It’s always good to go out and shop and see the world through a customer’s eyes. Not just at your own place of business, but at other restaurant and retailers as well.
Last week, I was shopping at Best Buy with a friend and her children. While we were only there for about 15 minutes, the entire experience was a great one. From the time we entered and were greeted, to the time we spent with the salesperson on the floor, all staff members were helpful and tolerant of our endless questions.
And then it came time to check out. Our register person was a neat kid – young, clean- cut, conversational – all the things you hope and pray for when it comes to hourly help.
As we were leaving, we thanked him by name. After all, his name was on his name tag. But it was the lame “Hello My Name Is” tag that you get at networking sessions or Chamber meetings. So of course I said, “Hey, are you new?” Instantly, I was thinking that he was a new employee – hence the happy smile and good disposition. “No,” he said. I’ve been here for two years.” Two years. That kid has been there for the two years and he’s wearing a sad little temporary name tag. Doesn’t he deserve more? A name tag that proudly displays his name.
I’ll give Best Buy an A for having a name tag. But… come on.
I know hourly employees come and go and you’re thinking “so why spend the money?” But there are lots of ways to provide name tags that are customizable. So if any employee leaves, you can tear off their name, print a new name on the hand held machine and stick it on there. There are reusable options.
And if you don’t utilize name tags at your store…shame on you. The sweetest sound to a person is their name. If a name tag program is in place, customers aren’t forced to yell “Hey Mister, Sir, Missy, You!” when they need something.
And name tags inspire that personal touch…something we are all aspiring to achieve.
Last week, I was shopping at Best Buy with a friend and her children. While we were only there for about 15 minutes, the entire experience was a great one. From the time we entered and were greeted, to the time we spent with the salesperson on the floor, all staff members were helpful and tolerant of our endless questions.
And then it came time to check out. Our register person was a neat kid – young, clean- cut, conversational – all the things you hope and pray for when it comes to hourly help.
As we were leaving, we thanked him by name. After all, his name was on his name tag. But it was the lame “Hello My Name Is” tag that you get at networking sessions or Chamber meetings. So of course I said, “Hey, are you new?” Instantly, I was thinking that he was a new employee – hence the happy smile and good disposition. “No,” he said. I’ve been here for two years.” Two years. That kid has been there for the two years and he’s wearing a sad little temporary name tag. Doesn’t he deserve more? A name tag that proudly displays his name.
I’ll give Best Buy an A for having a name tag. But… come on.
I know hourly employees come and go and you’re thinking “so why spend the money?” But there are lots of ways to provide name tags that are customizable. So if any employee leaves, you can tear off their name, print a new name on the hand held machine and stick it on there. There are reusable options.
And if you don’t utilize name tags at your store…shame on you. The sweetest sound to a person is their name. If a name tag program is in place, customers aren’t forced to yell “Hey Mister, Sir, Missy, You!” when they need something.
And name tags inspire that personal touch…something we are all aspiring to achieve.
