Optic Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 You're in a convenience store. Lawsons, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc. Many shoppers queue up. They pay for their items. Then leave. Without saying a single word. Has anyone found this a little strange to get used to? In the Western world we are raised to always greet, make eye contact, smile, be friendly. Whereas this seems cold in comparison. I admit at first I was saying "arigato gozaimasu" every time I bought something but eventually cut it back to just a "domo". What are your thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drill Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 Actually, thats really common where I live. A few other things that are common are people that use their bluetooth devices, and are really annoying as they are just talking without considering those around them. Also, I have customers that will try to reach in front of me when I'm stocking without saying anything. No "excuse me" or even "could you get that item for me." People are really rude these days. Has anyone found this a little strange to get used to? In the Western world we are raised to always greet, make eye contact, smile, be friendly. Whereas this seems cold in comparison. I've actually noticed that this new generation that is being brought up are not being taught this at all, well, at least around here. I would probably blame this on technology as kids these days just see their parents being anti-social, and choose to do the same. Fortunately, for me, things like Facebook only became a thing once I was already halfway through high school. Therefore, it never really integrated into my parents life, much less my life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seacliff Posted April 30, 2015 Share Posted April 30, 2015 I've actually noticed that this new generation that is being brought up are not being taught this at all, well, at least around here. I would probably blame this on technology as kids these days just see their parents being anti-social, and choose to do the same. Fortunately, for me, things like Facebook only became a thing once I was already halfway through high school. Therefore, it never really integrated into my parents life, much less my life. This is something I relate to as well. I don't own a smart phone, but i notice many kids spending all of class texting. Back in middle school teachers got furious with it, but now they don't care in my latter half of high school. So yeah, I also blame it on technology. It's been recorded that my generation is the most intervened generation to date, and no one needs to ask why. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryuji Posted May 2, 2015 Share Posted May 2, 2015 In my part of the US, it's actually pretty common for people to speak to each other. It doesn't matter if they know the person at all. We're just friendly. We definitely acknowledge store staff as well as the other customers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanguineTear Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 Generally, most people here act friendly or at least say hello/goodbye/thank you. Seems rather awkward to me not to acknowledge store staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssjup81 Posted May 5, 2015 Share Posted May 5, 2015 I was raised the same way, so for me not showing or expressing appreciation to store clerks or staff is strange and is a habit I have yet to adopt. I still greet staff and strike up a convo occasionally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmperorQinmon Posted May 5, 2015 Share Posted May 5, 2015 Well here in Thailand it's customary to say "Khrapkunkhap" no matter what the occasion, really. Some times you can get away with just "waiing". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyePotatoes Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 I acknowledge store staffs. Say thank you after getting the things I bought. Act kind and all. But I don't do anything besides that like making conversations because that would be weird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanguineTear Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Yeah, I'm not a fan of starting conversations or when they try to start conversations with me. I just want to buy my stuff and get out, if I wanted to chat I'd do it with someone I actually enjoy chatting with, not some random person. I get quite irritated when I'm in a check out line and it's getting held up because the clerk and a customer ahead of me are chatting away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyePotatoes Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Yeah, I'm not a fan of starting conversations or when they try to start conversations with me. I just want to buy my stuff and get out, if I wanted to chat I'd do it with someone I actually enjoy chatting with, not some random person. I get quite irritated when I'm in a check out line and it's getting held up because the clerk and a customer ahead of me are chatting away. That would be really annoying. =__= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orius Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 I've mentioned this before, but again, it's so common around Singapore. Ironically, the politicians here promote a 'courtesy' campaign very often - fat load of good that did. Most people here kinda just go about their day, and store staff are no exceptions. We pay, we leave. It's a pragmatic country with little time for petty things such as courtesy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuh1000 Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 I think it's really up to the people, I work as a cashier for some extra cash. Some people really rude. Just drop some stuff on the counter and complain about random things, but most people, are pretty nice, pick up a casual conversation and what not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optic Posted August 16, 2015 Author Share Posted August 16, 2015 I've noticed that self-service terminals are becoming more and more common which completely cuts out the cashier. How do you all feel about self-service? Do you tend to use them as your first preference or you prefer to go for a cashier as much as possible? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuh1000 Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I've noticed that self-service terminals are becoming more and more common which completely cuts out the cashier. How do you all feel about self-service? Do you tend to use them as your first preference or you prefer to go for a cashier as much as possible? Well antisocial me tries to go to the self-service one whenever possible, but if there's a free cashier nearby I just go them and try not to be awkward Though I've noticed that here too, where I live, before there used to one or two self-service counters but now theres as many as 5, which is surprising since it's taking away the jobs of many people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssjup81 Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Case by case for me. Here in Japan, I prefer going to the normal counter. Back home, it depends on how many things I have and if it'll be faster to use the self checkout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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