During the last 72 hours (actually for much longer period than that, months, years-) I was called ‘Tannie” [Aunt] as well as ‘Ouma’ [Grandma] when ordering or purchasing items. At least 20 times. Per Day...
Bloody hell, do I really look that old? Oh man...what to say or think....? Even worse, do I need plastic surgery?
OK...
First, let's go with ‘Tannie’ (Aunt) But I am very, very far from ‘Ouma’( grandma) I think? (For what that may be worth. I also know grand mothers, much younger than teenagers. In looks as well as in spirit)
But you know what, even if I were an Ouma or great-great Grandmother -
You and your staff have no right, to use any of these familial terms when professionally dealing with me, my family, or with any customer for that matter.
I am not the only one expressing these concerns or issues...Others, are simply too damn decent to complain (Or too scared).
Offside I have to mention, I have stealthily gotten used to being called ‘Tannie’ in my own town – though I hate it - during the last couple of years.
Which is also the reason I am always so much looking forward to our monthly Big Town trips...
These trips... When visiting the larger cities (which some of us call the actual “Civilisation”) - There, they call me and us Mevrou [or Mrs] and “U” [Afrikaans] or Madam, or such – not ”Jy”, “Jou” or once again – “Tannie” or “Ouma”.
When I spend hard earned monies, I want to be treated professionally by the providers of the service/s. Of course I also want a personal touch - being a typical customer.
That however, surely does not mean addressing me as if I am part of the family - unless I ask you to .
So… this far...I try to refrain buying locally, and then rather buy in bulk where needed when visiting the larger cities. Simply because too often your staff does not know how to address me professionally (I really do not want to walk away feeling old after dealing with your 'shop' per se).
I do realise I/we live in a rural environment. Next week, I might be addressed even worse. (The moment someone starts calling me great-grand mother, I might have to contract some AK47’s from wherever LoL…)
Most Afrikaans people, educate their children to say ‘Aunt’ and ‘Uncle’ etc, as token of respect. I have no problem with this.
In Black or African cultures, Ouma’ [Magog] is also considered a token of respect.
But would you mind very much, to also educate or train your staff, to use a bit of more, professional language during working hours?
Really, there is a difference!
And THIS is my issue. When buying something, I am not your family. I am not there to get a cultural lesson, or to have to think and debate or to reflect where you come from and why you address me whatever.
I want to buy my groceries or clothing or what's needed, to negotiate the costs objectively, and feel on top of the world when I walk out of there; and be addressed as if I am a valuable customer slash person (and not to worry about my age or looks when walking back to my car).
As to what you night expect from me as customer...
I am not necessarily going to say anything…I am not going to make a scene.
I will be the perfect customer.
But please do consider the definition of a perfect customer as well –
A perfect customer does not complain too much….or ever… A perfect customer simply disappears and simply buy somewhere else!!! Perfect customers, at times just walk away without you even knowing about them...at all. Perfect customers, simply never buy again, from you.
Not necessarily because you don’t offer good or the best products but, because - we really don’t like the way your staff address us and [possibly] influence our self-esteems.
I also realise, that culture makes a difference. Meaning that, in different cultures, sometimes ‘Tannie’ and ‘Ouma’ are considered respectful terms. As mentioned already.
Once again, there is something we call a “professional language”. .. As mentioned above...
And, I/ all us consumers; expect it from all Managers, from all Shops; to instruct and train all staff as such – to use professional language.
So, train your staff professionally!
Otherwise you just might lose us all as clients!!
Bloody hell, do I really look that old? Oh man...what to say or think....? Even worse, do I need plastic surgery?
OK...
First, let's go with ‘Tannie’ (Aunt) But I am very, very far from ‘Ouma’( grandma) I think? (For what that may be worth. I also know grand mothers, much younger than teenagers. In looks as well as in spirit)
But you know what, even if I were an Ouma or great-great Grandmother -
You and your staff have no right, to use any of these familial terms when professionally dealing with me, my family, or with any customer for that matter.
I am not the only one expressing these concerns or issues...Others, are simply too damn decent to complain (Or too scared).
Offside I have to mention, I have stealthily gotten used to being called ‘Tannie’ in my own town – though I hate it - during the last couple of years.
Which is also the reason I am always so much looking forward to our monthly Big Town trips...
These trips... When visiting the larger cities (which some of us call the actual “Civilisation”) - There, they call me and us Mevrou [or Mrs] and “U” [Afrikaans] or Madam, or such – not ”Jy”, “Jou” or once again – “Tannie” or “Ouma”.
When I spend hard earned monies, I want to be treated professionally by the providers of the service/s. Of course I also want a personal touch - being a typical customer.
That however, surely does not mean addressing me as if I am part of the family - unless I ask you to .
So… this far...I try to refrain buying locally, and then rather buy in bulk where needed when visiting the larger cities. Simply because too often your staff does not know how to address me professionally (I really do not want to walk away feeling old after dealing with your 'shop' per se).
I do realise I/we live in a rural environment. Next week, I might be addressed even worse. (The moment someone starts calling me great-grand mother, I might have to contract some AK47’s from wherever LoL…)
Most Afrikaans people, educate their children to say ‘Aunt’ and ‘Uncle’ etc, as token of respect. I have no problem with this.
In Black or African cultures, Ouma’ [Magog] is also considered a token of respect.
But would you mind very much, to also educate or train your staff, to use a bit of more, professional language during working hours?
Really, there is a difference!
And THIS is my issue. When buying something, I am not your family. I am not there to get a cultural lesson, or to have to think and debate or to reflect where you come from and why you address me whatever.
I want to buy my groceries or clothing or what's needed, to negotiate the costs objectively, and feel on top of the world when I walk out of there; and be addressed as if I am a valuable customer slash person (and not to worry about my age or looks when walking back to my car).
As to what you night expect from me as customer...
I am not necessarily going to say anything…I am not going to make a scene.
I will be the perfect customer.
But please do consider the definition of a perfect customer as well –
A perfect customer does not complain too much….or ever… A perfect customer simply disappears and simply buy somewhere else!!! Perfect customers, at times just walk away without you even knowing about them...at all. Perfect customers, simply never buy again, from you.
Not necessarily because you don’t offer good or the best products but, because - we really don’t like the way your staff address us and [possibly] influence our self-esteems.
I also realise, that culture makes a difference. Meaning that, in different cultures, sometimes ‘Tannie’ and ‘Ouma’ are considered respectful terms. As mentioned already.
Once again, there is something we call a “professional language”. .. As mentioned above...
And, I/ all us consumers; expect it from all Managers, from all Shops; to instruct and train all staff as such – to use professional language.
So, train your staff professionally!
Otherwise you just might lose us all as clients!!
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