Yesterday morning I went on an adventure into Hillcrest – what I call the “vintage” part of downtown San Diego – which houses a number of various shops and eateries. I wanted to buy a pendant for a necklace that I’m making for a jewelry customer, but the bead store wasn’t open. So, I thought I'd pass the time by getting a cup of coffee in a bakery store.
When I walked in, there was only one customer at the counter, so I stood behind him waiting for my turn. I stepped to the side of him to look at the display of pastries, when in walks another customer and somehow got served next.
That's OK, I thought. Maybe the cashier thought I was still trying to decide what I wanted. Again, I stood behind the customer waiting for my turn. Then another customer walks in and stands right where I was just standing looking at the display of pastries. The cashier calls over another person, "Can you help this lady, please?" as she points to the customer that should have been behind me!
Was I invisible?
Of course, I should have spoken up. But I walked out and got a coffee at Peet's Coffee Shop, which was right next door.
This is why you should always ask, "Can I help the next customer in line?" Never assume someone is next, especially when there are a few people standing waiting to be served and there isn't a designated waiting line.
I learned my lesson when I was a cashier and got chewed out by a customer for not asking who was next to be helped. It's a good thing to look up and pay attention to your customers that are waiting and at least acknowledge them. Read more about this in a previous post titled How To Handle A Long Line.
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