Having worked in the customer service industry for the majority of my high school and university years, the entitlement of many St. Albert patrons never ceases to amaze me.
The infamous line, “The customer is always right” paired with the belief that paying for a service entitles you to berate employees, makes for a long shift.
I was raised by a mother who often used the phrase, “if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all.” Unfortunately, many patrons do not seem to live by this saying.
I believe that your hard earned money entitles you to quality service and quality products. That being said, should a product or service not be up to your standards, it does not give you the right to raise your voice, belittle, or otherwise behave rudely to the employees of the establishment at which you are a patron. I can guarantee, whoever is assisting you would like a resolution to your problem as much as you would.
One particular complaint that can be frustrating as an employee, is when patrons say: “I have somewhere to be!”
Every person I work with, works to the best of their ability to have customers' products ready in a timely manner. It is not our fault that you have poor time management. Having a quality meal at a sit-down restaurant generally takes longer than ordering fries at McDonald’s.
While the vast majority of customers are both patient and lovely, another problematic entitlement I have experienced, is harassment from male patrons — particularly, older men.
I enjoy taking the time to chat with customers and to get to know the regulars. However, whether you frequent an establishment every day or not, we are ultimately here to provide a service. Paying for a product does not give you the right to comment on my body, make sexual innuendos or otherwise engage in inappropriate behaviour.
My female co-workers and I have been particularly frustrated by this, as we cannot dispute inappropriate comments while maintaining our required level of professionalism. To be harassed by customers in the workplace puts women in an incredibly uncomfortable situation.
Recently, I was carrying a plate of food to a customer at a table, when I noticed two men watching me. I smiled, and one of them said: “We were just eyeing that food! Looks good!” The other man said, “That’s not what I was eyeing!” and gestured at my body.
This interaction was not only wildly inappropriate, but being that I was working, I was forced to laugh along, despite feeling extremely uncomfortable. Perhaps the gentlemen in question felt that this was simply banter between friends. However, these types of comments are far too common, and are not appropriate, period. In fact, they are embarrassing and hurtful.
Ultimately, the above is hardly a representation of our city, but is an unfortunate part of working in customer service. If you are a patron of local businesses, I would encourage you to treat employees with extra care and kindness. We will more often than not go out of our way to please our favourite customers!
Jennifer Hamilton is a local student and writer.
