Customer compliments competent cashiers

Dear Heloise: “Your neighborhood cashier” is right about customers talking on the phone during a transaction. (This was a reader comment.— Heloise) We do seem to have lost the understanding of etiquette, which simply means considering the other person and, in the case mentioned, closing the phone until later.

I am equally annoyed by the cashier who doesn’t look at you when beginning the exchange (or any other time she is waiting on you), likely doesn’t greet you, is often engaged in a conversation with another cashier, wipes her nose on her hand, or coughs or sneezes into her hand and then continues to handle my food as if everything is just fine.

In a grocery store I patronize, there is one cashier whose line I try to get into. She always, without fail, looks at me, greets me with a smile and exchanges pleasantries. She is efficient, does not allow herself to be distracted while doing her job, and she thanks me with a smile when she gives me my change. Her entire demeanor is pleasant and cheerful, rather than the sullenness I often see. She seems to take pride in her job and in doing it well. Kudos to good cashiers! Marjie, via e-mail

Marjie, the retail industry is filled with good and not-so-good employees. The good deserve a gold star, so let the manager know! And folks, if you receive good or exceptional “phone service,” ask to speak to a supervisor so you can compliment the representative. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I read your column in the Texarkana (Texas/Arkansas) Gazette and have for years, and as a child growing up, I read your mother’s column in the Hope (Arkansas) Star.

When using a public restroom that does not have a hook for your purse, I use a seat liner. I place the liner on the floor and put my purse on top of it. When done, the liner can be easily disposed of.

Also, I keep a package of hand wipes in my purse for a quick wipe-down of a sticky grocery-cart handle or of leftover sticky spots at a restaurant. Linda Gazzolo, Texarkana, Texas

Linda, these are two good “keep it clean” hints. Both newspapers you mentioned have been longtime clients! Say hello to my friends in Hope and Texarkana. I enjoyed my visits in both cities. Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I prepare peppers to be stuffed, I cut them in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds and membranes. I fill each half with the hamburger mixture and bake them as the recipe directs for time and temperature. Much easier to handle and serve. Delores, Aztec, N.M.

Dear Heloise: For people who use spray cans (paint, starch, antiperspirant, etc.), after each use, turn the can upside down and spray a couple of times. This will prevent clogging of the outlet of the can. Tony in Coronado, Calif.

XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

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