The normal mode of interaction with an individual acting in a customer service capacity is one of courtesy but detachment — hello there, I’d like to purchase this. Yes, that will be all. I’m doing fine, thanks, and I’ll ask you how you’re doing in return, but I’m only making small talk and I don’t know you, so I don’t really care.
Of course, this all goes out the window when you become… a regular.
Case in point: The Noodle Box. They take your name when you place your order so they can call you when it’s ready. Being a frequent customer, a couple of the cashiers now know me by name, which changes the whole customer-employee dynamic. First of all, I suddenly have to find out their names. I advise doing this the first time they remember you, because the longer you wait, the more embarassing it is to have to say “I’m sorry, what’s your name again?” And now that I know their names, what are my social obligations to them? Can I say hi to them on the street? Should I be inviting them to parties?
Seriously though, it’s nice to be recognized. I should really start ordering the same thing every time so I can go in and just ask Suzanne or Amanda for “the usual”.
Comments
One response to “Where everybody knows your name”
Been there. I did that whole – wait too long before I asked for names thing and they don’t take names at the coffe shop, they just learn them through some weird small town grapevine. And I do get the usual which is complicated and when I don’t, I get in trouble.
No – you don’t invite them to parties. They’re not friends with the customers, they’re learning your name b/c it’s their service to make you feel like you belong. I have nothing in common with the coffee girls except we meet at the shop and talk coffee orders… so unless you think Suzanne and Amanda are totally engrossed in their noodles, you’re not gonna wanna invite them to parties – unless it’s a noodle bash.