OBTAINING NAMES: Tip for when there is no name tag

If the msc is really nit picking over obtaining employee names, it's too awkward to ask, and/ or they have no name tag or it's not legible, was thinking that if the store is busy enough you could call the targeted employee on your cell phone to obtain their name when they answer. Of course, that is if they divulge it when answering. This would be done after trying to obtain their name during the required interaction. You could also call to ask a too obvious shop question instead of doing it face to face resulting in being "outted"

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If there's no nametag I just boldly ask it right at the beginning of the conversation. Then I use it in conversation so it seems natural to have asked for it. For example...

Them: Welcome to XXX. Can I help you?"
Me: Yes, I was needing.... what's your name?"
Them: XXX
Me: Well, XXX I was needing.....

I usually go for the "you look like ____ routine.

In the course of the conversation I"ll say something like "By the way, are you Louise Hinton? I haven't seen her for years but you look just like her." And of course they will say "no, my name is _____."

I have been known to say "are you my niece's friend Heather?" and often the associate will then say "no my name is XXX"

Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain

Yup I do that also, I ask them their name and use it during the conversation. Ive never had any issues with that approach

www.Facebook.com/oatsandgrins

@Cettie wrote:

I have been known to say "are you my niece's friend Heather?" and often the associate will then say "no my name is XXX"

But not always.... I used that trick at Cold Stone Creamery about 10 years ago, and they said, "No." Awkward.

Now, I use, "OK great. What's your name in case I need something else?"

All good ways to get a name. I have also had Cettie's experience (thankfully, seldom) where they just say "No."

Or - once - I tried everything - and the young lady told me "the manager here doesn't let us tell our names to customers. He tells us to call him when customers ask for names and he will give his name." I explained in the report and had no problem and no questions. That was a strange one.

Every so often I get the knowing "You want to know my name? Uh huh. My name is..." response. I guess I'm not very good at pretending to care.

I have never failed when on my way to the fitting room, "What did you say your name was, incase I need some help?"
If they say anybody can help you, I usually say, "Oh, is someone in the fitting room area? But you have good clothes sense. What's your name so I can ask for you to get your advice." Or I usually listen a lot if there are two or more associates. They usually call each other by name when they need help.

the instructions say if you can just give a description if there is no name tag....Ikea requires an actual name...many do not....i hate the phone calls when you have to get a name and they either don't give it or slur it..at time I have been lucky and kinda got the name and was able to get the actual name off the name tag (when there is only 1 employee with a similar name) when I went into the store (for places that require a phone call and visit).

if the client specifically wants a name...they are picky...but if try to get it...and they still refuse...you do have a good case...you can always trying to secretly get a pic...a few minutes later when they are distracted by something else...some times it easier to take a short video so you are not trying to hold the camera, but can just move it around like you are just lifting your arm to scratch your nose...

I've said I have memory problems and need a name to put with their face to help me remember. I'm old enough for that excuse to be believable.

I always just make it seem like I am a friendly person and ask for their name. Then I shake their hand and tell them my name; and try to use their name as part of our interaction.

Lately, I have been using, "My name is _______ what's yours?" as I shake their hand.. they smile and seem happy to tell you

@SunnyDays2 wrote:

Lately, I have been using, "My name is _______ what's yours?" as I shake their hand.. they smile and seem happy to tell you

I'm totally not doing that to any 18 year old boy. Yikes.

I just say, "Are you one of my former students?"

Yeah, I hate having to squeeze names out of people. I just think that if we're required to get their name, then it should be required by the store to wear name tags, or offer business cards if it's that kind of business.

But, my husband is the super friendly from small town Oklahoma kind of guy and he always asks for peoples names, shakes their hands and uses their names as his normal course of interaction... People just think he's super friendly, which he is.

Here's what I say a lot even when not on assignment: "I like to thank people by name. What's yours?"

"All we want are the facts." Sgt. Joe Friday

@jwolpert wrote:

I always just make it seem like I am a friendly person and ask for their name. Then I shake their hand and tell them my name; and try to use their name as part of our interaction.

I don't think that is going to work at the car wash where they REQUIRE a name or no pay. LOL

Oh I just hate it when there is not a name tag. One shop I do states that you have to have the SA's name or you will not get paid. I do what Sunny does. Smile, and say my name is ____ what's yours?" Never had a problem - yet anyway.

Sometimes I tell them they really helped me out. Then I ask if I can have your name for an employee recognition program if I know they have one or say I want to tell your manager you were a super hero today. If they think it will benefit them they gladly tell you their name.

~~*~~*~~*~~ kal ~~*~~*~~*~~
Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just forget to load the film.

@kalfini wrote:

Sometimes I tell them they really helped me out. Then I ask if I can have your name for an employee recognition program if I know they have one or say I want to tell your manager you were a super hero today. If they think it will benefit them they gladly tell you their name.

That's an idea, but I would worry that it would make me very memorable to the employee and his manager, compromising my anonymity.

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OBTAINING NAMES: Tip for when there is no name tag

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