Basil Fawlty was funny partly because his type of customer service was relatively rare. It isn’t quite so funny when there are Fawltys everywhere you look. Poor customer service happens so frequently now that I’m sure the customer is considered to be a nuisance every day not just during the Christmas season. Let’s take a look at some examples, shall we?

1. A member of the Big W staff roughly pushed his way in front of The Librarian as she perused items on a shelf. Words along the line of “excuse me” were not forthcoming. Glares (in stereo, no less) had no effect on this young barbarian. I had an almost overwhelming urge to store a toy rocket in a place that would cause the young twit extreme discomfort.

2. Errors made by staff members apparently don’t require apologies anymore. It is, in fact, now a faux pas for the customer to point out said errors. Don’t worry. The staff member will usually make an indignant noise to point out your errant behaviour.

3. It’s steaming hot outside and the shopping centre provides a cool haven for the parched customer. K-Mart, however, has decided to provide a complimentary sauna service for their staff and customers. I’m only guessing here but I suspect K-Mart’s management are probably enjoying a more arctic influenced environment.

4. It’s a mad rush. People are sweaty, irritated, hungry, thirsty, in dire need of a toilet break, you name it; they just want to pay and get on with the day. There are 21 cash registers so they should be on their way in no time and they would if 21 cashiers sat behind those machines. But no! Managment has decided that 4 cashiers should be more than adequate. I’m looking at you Target.

And so on, and so on.

There are three more shopping days until Christmas so The Librarian and I will be out there making nuisances of ourselves. Do join us.