Buying in the States was Re: HP analyzer probes

From: Jules Richardson <julesrichardsonuk_at_yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Wed Jun 30 09:08:22 2004

On Wed, 2004-06-30 at 11:58, Joe R. wrote:
> I have found
> that service in some European counties and in some places in Canada is
> LOUSY! They act like they're doing you a favor to wait on you or to sell
> you anything. They only thing that I can says about that is that they would
> not have a job long here with their attitudes.

Now that's interesting. My view is that they *are* doing you a favour,
just as I'd expect someone to be polite to me if I were serving them in
some way and not take me for granted. Maybe that does highlight a big
difference between the US and European attitudes (plus Austalia and NZ)
to service.

One thing I do find is that people often visit foreign countries and
expect to be treated just as they're used to at home (I'm not suggesting
that about you, it's just a general observation). For me, part of the
challenge and fun of going overseas is to experience other beliefs,
cultures and ways of doing things, and adjusting to the locals' way of
doing things.

> French Canada (Montreal
> specificly) was particularly interesting. They REALLY push the French
> language there and they are required by law to greet you in French and to
> try and initiate the conversation in French.

Presumably because it's French Canada? :-) People generally take pride
in their language and often don't like others making assumptions about
what language they should speak. (Although I'm not sure how comfortable
I'd be if I were forced to greet people in a particular tongue - I
suppose the intention of the law there is to just try and protect the
local heritage though)

cheers,

Jules
Received on Wed Jun 30 2004 - 09:08:22 BST