Things I would like to tell businesses.....
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5. greet each potential customer as we walk inside the business
Give the employees a chance to invest in the business they work in so they can take ownership. If they are "owners" it's more likely they will care. If they are just paid peons and can't enjoy the successes, then many just don't care. Places like Costco allow their employees stock opportunities. Because they are invested, they care more about the overall success and not just about the next paycheck.
Costco employees can participate in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and some employees may also receive Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The ESPP allows employees to purchase Costco stock at a discount, often 15% off the regular price, through payroll deductions. RSUs are shares of Costco stock granted to employees, but they typically have vesting requirements, such as remaining with the company for a specific period
Costco employees can participate in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and some employees may also receive Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The ESPP allows employees to purchase Costco stock at a discount, often 15% off the regular price, through payroll deductions. RSUs are shares of Costco stock granted to employees, but they typically have vesting requirements, such as remaining with the company for a specific period
@ShopperGirly wrote:
1. Invest in a power sprayer and clean your sidewalks and parking lots.
2, Teach the employees who are standing around talking to grab a spray bottle and a paper towel and clean the front doors and windows.
3. Teach your cashiers how to ENUNCIATE and project their voices.
4. etc. etc.
Let's address a possible resolution to your item #1. While I believe in freedom, here's something to chew on...a ban on chewing gum that litters the sidewalks and parking lots:
Chewing gum is generally not allowed in Singapore. While the sale and importation of chewing gum are banned, the law allows for the chewing of therapeutic gum, such as nicotine gum, with a prescription from a dentist or doctor. Tourists can bring a small amount for personal use, but it's not advisable to leave it as litter.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Banned:
The sale and import of chewing gum are banned in Singapore, with exceptions for therapeutic gum.
Therapeutic Gum:
Dentists and pharmacists can sell therapeutic chewing gum, like nicotine gum, with a prescription.
Personal Use:
Tourists can bring a small amount of chewing gum for personal use, but it's crucial to dispose of it properly.
Littering:
Spitting out chewed gum in public can result in fines.
Why the Ban?:
The ban was implemented in 1992 to address public cleanliness issues, particularly the sticking of gum on public property like train doors.
Fines:
Fines for first-time offenders can range from $500 to $1000, with escalating penalties for subsequent offenses.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2025 10:37AM by maverick1.
@hbbigdaddy wrote:
Give the employees a chance to invest in the business they work in so they can take ownership. If they are "owners" it's more likely they will care. If they are just paid peons and can't enjoy the successes, then many just don't care. Places like Costco allow their employees stock opportunities. Because they are invested, they care more about the overall success and not just about the next paycheck.
Costco employees can participate in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and some employees may also receive Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The ESPP allows employees to purchase Costco stock at a discount, often 15% off the regular price, through payroll deductions. RSUs are shares of Costco stock granted to employees, but they typically have vesting requirements, such as remaining with the company for a specific period
Costco is a public company. Over 99% of businesses in the United States are privately held. This encompasses a wide range of entities, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and privately held corporations.
Small business owners who risk their own capital starting up and operating a private enterprise are not likely to turn around and offer their employees a share of the company they worked so hard to develop.
Approximately 80% of US startups fail. Specifically, around 10% fail within the first year, and 70% fail within 2-5 years of operation.
...and you want the owner to share in this high risk? What if the employee loses all their investment money?
Read the reviews posted online of your business. Could eliminate the need for a mystery shopping program.
Invaluable information to be gleaned therein. Not all, but lots and reading it is FREE.
Invaluable information to be gleaned therein. Not all, but lots and reading it is FREE.
True, reading is free. But can't force people to read and stay focused on work/topic 
Please don't feed the MSF trolls!
Feeding the MSF trolls bread or other human food is detrimental to their health and the environment. It can lead to malnutrition, disease, and behavioral problems in trolls, as well as water pollution and the spread of pests. Trolls are capable of finding their own food sources and don't require human assistance.
Feeding the MSF trolls bread or other human food is detrimental to their health and the environment. It can lead to malnutrition, disease, and behavioral problems in trolls, as well as water pollution and the spread of pests. Trolls are capable of finding their own food sources and don't require human assistance.
As needed: Please sit in your provided guest seating before offering a seat to unsuspecting visitors. Please ensure that all handrails are securely in place. Thank.you
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you.... (Rumi)
Train employees, especially teenagers, to say "thank you," and "you're welcome" rather than "yep" and "no problem" and "you're good to go."
Require customer facing employees to speak and understand English at a conversational level.
Do not allow your customer facing employees to wear earbuds.
Do not allow your customer facing employees to wear earbuds.
A smile goes a long way.
I remain astounded by the number of businesses with front-facing personnel who present neutral or dour demeanors upon first consumer contact.
On a recent road trip I bailed on a restaurant with an intriguing menu when the unsmiling hostess simply announced "45 minute wait" upon my reaching their desk.
WTF happened to a little hospitality?
I remain astounded by the number of businesses with front-facing personnel who present neutral or dour demeanors upon first consumer contact.
On a recent road trip I bailed on a restaurant with an intriguing menu when the unsmiling hostess simply announced "45 minute wait" upon my reaching their desk.
WTF happened to a little hospitality?
Have synthesizers, will travel...
@hbbigdaddy wrote:
...Costco employees...
Far and away the happiest and most consistent group of employees I have ever encountered.
Prior to departing for Europe in 2010 to perform in a Michael Jackson tribute tour, one of my regular side hustles was maintaining Costco magazine racks.
For 3+ years I'd get up at the crack on Thursdays to service the rack and be out of the store by 7AM, with one additional visit during business hours to tidy up before the next reset. I'd often get called to sub at other locations.
I interacted with exactly the same group of employees the entire time I had the gig, and they all raved about how much they loved their jobs.
Have synthesizers, will travel...
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2025 02:59PM by CoolMusic.
@jgardn02 wrote:
Require customer facing employees to speak and understand English at a conversational level.
Do not allow your customer facing employees to wear earbuds.
and all employees shall be verified citizens. Of course, right? In full compliance with the law.
@maverick1 wrote:
and all employees shall be verified citizens. Of course, right? In full compliance with the law.
For the record it is possible to in full compliance of the law without being a citizen.
@maverick1
Of course the small businesses (private) do not have the stock incentives that major companies do. But all of the places we are shopping whether it's big oil, fast food, etc are publicly traded as far as I know. The only exception would be In N Out. But somehow they keep happy employees without an "ownership" stake. Even if they are not happy, they are remarkable at faking they care compared to most other fast food places.
Even if McD or JITB or another fast food place is franchised, corp could allow some provision or incentive for an employee of a franchised location to be able to get in on the overall success of the brand.
If you have some ownership, you care more for it. Just like a homeowner cares more for the property than a renter does. People take care of their cars better (generally) than someone using a rental car. I get that some people probably don't do either, but most people who own something care more about it than someone who is not an owner.
Of course the small businesses (private) do not have the stock incentives that major companies do. But all of the places we are shopping whether it's big oil, fast food, etc are publicly traded as far as I know. The only exception would be In N Out. But somehow they keep happy employees without an "ownership" stake. Even if they are not happy, they are remarkable at faking they care compared to most other fast food places.
Even if McD or JITB or another fast food place is franchised, corp could allow some provision or incentive for an employee of a franchised location to be able to get in on the overall success of the brand.
If you have some ownership, you care more for it. Just like a homeowner cares more for the property than a renter does. People take care of their cars better (generally) than someone using a rental car. I get that some people probably don't do either, but most people who own something care more about it than someone who is not an owner.
I'm guessing Shop-et was offered a seat on a broken chair which collapsed and she landed on the floor. Do I win?
@Shop-et-al wrote:
As needed: Please sit in your provided guest seating before offering a seat to unsuspecting visitors. Please ensure that all handrails are securely in place. Thank.you
@jazzzyjd wrote:
@maverick1 wrote:
and all employees shall be verified citizens. Of course, right? In full compliance with the law.
For the record it is possible to in full compliance of the law without being a citizen.
LOL True! My friend's parents have been here since the 1960's and are still using Green Cards. They are from the UK.
@jazzzyjd wrote:
@maverick1 wrote:
and all employees shall be verified citizens. Of course, right? In full compliance with the law.
For the record it is possible to in full compliance of the law without being a citizen.
Of course, having a valid VISA for example.
...and not the credit card. LOL
@hbbigdaddy wrote:
@maverick1
Of course the small businesses (private) do not have the stock incentives that major companies do. But all of the places we are shopping whether it's big oil, fast food, etc are publicly traded as far as I know. The only exception would be In N Out. But somehow they keep happy employees without an "ownership" stake. Even if they are not happy, they are remarkable at faking they care compared to most other fast food places.
Even if McD or JITB or another fast food place is franchised, corp could allow some provision or incentive for an employee of a franchised location to be able to get in on the overall success of the brand.
If you have some ownership, you care more for it. Just like a homeowner cares more for the property than a renter does. People take care of their cars better (generally) than someone using a rental car. I get that some people probably don't do either, but most people who own something care more about it than someone who is not an owner.
There are some large private companies such as HEB grocery, Albertsons grocery, Love's travel, Wawa convenience stores, etc. For the big public chains, employees could just buy their company stock with payroll deductions.
I'm not sure there's an issue here big daddy. The employee just needs to step up to the plate. Most employees at these types of stores just want an hourly wage and go home. It's not like Microsoft where you could be a major contributor / high performer and bring in large profits to the company's bottom line.
To attempt to stay on topic, as a customer, like others have mentioned, I would like the minimum level of basic service. However, these days, I do understand that establishments may have to cut corners and expenses. If I demand more, it may come out of my pocket.
To veer slightly off topic, from the perspective of a shopper, I don't particularly like it when an idle customer stands right in front of the subject that I need to photograph
To veer slightly off topic, from the perspective of a shopper, I don't particularly like it when an idle customer stands right in front of the subject that I need to photograph
Please don't feed the MSF trolls!
Feeding the MSF trolls bread or other human food is detrimental to their health and the environment. It can lead to malnutrition, disease, and behavioral problems in trolls, as well as water pollution and the spread of pests. Trolls are capable of finding their own food sources and don't require human assistance.
Feeding the MSF trolls bread or other human food is detrimental to their health and the environment. It can lead to malnutrition, disease, and behavioral problems in trolls, as well as water pollution and the spread of pests. Trolls are capable of finding their own food sources and don't require human assistance.
@sestrahelena wrote:
I'm guessing Shop-et was offered a seat on a broken chair which collapsed and she landed on the floor. Do I win?
@Shop-et-al wrote:
As needed: Please sit in your provided guest seating before offering a seat to unsuspecting visitors. Please ensure that all handrails are securely in place. Thank.you
Almost. Close enough for the cigar. *woot!*.
When I was still wobbly a few years ago, I encounteted one wonky chair. I was strong enough to test it (def the chair not me). Mentioned this to someone in pasing and soon, wonky chair was removed from the lineup.
Still think my MS specialty should be to find these things. Picture it: shopper, armed with loa, designated tools, and documenting device, shall occupy each public seat. Shopper pay is $300.00 per hour up to eight hours per day. All reasonable and necessary travrl costs are covered. Weekend and night work is reimbursed at $700.00 per hour up to eight hours per shift.
Overtime is per customary. Paid to sit, do sit to stands, and get a bit of a workout when manipulating the furniture during inspection. My new dream...
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you.... (Rumi)
@Shop-et-al wrote:
@sestrahelena wrote:
I'm guessing Shop-et was offered a seat on a broken chair which collapsed and she landed on the floor. Do I win?
@Shop-et-al wrote:
As needed: Please sit in your provided guest seating before offering a seat to unsuspecting visitors. Please ensure that all handrails are securely in place. Thank.you
Almost. Close enough for the cigar. *woot!*.
When I was still wobbly a few years ago, I encounteted one wonky chair. I was strong enough to test it (def the chair not me). Mentioned this to someone in pasing and soon, wonky chair was removed from the lineup.
Still think my MS specialty should be to find these things. Picture it: shopper, armed with loa, designated tools, and documenting device, shall occupy each public seat. Shopper pay is $300.00 per hour up to eight hours per day. All reasonable and necessary travrl costs are covered. Weekend and night work is reimbursed at $700.00 per hour up to eight hours per shift.
Overtime is per customary. Paid to sit, do sit to stands, and get a bit of a workout when manipulating the furniture during inspection. My new dream...
New political career? ROFL
Or perhaps (pipe) dream
Please don't feed the MSF trolls!
Feeding the MSF trolls bread or other human food is detrimental to their health and the environment. It can lead to malnutrition, disease, and behavioral problems in trolls, as well as water pollution and the spread of pests. Trolls are capable of finding their own food sources and don't require human assistance.
Feeding the MSF trolls bread or other human food is detrimental to their health and the environment. It can lead to malnutrition, disease, and behavioral problems in trolls, as well as water pollution and the spread of pests. Trolls are capable of finding their own food sources and don't require human assistance.
Albertson's grocery? Are you talking about the food giant that merge with Safeway/Vons many years ago? There were private equity and have been public since 2020.
Albertsons is a publicly traded company. While it was previously owned by a private equity firm, Cerberus Capital Management, Albertsons went public in June 2020. The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "ACI"
I understand any employee can purchase shares into a publicly traded company. But what harm is it to "incentivize" them into doing so by offering it at 10% or 15% discount. Employees with ownership stake will more than likely do better/care more than employees with no stake.
Albertsons is a publicly traded company. While it was previously owned by a private equity firm, Cerberus Capital Management, Albertsons went public in June 2020. The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "ACI"
I understand any employee can purchase shares into a publicly traded company. But what harm is it to "incentivize" them into doing so by offering it at 10% or 15% discount. Employees with ownership stake will more than likely do better/care more than employees with no stake.
Yup. My real MS dream is simple. Gigs that get me things I want for what I personally do. I found myself looking at available locations in terms of safety and accessibility, which are not always mentioned directly and specifically in guidelines and questionnaires. So far, one online gig type would suffice for art supplies. Enough of these and... voila! A painting! Have not been able to get this gig, though. Still dreaming of a.gig hobby that directly supports art and other interests...
Back to business.
Please continue in the following location-specific safety practice. Please continue to freshen your yellow ''safety paint' as needed. It is important to emphadize steps, bends, and turns in your pathways. Thank you.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2025 07:08PM by Shop-et-al.
Back to business.
Please continue in the following location-specific safety practice. Please continue to freshen your yellow ''safety paint' as needed. It is important to emphadize steps, bends, and turns in your pathways. Thank you.
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you.... (Rumi)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2025 07:08PM by Shop-et-al.
Back to business ... the irony
Please don't feed the MSF trolls!
Feeding the MSF trolls bread or other human food is detrimental to their health and the environment. It can lead to malnutrition, disease, and behavioral problems in trolls, as well as water pollution and the spread of pests. Trolls are capable of finding their own food sources and don't require human assistance.
Feeding the MSF trolls bread or other human food is detrimental to their health and the environment. It can lead to malnutrition, disease, and behavioral problems in trolls, as well as water pollution and the spread of pests. Trolls are capable of finding their own food sources and don't require human assistance.
@hbbigdaddy wrote:
Albertson's grocery? Are you talking about the food giant that merge with Safeway/Vons many years ago? There were private equity and have been public since 2020.
Albertsons is a publicly traded company. While it was previously owned by a private equity firm, Cerberus Capital Management, Albertsons went public in June 2020. The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "ACI"
I understand any employee can purchase shares into a publicly traded company. But what harm is it to "incentivize" them into doing so by offering it at 10% or 15% discount. Employees with ownership stake will more than likely do better/care more than employees with no stake.
Okay, okay, Albertsons is technically a public traded company, but I believe majority shares are privately held. So there! LOL
So you are suggesting companies discount their stock to all employees? Yeah, good luck with that! How about free coffee?
I'm saying many large companies publicly traded offer ESPP. It's a way for employees to purchase shares at a slight discount from the general public. Some companies offer the discount on the date of purchase, others offer the lowest price during a set "period." My wife had options at a health care company and bought in every quarter. At the end when she got laid off it was an extra $70K (cost basis was about $25K).
The health care company now has it too, but they took a big hit in stock price a few months back with the medicare cuts.
It's an incentive to get employees to "buy into" ownership of the company.
These major oil companies can afford it. Heck if Costco is offering it, why can't others?
Are you going to tell me that an "engaged employee" is more than likely not a better employee than one that has no ownership stake? I'm not asking for outliers.
The health care company now has it too, but they took a big hit in stock price a few months back with the medicare cuts.
It's an incentive to get employees to "buy into" ownership of the company.
These major oil companies can afford it. Heck if Costco is offering it, why can't others?
Are you going to tell me that an "engaged employee" is more than likely not a better employee than one that has no ownership stake? I'm not asking for outliers.
If you're going to have a MSing program, don't be cheap with it. Have shoppers purchase an average-priced item or service and fully reimburse for it.
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