Bringing Japan To The World and the World to Japan
The "Japanese" Experience - Receiving Change
Have you ever fiddled with the change you receive from the cashier in grocery stores in the US, UK and Europe?
While I lived in the UK, probably the worst part of living there was the service that I received in many places mainly because I was spoiled with the service in Japan. Those of you who have been here before understand this.
And one thing that I recall was one of the most uncomfortable times was when I received change after paying for my bills in grocery shops in the UK. You may not even notice it now because you are so used to it, but it always made me uncomfortable. Or is it only me? Let me explain.
I am one of those people who hate making the next person in line wait and boy people do like to line up in the UK too. Anyway, I especially don't like it when I'm in line to pay for my groceries. So, as much as I love spending money shopping, the worst part of the experience is when I receive the change from the cashier.
Why? Because cashiers give you the change, notes/bills, and receipt all at once. Did you notice that? Before you can really register it in your head, the cashier will put in your hand (or on the counter at times) everything they need to return to you in one quick motion. I know they are being efficient to serve the next customer as soon as possible but this efficiency sometimes is "cruel to be kind" for me.
As I mentioned earlier, I hate making people wait on my account. So what happens each time is, I tend to fiddle around putting everything back into my coin purse and swiftly leave the area. So what happens - my receipt gets crumpled up and mixed up with the bills and change. I really don't like this so I usually go aside to a corner, away from the line, to put my things in place before leaving.
Is it only me that does this? And does it really have to be like this all the time? Actually, not in Japan.
The other day, I went into a nice grocery store to get my favourite packed salad. After I mooched around the shop to find what I also felt like eating, I lined up to pay for my groceries.
After paying for my bill, I encountered the most pleasurable experience receiving back my change! The lady behind the counter said, "Let me first give you the notes first" and then handed me my notes back. Then she quickly gives me back the change in coins. And after that, she finishes off by putting the receipt in my hand, and gives me the biggest smile and sending me off with "Thank you so much for your shopping and we look forward to seeing you again soon!" I was delighted!
And the amazing thing is, this grocery store is not the only store that does this. Almost everywhere I go in Japan do this. It may be a small thing for for people like me, it's really brilliant! It doesn't take any more time to do those simple steps but it makes a big difference to me who can be relieved of the stress to receive the change.
Now that, is one of the many examples of great services in Japan.
While I lived in the UK, probably the worst part of living there was the service that I received in many places mainly because I was spoiled with the service in Japan. Those of you who have been here before understand this.
And one thing that I recall was one of the most uncomfortable times was when I received change after paying for my bills in grocery shops in the UK. You may not even notice it now because you are so used to it, but it always made me uncomfortable. Or is it only me? Let me explain.
I am one of those people who hate making the next person in line wait and boy people do like to line up in the UK too. Anyway, I especially don't like it when I'm in line to pay for my groceries. So, as much as I love spending money shopping, the worst part of the experience is when I receive the change from the cashier.
Why? Because cashiers give you the change, notes/bills, and receipt all at once. Did you notice that? Before you can really register it in your head, the cashier will put in your hand (or on the counter at times) everything they need to return to you in one quick motion. I know they are being efficient to serve the next customer as soon as possible but this efficiency sometimes is "cruel to be kind" for me.
As I mentioned earlier, I hate making people wait on my account. So what happens each time is, I tend to fiddle around putting everything back into my coin purse and swiftly leave the area. So what happens - my receipt gets crumpled up and mixed up with the bills and change. I really don't like this so I usually go aside to a corner, away from the line, to put my things in place before leaving.
Is it only me that does this? And does it really have to be like this all the time? Actually, not in Japan.
The other day, I went into a nice grocery store to get my favourite packed salad. After I mooched around the shop to find what I also felt like eating, I lined up to pay for my groceries.
After paying for my bill, I encountered the most pleasurable experience receiving back my change! The lady behind the counter said, "Let me first give you the notes first" and then handed me my notes back. Then she quickly gives me back the change in coins. And after that, she finishes off by putting the receipt in my hand, and gives me the biggest smile and sending me off with "Thank you so much for your shopping and we look forward to seeing you again soon!" I was delighted!
And the amazing thing is, this grocery store is not the only store that does this. Almost everywhere I go in Japan do this. It may be a small thing for for people like me, it's really brilliant! It doesn't take any more time to do those simple steps but it makes a big difference to me who can be relieved of the stress to receive the change.
Now that, is one of the many examples of great services in Japan.
Comment
About
Badge
© 2009 Created by Tomoe on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
You need to be a member of Japan - It's More Than Sushi to add comments!
Join this Ning Network