ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

THE CHECKOUT CHICK

The checkout chick said gaily
"And how are you to-day ? "
I paused from stacking vittles
along the checkout bay.
" My head is throbbing badly,
my guts are tied in knots,
I've got a rotten toothache,
I'm suffering the trots.
My hernia is bulging,
it's just about to burst;
from rumbling in my groin,
I fear the very worst ".
"That's nice " - she took my money.
" And so far, how's your day ?"
"Well, first thing up this morning
me missus ran away.
The bailiffs seized me house keys
and chucked me in the street.
And if that weren't enough,
me footy team got beat. "
She handed me my change, which
I stashed into my pocket.
" Do have a lovely day, Sir ! "
She handed me my docket.

Gee, that's a bit rough, Neville! She could at least have had a feel of your groin! Very unfriendly.

I like it Neville
My first job was as a checkout chick, there were some people who you soon learnt never to ask them ""How are you today?'', not unless you had plenty of time.
By the way Neville ''How are yoy today?''

Sue

and like the little stickers stuck on the till say - TYFSAT OR perhaps TYFSAKM - such false expressions of Customer Care not touchy feely at all are they???

I reckon that is the difference between living in a country town and a city. Like Marty said most people in country towns know you and know something about what you are doing so the conversation has some content. I know when I spend time in the shop I generally have conversations about the kids or other things with the regulars. It is "Americianisation" creeping in. "Have a nice day." Indeed. Your day is improving because it is a couple of minutes closer to you going home and you don't have to listen to me whinging!

Nice one Neville.

I trained supermarket checkout operators for about ten years and none of them would be like that Neville.

Maybe you shop at Wollies or Coles ???
can not vouch for them.

Nice poem though untrue.


Bob

Great poem Neville. I now make it a challenge when they say. "How are you today? I say, " I am very well, but tell me how are you going? It must be terrible standing here all day long............."
The responses vary from shock, surprise and often amazement that someone might care about them.
Have had some good conversations and it is amazing what you are told!

Vic

The best thing you can do Vic is make a note of their name and go on line and post a compliment if they give great service or let their supervisor know even better.


It can be a thank less sort of a job and you would be amazed at how well a little bit of gratitude is received.

Bob

Very good Neville. Getting a bit worried about you though!

Don't change professions Stephen.

You may get away with that as a Doctor but as a check out chick I think you may find yourself before a magistrate. It may be a wee bit hard to explain that away as "good customer service." "Would you like a prostate check with that?" No just the fries.....