Retailers can serve both phone and store customers

Dear Heloise: In response to phone etiquette in businesses, how many people have called a place of business only to have the phone ring and ring and ring, without even a pickup and a “please hold”?

I do understand the customer’s concern about “being there” and that full attention should be paid to the customer who is in the store. Unfortunately, the person on the phone cannot see through the phone to observe another customer.

In the retail business in which I was an assistant manager, there were many days when I was working alone because business did not warrant a second employee. So, there were many times the phone would ring while I was attending to a customer, and I would politely ask the customer if he or she could wait just a minute so I could at least acknowledge the phone customer. Most of the time, the customers were very polite and understanding, knowing that there were times they were the ones calling.

In any case, the most important thing to remember is that all of our customers are important — the ones who are there, and the ones on the phone. Carrie in Canton, Ohio

Read on for another complaint from the retail world:

Sound off

Dear Heloise: I work in a gift shop, and frequently customers bring their merchandise to the counter while chatting on a cell phone. I feel this is extremely rude.

Customers who ignore me and continue to talk on the phone have no regard for me as a person. I am insulted. I work very hard at customer service in my store and encourage the women who work for me to do the same, and I feel that my friendly, courteous behavior should be acknowledged. A Reader in Florida, via e-mail

Well, folks, there are two or three sides to every story! Heloise

Dear Heloise: I reuse metal tins that mints come in to hold safety and straight pins. I use fingernail polish to write on the top what’s inside. P.C., via e-mail

Don’t you just love those tins? They have a multitude of uses. Here are some from Heloise Central:

• Store small paper and binder clips.

• Store beads and crafting supplies.

• Store jewelry when traveling.

• Store rubber bands.

• Store extra bread- or trash-bag ties.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I read your column every day in the Billings (Mont.) Gazette. When I moved into my apartment and had to use the complex’s laundry room, I put clothes in the washer, set my cooking timer, and then I knew when to remove them and put them in the dryer. Then I timed the dryer to know when my clothes would be ready to come out. Gladys Wyman, Worland, Wyo.

Dear Heloise: I had a problem keeping plastic wrap on bowls in the fridge. I solved the problem by using shower caps. Wash and reuse! LaVonne F., San Marcos, Calif.

SBlt Send 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.

King Features Syndicate