Posted September 17, 2007 in . Tagged with .
I cringe every time I hear another retailer refer to their customers as "guests." I'm not sure where this trend started - maybe Wal-Mart? - but it's really become ubiquitous, and I hate it for two reasons.
First it's a mealy-mouthed technically incorrect euphemism that does our language no justice. Oh I suppose I understand the patronizing message the retailers are trying to send their employees - treat us uncouth customers as family members rather than trespassers. But we're not your guest - you didn't invite me, I'm not visiting to share a social activity, I sure didn't bring along a bottle of wine or bouquet, and I am not the least bit interested in your Aunt Mildred's battle with psoriasis.
Second, this usage blurs and demeans the concept of both "guest" AND "customer." There seems to be an implicit assumption on the part of these retailers that "guests" are better than "customers." I think not - when you're in business the customer is the most important person in the world. You learn from your customer, you earn from your customer, he/she is god. In reality, I think the big box guys have it wrong - treat me a like a valued customer, not a guest, and I will come back.
My customers here at FRED are retail store buyers, and I hope you buyers out there feel well-treated by the FRED team. I know I can guarantee one thing - we will never call you our guest.
Rant over. Fred
Comments
Babeala, on 09/19/07