Store clerks, minimum wage, + service quality

[Jstpssng]

Sorry, but this is another rant. I went into the local general store tonight. The clerk was talking on the phone when her lab started growling and barking at me. I went over to let him sniff me and almost lost my hand; meanwhile she was still yakking.
Went about my business; when she rang me up it seemed low... she was so busy talking on the phone I had to remind her of the gas I had told her I purchased.

Tomorrow I'm going back to talk to the owner. There is a bit of responsibility involved if you want to have a dog in public places.

Sorry, end of rant.

 

[scoutcub]

A reasonable rant....!

 

[KTurner]

Minimum wage? What makes you say that? People making much more than minimum wage can be irresponsible and provide crappy customer service just as easily as someone making minimum wage, if not more so (they're comfortable where they're at so they're not trying to better their situation, they feel entitled due to rank/seniority, etc)

Definitely talk to the owner though.. at least 3 or 4 problems going on, any of which could significantly hurt his/her business (liability due to dog, health code, bad customer service, goods not being paid/charged for).

 

[Travelover]

You have a legitimate beef, on several counts. I like dogs as much as anyone, but it is unreasonable to have to deal with an unfriendly dog while going into a business.

This clerk needs a new job.

 

[20 20]

I have to agree that your clerk may have been on the lazy side not giving a hoot.

I have to disagree with all the naysayers about the dog, I feel the clerk{she} had a good security guard. Did you go to the dog

I went over to let him sniff me

or did the dog run at you? I have had people{strangers} come to my place and try to be dog friendly, I simply say "leave them be, they leave you be !" I have nothing against a dog standing it's ground and doing what I would expect. Now if the dog outright attacked without being provoked "in any way" then that is a different case.

 

[blueriver]

I have to agree that your clerk may have been on the lazy side not giving a hoot.

I have to disagree with all the naysayers about the dog, I feel the clerk{she} had a good security guard. Did you go to the dog or did the dog run at you? I have had people{strangers} come to my place and try to be dog friendly, I simply say "leave them be, they leave you be !" I have nothing against a dog standing it's ground and doing what I would expect. Now if the dog outright attacked without being provoked "in any way" then that is a different case.

I don't think the dog should be allowed at a public place of business ... the clerk if on the store phone for business may be okay unless the conversation was of a personal nature ... if it was a cell phone absolutly not.

If she was not sitting her dog, talking on the phone and paying attention to her job ... the check out amount would have more than likely the correct amount.

Todays work ethics certainly should be looked at.

 

[20 20]

I don't think the dog should be allowed at a public place of business ...

I have to disagree until you or I pay for the place of business then it is not up to us to tell how it is run. Not saying that it's the smartest option but the last I checked it is a free country. We also do not know the temper of the dog or if it was there for protection, clerks have one of the most dangerous jobs. When stationed in Germany we had the honor of working next to the german guards and their dogs. Those dogs WILL NOT attack unless provoked, we were strictly warned not to touch them. Not saying this is the same case and she should have told the OP "Don't mess with the dog !" again she clearly was not doing her job. From what I read it seems the OP went on about his business and had no issues with the dog?

the clerk if on the store phone for business may be okay unless the conversation was of a personal nature ... if it was a cell phone absolutly not.

Why can't a cell phone be used, seen many folks talking on cell phones doing business? Maybe it was personal and maybe it was an emergency? probably was not,? but there are allways atleast 2 sides to a story.

If she was not sitting her dog, talking on the phone and paying attention to her job ... the check out amount would have more than likely the correct amount.

I agree many varibles came into play, and at the very least she should say "don't mess with the dog !" Also as adults we should not assume that every pup out there wants to be handled by strangers {just a thought??} I do not know both sides of the story, for all I know the OP could have been tired and in a bad mood.

((side note)) Jstpssng; I don't feel you have any reason to miss lead us, I just wanted to point out there may be more to the story. I have no doubts that this clerk could use a lesson or 2 in work ethics. As far as the dog goes maybe you could let us know if it was there for security reasons{if you talk to the boss}. I personally don't have a problem with a security animal as long as it does not attack for no reason. If it was/is there for security maybe it should be kept behind the counter and the store could put up signs??

Todays work ethics certainly should be looked at.

I've been saying this for years, finally gave up, seems everyone agrees but there is a high majority that don't have any.

 

[sodamo]

To me the dog is the least of the problems, especially if there in a security role. The clerk was rude and inattentive from what I read. If the the phone call was so important, then a quick explanation to you, otherwise put the caller on hold and give full attention to her job. Just my 2 cents.

 

[rjkobbeman]

I have to agree that your clerk may have been on the lazy side not giving a hoot.

I have to disagree with all the naysayers about the dog, I feel the clerk{she} had a good security guard. Did you go to the dog or did the dog run at you? I have had people{strangers} come to my place and try to be dog friendly, I simply say "leave them be, they leave you be !" I have nothing against a dog standing it's ground and doing what I would expect. Now if the dog outright attacked without being provoked "in any way" then that is a different case.

In a public place of business, it does not matter what the customer did to the dog.

You can tell you customers to "leave them be", however if you dog bites a customer, you can pretty much kiss your business good-bye. It does not matter the circumstances. If your business was open for business and the customer was not breaking in and/or attacking someone, you are in the wrong. Case closed.

An unfriendly dog in a place of business that intimidates customers is bad for business and poses a liability to the business.

 

[beppington]

I'd go to another store. Or, if there isn't one, open one yourself :thumbsup: You already know it'll be easy to defeat your competition.

 

[SandburRanch]

So you take a child into the store with you. For discussion let's say the child is 3 years old. Do we need to leash the child to avoid a dog confrontation? I don't think so. I'll find another store even if I'm alone and the dog shows the slightest hint of aggression.

On the phone or maybe just visiting with a friend or another customer. I see this all the time, and this is something I would love to do but never would.

When change is required to complete the transaction, insist you gave the clerk a 50 dollar bill. 90 percent of the time that bill was placed inside the cash drawer with other bills rather than laying it on the shelf just above the drawer. Does the clerk know for sure or have any proof of what you handed to them. A 5, a 10, a 20, a 50 - they don't have a clue, because they were visiting, nor do they have any proof.

 

[20 20]

In a public place of business, it does not matter what the customer did to the dog.

You can tell you customers to "leave them be", however if you dog bites a customer, you can pretty much kiss your business good-bye. It does not matter the circumstances. If your business was open for business and the customer was not breaking in and/or attacking someone, you are in the wrong. Case closed.

An unfriendly dog in a place of business that intimidates customers is bad for business and poses a liability to the business.

what about police dogs?

My point that I have made very clear is that the OP went to the dog{not the other way around} he also wrote he did not get bit, but was afraid. I've also clearly wrote having the dog there may not be the best idea, but I don't know the whole story. I also understand what can happen when a mean dog attacks even on PRIVATE property. I will stand behind my comment about others dictating to a private business what they can or can't legally allow.

 

[orezok]

Don't be too surprised if you find out that it's the owners daughter! :laughing::laughing:

 

[sodamo]

Don't be too surprised if you find out that it's the owners daughter! :laughing::laughing:

Had similar thought - owner's relative LOL

 

[20 20]

So you take a child into the store with you. For discussion let's say the child is 3 years old. Do we need to leash the child to avoid a dog confrontation? I don't think so. I'll find another store even if I'm alone and the dog shows the slightest hint of aggression.

So if I'm reading this correct it's okay to not watch ones child ? I've been a parent for many years and have never washed my responsibilty on to another, 2 wrongs does not make a right. I also have stated that IF THE DOG ATTACKS FOR NO REASON then something should be done. Here is my quote

I personally don't have a problem with a security animal as long as it does not attack for no reason. If it was/is there for security maybe it should be kept behind the counter and the store could put up signs??

On the phone or maybe just visiting with a friend or another customer. I see this all the time, and this is something I would love to do but never would.

When change is required to complete the transaction, insist you gave the clerk a 50 dollar bill. 90 percent of the time that bill was placed inside the cash drawer with other bills rather than laying it on the shelf just above the drawer. Does the clerk know for sure or have any proof of what you handed to them. A 5, a 10, a 20, a 50 - they don't have a clue, because they were visiting, nor do they have any proof.

I have also seen this but I would not take for granted they weren't paying attention some folks are very good at multitasking . Also with everything being on camera you might just get caught I will state 1 more time I agree with the OP to the fact that this clerk {along with many others out there} just doesn't give a dang.

As far as the dog thing goes I have been into many places of business that have dogs. These are not cutilly little pups that one should walk right up to, they are there for security and really could care less if you want to pet them. I also allways ask if it is okay 1st before I go near a strange animal.

 

[rjkobbeman]

what about police dogs?

My point that I have made very clear is that the OP went to the dog{not the other way around} he also wrote he did not get bit, but was afraid. I've also clearly wrote having the dog there may not be the best idea, but I don't know the whole story. I also understand what can happen when a mean dog attacks even on PRIVATE property. I will stand behind my comment about others dictating to a private business what they can or can't legally allow.

I don't think anyone is dictating what a private business (which is really not private -- it is open to the public) can or can't do. I'm just saying you are putting yourself legally at risk. You can't invite customers into your business (which is what you do when you are open) and have your dog bite them and not expect to be sued. I'm just sayin'...

 

[Travelover]

Here is a good reason right here:

The average cost of a dog-bite claim was $24,511 in 2007, the institute found. That's 11.5% more than the year before and 28% more than in 2003.

Your dog's bite could bankrupt you - MSN Money

 

[Jstpssng]

I probably shouldn't have started this, but I was a bit irritated on all counts.

The store is the local general store I've gone to for 20 years; small town, everybody knows everybody. I used to bring my own dog in when she was a pup and I wanted to socialise her.

The clerk is nearly my age, has owned a store herself and should know better. The dog started barking as soon as I came through the door; I probably shouldn't have approached him. (He was laying next to the door.)

My recently departed lab was very alpha; I've had similar experiences in another store which had a golden retriever. I don't know if they somehow can smell that dominance on my clothes Yeah I've done laundry, but probably haven't washed my coat.

It doesn't bother me to see a dog in the store; however, I believe that a little responsibility should be accepted.
When he started growling she should have put the phone down and addressed that issue.

Some 20 years ago the previous store owner had a GSD in the store which bit more than one person; IMHO a dog which can't be trusted has no business being in a public place. That's my opinion, doesn't mean I'm right or wrong.

 

[20 20]

Jstpssng; agree with your last post, sorry I made previous confusing posts, just trying to shed a different way of looking at. I'm glad you started the thread, at times it seems no one respects themselves nor will take responsibilty for their actions. We live in the "ME" world atleast until it's time for responsibilty.