009_UNACCEPTABLE?

image_source01








Working in the retail industry during my high school and college careers, this was always a big topic of discussion. Since the large majority of the population today owns a cell phone, a lot of people use them to multi-task. In my opinion I think that people need to be more considerate when using their phones in public. This has happened to me numerous times while working at the cash register. The big problem with this issue is that there is no universal way to handle it or any sort of law against it. It is not quite a big enough issue to take the time out to enforce a law against this sort of thing.
There have been times at work where I just want to yell at customers or even try to politely ask them to get off of their cell phones. But especially at my work, PetSmart, which is very large retailer, none of the employees are allowed to ask any customer to get off of their cell phones while shopping or checking out. I actually looked through a few articles and blogs on this topic and there are mixed opinions. One of the sites said things that were more "politically correct" in terms of large retailers, where it should be all about the customer. At many retailers, the employees are told that the customer must always come first. Therefore, if someone is talking on their phone they should not be told to get off of their phone, but instead they should let it go. In this article it is said to assume that it might be a very important call and try to be understanding with the customer. This is probably the best thing for large retailers, at least in terms of good customer service.
On the other hand, I know first hand that the majority of employees working in retail or even food services would love to post signs like the one at the top of this post. It would be great to refuse to provide any services for a customer until they hang up the phone. I have gone through an entire sale with several different customers and did not say one word to the person because they were too busy chatting. Although I do not actually know for sure the importance or urgency of the conversation going on, every time someone has been on their phone while checking out it never sounds like it cannot wait a few seconds. I have personally been to places that refuse to wait on customers using cell phones, or have signs posted about it.


What do you think is an acceptable way to handle this issue?