Confusion in Robert Sayle

[hmmm_tea]

So yesterday, I went into the Robert Sale near the Grafton Centre in Cambridge. Didn't really want a Robert, so decided to spend the vouchers I had on a Food Processor instead.

Having taken the little token up to the till, I was told they had none in stocks, but there were 2 in their depot in Trumpington if I'd like to collect it that afternoon.

Not really fancing going out to Trumpington on Public Transport to collect a food processor, I asked if it was possible to collect it from the shop at a later date. At which point I was hit by complete and utter confusion from the sales assistant. It was as if I'd asked if I could collect it from the moon.

Is it really that unusual a thing to ask?

In the end they called the supervisor who arranged it and it will be ready for me to collect when I'm back in Cambridge next weekend.

Comments

[musicgirl9999.videntity.org (from livejournal.com)]

I think it's because all big chain shops have procedures for lots of things. And the people that work there are capable of following a set of instructions, but unused to independent thought and decision-making in their job. So when you ask for something that isn't in a procedure it's difficult. I'm sure it should be part of training for shop assistants for use their initiative, but I just don't think it is.

I think the same problem exists with lots of organisations, like colleges. Newnham can never 'think outside the box'. If there is a rule or procedure for something it can never be broken, even when all common sense says that the rule if ridiculous.