I can tell you this: They tell us to do it. Plus, once you get past the first couple times, its less awkward. I know the first time I approach a regular with small talk or anything like that, they seem weirded out, but if they come back, usually we chat a little more than before, and eventually when you become a part of someone's routine, and they a part of yours, the awkwardness goes away, and if you disappear, we'll treat you like an old friend when you come back to us.
So really, if you just go with the flow of the conversation (if they talk about the weather, reciprocate, if they start getting into more personal things, its usually because most customers are a string of verbal abuse or outright ignorance that makes you want to give them a side of stab in the face), we'll treat you like an old friend. And sometimes, you get good things out of it. I know we quietly gave out discounts at Subway to our better regulars after a while. The one who eventually hired me at the pharmacy was getting a flat rate of just over $6 for his supper. |
