7 July 2012
OCD compels me to complete this story. My question posted to six supermarkets went as follows...
"If a customer chooses to pay for purchases whilst listening to an iPhone or iPod through headphones, is it your practice not to serve the customer or indeed to accuse the customer of being I'll mannered? Has any training been given in this regard?
I have discussed the issue of such etiquette with my fb friends, many of which, including myself, don't wish to offend or be offended by checkout staff..."
M&S were the first to respond, then Morrison's. Tesco's phoned me, confirmed by email. ASDA left an answer phone message. All have said it is entirely up to the customer whether they wear earphones, not for them to make any comment, with the exception of Morrison's who would prefer customers not to wear earphones at the checkout to enable them to interact and provide their excellent customer service, albeit their staff should honour the customer's decision to wear earphones. Sainsbury's are the last so far, assuring me that customers may wear earphones if they wish and asking me to name the store so they can talk to the manager and take appropriate action. Nothing as yet from Co-op.
I'm as yet undecided about giving Sainsbury's what they want. Because I feel so awkward about this, so much so that I don't want to shop there anymore, I'm inclined to give them what they need to take their appropriate action. Another part of me says change the channel and enjoy life...
The best part of me said do both...
Copyright Ⓒ 2012 Christopher Patrick Kirk all rights reserved
Supermarket Etiquette Conclusion • Opuss № I