Am I the only one who has a problem with the level of customer service in Jamaica?
We
see it time and time again. You enter into a store, restaurant, bank
etc. and you encounter a scene where a customer is upset about the way
he/she is being spoken to 'like dem ah nuhbody'. The message that comes
across as a result of the inappropriate behaviour of those in the
service industry is that if you're not a 'big shot' or 'you don't behave
badly' you won't get the proper service.
Let me replay one of my own personal incidents with you all.
(This is a long rant so prepare)
Earlier
in the summer I went to the NCB on campus with two of my friends for
the coin Wednesdays drive that they have. Every Wednesday except the
last Wednesday of the month NCB does a coin exchange. Now my friends had
made previous attempts to do this however, they were met with some
tidbits or information such as they do not do the exchange on the last
wednesday of the month and coins have to be in clear plastic bags that
led to their postponement of their going.
Anyways, they went and after waiting a long time in the line they reach a
teller. One of those full of attitude too. So since they were both
exchanging coins they decided to just go together. After presenting
their coins they are further informed that it has to be 100 coins or
less. Ok no problem just put some here and there and make it work (this
is after they've counted and separated the coins based on value).
(This is a lot, you should take a breather! :))
After
they've done this, she weighs the coins 'this is not 100' and hands
back the coins. Now she said a hundred or less, so we were like one has
96 and another 98 what's the problem? Despite all this remained calm and
just did it over. Since it was taking long I decided to pitch in and
make it move faster. Counting counting counting. She hands back a bag
this is not a hundred so I had 25 extra coins and took the bag. I asked
her 'how much is in there?' No answer! Ok so I just add the 25 coins I
had and give her back then she proceeds to ask me how much in the bag so
I look at her and say idk you just counted and I added 25 coins you
figure it out. And imagine after she had finished with one of my friends
she's like I'll be back to the other and go to other customers who were
waiting; taking an extensive time before she returned and then pawn my
friend off to another teller.
The main problem I had on
that day was her attitude. Her behaviour from the get-go was completely
rude. I mean I understand you may have had a long day but it's your job
and we were not being rude to you so you should give us the same
respect. And this is not an isolated incident it happens at many places
across the island where the staff treat the 'locals', 'the poorer or
middle-class looking set', 'the younger persons' or 'the elderly' like
if they don't deserve the same respect you'd give the rich and powerful
and it NEEDS TO STOP.
I AM HUMAN and I DESERVE RESPECT.
(Break #2 Almost there!)
It
doesn't matter where a person is from, treat them with due respect and
serve with a friendly smile and the professionalism that makes everyone
respect you. Yes you will always have rude and impatient customers BUT
maintain your professionalism and give good service!
This
is my rant and message for today! If you've read this far, THANK YOU SO
MUCH! And be the change you wish to see in the world.
Much Love,
Nella :)
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from LIME.
