That sucks -- when you feel like going to a small store is going to a club you're not a member of! ;) I think that's why some big chains train their employees to be super friendly to all the customers -- it's just better business. The little mom 'n pop stores should follow their lead.

It's amazing how the little things, like a friendly, kind greeting can make us feel better ...

I wish everybody could remember that a small exchange can either make somebody's day or ruin it.

{{{hugs}}}

Walmart: Chinesemart, a subsidiary of the People's Army. Business is war, and China is winning.

I know I get treated better at large stores than I do at little ones, I think for the same reason you do -- we're not part of the "in" group. It's too bad mom-and-pop stores don't realize we are the ones keeping them open and they need to treat us right or we will go where we do get treated right. I wouldn't blame you if you went down the road to the large grocery store. Folks like to be treated respectfully and will go where they get that.

Annie

thank you, kitty kat etherize

sorry bobcj, but your computer was probably made by slave labor in china....lots of suicides at electonics plants in china.

thanks, Annie

Decades ago, before Walmart went national, there was some book about why some businesses thrive and others go broke, with good customer service some how a radical concept way back then!

There is a hardware store and a coffee shop here that always make me feel like I am an outsider. At the coffee shop it always seems like you've just interrupted the two people behind the counter in the middle of some argument. I want to support privately owned businesses, but those two places always make me feel worse for going there.

I have had good and bad with small businesses. But I so know what you mean.

there is this one place near me that is a mailing place. You can mail things, photo copy, fax, fed ex pick ups. Etc.
The nearest US Post office is 2O mins drive away. This mail place is 5 mins drive.
I have driven to the US post office over going to the mail place because the two people running it are the most miserable, discourteous sales people I know.
I walk in there and I can sense the negativity. It's a horrible atmosphere in there. And the funny thing is. They are supposedly Christians. Lol. Oh where's that joy Christians are supposedly meant to have. Lol.
really it's depressing going in there. I say hi and be friendly and it's crickets chirping. I had to go recently because it was the closest fed ex place for miles. Ugh. Couldn't wait to get out of there. I think they may have suffered some terrible loss in their life or something. Like someone died. But they've been like that for a very long time.
Whatever it is It's not good for business .

Kind service and a friendly word goes a long way with me.
Whether its a small business or a large chain store. That's what matters to me. And if I don't get it it's unlikely I will return unless I am feeling sick and have to compromise. .

Mom and pop stores are paying taxes in the area and showing a trust in the communities they are in though, that is something to be admired. I do realize none of us know what happens behind the scenes at any businesses we frequent but good business is more than just friendly employees although that is important. That being said you do whatever keeps the depression monster away. hugs.

The number one complaint among consumers today is "lack of customer service. No appreciation for shopping with the business and no care for the customer's needs after the transaction if the item needs repair or return". I can so relate to what you are saying. I have decided, even though I don't have alot to spend, that where I DO spend my money, I will feel as though I am appreciated and that the shopping experience WILL BE a positive one. I've dropped places where I haven't had a positive experience. Even complained to top management, i.e. District Managers, when the employees or managers have been rude or disrespectful or even resistant to helping me. This is a pattern all to prevelant here in the States. At least, I am noticing it in my own area, and I have heard complaints from others from other spots in the States. I worked in retail many, many years ago when I first entered the job market and the manager I worked under stressed every day before we met the customer coming in the doors that customer service was the main priority and that having the products readily available to be purchased was the primary reasons we were employed. I don't know what has happened since then. This was back in the 80's. But it sure has changed. The best response I know to address the problem is to make someone "at the top" aware that we, the consumer, are not having our needs met or are not being treated appreciatively. This may sound extreme, but with so many jobs needed, if these individuals do not appreciate their jobs or that the consumers are the reason they are employeed, then perhaps they need another occupation.

(((Hugs)))

You have just explained why so many of the mom and pop stores are going down. Not because of the big box stores necessarily, but because the clerks don't know how to treat people. I am boycotting Wal Mart at this time because of a documentary that was on about them, but I do try to help the mom and pop stores going when I can afford to. I am really sorry that there are so many people that are just in the wrong business. Hugs GB