She's perched up there for a reason

[Food Lady]

So, first, several people were doing this today and it seemed the suck happened when they were female rather than male, which is the beginning of the suck.

One of the girls was on a step ladder at the beginning of the customer line so she could see the whole front end and direct traffic. She was telling customers which lines to go to so we on the end didn't get overrun and the lines went evenly. I did have one great custy who told me it was awesome and appreciated, which was nice. But some women were whining. They sounded like kindergarteners. "Why do we have to go over there [lane with no customers at all, just 6 feet away]? Why can't we go to this one [lane already having 2 customers]?" and "Well I don't see why, but she told me to go to this one.." in a whiny voice.

Why is it so hard to follow directions? Don't you think there's a reason we have an employee perched atop a step stool? It's kind of a risk. Do you see all the people in here? Just go with it and stop complaining. At least you have the day off and money to spend.

[CyberLurch]

People have an innate resentment of being told what to do - even if the recommended action is of benefit to them, even if the suggestion is worded in the kindest way.

Of course, some people also recognize that the world does not revolve around them, and that sometimes it really is better to follow directions. These people are becoming increasingly rare, I fear.

[raudf]

"Suck it up, Buttercup. We're trying to take your money and get you the hell out of here faster so you can go spend more money at our competitor."

Seriously, I was ticked they directed traffic so I could go to a shorter line last year. I sure as heck couldn't see because of the crowd.

[EvilEmpryss]

Seriously, I was ticked tickled they directed traffic so I could go to a shorter line last year. I sure as heck couldn't see because of the crowd.

Based on your context, I think I fixed that for ya.

[brucetiki]

If i saw that happening in a supermarket I'd be sending an e-mail to management - to tell what an awesome idea that is.

When you get to a checkout after negotiating a supermarket full of SC's, you want a quick exit, and having someone advise where the quickest line is is excellent customer service.

Just shows people will complain about anything.

[bainsidhe]

I didn't work the holiday since I'm no longer in retail, and for the first Black Friday in years I didn't step foot in a store. I actually slept in.

Wishing all you hard workers the best. And your drink of choice.

[Food Lady]

Having pinot grigio with my dinner right now, with candles.

[raudf]

Based on your context, I think I fixed that for ya.

Thankee. Exactly what I meant, but my brain and hands aren't communicatin' too well.

[Seanette]

One of the tasks of a lead cashier where I work (assuming she's not on her own register at the time) is to direct customer traffic, since for some reason, they tend to assume there's one big line (it's supposed to be one line for each register).

I've never heard customers complain about this, which is meant as a courtesy.

[workerbee222]

My husband had good hearing and a keen analytical mind.

As we approached the checkout lines he could discern from the pinging of the cash registers which employees seemed to be most proficient, and weighed that against the line length and cart-fullness factors.

Having someone steer custies toward an open register seems much more efficient, though.

[Swordsman422]

That's an awesome system. Too bad so many of the customers didn't appreciate it.

That young lady on the ladder, she's the people in the tower, and you do as you are told.

[Jetfire]

One thing I found funny when I went to the grocery store on the weekend. It was a quiet moment, so most of the lines were empty, but had their lights on and the cashiers handy.

I went to a cashier that was at her station and started getting checked out. Before my basket was fully emptied, someone was in line behind me, despite there being 3 other completely empty registers ready to serve.

Since I only had a few items, I didn't say anything, but I was laughing inside over it. I guess people tend to head to where they see other people when it comes to lines.