They ask you for help finding where something is. You tell them where it is. Next thing you know, you're sitting there listening to how they're baking cookies for their grandma for her birthday, and telling you about grandma's family history.
I once had a lady explain the concept of juicing produce to me for 20 minutes. I even texted a coworker to page me to receiving (which he did not, what an *******...).
Generally I just try and not say anything other than a simple yeah and a head nod. Some folks just keep yaking. I just try and make it obvious Im trying to keep working but stepping away or around them.
-- Edited by Jhin on Tuesday 10th of April 2018 03:09:25 PM
A couple of the managers at my store are very experienced with this. I've seen them do it. Even did it to me when I ask them questions.
You go up to them and seek their attention, they respond to you immediately with eye contact, "ya, what's up?" You ask them the question, they answer, and somewhere in the middle of them answering, they immediately break eye contact, and remove whatever smile they had on their face. And if they haven't done so already, by the end of their answer, they turn their head away from you or their entire body. They do it so quickly, you just don't see it coming. Almost as if it's designed to throw you off, subconsciously. Sometimes they straight up just walk away, or say hello to someone else they know walking by and start talking to them. Any other questions or comments you have for them, unless it's to say you need serious medical attention, is met with a cold shoulder and absolutely no eye contact.
A couple of the managers at my store are very experienced with this. I've seen them do it. Even did it to me when I ask them questions.
You go up to them and seek their attention, they respond to you immediately with eye contact, "ya, what's up?" You ask them the question, they answer, and somewhere in the middle of them answering, they immediately break eye contact, and remove whatever smile they had on their face. And if they haven't done so already, by the end of their answer, they turn their head away from you or their entire body. They do it so quickly, you just don't see it coming. Almost as if it's designed to throw you off, subconsciously. Sometimes they straight up just walk away, or say hello to someone else they know walking by and start talking to them. Any other questions or comments you have for them, unless it's to say you need serious medical attention, is met with a cold shoulder and absolutely no eye contact.
Oh wow, that takes some skills. And balls. Not sure if I could pull it off.
Excellent question, btw. This issue has been bugging me for a bit. Maybe I can let them finish the sentence, then say something like: "Well that's wonderful, I'm glad I was able to help. "Have a great day and if you need anything, just let us know", while slowly pushing my cart away. Or: "Sorry, I was just paged". Or if they grab me while I'm walking somewhere: "Sorry, I was on my way to managers office when I stopped to help you, I gotta go now".
^ that's so funny, that reminds me exactly of one of our co-managers. to the person that recommended lying, that is evil advice. if you feel no shame telling a deliberate lie, what evil can you not do?
if you're working and you want to work, say 'excuse me, i have to get back to work;' there doesnt have to be animosity and you dont owe that someone your time. if you dont want to work stand there and listen. say good things back, tell them if they are generous in this life they'll become rich in another life. tell them thinking loving thoughts about everyone is the best way to get a good night's sleep
"... to the person that recommended lying, that is evil advice. if you feel no shame telling a deliberate lie, what evil can you not do?"
TRUE. There is no reason to tell an outright lie to someone who is too chatty.
PLEASE keep in mind that many of the "chatty' customers are just plain lonely, and they are hungering for someone to talk to and relate with. They might not have much of a "life" at home, and enjoy coming to the grocery store as a way of socializing. They may have no idea how they are coming across to an employee. They are probably enjoying the conversation, and would be hurt to know that the employee wasn't really interested in listening to them.
That said, the simplest and best way to cut off a conversation with a chatty customer is just to say something (as kindly and sympathetically as possible) along the lines of "I'm sorry, no offense but i REALLY TRULY have to get back to work. My boss (supervisor, manager, lead, whatever) might not be too happy to see me talking too long when I have stuff that needs to be done. I don't want to get behind" . And that IS true of almost all managers............they DON'T want you to talk too long with an individual customer as it is taking away valuable time that needs to be used for 'real work'.