Unsavoury accents in business. Offputting?

Lando Griffin

Whilst shopping for some new trainer in a busy well established shop at the weekend I approached an assistant to ask if she had a certain size to which she replied in a rather unpleasant accent.


“I don’t think theres nathin der dat size, Ill takes a look for ya” and off she went.


This caught me by surprise and her rough accent actually put me off buying.
I was edging towards the door when an attractive well-presented young lady approached and enquired in a well-mannered tongue “Good day sir, do you need any assistance?
I replied that I wanted xyz size in the trainer and she replied she had one in the back and off she went.
She was very prompt and came back with the exact size and I needed and popped them on my feet and they were very comfortable indeed.
She boxed them up and although a large queue of irate customers had gathered she ushered me to the front explaining that her colleague must have disappeared!
The other one came back and was scorned rightfully by the other customers.


Do accents decide who you do business with or would a bad accent put you off?

blatantrereg

No.

earlytobed

No, not snobby about accents. More concerned about costomer service

How Soon Is Now

Its just an accent ??

If someone in a shop is nice and actually does there job the right way and shows they actually seem interested i couldnt give a ****e what way they talk !.

TommyKnocker

No, neither would their skin color, race religion, age etc etc

maximoose

I find any sort of uninitiated contact off putting in a shop, regardless of their accent. If I don't come looking for help, leave me alone.

Shoe shops are the worst for it too, I know they are forced to do it by their employers but I feel like face-kicking the "greeters" in the doorway of Schuh/Office whose sole job is to say hello and goodbye. How f*cking pointless is that?

MagicMarker

No, because I'm not a gobshíte.

KERSPLAT!

If the person is professional and courteous that's good enough for me. Their accent would mean nothing to me

MagicMarker

maximoose wrote: »

but I feel like face-kicking the "greeters" in the doorway of Schuh/Office whose sole job is to say hello and goodbye. How f*cking pointless is that?

If it were pointless, they wouldn't be made to do it in the first place.

Plazaman

Lando Griffin wrote: »

“I don’t think theres nathin der dat size, Ill takes a look for ya” and off she went.

Unless it's the receptionist at a high class escort service, then no.

Sergeant

I wouldn't buy a car off someone with a strong Dooblin accent. Or a house for that matter. Wouldn't have much problem with buying a pair of runners off that same person though. They'd tend to know a lot about them.

blatantrereg

I do think less of people who affect rough accents.

Pumpkinseeds

OP my husband and I experienced the same type of thing last month in a menswear shop while suit shopping for him. There seemed to be 2 types of suit available, 1 with very narrow lapels and 1 with intentionally obvious stitching on the lapels, both of which we hated. When my husband described what he was looking for the assistant said 'Ah sure that'd be for older gentlemen'. Dafuq, you don't have what he wants so you'll try to embarrass him into buying some overpriced cheap looking suit?

We went for a browse in Brown Thomas after that and sure as sh*t there was none of that cheap looking crap in their mens dept and plenty of the suits my husband wanted(sadly out of our price range).

Zulu

Ahoy there; snobs ahead!

MJ23

Loike, what soize Dubes? They're totes comfortable.

KERSPLAT!

Pumpkinseeds wrote: »

OP my husband and I experienced the same type of thing last month in a menswear shop while suit shopping for him. There seemed to be 2 types of suit available, 1 with very narrow lapels and 1 with intentionally obvious stitching on the lapels, both of which we hated. When my husband described what he was looking for the assistant said 'Ah sure that'd be for older gentlemen'. Dafuq, you don't have what he wants so you'll try to embarrass him into buying some overpriced cheap looking suit?

We went for a browse in Brown Thomas after that and sure as sh*t there was none of that cheap looking crap in their mens dept and plenty of the suits my husband wanted(sadly out of our price range).

So it was nothing to do with the persons accent but the suits which the store stocked....

A sales person trying to sell you something... the horror

bb1234567

Judging people by their accents is very unfair, hows that any better than judging people based on skin colour,religion ,social class etc.

youreadthat

Not really. A person's view on an accent is almost entirely down to their own prejudices and says more about them than the person or accent they are judging.

Sergeant

youreadthat wrote: »

Not really. A person's view on an accent is almost entirely down to their own prejudices and says more about them than the person or accent they are judging.

How would you feel if you were about to get complex spinal cord surgery carried out and the surgeon who was discussing the procedure with you in advance sounded like Damien 'Damo' Dempsey?

KERSPLAT!

Sergeant wrote: »

How would you feel if you were about to get complex spinal cord surgery carried out and the surgeon who was discussing the procedure with you in advance sounded like Damien 'Damo' Dempsey?

If he has the qualifications and experience what does it matter??

The Backwards Man

I wouldn't change my accent for anybody, I try to be as clear and talk as slowly as I can without the local slang, but if you want me to hide where I come from you can sling your hook.

MJ23

Would you buy furniture from a lad in a van, wearing a striped shirt, slacks, black loafers, and who has a fat red face and blazing copper topper?

miamee

Sergeant wrote: »

How would you feel if you were about to get complex spinal cord surgery carried out and the surgeon who was discussing the procedure with you in advance sounded like Damien 'Damo' Dempsey?

If the surgeon is qualified to perform the surgery, what does it matter? Really?

Sergeant

miamee wrote: »

If the surgeon is qualified to perform the surgery, what does it matter? Really?

It wouldn't fill me with comfort. It may be a prejudice, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with someone like that operating on my spinal cord. Nor would I like someone with a Limerick accent to call to my door offering to carry out a home security assessment. It's just the way it is.

It would take the most insufferable type of self-professed egalitarian to fool themselves into thinking they don't make judgement calls based on accent.

bgrizzley

Sergeant wrote: »

It wouldn't fill me with comfort. It may be a prejudice, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with someone like that operating on my spinal cord. Nor would I like someone with a Limerick accent to call to my door offering to carry out a home security assessment. It's just the way it is.

It would take the most insufferable type of self-professed egalitarian to fool themselves into thinking they don't make judgement calls based on accent.

you do realise that not all people in Limerick are criminals?

Sergeant

Sergeant wrote: »

It wouldn't fill me with comfort. It may be a prejudice, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with someone like that operating on my spinal cord. Nor would I like someone with a Limerick accent to call to my door offering to carry out a home security assessment. It's just the way it is.

It would take the most insufferable type of self-professed egalitarian to fool themselves into thinking they don't make judgement calls based on accent.

'Someone like that'? Someone with a Dublin accent? Jesus. Yes, we all notice accents and have preconceived ideas about them, but I'd hope most of us realise how silly it is to take it seriously? If I had a surgeon with a strong working class Dublin accent, I'd think it unusual, but I wouldn't worry about his skills.

Sergeant

bgrizzley wrote: »

you do realise that not all people in Limerick are criminals?

I do realise that. It doesn't mean I don't develop an inherent prejudice when I hear a strong example of the accent.

Quazzie

Unfortunately I have to admit that a thick Dublin accent is very offputting for me when I am a consumer. It just sounds like you can't trust the person.

Also a Kerry accent makes someone sound simple and I find it hard to take their opinions with any authority.

Esoteric_

I don't see how somebody's accent could affect their work ethic, so no, I judge them on their customer service skills. Sorry, OP, I'm not enough of a snob for you, although I come from north Dublin, so that may make my point invalid in your eyes.

H3llR4iser

Regardless of what most claim, I would say the way people working in retail (and generally in contact with the public) present themselves, including the way they speak, is absolutely fundamental - especially when said retail person is the one initiating contact with the customer.

I would not be put off buying something because I'd be ultimately interested in the product, which in most cases is not made by the clerk, however speaking in a clear voice, pronouncing words well and well separated, without the use of abbreviations, slang and local terminology, is the most basic form of courtesy.

Besides, approaching customers trying to sell something is kinda pointless if they cannot understand you...

Pace2008

Sergeant wrote: »

How would you feel if you were about to get complex spinal cord surgery carried out and the surgeon who was discussing the procedure with you in advance sounded like Damien 'Damo' Dempsey?

I'd be surprised because it's quite unusual for people from the socio-economic background with which the accent is associated to rise to that level in the medical profession. And it's even more unusual to go through so many years at the relevant universities within having the edge taken off a stronger accent. But you don't fluke your way into a job as a neurosurgeon so, no, I wouldn't care what his accent was like if he had attained the relevant qualifications and was deemed fit by the hospital board to carry out complex surgery.

We all have our prejudices. For example, if I were calling up a seller on adverts.ie looking to buy an ipod, and were greeted with a thick inner-city accent, I would not go through with the purchase if there were no feedback on the account in question. If, however, there were numerous reports of positive dealings with the the vendor then I'd have no reason to assume that their inner scumbag (inherent in all people who possess a particular accent) was going to manifest itself and fleece me. They've proved their worth and I have no reason to judge them based on their accent rather than their actions.


What you are saying is that no matter what someone does with their life, you will always think lesser of them because of their background. That is straight-up bigotry.

darkdubh

Sergeant wrote: »

How would you feel if you were about to get complex spinal cord surgery carried out and the surgeon who was discussing the procedure with you in advance sounded like Damien 'Damo' Dempsey?

As long as he knew his stuff I woulden't mind how he spoke.Are you snob by any chance?

yore

Sergeant wrote: »

How would you feel if you were about to get complex spinal cord surgery carried out and the surgeon who was discussing the procedure with you in advance sounded like Damien 'Damo' Dempsey?

DAMO. DAMO DAMO


I'd be delighted. Sure it's all good

Jesus, he doesn't even have a "bad" accent.

The Backwards Man

H3llR4iser wrote: »

Regardless of what most claim, I would say the way people working in retail (and generally in contact with the public) present themselves, including the way they speak, is absolutely fundamental - especially when said retail person is the one initiating contact with the customer.

I would not be put off buying something because I'd be ultimately interested in the product, which in most cases is not made by the clerk, however speaking in a clear voice, pronouncing words well and well separated, without the use of abbreviations, slang and local terminology, is the most basic form of courtesy.

Besides, approaching customers trying to sell something is kinda pointless if they cannot understand you...

Nobody is a harsher critic of customer service levels in retail (believe me, you don't want to get me started:pac:), but I would never consider someone's accent as a factor in their ability to do their jobs. It stinks of bigotry, pure and simple.

lertsnim

Lando Griffin wrote: »

Whilst shopping for some new trainer in a busy well established shop at the weekend I approached an assistant to ask if she had a certain size to which she replied in a rather unpleasant accent.


“I don’t think theres nathin der dat size, Ill takes a look for ya” and off she went.


This caught me by surprise and her rough accent actually put me off buying.
I was edging towards the door when an attractive well-presented young lady approached and enquired in a well-mannered tongue “Good day sir, do you need any assistance?
I replied that I wanted xyz size in the trainer and she replied she had one in the back and off she went.
She was very prompt and came back with the exact size and I needed and popped them on my feet and they were very comfortable indeed.
She boxed them up and although a large queue of irate customers had gathered she ushered me to the front explaining that her colleague must have disappeared!
The other one came back and was scorned rightfully by the other customers.


Do accents decide who you do business with or would a bad accent put you off?

You're a bit shallow aren't you.

Rocket19

maximoose wrote: »

I find any sort of uninitiated contact off putting in a shop, regardless of their accent. If I don't come looking for help, leave me alone.

Shoe shops are the worst for it too, I know they are forced to do it by their employers but I feel like face-kicking the "greeters" in the doorway of Schuh/Office whose sole job is to say hello and goodbye. How f*cking pointless is that?

It works though. You might find it annoying (many people do), but a lot of people DO respond well to the overbearing approach.

I used to work in a shoe shop, and we'd circle the customers like sharks when they came in. Before I worked in retail, I thought everyone hated this (I don't like it myself), but they don't! Some people (especially middle aged and older women) actually seem to come into the shop solely to have a chat, and tell you their woes (seriously).
These people are far, far more likely to make a purchase if you use the pushy, friendly-friendly approach.

I think younger people (my age) tend to dislike making conversation with the shop assistant, but fail to realise that many older people do appreciate and respond well to the smiling, greeting and the chit chat.
Though it does put certain people off, and is a bit vomit inducing in general :P, it undoubtedly drives up the sales targets.

lahalane

Sergeant wrote: »

It may be a prejudice

It IS a prejudice.

The accent means nothing to me, the attitude is what counts.

H3llr4iser

I would not be put off buying something because I'd be ultimately interested in the product, which in most cases is not made by the clerk, however speaking in a clear voice, pronouncing words well and well separated, without the use of abbreviations, slang and local terminology, is the most basic form of courtesy.

Sometimes these credentials together with a snobby attitude can be very offputting. Eloquent speech is nice but it's not essential, for me anyway.

oisindoyle

Incredible amount of snobs in here.the so called rough accent is the actual dublin accent...why complain?

Zulu

oisindoyle wrote: »

Incredible amount of snobs in here.the so called rough accent is the actual dublin accent...why complain?

No, it's not. It's a Dublin accent, but not the Dublin accent.

Pace2008

oisindoyle wrote: »

Incredible amount of snobs in here.the so called rough accent is the actual dublin accent...why complain?

What is "the actual Dublin accent?"

H3llR4iser

The Backwards Man wrote: »

Nobody is a harsher critic of customer service levels in retail (believe me, you don't want to get me started:pac:), but I would never consider someone's accent as a factor in their ability to do their jobs. It stinks of bigotry, pure and simple.

Certainly...but we are talking about a job that essentially IS talking, and the person in question has some kind of "peculiarity" exactly with what is one of the major aspects of the job.

A capable engineer with a peculiar accent will no doubt do absolutely fine in his/her job, as well as, say, a doctor (although I would be wondering why, with all the study and preparation they went through, they never bothered learning to speak their own native language).

However, a salesperson with poor language skills is to me the same as an engineer with poor technical knowledge or a surgeon with a shaky hand...

jimgoose

Sergeant wrote: »

It wouldn't fill me with comfort. It may be a prejudice, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with someone like that operating on my spinal cord. Nor would I like someone with a Limerick accent to call to my door offering to carry out a home security assessment...

<Harrumph>. I have a Limerick accent. In fact, I sound exactly like this:

The Backwards Man

H3llR4iser wrote: »

Certainly...but we are talking about a job that essentially IS talking, and the person in question has some kind of "peculiarity" exactly with what is one of the major aspects of the job.

A capable engineer with a peculiar accent will no doubt do absolutely fine in his/her job, as well as, say, a doctor (although I would be wondering why, with all the study and preparation they went through, they never bothered learning to speak their own native language).

However, a salesperson with poor language skills is to me the same as an engineer with poor technical knowledge or a surgeon with a shaky hand...

But as long as they are articulate and able to make themselves understood, what does it matter what accent they have?

Tiddlypeeps

MagicMarker wrote: »

If it were pointless, they wouldn't be made to do it in the first place.

Logical fallacy. Just because something is done by many does not mean it is right/best.

I'm not saying that it is pointless (I have no idea) just that the logic you used to reach your conclusion does not follow.

Cody Pomeray

Lando Griffin wrote: »

an attractive well-presented young lady approached and enquired in a well-mannered tongue “Good day sir, do you need any assistance?

Good day Sir?

Was she not Irish? I'd probably be wondering why someone was speaking to me in such a strange manner.

You should have told her to take a leaf out of her colleague's book and relax. It's just runners. I'd rather people didn't speak to me in affected voices when they're selling me things. I'd tend not to trust them.

Pace2008

Pace2008 wrote: »

What is "the actual Dublin accent?"

"Hoiiii! Hayw are yooooou? What toipe of shewz wush you loike to look ash?"

jimgoose

Miley Juicy Fatigues wrote: »

"Hoiiii! Hayw are yooooou? What toipe of shewz wush you loike to look ash?"

I wouldn't buy anything off her either. The Rossmeister General told me - Sorcha's a focking cont!

Duggys Housemate

The OP is possibly being more honest than the people answering. Businesses do tend to employ customer facing employees who are well spoken, for a reason I suppose.

Lando Griffin

Esoteric_ wrote: »

I don't see how somebody's accent could affect their work ethic, so no, I judge them on their customer service skills. Sorry, OP, I'm not enough of a snob for you, although I come from north Dublin, so that may make my point invalid in your eyes.

Not at all, Malahide is a fantastic place.

Cody Pomeray

Duggys Housemate wrote: »

The OP is possibly being more honest than the people answering.

Really? I'm not sure I believe his exact version of events.

Aside from the predictable character constructions; one girl with a lower socially ranked accent was a rough and ready shop girl, the other ("Good day Sir", in apparently American vernacular) spoke with a higher socially ranked accent, was exceedingly polite, attractive, let him skip the queue and brought him some trainers which "were very comfortable indeed".

The entire narrative clearly revolves around a provocative bias that the OP is seeking to legitimize, aka troll.

Lando Griffin

Cody Pomeray wrote: »

Really? I'm not sure I believe his exact version of events.

Aside from the predictable character constructions; one girl with a lower socially ranked accent was a rough and ready shop girl, the other ("Good day Sir", in apparently American vernacular) spoke with a higher socially ranked accent, was exceedingly polite, attractive, let him skip the queue and brought him some trainers which "were very comfortable indeed".

The entire narrative clearly revolves around a provocative bias that the OP is seeking to legitimize, aka troll.

What the?
I do protest, just because some of us actually venture away from our keyboards and support the high street and meet real people with real problems, and not buy everything on line, never meeting or comunicating with a person face to face.
I would rather the way I do business and meet attractive sales assistance to woo me into spending my hard earned cash in the place of their ( sometimes struggling ) business.