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Thread: Acceptable behaviour to customer -

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    Platinum Member sterne.law@gmail.com's Avatar
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    Acceptable behaviour to customer -

    I have an actual scenario and would like a public opinion. It revolves around sense of humuor. humuor is subjective and what one person believes to be funny, another is offended. By the same token, something funny today may offend me tomorrow.
    i will list a few scenarios and would liek to know if any offend you.
    You are a gambler in the casino, you have not lost or won money and are not inebriated. You are thus a reasonable person.

    You ask why the machine is not accepting your money - the attendant replies "perhaps the ink is still wet"
    You ask which machine is paying the best - the attendant replies "the ATM"
    You ask for a light - the attendant points you to a light on the ceiling
    You hand the attendant a R20 and ask the attendant to break it for you - the attendant tears the note in half and offers both back
    You ask for a hand - teh attendant starts applauding.

    Would any of these, in most circumstances and on most occassions, offend you?
    Anthony Sterne

    www.acumenholdings.co.za
    DISCLAIMER The above is merely a comment in discussion form and an open public arena. It does not constitute a legal opinion or professional advice in any manner or form.

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    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sterne.law@gmail.com View Post
    Would any of these, in most circumstances and on most occassions, offend you?
    Define "offend".

    I wouldn't throw my toys out the cot, but I certainly wouldn't be impressed - unless the attendant was Barry Hilton

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    I did have a mild chuckle reading them, but if I try and put myself in the actual situation, I would expect the attendant to immediately (without further prompting) provide the required answer or assistance after his little joke.

    If he did not I would probably be irritated, but I don't think I would be offended.

    The only possible exception is the tearing of the note. I would consider that one to be pushing things a bit far. Somehow I doubt it will be replaced, and then I would be pretty mad ... but still not offended, I don't think.

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    Email problem daveob's Avatar
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    I would usually find all those scenarios humorous and light hearted - comes from having lived with my fathers strange sense of british humour for so many years. I would have a good laugh with the attendant and then move on to addressing the problem / question.

    For the torn R20, I would politely refuse the return and ask for R20 in coins ( for the slots ) or two R10 notes as change.

    For most, I would imagine that any more than one ( or possibly 2 ) of those ( at the same time ) would be sufficient, before the attendant moves into the 'smart ass' department.

    Each situation, separate and alone by itself, should not offend.

    Also, the attendant, being sharp with the replies, should be equally sharp enough to judge the 'limit' and mood of the customer based on the reaction to the attendants first reply.
    Watching the ships passing by.

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    Platinum Member sterne.law@gmail.com's Avatar
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    In all situations, the correct answer or action would be forthcoming. So the light would be given, the money sorted out for the R20 and the non accepting note, etc.

    Offend - hmmm, I thin throw toys would be an unreasonable person in any of the situations. Lets define it has exceeding mild irritation and of a nature taht you would want to speak to say a manager.
    Anthony Sterne

    www.acumenholdings.co.za
    DISCLAIMER The above is merely a comment in discussion form and an open public arena. It does not constitute a legal opinion or professional advice in any manner or form.

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    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
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    It is difficult to assess humour without observing the body language and actual situation. There is a difference between humour and provocation.
    Excellence is not a skill; its an attitude...

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    Email problem solweb's Avatar
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    No Acceptable

    Quote Originally Posted by sterne.law@gmail.com View Post
    I have an actual scenario and would like a public opinion. It revolves around sense of humuor. humuor is subjective and what one person believes to be funny, another is offended. By the same token, something funny today may offend me tomorrow.
    i will list a few scenarios and would liek to know if any offend you.
    You are a gambler in the casino, you have not lost or won money and are not inebriated. You are thus a reasonable person.

    You ask why the machine is not accepting your money - the attendant replies "perhaps the ink is still wet"
    You ask which machine is paying the best - the attendant replies "the ATM"
    You ask for a light - the attendant points you to a light on the ceiling
    You hand the attendant a R20 and ask the attendant to break it for you - the attendant tears the note in half and offers both back
    You ask for a hand - teh attendant starts applauding.

    Would any of these, in most circumstances and on most occassions, offend you?
    That sort of answer is not acceptable in any situation. Some may find amusing others will be offended. A smile and an offer to help or answer the question or get a supervisor to hep would be more appropriate
    Michael Vella
    Web Presence Solutions - www.solutionsweb.co.za

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    you tear my money in half and hand it back...chances are you gona get a clout...maybe just a flat hand across the ear.

    all the others i would laugh and walk away...depending on my mood but on most occassions...make a comment like smart ass...but take no action.

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    Diamond Member AndyD's Avatar
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    I would say most people wouldn't throw toys but it would be reasonable to assume if you did this to enough people one of them will eventually take offence and provide a reaction. So from the employee's point of view you wouldn't treat people like this if you weren't expecting a warm ear eventually. We've all seen the Leon Schuster skits, it's only a matter of time before someone over-reacts or gives him a PK.
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    i would be careful messing with other peoples space.
    Last edited by murdock; 06-Oct-11 at 08:10 AM. Reason: neagtive response

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