Trader Joe's not too customer friendly....
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With Trader Joe's I find the cashiers to be extremely chatty and friendly, but the floor associates not so much. If I ask someone on the floor a question, they are helpful. Otherwise they seem to leave the shoppers alone.
I notice a big difference in price between TJ and WF for the same or similar products. So, terse if fine with me!
I notice a big difference in price between TJ and WF for the same or similar products. So, terse if fine with me!
The cashier I had did not win any points either. I asked her about a product they carry and she said, "OF COURSE....we carry that." but not in a friendly way. The associates on the floor were mostly stocking the shelves. But as most of our shops ask us, "Was the associate aware of you and say a small greeting?" (Nope!) I just wonder how hard is it to say, "Hey there!" or something similar....to customers who shop your store? 
Trader Joe's is headquartered in Monrovia, CA (LA County). When I lived in LA, I did my weekly grocery shopping there. They had awesome customer service and a grocery variety that allowed me to shop there and not the chains.
When I moved to the east coast, I was happy to see them here. After my third visit, I realized the many areas they lacked: dirty produce, horrible customer service, lack of variety.
I don't shop there anymore. It's an insult to what TJ's is supposed to be. I'd rather shop at Aldi. At least I know I won't get customer service there.
When I moved to the east coast, I was happy to see them here. After my third visit, I realized the many areas they lacked: dirty produce, horrible customer service, lack of variety.
I don't shop there anymore. It's an insult to what TJ's is supposed to be. I'd rather shop at Aldi. At least I know I won't get customer service there.
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
From my experience, the cashiers are VERY friendly and the floor people, only communicate if you approach them. Once you approach them, they are very helpful.
We have four around here. The one a few blocks from me certainly seems friendlier. Being a regular may influence it since many know me by name. My experiences at the other three haven't always been as positive until recently. Each of the other stores is now managed by employees that had been at my store. I have visited without seeing those managers and still found a real improvement. It is true attitude starts at the top.
As far as products compared to Whole Foods, the stores are much smaller and are never going to stock as much. They don't have a service meat counter leaving customers buying prepackaged meat only. For most items the quality seems to be just as good as WF and the prices are much better.
As far as products compared to Whole Foods, the stores are much smaller and are never going to stock as much. They don't have a service meat counter leaving customers buying prepackaged meat only. For most items the quality seems to be just as good as WF and the prices are much better.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Yes, they are trained to be that way. I see that here. In LA, there was a difference. It was like your BFF was the cashier, and the floor people were your buddies.
I'm comparing the two because I can. If my only experience had been without Los Angeles, I'd probably be impressed.
Also, I noticed that the prices were much higher over here.
I'm comparing the two because I can. If my only experience had been without Los Angeles, I'd probably be impressed.
Also, I noticed that the prices were much higher over here.
@spaztck wrote:
From my experience, the cashiers are VERY friendly and the floor people, only communicate if you approach them. Once you approach them, they are very helpful.
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
Everyone's prices are better compared to Whole Paycheck!
@LisaSTL wrote:
We have four around here. The one a few blocks from me certainly seems friendlier. Being a regular may influence it since many know me by name. My experiences at the other three haven't always been as positive until recently. Each of the other stores is now managed by employees that had been at my store. I have visited without seeing those managers and still found a real improvement. It is true attitude starts at the top.
As far as products compared to Whole Foods, the stores are much smaller and are never going to stock as much. They don't have a service meat counter leaving customers buying prepackaged meat only. For most items the quality seems to be just as good as WF and the prices are much better.
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
I have shopped Trader Joe's (on my own) for years, and now shop them every couple months for an MSC.
They have specific things I buy there, like their frozen stuff, have the best Blinze's , burrito's, and price in town.
My Trader Joe's has super friendly Cashiers. The employees doing work on the floor are busy, however, if
you ask, very nice. Not the same as say Whole Foods or Kroger, but good prices and unusual stuff.
I love Trader Joe's, and get excited when it comes on the board. We get a weekly newspaper telling what
good buys are in that week.
They have specific things I buy there, like their frozen stuff, have the best Blinze's , burrito's, and price in town.
My Trader Joe's has super friendly Cashiers. The employees doing work on the floor are busy, however, if
you ask, very nice. Not the same as say Whole Foods or Kroger, but good prices and unusual stuff.
I love Trader Joe's, and get excited when it comes on the board. We get a weekly newspaper telling what
good buys are in that week.
Live consciously....
Good point Honny. I have been surprised to occasionally find a few items at WF whose prices aren't out of line with other stores, but it is rare. There are a lot of products TJ's rotates in and out because they are so small. I've learned to stock up on anything shelf stable or that can be frozen rather than go to WF.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Whole Foods has their 365 brand which is less expensive than the other stuff. Their breads are crazy out of line price wise...but, I love their coffee and their wild Salmon which they'll slice and costs about 5.00 for a fourth of a pd. just a fun healthy alternative, no hormones makes me feel better.
edited to add; I don't compare as both TJ and Whole offer different things and I enjoy shopping at both places. I recently did a Food 4 less which is owned by Krogers, and you can use your rewards card, not as much fun, but they have an excellent roasted chicken, same as Krogers for less.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2016 07:58PM by Irene_L.A..
edited to add; I don't compare as both TJ and Whole offer different things and I enjoy shopping at both places. I recently did a Food 4 less which is owned by Krogers, and you can use your rewards card, not as much fun, but they have an excellent roasted chicken, same as Krogers for less.
Live consciously....
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2016 07:58PM by Irene_L.A..
@Bubbabubba wrote:
Will somebody tell me if WholeFoods or Trader Joe's carries Meatless Snark? I hate waiting for Ground Hog Day Season at Costco to get some
I wouldn't know as Snark isn't kosher.....
Live consciously....
Lisa, the first and last time I went to Whole Paycheck was in LA. I bought an ugli fruit because I had never heard of it. It was $8. The local bodega had them for $3. I was through!
I don't remember TJ's out there rotating products (unless they were seasonal). Their groceries were consistent, which is why I didn't need to go to the chains.
Here in MD, I go to Aldi. They are affiliated in some way, shape or form with TJ's. They rotate their weekly specials every few months. They don't carry everything, so I go to the chains.
I don't remember TJ's out there rotating products (unless they were seasonal). Their groceries were consistent, which is why I didn't need to go to the chains.
Here in MD, I go to Aldi. They are affiliated in some way, shape or form with TJ's. They rotate their weekly specials every few months. They don't carry everything, so I go to the chains.
@LisaSTL wrote:
Good point Honny. I have been surprised to occasionally find a few items at WF whose prices aren't out of line with other stores, but it is rare. There are a lot of products TJ's rotates in and out because they are so small. I've learned to stock up on anything shelf stable or that can be frozen rather than go to WF.
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
The bread is expensive, but worth every penny--especially the Seeduction and Cranberry Walnut.
@Irene_L.A. wrote:
Their breads are crazy out of line price wise...
Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt
@KathyG wrote:
The bread is expensive, but worth every penny--especially the Seeduction and Cranberry Walnut.
@Irene_L.A. wrote:
Their breads are crazy out of line price wise...
I'll try it the next shop I get there and know I'll love it...thx
Live consciously....
@HonnyBrown wrote:
Here in MD, I go to Aldi. They are affiliated in some way, shape or form with TJ's. They rotate their weekly specials every few months. They don't carry everything, so I go to the chains.
Aldi's is the parent company of Trader Joe's. The founder sold TJ in the 80s I believe.
Not really a fan of either WFM or TJ - primarily because all the chattiness at check out slows things down. Unless you go right when they open there's a huge line that often snakes around the store (TJ) or a dozen queues a dozen deep. Also, how many trees can you kill? Also WFM produce sucks. Why? Because they price it so high that it doesn't rotate. Even TJ is higher. On the east coast, I go to the produce stands on the street or the ethnic markets - there they rotate through produce many times daily so they reduce prices on volume. Also, have you noticed that most everything that people buy at WFM and TJ is in a box and been processed in a factory - ain't nothing natural or organic about that.
I don't want to be greeted by multiple employees in a grocery visit. It gets annoying if they did that so in a way good customer service is not annoying me. I give that Trader Joes a 9/10 as a normal customer and not as a mystery shopper.
In LA, the Oscars are like Thanksgiving due to all the parties. I, and everyone else in LA County, was at TJ's. I told my BFF cashier that I couldn't find the snack of the Week. She actually left her register to find my coconut cashews! I don't think the people behind me were pissed; I guess they were used to it.
Here in MD, every cashier "absolutely loves" something that was in my cart. It got old after two visits.
Here in MD, every cashier "absolutely loves" something that was in my cart. It got old after two visits.
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
Why go to Costco? You can get plenty of snark right here on this forum. It may be rancid considering the source though.
@Bubbabubba wrote:
Will somebody tell me if WholeFoods or Trader Joe's carries Meatless Snark? I hate waiting for Ground Hog Day Season at Costco to get some
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
I've never shopped TJ, but I've gone into a few and seen similar observations across several states. The employee in the aisle is usually to themselves, unless prompted. The cashiers and bagger can be cheerful, yet do their best just to get your goods processed quickly. Some take, some don't. I liken this experience to that of WalMart. No biggie.
I have only been in a TJ's maybe 3 times in many years. So, I was astonished when a housemate, who shops there regularly, offered to bring me eggs from there. One dozen Jumbo eggs at 40 cents less than any local supermarket.
I put in a standard order that he can bring me a dozen whenever he goes there! Am I missing similar specific bargains.
When, as students, my then husband and I started out we would carefully plot a weekly grocery route based on the sale prices in the local paper, making a weekly menu plan based on the specials! We all need to rethink frugality, as long as it does not cost more fuel than we save. Although we ate a lot of steamed bologna and potatoes with sauerkraut, or chicken and noodles back then, no matter what we can eat now, it's time to hunt for bargains again.
I put in a standard order that he can bring me a dozen whenever he goes there! Am I missing similar specific bargains.
When, as students, my then husband and I started out we would carefully plot a weekly grocery route based on the sale prices in the local paper, making a weekly menu plan based on the specials! We all need to rethink frugality, as long as it does not cost more fuel than we save. Although we ate a lot of steamed bologna and potatoes with sauerkraut, or chicken and noodles back then, no matter what we can eat now, it's time to hunt for bargains again.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
@walesmaven, Am I missing similar specific bargains.
The items that I wait to buy at TJ are: rice pasta, olive oil, nuts and seeds. I can never make an entire meal based on what TJ carries. I cherry pick those few items and then shop larger markets for meal planning.
The items that I wait to buy at TJ are: rice pasta, olive oil, nuts and seeds. I can never make an entire meal based on what TJ carries. I cherry pick those few items and then shop larger markets for meal planning.
Dairy, especially butter, and cheese tend to be good buys along with everything ChrisCooper mentioned. I also buy jams, pickles, tortillas, bread, puff pastry in season, chips and crackers there since I know they will not contain trans fat or HFCS. When panettone is available around Christmas I stock up. They are from Italy and only cost $4.99 or $5.99. I have seen similar ones in stores here for $20 to $35. I don't buy spices there because it seems they are not going to be any fresher than any other supermarket. The exception is saffron.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
wales, I go to Aldi every other week. They have standard items that are always there (ie, certain meats, produce, pantry staples); and rotating items every few months. I bought a queen sized memory foam mattress a few weeks ago. It has a 20 year warranty.
Whole chickens are there all the time. They are always $0.95/pound. A dozen eggs are on sale (weekly special) for $0.79. I don't remember the regular price.
One week, I did our household shopping for $40. Great quality, low prices.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/20/2016 04:05PM by HonnyBrown.
Whole chickens are there all the time. They are always $0.95/pound. A dozen eggs are on sale (weekly special) for $0.79. I don't remember the regular price.
One week, I did our household shopping for $40. Great quality, low prices.
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/20/2016 04:05PM by HonnyBrown.
Same parent company. If you have a complaint, you have to be able to speak/write German.@HonnyBrown wrote:
Aldi affiliated in some way, shape or form with TJ's.
]
Shopping SoCal and Maui.
When they have the seasonal or thematic items, I hit them just after. I have enough Mediterranean olives to feed Greece. Same with specialty meats.
Do not read so much, look about you and think of what you see there.
Richard Feynman-- letter to Ashok Arora, 4 January 1967, published in Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track (2005) p. 230
Richard Feynman-- letter to Ashok Arora, 4 January 1967, published in Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track (2005) p. 230
Trader Joe's is a personal store, shoppers know what they want and don't usually need help. When you ask, everyone is super nice. I like that I can go in, get my stuff, get to the register where all are nice and friendly, and ask if I found everything I want, etc. Trader Joe's is not shopped as often as say Kroger's, it's not needed, I'm surprised they are shopped at all, but, it works for me. I also love their freshly made samples made every
morning here ad free coffee. I couldn't find anything negative to say about Trader Joe's, it is what it is, a high end unusual store with certain foods you don't find anywhere else. I'm doing one today...yes!!
morning here ad free coffee. I couldn't find anything negative to say about Trader Joe's, it is what it is, a high end unusual store with certain foods you don't find anywhere else. I'm doing one today...yes!!
Live consciously....
I totally agree with Irene. As two L.A. people perhaps we have the cream of the crop Trader Joe's here. I believe the company was started in Pasadena although they may have moved their headquarters. They have items you would find on the gourmet shelf at most supermarkets at every day relatively inexpensive prices. They source and manufacture many of the items they sell so they can get the best prices. They have some rotating stock but most of it is regular all the time items. They may discontinue items but generally it is after a year or two. I also shop at Costco, a store that has similar prices but at Trader Joe you do not have to buy for an army. I have never seen a dirty store and have been in many different ones. The staff has never been rude and are generally friendly and outgoing. They may or may not stop to greet me but that is only something I started paying attention to when I started mystery shopping. It is nice to have but I prefer the great products with healthy ingredients they sell at great prices to having someone say hello as I enter the door.
I did one Trader Joes shop and like OP, not one associate greeted me in some fashion. I counted 12 associates on the Sales Floor, and ZERO paid any attention to me, even when I stood right next to them or right in front of them. Scheduler had to confirm with my associate counts before sending my report in. I was baffled that a store would have that kind of environment.
But yes, I like to shop in Trader Joes once in a while, their prices for the exact same item is less than half I would find at Ralphs, and I like how some of their items are unique to their brand.
But yes, I like to shop in Trader Joes once in a while, their prices for the exact same item is less than half I would find at Ralphs, and I like how some of their items are unique to their brand.
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