I love visiting my local bookstore. It's usually a quiet retreat where I can go to enjoy a latte and skim some magazines.
But the peace ends at the cash register. That's where I first discovered I am considered a "guest" of the bookstore. While waiting on line the cashier shouted out "next guest online please."
When I approached the cash register I was assaulted with a barrage of questions...
"Did you find everything you need?" Okay that's a fair question. "Is there anything else we can get for you today?" No, I just told you that I found everything I needed.
"Did you know that we can offer you a big discount today on blah, blah, blah?" "Do you have our latest rewards card?" "Would you like to donate a build-an-animal to our favorite charity?" "Can I offer you this postcard with information on how you can donate to our favorite charity online?" "Oh wait you already have our rewards card. Did you know that you can upgrade your rewards card for just an additional $30 and you'll get 10% back on all your purchases today?"
You know what would be nice? Next time this "guest" is ready to pay, maybe the cashier can first ask "Would you mind if I ask you 30 questions before I let you leave with your purchase?"
