09-02-2008, 08:35 PM
[quote Greg the dogsitter]Went to a store yesterday, and needed to use the restroom. Given the store's circumstances, there are two ways they could have responded:
One, in a cheerful/helpful voice: "I'm sorry, but we don't have insurance that covers our customers using the restroom. However, there's a place right next door that will let you."
Two, in a gruff voice: "We don't have any."
Guess which one results in me giving that place future business? Guess which doesn't? :-) The problem with your 'our insurance won't let us' version is that some people will take it as an invitation to debate the issue. Somewhere between the two works best. Sounding just slightly embarrassed about the situation, "Gosh I'm sorry we don't have a restroom available, but there's one you can use right next door."
One, in a cheerful/helpful voice: "I'm sorry, but we don't have insurance that covers our customers using the restroom. However, there's a place right next door that will let you."
Two, in a gruff voice: "We don't have any."
Guess which one results in me giving that place future business? Guess which doesn't? :-) The problem with your 'our insurance won't let us' version is that some people will take it as an invitation to debate the issue. Somewhere between the two works best. Sounding just slightly embarrassed about the situation, "Gosh I'm sorry we don't have a restroom available, but there's one you can use right next door."