Obtaining employee names

Hi everyone.

I am an upcoming new shopper, and am curious as to how I would get an employee's name if s/he is not wearing a name tag. I feel as though if I have to ask them for their name, then I would out myself.
Have any of you had to ask a server or manager for their name? Was it awkward? How did you do so without outing yourself?

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Hi and welcome. If I can't see name, at the end, I'll say something to a Server, then ask (casually), what's your name, and end with thanks Sarah, enjoyed the meal, do it quickly and spontaneously, and be confident.
Edited to add....don't ask the Manager for his name, never required, just get his description. He is always
dressed in a long sleeve shirt, and easy to spot.

Live consciously....


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/25/2016 03:53PM by Irene_L.A..
Yep. If you try some big convoluted way of getting it you'll be more noticeable.

There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
Unless the name is required, do not ask. Only ask if it is required.

My posts are solely based on my opinions and for my entertainment, contact a professional if you need real advice.

When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
@Irene_L.A. wrote:

Hi and welcome. If I can't see name, at the end, I'll say something to a Server, then ask (casually), what's your name, and end with thanks Sarah, enjoyed the meal, do it quickly and spontaneously, and be confident.
Edited to add....don't ask the Manager for his name, never required, just get his description. He is always
dressed in a long sleeve shirt, and easy to spot.

I have done shops where the Manager's name was required. Sometimes there is more than one manager on duty. Usually not too difficult if I ask him about planning for a private party. I then ask for his business card and/or name so I can call him later. Can never say "never" in this business

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/26/2016 01:56AM by kenasch.
"Thanks for all your help.... I'm (give my own name)." Make eye contact as you say this and you'll get a name 90% of the time... If appropriate, add a handshake and you'll get a name 99% of the time....

Or... ask another question and attempt to address the person by name... look embarrassed as you "forget" their name - even you've never been told.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
I usually pull it off by saying that they look like a celebrity. Make it a B-lister, and the less likely they'll know who you're talking about. Usually, they'll be slightly embarrassed and say thank you, then I'll ask if they have the same name as the celebrity. I.E.:

Me: You look a lot like that actress from Grey's Anatomy, Jane Doe.
Them: Thanks, I really like that show.
Me: You don't happen to be named Jane, are you?
Them: No, my name is Jennifer. (JACKPOT!)
Me: Well, it is still a celebrity name. (#friendsrerunsforever)

#burntoutinthebigapple
I usually say something like-

ME: Is your name Kayla?
THEM: No, I'm Sarah.
ME: Oh, sorry. You look just like this girl who used to date my little brother (or live next door or I used to babysit...)

One time though I did have a waitress ask if my little brother was hot cause she was single. Disclaimer: I do not have a little brother.
My feeling is not to make a big deal out of getting a name, regular customers never care and don't ask.
Look for Server's name tag, if covered, wait till end and thank her by saying, "what's your name", Megan,
thanks Megan, enjoyed the meal....otherwise, it's a huge giveaway, who makes a deal over a Server's name.
Most of the time for casual restaurants, name tag is on, not a problem. Grocery stores I do, if no name shown,
a description is enough. You can't run through the store asking for everyone's name with 5 or 6 interactions.
Interesting the wide range of different approach's to MSing.

Live consciously....
Shoppers could also ask for an employee's name while the latter is building rapport with them. Or, if the shopper needs to ask a question, and the employee is required to answer them, then it could go something like this:

Shopper: I'm not 100% sure if my brother/sister/whoever would like it... Is there a return policy?
Employee: Of course! You are allowed to return this within 30 days.
Shopper: Thanks! Oh! What's you name again?
Employee: *states name*
Shopper: Thanks for your help, name!

Recruiter @ Sensors Quality Management Inc. (SQM) [www.sqm.ca] [www.evaluateitbysqm.com]
I was speaking of restaurants, as retail you have to get a business card.

Live consciously....
I put my hand out to shake the associates hand and say, "Hi. I am _______. What's your name?"

Or: "You have been so nice. What's your name?"

In both cases, they are usually willing to give you their name. smiling smiley
I've been spending some time with a family member who is in corporate sales and I've noticed when we're out he always asks for people's names and addresses them by their name immediately after asking. People seem to relax and respond positively to him when he does it.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/27/2016 07:12AM by wwin.
What are some suggestions for getting the name of the cashier who checks you out at a hardware store? She is not wearing a name tag and has others waiting to check out so she is not inclined to chit-chat for me to find out her name. The cashier's name formerly was on the receipt but is no longer. The MSC states the shop will be declined if you do not get the cashier's name. I opted for just the direct, "And what is your name?" "Well, thank you, [name given]," but it felt awkward. If it feels awkward, it probably comes across awkward. Any suggestions of smoother ways to do this?
I usually get an associate's name at the end if I haven't already by thanking him or her and extending my hand for a handshake. I'll say, "Thanks for all your help...." and waiting for the name. Nine times out of 10, they'll offer up a name; if not, I'll just ask for it, and say, "And I'm Birdy; thanks again!"

As bgriffin says, the more convoluted you make it the more suspicious you look.

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/2016 01:27PM by BirdyC.
I get to play the little old lady card and say, " I am so forgetful what did you say your name was again? or I'm sorry I didn't catch your name?
It has worked every time but once at a cell phone shop.
I usually say something like "you look so familiar...how long have you been working here?" Leading up to "what is your name?" it works well as long as you are sincere.
At restaurants with servers you could also ask another server when yours is out of earshot. Example: "Hi, i'm not sure who my server is, but she has long blonde hair in a bun..." and they respond, "oh, that's Karen" (Bingo!)
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