Some businesses just won’t tolerate poor cell phone manners

Local Businesses, Videos

- March 12, 2008

Some businesses just won’t tolerate poor cell phone manners

I stopped by Busse’s Lock Service at lunch so a friend could get a key made, and I was immediately impressed with this sign:

As the owner so aptly put it: “Tell you what, if you come in here talking on your cell phone, I won’t talk to you until you get off because I think that’s about as rude as you can get.”If you missed the short video I made with my co-worker, Wayne Sutton, last week on cell phone etiquette, check it out to see some other things you shouldn’t do while on your cell phone.

You can read about some other rude things you shouldn’t do on your cell phone here.Do you always put down your cell phone at the check out line?

11 Responses to “Some businesses just won’t tolerate poor cell phone manners”
And I would say to Busse’s, “Oh, I’m so sorry, I was just about to recommend your service to a friend, but I’ll hang up.” Yes, it is rude for a person to divide their attention between people, but I only want image consultants or my mother to give me etiquette lessons. I don’t recommend following this business practice.

By JM Daum on Mar 12, 2008
Jersey Mikes has a similar sign. The owner told me they are trying to work it so that there is no cell phone reception in the restaurant…that might be going to far. But, I agree about the rudeness… but if we are going to be fair…then when the phone rings and I am the customer…finish waiting on me before answering it. Check out my post on customer service here-it goes both ways…
http://blogs.wncn.info/mbalbo/2008/02/24/a-customer-who-deserves-customer-service/

By mbalbo on Mar 12, 2008
Cell phones have made us all very rude. One of my pet peeves is people talking on their phones while handling transactions at banks, grocery stores, etc. I agree with this business owner — get off the phone and then talk to me.

By jen on Mar 13, 2008
I also agree with Busse’s. And Jersey Mike’s (I loved it when the guy explained “Hey, I don’t talk on my phone when I take your order, so why do you insist on talking on yours while you order?).

If I were a business owner, I have the right to expect the same courteousy from a customer that they would INSIST I give them (you *know* how ill you get when you need customer service and someone’s babbling on the phone instead of doing their job).

If a customer said something about being about to recommend me but will just hang up instead, I would laugh so hard. I’d know they’re just trying to wield their customerly powers (through lies), and I’d tell them that’s fine. If their friends have the same manners they do, I don’t really need the recommendation, but thanks for the thought.
Then again, I’m not a fan of the cellphone otherthan for absolute need anyhow. ehahe

By Ashley Sue on Mar 13, 2008
I was just joking about saying that to the clerk. My goodness, you people are cranky! I still hold the position that a business should treat a customer like a guest. Just like at my home, I may control the environment because I own the place, but I’m not going to be rude even if my guest is. There are better ways to establish a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. (And to prove my good manners, I won’t say a thing about Yankees.) Just kidding, again. You are all welcome, earphone attachments and all.

By JM Daum on Mar 13, 2008
behahehahh

Sorry, JM… I guess I tend to get a bit cranky, and I like to be reminded that lightheartedness exists (and that I might like life more if I laugh on occasion).

By Ashley Sue on Mar 13, 2008
lets all remember…we are the paying customer…respect goes both ways. Ever waited with cash in hand while the clerk answered the phone? and, even worse took your money while on the phone and never said thank you when handing you the reciept. It is a common occurance. However, I have a way to deal with this. I pause, give a HUGE smile and really loud say THANK YOU-to prove a point of course. Nothing kills rudeness like kindness-even if it’s over the top!!!

By mbalbo on Mar 13, 2008
answering a cell phone will in church. that’s the lowest of low….no wait..wearing a Bluetooth device at a funeral…that’s the lowest.

By darrenkeith on Apr 10, 2008
sorry, *while…man I must be sleepwalking or sleep surfing the web.

By darrenkeith on Apr 10, 2008
Have you ever seen someone actually answer a cell phone in church? That’s bad.

By Ginny on Apr 10, 2008
I would ignore the sign, and use my cell phone as I please, and if they want to decline my money there are 10 other businesses I can goto. Businesses are for making money not pushing your beliefs. Further I would refuse to go anywhere that blocks cell phone signals. I pay for the service to work anywhere, and if there was a clause that said it was not available in certain businesses, I would switch providers. Manners are over rated in business, it is inefficient and often not genuine. Everyone says thank you even when the service is bad, it is a silly, outdated waste of time.

By someguy on Sep 28, 2008