I consider myself to be a polite, thoughtful person. I always try to say hello, please, thank you.
I get a little annoyed pissed off (let’s be frank) when I don’t get the same treatment in return.
Hello, how can we help you?
This is the absolute minimal greeting one should expect from a shopkeeper.
Failing to do so is disrespectful, even offensive.
My shopping code of conduct is very basic:
If I don’t get acknowledged the minute I walk into a store/restaurant, I walk out.
They need me much more than I need them.
And I just did this no later than yesterday.
I entered a jewelry store to have a watch repaired. I stood there for five solid minutes without anybody bothering to greet me or asking me what the purpose of my visit was.
I left, as anybody should.
Business etiquette dictates that upon noticing a customer, the merchant immediately greets him/her, and by doing so show appreciation for his/her patronage.
American merchants are much too cavalier. They lack the finesse, the reverence that Japanese businessmen display with their customers.
Upon meeting you, a Japanese businessman will first bow (a sign of respect) and to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t mind seeing this custom implemented in the US.
After all, the customer is king (for a short while, but still).
I recently bought a new car (for a fair amount of shekels) and I was not the least impressed by the salespeople’s manners.
In Japan, they would probably have had geishas plying me with sushi and sake while rubbing my back with scented oils.
Here, they simply said, “how are you going to pay?”
No bowing.
How do you say poopoo in Japanese?
Thinking of it, since I bought a Japanese car I should have flown to Japan to purchase the car, just for the treatment.
The most common greetings in Japan are ohayō gozaimasu (good morning), or konnichiwa (good day). – I got this from my old friend Jack who lived in Japan for several years.
And all employees are trained to greet customers using the correct business etiquette.
I am convinced that most Americans would be more willing to loosen up their purse strings if greeted in such a manner by American storekeepers.
What do you say America?
So if somebody treats you disrespectfully, what are your options?
Don’t hesitate. Walk out and never look back.It feels good.
Alain