East Tennessee State University prides itself on being one of the friendliest universities in the state.
The student body holds doors open for people behind them, cars stop (the majority of the time) to let others cross the street, undergraduates will say, “Hello!” and smile when crossing on the sidewalk.
So, why can’t employees at the Atrium and BucMart give off the same demeanor?
I have a job, and I know how a hard day can affect your attitude. Everyone has bad days. Yet, even a fake smile seems nicer than what I have received on more than one occasion when trying to get a bite to eat or drink.
I am not saying there aren’t nice workers. The women who work at Java City seem very sweet, and the lady who works the cash register at the Atrium is very nice.
I have also run into some pleasant people working behind the counters. But, a few bad apples ruin the whole bunch.
What happened to, “How can I help you?” or “Have a nice day.” I know serving food to a bunch of picky college kids cannot be the most enticing job, but anything can be made fun. Studies have proven that smiles not only make another individual’s day better, they can also make your day brighter.
What provokes me to write this article? Well, I can usually overlook bad customer service, but my experience at Quiznos recently pushed me over the edge.
It was around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, and I went to get something to eat. There was no one in line and the guy at the register was on the phone.
I stood back for a minute to decide what I wanted, and then made my way to the counter to place an order.
Instead of getting off the phone, the worker kept talking. It seems nothing important was being said and he was definitely in no hurry to hang up. It wasn’t a matter of him not seeing me either. He even made eye contact a couple of times.
After about five minutes, he finally ended his phone conversation and asked for my order.
I was still polite when I told him, “Thanks for getting off the phone.” He acted as though it was no big deal.
It is a big deal. Students are shelling out double prices for their food. The least they ask is to feel as though they are getting the service they are paying for
Now, I know I could go across the street to a fast food restaurant, but food on campus is the most convenient. Plus, it cuts down on gas.
I truly don’t want to tell anyone how to do their jobs. I am not perfect and I make mistakes at work, too.
Maybe people are having bad days and are not usually like this. Maybe the pay is not what they deserve. From my understanding, you start out at $5.50 an hour. That is not the best amount, but it is a paycheck.
Whatever the case may be, I hope there is good customer service buried somewhere within.

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