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Author Topic: How should customers be addressed?  (Read 6317 times)
Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #15 on: January 04, 2018, 00:29:54 »

I’m guessing ChrisFromNailsea will have the same ...

... experience.  Yes, I have indeed.  Wink

For the benefit of our wider readership*, who may not be aware of the significance of those comments, I should perhaps explain here that Coffee Shop forum member richwarwicker and I are, in our day jobs, both grocery delivery van drivers in the South West of England - albeit for different employers.




* Those of our registered members who have not yet posted a few times, sufficient to reach our 'frequent posters' level, and those who have not yet registered at all - please do, it is free, and easy to do.  Wink

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William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament, or Mile Post (a method of measuring the railway in miles and chains from a starting point - usually London), depending on context) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
JayMac
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« Reply #16 on: January 04, 2018, 00:46:27 »

I like Sainsbury's. It keeps the riff-raff out of Waitrose. - Alan Coren

And let's not forget, Waitrose exists to keep the middle classes out of Fortnum & Mason. - possibly Humphrey Lyttleton.

 Grin
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"Good news for regular users of Euston Station in London! One day they will die. Then they won't have to go to Euston Station ever again." - David Mitchell
Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #17 on: January 04, 2018, 00:50:54 »

More tired stereotyping.  Roll Eyes Tongue Lips sealed

 
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William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament, or Mile Post (a method of measuring the railway in miles and chains from a starting point - usually London), depending on context) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
plymothian
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« Reply #18 on: January 04, 2018, 10:04:21 »

"Sir" and "Madam" are out now as they are gender binary.
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« Reply #19 on: January 04, 2018, 10:52:24 »

In my day job, delivering groceries, we address all customers by their title and surname - unless they ask us otherwise.

We van drivers are all known by our first names - the customer is sent a text message telling them when 'Chris from Nailsea' will arrive, for example.  Wink



I do likewise in my job (I'm not a delivery driver), any customers/clients are referred to by title and surname. I do very occasionally get someone who says please call me by my first name instead. It may sound odd but I often don't feel comfortable doing that.  I've been called all sorts of things in my time from the [lovely] to the [unprintable].
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onthecushions
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« Reply #20 on: January 04, 2018, 11:52:38 »


I prefer to be addressed as, "Young Man".

bliss...

OTC
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Andy
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« Reply #21 on: January 04, 2018, 12:26:26 »

Many years ago, in M&S Falmouth, I witnessed a male holiday-maker from the home counties (judging by the accent) enquiring about new trousers. The female assistant, a proper Cornish maid,  responded with the question, "what size, cock?"



« Last Edit: January 05, 2018, 14:34:41 by Andy » Logged
chuffed
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« Reply #22 on: January 04, 2018, 12:46:42 »

Many years ago, in M&S Falmouth, I witnessed a male holiday make from the home counties (judging by the accent) enquiring about new trousers. The female assistant, a proper Cornish maid,  responded with the question, "what size, cock?"

I am sure he added a couple of inches on, just for good measure.




Edit note: Quote marks corrected, purely for clarity. CfN.

« Last Edit: January 06, 2018, 09:55:32 by chuffed » Logged
Red Squirrel
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« Reply #23 on: January 04, 2018, 12:47:54 »

"Skip" suffices in all circumstances, doesn't it?
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LiskeardRich
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« Reply #24 on: January 04, 2018, 16:09:59 »

Many years ago, in M&S Falmouth, I witnessed a male holiday make from the home counties (judging by the accent) enquiring about new trousers. The female assistant, a proper Cornish maid,  responded with the question, "what size, cock?"





My gran worked in Various falmouth shops in the 60s, 70s and 80s. I wasn’t born then but remember as always addressing everyone as ‘Alright my cock’.
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Andy
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« Reply #25 on: January 05, 2018, 14:48:19 »

Many years ago, in M&S Falmouth, I witnessed a male holiday make from the home counties (judging by the accent) enquiring about new trousers. The female assistant, a proper Cornish maid,  responded with the question, "what size, cock?"

 

My gran worked in Various falmouth shops in the 60s, 70s and 80s. I wasn’t born then but remember as always addressing everyone as ‘Alright my cock’.
Good luck to anyone trying to impose a standard form of address in Cornwall: me 'ansome, my beauty, my love(r), my bird, pard, cock, mate....

In my view, any one of them, when said with a smile and in a kind tone, is more personal and welcoming than "Sir."
« Last Edit: January 06, 2018, 09:44:25 by Andy » Logged
froome
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« Reply #26 on: January 05, 2018, 17:03:54 »


I prefer to be addressed as, "Young Man".

bliss...

OTC

I have been quite a few times, normally by people who are younger than me (I'm 65). It does make your day.

Like Andy I really dislike anyone calling me Sir.
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stuving
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« Reply #27 on: January 05, 2018, 18:23:19 »


I prefer to be addressed as, "Young Man".

bliss...

OTC

I have been quite a few times, normally by people who are younger than me (I'm 65). It does make your day.

i'd agree with that, though it hasn't happened for a while. But there is a danger - that you've just turned you irony detector right down to "American".
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #28 on: January 05, 2018, 21:48:58 »

'Chris from Nailsea'

Is that what's on your name badge?  Tongue


It is on the one I've personalised ...  Grin

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William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament, or Mile Post (a method of measuring the railway in miles and chains from a starting point - usually London), depending on context) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: Stop, Look, Listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
TonyK
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« Reply #29 on: January 05, 2018, 23:38:50 »

I agree with you there TG. Sir and Madam is what it should be. Until and unless a name is given. And if a customer says they'd like to be addressed by title and surname then that's what staff should do. That's how I was taught in the hospitality trade.


Similar in my former line of work. The rules of engagement prescribed a "friendly but not familiar" approach, which I took as meaning title and name when known, Sir or Madam otherwise. My visiting cards and all letters I sent out had my abbreviated forename and surname, so I didn't mind being called that, although I found most people would stick to Mr FT, N! face to face.

I was called quite a few other things, some quite amusing.
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