Longo - Page 3

No I don't "get your drift", as I read it, it can be taken two ways?

Puff

Let's not argue amongst ourselves.We need a united front.

We went to our local garden centre last Saturday (our first visit outside of the home except for our weekly shopping because of Covid). It is attached to a large hardware store and was not fully stocked because of it being early in the season. However, with the good weather many people visited the garden centre armed with face masks and knowledge of safe distancing. You daren't cough or sneeze. But, everybody was in the same boat and to be honest it was a happy occasion. Covidwise - We're all in this together.

Mrs Matt (not one to keep her purse in her pocket given the opportunity to spend) asked one of the attendants if the offer of 3 for 2 applied to all the top shelf plants. He replied with what is probably the most unfriendly grunt of 2021. Undaunted and having thanked the attendant and smiling Mrs Matt took the 3 plants and proceeded to the check-out area. I was the reluctant bag carrier and knew there'd be a dispute with Mrs Matt -V- the female check-out person.

The check-out person was a lady who passed the plants, new garden hose, plastic potting, hand fork etc as fast as lightening. Mrs Matt, checked  the bill and noticed she was being charged individually for the 3 plants and no discount appearing. She queried and the lady informed her the items were individually priced and wouldn't talk about the 3 for 2 "offer" that she thought didn't apply. Even I knew the offer didn't apply, but approaching my 70's I've learnt to keep my mouth shut when Mrs Matt is on a roll. However, Mr Grunt-of-the-Year was nearby and Mrs Matt informed the check-out lady that he informed her of the 3 for 2 offer. I was standing upright with eyes rolling upwards. The garden centre attendant was called to the till and when questioned grunted again at the check-out girl. Mrs Matt got her reduction though.

Thank you Mr Grunt - you gave us an unexpected discount. The Customer always wins.

No argument here, Matthew, I'm just curious what John99andrew meant by his remark......... I'm sure you understand that.

Puff

Apart from the already mentioned Aldesur (indeed two young fellows who speak very decent English and are VERY helpful), there is also the Lepanto shop. My experience there was always nice, and they also help you in English.
But most important: they are cheaper than Longos, and even help to carry it to your car when it's something heavy.

Well done Mrs Matt for standing your ground and you Mr Matt for staying silent (it’s always best). 😂😂😂😂😂

Yes, always been good even 16 years ago. There was unfortunately in this instance something they couldn’t supply, hence a Longos 🤨🤨🤨🤨

You talk about the Spanish wanting you money I would always call a Spanish tradesman rather than an English one regarding ripping people off.

Why are you over here if you don't like the Spanish  

We only moved here in December, and I to have spent a bit in Longos and have always tried a little Spanish, Hello, please and thank you, and with the help of the translate on my I phone App I have been able to communicate with very little trouble. What we have to remember is this is a Spanish speaking country and why should the Spanish people have to learn another language to live and work in their own country. I wonder how many people in the UK would be prepared to learn another language to work in an Asda store with a high ethnic customer base.

Every time I try my Spanish I laugh at my self and with gestures I seem to make the Spanish Laugh but we have got realy good service in Longos and every other shop we have used

Hi Annie and welcome to the discussion. Irrespective of one's inability to speak Spanish every customer deserves be treated with civility. There is no need for anybody to be rude especially when they are spending money in the shop. 

There are cultural differences between the European English Speaking peoples and those who do not speak English. In the UK and Ireland shop assistants tend to over-emphasise friendliness/smiles/gratitude etc. In the USA you pay for a box of fags, you receive a box of fags and as far as the shop assistant is concerned that's a fair deal and no more; no need for thanks or a smile. I think this is a fair comparison with what happens in Spain, restaurants being the glaring exception where the tip usually reflects the overall service. 

This forum has posts from English speaking people visiting shops, restaurants, Céntro Médicos with many complaining about the rudeness of some staff including doctors. It doesn't bother me if I don't get the smile or even the "gracias" but I don't expect to be treated rudely.