Comments on: The Drive-Thru Window and #3418

By: spencercourt

spencercourt — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:26:26 +0000

I think that teller may be part of the banking industry’s effort to get you to stop dealing with bank employees. Some banks are taking steps to do this, so they can cut costs by cutting employees. I read some big banks will charge you for using a teller unless your account is large.

Sorry for the late comment; I just read Terri’s blog about you.

Lovely bridge photo. Interestingly, even before I read about your photo feature, I’d been thinking about doing the same thing, with a slight difference. My weekly photo would be from a trip and have a “story” which I’d relate.

By: CGabriel

CGabriel — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:27:37 +0000

Stamford: Speaking for my wife as well, we don't know another soul on this planet who is better at shooting the sh*t than you. Moreover, there's no one we've ever enjoyed doing it with more. And in the cheap thrills/strangers category, it's the person who comes out of no where to offer a random act of kindness that will make a person's day in a New York minute.

By: CGabriel

CGabriel — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:22:02 +0000

Terri: You’re spot-on with the concept of lowering expectations. Unfortunately it speaks to the times we live in. The thing is, and I’ve written about this before, I was raised in a restaurant (read: customer service) family. My father instilled the importance of treating people right, no matter the situation. It’s hard to break from that but I’m trying. I went out this morning and purchased your new book, Lower Your Expectations, NOW! and already feel better.

When I do get good service somewhere, I always tell that employee’s manager. Far too many people are quick to single out the bad without rewarding the good. You mentioned your favorite Starbucks…Thankfully, I have a few favorites like that, too. And then Terri, there’s this experience: Christmas Service and Customer Service: Return of the Grinch

And yes, I’m certain I’ve been behind a “Terri” at a drive-thru a few hundred times.

By: Stamford Talk

Stamford Talk — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:02:14 +0000

The quote below is why you and your wife could not get me out of your apt. when we lived in Rye. We all just love to shoot the sh*t.

“What you need to understand is I enjoy communicating with people… So, if I annoy someone because I simply want to smile, say hello and maybe chat for a moment or two, I’ll take that chance. And you know what – 99 times out of 100, the person always smiles back, we have a conversation and both of our days are just a little better than before . . . . . .”

Life is too boring and depressing sometimes; I too need cheap thrills like talking to strangers to keep my mood high!

By: territerri

territerri — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:32:28 +0000

A.Your mistake, my friend, is in thinking that these drive-thru employees are actually “professionals.” Once you lower your expectations, you’ll lower your stress level. (FYI – I’m the annoying customer that doesn’t leave the drive-thru until I’ve checked my bank envelope, fast food purchase, etc. I’ve been burned one too many times.)

2. I am happy to know you are taller than a penguin. Life might be difficult if you weren’t. Especially when trying to reach the gas pedal.

D. My helpful tip for the day: Make it a point to frequent those places that provide exceptional service. Ironically, for me, that is my friendly, local U.S. Bank with low employee turnover and the local Starbucks where the charming older woman works and is always happy to share a smile and a story and ask how I’m doing. I’ll pay extra to deal with the employee who goes above and beyond and I make it a point to mention the superior service to their manager as well.