More Tasting Room Tangents: Hours of Operation
Now, I would venture that most people who come into the tasting room find me friendly and helpful. I answer questions, assist in purchases, provide suggestions, take pictures, make jokes…almost always with that southern charm I can’t seem to shake. Often if there are enough people in the room, I might let someone slip in after closing time, just letting them know the tasting will be at a faster pace.
However. Some days 5 o’clock can’t come fast enough, and turning the sign from ‘Open’ to ‘Closed’ brings far too much joy. Sunday was one such day, as it began trying to complete 3 different inventories before customers came in–unsuccessfully. It being the end of the month, I’d have to finish after everyone left, adjusting numbers accordingly. Not to mention the cleaning and register transactions. So when a group came in after 5, I held my ground, despite their pleas and attempts at making me feel guilty.
Here’s my thing. Would they want me coming to where they work and insist they stay open past close? Probably not.
Maybe it’s my far-too-many years in the restaurant business, but I won’t even go in to eat if there’s less than 45 minutes until they close. And I’m always aware of keeping someone at work longer than they need to be. Granted, there are considerate people who come into the tasting room all the time. People who ask if it’s ok that it’s past 5 and people like the lady on that same crazy Sunday, who hurried up her friends, saying, “Can’t you see these people want to go home?” And while I wouldn’t be going home for a while yet, I appreciate her efforts.
tasting room, hours of operation, common courtesy
….Farley Walker
April 4th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Way to go, Farley! Hold your ground. I used to work at a health food store (Country Sun, woot woot!) and we’d ALWAYS get customers about five to ten minutes before closing. Since we were nice hippies, we had to endure the obligatory wait while a customer looked for bulk wheat germ and the like. And all we wanted was to cash out and to go home. Bravo to you for standing up to the laggers!
April 4th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Customer service is just one of those things. You have to be really nice while you’re being firm with customers who try to take advantage of you. I think as long as your professional, friendly, and maybe bribe them with a 10% coupon, you should be fine.
April 4th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Bribes! Bribes are good, I like bribes.