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Since most retailers are implementing creative ways to sell more product, we just had to get the one that I hate. Many of you have seen this before, it's the "Free if I don't ask you" method. At the front register, we're supposed to ask every person if they would like to purchase whatever item it is that's on the display rack with the huge sign "FREE IF I DON'T ASK!"
This was implemented by our district manager a few months ago and at first, it was smooth. A few 'yes' and a whole lot of 'NO!' Ever since then, however, the wheels started to come off. We've gone from 'needs' to 'wants.' (Batteries to Milky Ways) Regulars who come in every day are getting angry at the fact that they are asked every time they come in. But the worst part is how some people think they can use tricks to make us forget to ask. Out of all the cashiers in the store, I and one other person have got undefeated (unfair to say I am, because I don't work register full-time). However, they keep trying, and I keep intercepting.
Thanks for not letting me talk
Since their arrival at the checkout counter, they are rambling on their phones or to their friend, loudly I might add. I can't get a word in. I'll ask if they want to try our suggestive sell item, and they don't respond. I think nothing of it. The transaction is complete, the receipt is in their hands, and they are still talking. What happens now? The phone is closed and the friend shuts up. The customer looks at me and says, "Hey, you didn't offer me this item." I tell them that I did and that they were on the phone or talking to their friend. They say that they didn't hear me. Man, that's not my fault. I'm almost always bailed out by the customers waiting behind them. Now, I just ask multiple times when that happens so the friend, the person on the phone, and even the dude in the bathroom can hear it.
Asking me to get written up?
I would like to add that if we don't ask and then we get called out, we have to call the manager over and have the lovely customer explain what happened and they end up walking out with a free item and a smug look on their face. Two preteen boys walked in a while back. They grab a drink and approach me slowly. They then say, "Don't ask. Don't ask." At first, yeah, I was a bit confused. Don't ask you what? So, I begin the transaction by asking if they would like to purchase our suggestive sell item. They look annoyed, "Dude, I told you not to ask me!" Really, little man? You think I was going to actually not ask you and risk a write-up? The kids end up paying for their drinks and leave dejected. Weird kids.
I basically said yes, but you didn't ask me.
If a customer walks up with the suggestive sell item in his/her basket already looking to buy it, do you still ask? I don't, and thankfully we don't have to. Well, some people still don't know that. After the transaction is complete, yes, I get called out, rudely. I explain nicely that since they already had the intention to buy the damn item, then I did not have to ask. Still, they put up a fight. This has only happened three times. Once, the customer ended up agreeing with me. Second time, the line behind me explained it to the customer. Third time, you guessed it, a manager had to be called and explain it.
It's my word vs. yours
Only once have I been flat out called a liar even after I had just asked if they wanted to buy our suggestive sell item. It was literally minutes before closing and no other customers were in the store. He must have thought that he can just tell a bold faced lie and hope he can get away with it since no one else was around. After I placed the receipt in his hands, he calls me out. I had explained to him three times that I did, and he still kept up this charade. I'm irritated and decided to call the manager to finally get this guy out of the store. The manager is here. Now, he tells his story that I didn't ask and that he should get a free all-important Milky Way. The manager looks at me and I say with confidence, "I asked him and he said no." I didn't think calling him a liar was the best route. Instead, I get called one a few seconds later. To make the story short, the manager told my word over his and he stormed out of the store, staring at me the whole time. Did I mention I could smell alcohol on him?
All of this over a pack of batteries, a tube of glue, and a Milky Way bar.
This was implemented by our district manager a few months ago and at first, it was smooth. A few 'yes' and a whole lot of 'NO!' Ever since then, however, the wheels started to come off. We've gone from 'needs' to 'wants.' (Batteries to Milky Ways) Regulars who come in every day are getting angry at the fact that they are asked every time they come in. But the worst part is how some people think they can use tricks to make us forget to ask. Out of all the cashiers in the store, I and one other person have got undefeated (unfair to say I am, because I don't work register full-time). However, they keep trying, and I keep intercepting.
Thanks for not letting me talk
Since their arrival at the checkout counter, they are rambling on their phones or to their friend, loudly I might add. I can't get a word in. I'll ask if they want to try our suggestive sell item, and they don't respond. I think nothing of it. The transaction is complete, the receipt is in their hands, and they are still talking. What happens now? The phone is closed and the friend shuts up. The customer looks at me and says, "Hey, you didn't offer me this item." I tell them that I did and that they were on the phone or talking to their friend. They say that they didn't hear me. Man, that's not my fault. I'm almost always bailed out by the customers waiting behind them. Now, I just ask multiple times when that happens so the friend, the person on the phone, and even the dude in the bathroom can hear it.
Asking me to get written up?
I would like to add that if we don't ask and then we get called out, we have to call the manager over and have the lovely customer explain what happened and they end up walking out with a free item and a smug look on their face. Two preteen boys walked in a while back. They grab a drink and approach me slowly. They then say, "Don't ask. Don't ask." At first, yeah, I was a bit confused. Don't ask you what? So, I begin the transaction by asking if they would like to purchase our suggestive sell item. They look annoyed, "Dude, I told you not to ask me!" Really, little man? You think I was going to actually not ask you and risk a write-up? The kids end up paying for their drinks and leave dejected. Weird kids.
I basically said yes, but you didn't ask me.
If a customer walks up with the suggestive sell item in his/her basket already looking to buy it, do you still ask? I don't, and thankfully we don't have to. Well, some people still don't know that. After the transaction is complete, yes, I get called out, rudely. I explain nicely that since they already had the intention to buy the damn item, then I did not have to ask. Still, they put up a fight. This has only happened three times. Once, the customer ended up agreeing with me. Second time, the line behind me explained it to the customer. Third time, you guessed it, a manager had to be called and explain it.
It's my word vs. yours
Only once have I been flat out called a liar even after I had just asked if they wanted to buy our suggestive sell item. It was literally minutes before closing and no other customers were in the store. He must have thought that he can just tell a bold faced lie and hope he can get away with it since no one else was around. After I placed the receipt in his hands, he calls me out. I had explained to him three times that I did, and he still kept up this charade. I'm irritated and decided to call the manager to finally get this guy out of the store. The manager is here. Now, he tells his story that I didn't ask and that he should get a free all-important Milky Way. The manager looks at me and I say with confidence, "I asked him and he said no." I didn't think calling him a liar was the best route. Instead, I get called one a few seconds later. To make the story short, the manager told my word over his and he stormed out of the store, staring at me the whole time. Did I mention I could smell alcohol on him?
All of this over a pack of batteries, a tube of glue, and a Milky Way bar.
The stuff some people will do to get something for free is really amazing.
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