phone nearly every day and I spotted it long before the local shop.


I do like interacting with real people, people who I know and like. I have plenty of them and don't need random strangers giving me advice, I would find that incredibly rude and when it comes to clothes surely the most important thing is that you feel good in them not that someone else has approved them? You could have the most wonderful outfit but if you don't feel confident in it you won't look nearly as good.


Like I said before everyone is different and what suits one doesn't suit another so there isn't really a "right" way.

maman

That's such a shame about your daughter sugarbaby. I think many landlords are asking for over inflated prices for leases and so shouldn't be surprised when businesses just walk away. Then they get nothing! It happened with my beautician. Her lease came up for renewal and the price just rocketed so she closed down and went to rent a room in a hairdresser. Unfortunately it was the other side of the city so she lost many of her regular customers.


I do hope your DD gets something else very soon.:)

humptydumptybits wrote: »

Like I said before everyone is different and what suits one doesn't suit another so there isn't really a "right" way.

If you want to find a wrong way then try our local pharmacy!:rotfl:They are in the fortunate position of being right next to the GP surgery otherwise I don't think they'd get any business at all. The assistants in there see to have developed the technique that some waiting staff use of avoiding all eye contact. So you can stand in front of the till with prescription in hand and they'll ignore you and carry on busying themselves with whatever else they're doing instead of acknowledging you with either a look or a smile. There's an older woman who's worked there for years and I think she's 'infected' (no pun intended;)) the newer assistants with her bad habits.


Massage was great. I know I nodded off several times. Oh I wish I had a personal masseur that would come around at bedtime!:D


DD's calling in for a coffee shortly. depends what time she goes as to whether I go shopping.:)

lessonlearned

Yes, I was talking about shop assistants having a chat and a laugh with customers. I see nothing wrong with that, in fact it's good for business.

Now You might object and think it wrong, inefficient and wasting time but the truth is that, successful bricks and mortar shops depend heavily on having happy customers who will bring them repeat business. One off purchases dont make a company much money.

Having been in sales most of my life and having owned and run several successful sales based companies I can tell you quite categorically that chatting and having a laugh with both customers and colleagues is an essential ingredient to running a successful business. It isn't always about the bottom line and ruthless Efficiency.

Customers need to feel valued and it is the businesses who nuture the customer relationship who are the success stories. Customers buy from people they like, who they trust and who make them feel comfortable. You don't get sales by being surly, stand offish and uncommunicative.. :rotfl: well you might get one because they need to buy then and now but you won't get repeat business and customer loyalty. And a disgruntled unhappy customer won't recommend you.

And, it's not just retail either, the same rules apply to the professions, even the medical profession. Even a doctor has to "sell" themselves. A disgruntled patient will take their ailments elsewhere. :rotfl:

Your comment about taking advice from complete strangers is interesting and I think it does highlight the need for building up a good rapport between customer and provider. We buy from people we like and trust, we also accept advice from people we like and trust, even if we don't follow that advice.

Giving objective impartial advice is part of a good sales assistants job. (At least it is if they have been trained properly). Going back to our shoes chat - one would like to think that shoes sales people have at least some knowledge of feet and shoes.

I think This is why so many shoppers often get frustrated, because they are just not getting good customer service or the advice they need. And this is why so many bricks and mortar shops are failing. They don't deliver. Not on price, choice, or service.

Yes there are many shoppers like yourself who know in advance exactly what they are looking for and who just want in and out and to get the job done as quickly as possible. But not everyone has your confidence and self assurance. There are millions who would appreciate guidance, good advice and yes, service with a smile. Throwing in a laugh and a joke and a short chat is just the icing on the cake which makes the shopping experience more pleasureable.

Only just recently you asked for advice on here (from random strangers:rotfl: ) about what type of outfit to wear for your forthcoming family wedding. We were all happy to oblige of course, that's one of the things that is so nice about this thread. We are a friendly helpful merry band. (And I might add we often tend to give advice with a laugh and a joke).

But it has to be said we were rather working in the dark because we don't know what you look like. :rotfl: A real life shop assistant might have been helpful, if you could have found the right one. who knows. They would at least have been able to see you "in the flesh". Anyway, you got sorted in the end, found the perfect outfit so alls well that ends well. We were all delighted for you.

sugarbaby125

My laptop needs a repair or I will buy a new one if the price of the repair turns out to be too expensive. I will get at least 2 quotes for the repair before I make a final decision.

My daughter just had to accept that her job has gone through no fault of her own. Life will be even more difficult very soon unless she is able to find herself another job very soon. Fingers crossed.

humptydumptybits

lessonlearned wrote: »

Yes, I was talking about shop assistants having a chat and a laugh with. I see nothing wrong with that, in fact it's good for business.

You seem determined that your way is right, I've said repeatedly that what suits one doesn't suit another.




Now You might object and think it wrong, inefficient and wasting time but the truth is that, successful bricks and mortar shops depend heavily on having happy customers who will bring them repeat business. One off purchases dont make a company much money.



Busy people who don't want to wait while the chat goes on probably won't come back anyway. It is about what is appropriate.


Having been in sales most of my life and having owned and run several successful sales based companies I can tell you quite categorically that chatting and having a laugh with both customers and colleagues is an essential ingredient to running a successful business. It isn't always about the bottom line and ruthless Efficiency.



Don't you think it is about reading the customer and providing the service they want not the service you decide they want?


Customers need to feel valued and it is the businesses who nuture the customer relationship who are the success stories. Customers buy from people they like, who they trust and who make them feel comfortable. You don't get sales by being surly, stand offish and uncommunicative.. :rotfl: well you might get one because they need to buy then and now but you won't get repeat business and customer loyalty. And a disgruntled unhappy customer won't recommend you.



Interesting that you think not being chatty, having a laugh and holding other customers up means you are surly and stand offish. How bizarre.


And, it's not just retail either, the same rules apply to the professions, even the medical profession. Even a doctor has to "sell" themselves. A disgruntled patient will take their ailments elsewhere. :rotfl:


Gosh you must be well blessed with the NHS where you are.



Your comment about taking advice from complete strangers is interesting and I think it does highlight the need for building up a good rapport between customer and provider. We buy from people we like and trust, we also accept advice from people we like and trust, even if we don't follow that advice.

Giving objective impartial advice is part of a good sales assistants job. (At least it is if they have been trained properly). Going back to our shoes chat - one would like to think that shoes sales people have at least some knowledge of feet and shoes.



If you want it, I know what suits me, I've had long enough to learn.


I think This is why so many shoppers often get frustrated, because they are just not getting good customer service or the advice they need. And this is why so many bricks and mortar shops are failing. They don't deliver. Not on price, choice, or service.



And some get fed up with being repeatedly asked if they want any help, I'll ask if I want it.


Yes there are many shoppers like yourself who know in advance exactly what they are looking for and who just want in and out and to get the job done as quickly as possible. But not everyone has your confidence and self assurance. There are millions who would appreciate guidance, good advice and yes, service with a smile. Throwing in a laugh and a joke and a short chat is just the icing on the cake which makes the shopping experience more pleasureable.



I haven't said you should go to a shop where you can have a laugh, I've said I don't want to.


Only just recently you asked for advice on here (from random strangers:rotfl: ) about what type of outfit to wear for your forthcoming family wedding. We were all happy to oblige of course, that's one of the things that is so nice about this thread. We are a friendly helpful merry band. (And I might add we often tend to give advice with a laugh and a joke).



I asked that is the difference. Also I think I asked for ideas of where to look not what to wear but I can't be bothered to go back and look.


But it has to be said we were rather working in the dark because we don't know what you look like. :rotfl: A real life shop assistant might have been helpful, if you could have found the right one. who knows. They would at least have been able to see you "in the flesh". Anyway, you got sorted in the end, found the perfect outfit so alls well that ends well. We were all delighted for you.

I think you are being needlessly sarcastic. I honestly don't know what is wrong with me wanting a different service to you. You seem determined that you are "right" when there really isn't a right.


Actually I don't think you are being friendly at all and your totally unnecessary comments about me being a carer were upsetting.



I think I'll go elsewhere.

lessonlearned

Maman I meant to reply to your post about your bathroom refit.

I know getting older and more decrepit is something we don't like to think about but one thing I have decided is that I shall ask my plumber to fit the loo a little higher. I have noticed that using a slightly higher placed loo is kinder to my dodgy knees. :rotfl:

You are right about doing away with pedestals and replacing with wall hung sanitary ware, they definitely make the room more spacious.

Love the dress.

fuddle

lessonlearned wrote: »

Well I too am perfectly capable of choosing my own clothes. :rotfl:

However, I do like to chat and have fun whilst doing so. And if I brighten a shop assistants day, well that's even better.

I am afraid we are really going to have differ on this one because I firmly believe that a Pharmacy is one place where staff shouldn't "just get on with it". They really need to get to know their customers to keep an eye on them. It's a duty of care that they should sign up to. I know there are many pharmacists who only care about the profits they make but it is not right. In fact it's downright immoral.

How many painkillers are they getting through, are they getting their medication right, do they appear confused or malnourished. So many telltale signs that you can spot if you actually talk to your customers.
If the pharmacy assistants don't engage with their customers then then they can't be monitored. Some people may bristle at what they feel are intrusive questions but they are asked in good faith to offer good and safe customer care. Its just good practice.

My sisters team have helped hundreds of people get correct medical care - from confused elderly people to drug addicts, often contacting the customers GP to express concern and get them an emergency appointment.

They have even had people admitted to A&E when they have been serious concerns about someone's immediate needs, sometimes a member of staff will accompany an elderly frail or confused customer in the ambulance.

Of course if you really hate engaging with a real person in then you can use an online pharmacy.

Many years ago I worked in the wines and spirits dept of a large supermarket. It was kept seperate from the main tills because of the cigarettes. I think it was a matter of course then but nowadays you can just take alcohol through the main tills.

I noticed the same lady coming in every morning around 9.30. She always bought the same thing......a bottle of bitter lemon, half a bottle of gin and a box of matches. The matches were clearly her excuse. The other assistants thought it was hilarious but nosey me was intrigued and I grew concerned about her. I never saw her buy food.

Obviously she had a drink problem, her hands shook very badly and you only had to look at her face to see the ravages of drink. I took it upon myself to befriend her and eventually helped her onto a treatment programme. Should I have just got on with it, serving her without comment and then getting on with my stock reports or whatever.

At the risk of sounding like Miss Goody Two Shoes I like to think I did right by her.

My Mam's 'excuse' was birthday cards.

That lady got herself right LL. I realise I'm being very, very blunt here but her wellness had nothing to do with you. There are families begging and pleading their loved ones to get help, many don't have the capacity to get well even with help, so please don't be so blunt as to suggest that by you taking time to talk to an alcholic during work time is any better than an assistant going about her job and keeping quiet. The issue you talk about is huge, complex, very upsetting and not to be used as part of a 'I'm right and you're wrong' 'debate' about customer service.

lessonlearned

Of course the lady got herself right. I take no credit for that. I was just a friendly face and a listening ear when she was ready to move forward.

I am sorry to hear about your mum. Very sad.

fuddle

No LL her grief for losing her husband at aged 33 was very sad. Her subsequent deep depression was very sad. Her alcoholism ripped apart her life, effected mine, my sisters and our children's lives, mental wellness, physical wellness and lead to my Mam's death. It's excruciatingly painful, not very sad.

The next time you feel like bolstering yourself please think carefully about flippancy as you remark.

maman

lessonlearned wrote: »

Maman I meant to reply to your post about your bathroom refit.

I know getting older and more decrepit is something we don't like to think about but one thing I have decided is that I shall ask my plumber to fit the loo a little higher. I have noticed that using a slightly higher placed loo is kinder to my dodgy knees. :rotfl:

You are right about doing away with pedestals and replacing with wall hung sanitary ware, they definitely make the room more spacious.

Love the dress.

The bathroom range even offered a high cistern but I think that might have been taking retro a bit too far. Next I'd be swapping the Andrex for newspaper! :rotfl:

I tried the new clothes on. I like them but will try again in proper light and with different 'legs'. I think the short dress needs navy tights / leggings. I like the short trousers too but not sure what to wear with them now it's getting colder. Ballet pumps and bare legs look good but not for November! Ideas??