It has been awhile since I've ranted on anything, but this really rubbed me the wrong way.The other day, I went to the bookstore to pick up a book for a friend.
You should know that the book I went to purchase was sort of a collector's item.
I asked a store clerk to show me where I could find the book and he kindly showed me where it was.
On the shelf, there was a nicely shrink wrapped copy and one that was unwrapped for people to browse through.
I picked up the shrink wrapped copy and proceeded to the cashier.
The cashier took out a sheet of paper that is often found inside all books in Japan and then without asking, thinking she was doing me a favor and giving me good customer service, she ripped through the shrink wrap!
I gasped! (because I knew having the shrink wrap undone lessens the value of the collector's item)
She stopped mid-way and said, "but don't you want a cover?"
I said, "actually I was planning to give this away"
She said, "oh, so you wanted it gift wrapped?"
I said, "um no, actually I wanted to keep it shrink wrapped"
Then she gasped and apologized and proceeded back to the shelf to get a newly shrink wrapped copy, only there were no others.
She then ran to the backroom (where I think she re-shrink wrapped the book), and came out with a shrink wrapped copy.
Most times, before you even have a chance to say anything, most of these clerks do things without asking, assuming that it is what you want.
I don't know, to me, it is more of an inconvenience rather than good customer service.
Hope you have a good week!
12 comments:
Wow must've been a special book! :)
Hmm that's an interesting situation. I've bought shrink wrapped books in NYC, and the store clerk would never ever THINK to unwrap it!
I encountered this in Japan too. I didn't like it either. They cut tags and stickers off without even asking.
So interesting because I don't recall this happening in the States (or London, come to think of it). Regardless, I'm sure I would've been rather bothered too!
The good news is that she was able to fix it at least, but that would be very frustrating. ;-)
It was a super-hero book Dennis :p
I know which is why I was so shocked Kathy!
Dunno why they can't just ask first Sarah, save everyone grief!
Just recalling it sends me into fits Jude ;)
I know! can you imagine if that was truly the last book Debinhawaii :0
Take care everyone!
Kat
Either she was dizzy and not thinking or maybe she was a newbie. What a dingaling.
dingaling, now that's a word I've not heard in a while Rowena, made me giggle :)
Take care.
Kat
How rude! So much for customer's service. Bookstores seem to be in such a robotic mode that they don't even think they just act.
Did you use Japanese or English? I don't use English much while out and about but I have a friend who can speak Japanese but chooses to use English because she said she gets better service. Interesting no?
I only use Japanese Sequoia, mainly because I look Asian. Sometimes using English and looking Asian just got me weird looks instead of better service.
Take care.
Kat
My friend is Japanese but born in Canada and swears by speaking English. I'm half Japanese so I don't know what people think but I'm going to give it a try:)
okay, will be interested in hearing what happens Sequoia :)
Take care.
Kat
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