Four friends and myself just returned from a really nice week in Seagrove Beach...we had a blast! Weather was super for 6 of the 7 days - a little on the chilly side but will come later next year to hopefully ensure warmer weather. We left the beach cleaner than we found it and obeyed all the laws. Here's what I don't get and hope you can help us understand.....
We dumped considerable money into the BSW economy and received some rude service and it's perplexing. Now I know what you are thinking....we must have done something to deserve rude treatment/service. We didn't and just couldn't get over the attitude of many. Let me give you a few examples.....
the checker (OK she was young, maybe 20) at the Publix store on 395 never, not once in 3 trips to this store, said thank you. Other Publix stores aren't this way. The last time I looked her straight in the eye and said thank you emphatically. There was a little spark and I think for a micro-second, she thought, maybe I was suppose to say thank you. Maybe she is privileged and her parents make her work to build character.
dropped $60 at the liquor store in Blue Mountain Beach. The white haired guy (clerk/owner?) never looked up, never said what the total was, grunted a no and pointed a finger to the door displaying only the Visa and MC logo when asked if he took AMEX, and never said thank you. For sure, we won't be returning to this store. Is this standard treatment?
The Red Bar and Picolo Restaurant.....Food was good, of course, and the service was good if almost too attentive (we were early at 5 PM.) We left the waiter 20% and stood outside the restaurant for a few minutes before loading the car to depart. While standing outside, he came outside and asked us if everything was OK. His tone was less than cordial and almost argumentative. We know he got all the tip as we handed him the check, the cash for the meal and his tip personally. We talked about this for days trying to figure out what was the issue. We were going to return for a second evening, but his behavior had us a little spooked so we ate elsewhere.
The small shops just north of 30A at Old Grayton Beach on the west side of the street just south of Big Mama's Hula Girl shop. We were followed around in one shop like we were going to steal something! I was contemplating purchasing a few things but decided she wasn't getting my money.
These are just a few of the poor experiences we had while spending our cash in the Beaches of South Walton. We had a few more, but I think you get the idea.
BUT, we also had two really nice experiences at the Starbucks just east of the Old Grayton Beach intersection on 30A. The gal at the Starbucks was wonderful, chatting, laughing and made us great lattes. The owner of the Sterling Gallery was a really nice guy - no pressure, fun to talk with, etc. We bought more than several items from him.
We just couldn't get over the rude treatment to paying customers. Are our experiences isolated?
Replies
77
Admin
I'm not sure the lack of customer service is a Sowal problem...it seems to be everywhere. I do think we see more than our share of the "tourist with an entitlement attitude" around here though.
Let's all smile more often--it'd probably improve things!
A smile is just an upside down frown.
Beach Fanatic
I've been a tourist & now a resident..... Yes, the off-season is WAY better in terms of service. mainly because there are so many people everywhere! But, yes, it's good, in the fact that tourism does support livelihood here.
Two years ago, my family & I were in Seaside for the day & were starving. Not really knowing where to eat, we ended up in B&A that afternoon. I will say it hit the Top Three (number 2, to be exact) on my list of the worst service I have ever had, the others being at a high end restaurant in ATL (number 1) & 1 time at The Grit
eek: a normally cool place) in Athens, GA. To date, I cannot bring myself to go back to B&A because the service was so unfriendly & downright rude. I normally don't feel that way about a place, as I only have these 3 instances that have stood out in my mind that can be seen as rotten service.
Other than that, everyone has always been at least polite. In Alpharetta, I could go to the same Kroger on Windward Parkway 4 times a week, not see anyone I knew & never be recognized by the front end cashiers. I love the fact that around here, you see familiar faces, even when you're a tourist.
Hope next time you have better luck!
Two years ago, my family & I were in Seaside for the day & were starving. Not really knowing where to eat, we ended up in B&A that afternoon. I will say it hit the Top Three (number 2, to be exact) on my list of the worst service I have ever had, the others being at a high end restaurant in ATL (number 1) & 1 time at The Grit
eek: a normally cool place) in Athens, GA. To date, I cannot bring myself to go back to B&A because the service was so unfriendly & downright rude. I normally don't feel that way about a place, as I only have these 3 instances that have stood out in my mind that can be seen as rotten service.Other than that, everyone has always been at least polite. In Alpharetta, I could go to the same Kroger on Windward Parkway 4 times a week, not see anyone I knew & never be recognized by the front end cashiers. I love the fact that around here, you see familiar faces, even when you're a tourist.
Hope next time you have better luck!
SoWal Expert
Thinking a little more about this subject, one thing that comes to mind is that I am often asked questions when standing on the sidewalk, driving down the road, etc., and the people asking the questions seem so zoned out, that they could appear to be rude to some people. They are not warm with their greeting if they give one (usually they don't), and mostly they just jump right into the question, which comes off as demanding an answer. Last year, this seemingly demanding behavior gave me the idea for a tee-shirt, which would read:
Need Answers?
Want the Free Answer,
The $1 Answer,
or,
The $5 Answer?
Want the Free Answer,
The $1 Answer,
or,
The $5 Answer?
I have yet to have anyone asking me questions, while I am speaking with someone else, say, "Excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt, but I am looking for .... Could you please help me with directions?" Quite often it is, "Hey! You know where ... is?" Gotta say it rubs me the wrong way sometimes, and while I haven't sent anyone in the opposite direction of their destination, after the fact, I sometimes think that it would be fun to do.
One other point of contention I have with tourists in the grocery store is that they, much more so than locals, tend to park their buggy in the middle of the isle as they discuss with the 5 or 6 people in their group, they type of items they need and want. They don't seem to be considerate of other shoppers.
I'm not in the service industry, yet I experience this almost daily down here. If the service industry staffers are getting this X10, I can imagine why they might not like their job.
​
One other point of contention I have with tourists in the grocery store is that they, much more so than locals, tend to park their buggy in the middle of the isle as they discuss with the 5 or 6 people in their group, they type of items they need and want. They don't seem to be considerate of other shoppers.
I'm not in the service industry, yet I experience this almost daily down here. If the service industry staffers are getting this X10, I can imagine why they might not like their job.
​
SoWal Expert
In Alpharetta, I could go to the same Kroger on Windward Parkway 4 times a week, not see anyone I knew & never be recognized by the front end cashiers. I love the fact that around here, you see familiar faces, even when you're a tourist.:funn: Most of the kids in the WaterCooler Publix say hi to me every time I go in. The managers always say hello. On the flipside, I always extend a smile and greeting to them, never waiting for them to speak first.
Beach Fanatic
I just get allot of "Hey Bobby!" everywhere I go... It kinda gets old and I don't get it....
SoWal Expert
I just get allot of "Hey Bobby!" everywhere I go... It kinda gets old and I don't get it....
SoWal Insider
I would agree about the bartenders at B&A's -- one in particular who carries himself as somewhat of a celebrity for some odd reason. He'll yuck it up one minute with people he obviously knows then, if you can get his attention, not even make eye contact with you. And with the price of drinks @ B&A's, one might justifiably expect eye contact and some politeness. I'm in the area every two weeks (a semi-local) and he's certainly seen me enough times and received a healthy tip or two from me but he still strikes me as being cocky and arrogant. So much for healthy tips ...I'm sure your observations are correct, but this guy's punishment is that he has to do that dreary work in self-absorbtion central for a living.
Beach ComberAuthor
Thanks for your responses. Perhaps I used the wrong word when I said we "dumped" a considerable amount of money into the local economy. Let me rephrase....we "contributed" to the local economy. That "contribution" allows for lots of things to happen downstream along 30A - roads, services, etc. Without the "contributions" of many tourists, things might look much different in SoWal and maybe you would prefer it that way. And, I understand, too, you may be paying enough taxes to choke a horse. But, bottomline, it is merely a matter of economics.
I might feel the same about the tourists if I were a resident. And, I would count myself lucky if I were living my and countless others dream of living on/near the beach (and not just any beach but the BSW.) It must be a never ending fight to maintain the beauty and feel of SoWal.
As we contemplate our return next year, we will keep in mind it is incumbent upon us to offer the first smile, the first hello when walking in the door, remember to say thank you even though it was me who put the money in the cash register, consider rude treatment on the first visit as merely a matter of someone having an "off" day and where continued rudeness exists, it would place the shop or store on our do not patronize list.
None of this is written with any hidden meaning. We will again endeavor to be a good tourist. I thought we did that this trip (and BTW this is about our 5th trip to SoWal) but next year we will try harder. My hope is that the shop/store owners and their employees will too. You don't bite that hand that feeds you.
I might feel the same about the tourists if I were a resident. And, I would count myself lucky if I were living my and countless others dream of living on/near the beach (and not just any beach but the BSW.) It must be a never ending fight to maintain the beauty and feel of SoWal.
As we contemplate our return next year, we will keep in mind it is incumbent upon us to offer the first smile, the first hello when walking in the door, remember to say thank you even though it was me who put the money in the cash register, consider rude treatment on the first visit as merely a matter of someone having an "off" day and where continued rudeness exists, it would place the shop or store on our do not patronize list.
None of this is written with any hidden meaning. We will again endeavor to be a good tourist. I thought we did that this trip (and BTW this is about our 5th trip to SoWal) but next year we will try harder. My hope is that the shop/store owners and their employees will too. You don't bite that hand that feeds you.
SoWal Expert
I'm sure your observations are correct, but this guy's punishment is that he has to do that dreary work in self-absorbtion central for a living.
And his brother bartends at Old Florida Fish House.
I'm trying to figure out a way to leave a negative tip the next time I visit. I told the other bartender (who was really nice) that he should take his jerk bartending partner out back and kick his a$$ since the guy's rudeness was probably affecting his own tips. The nice guy seemed to sadly agree with me.Edited
Beach Fanatic
Thanks for your responses. Perhaps I used the wrong word when I said we "dumped" a considerable amount of money into the local economy. Let me rephrase....we "contributed" to the local economy. That "contribution" allows for lots of things to happen downstream along 30A - roads, services, etc. Without the "contributions" of many tourists, things might look much different in SoWal and maybe you would prefer it that way. And, I understand, too, you may be paying enough taxes to choke a horse. But, bottomline, it is merely a matter of economics.there is one guarantee tumules, and that is if you continue to post as thoughtfully and respectfully as you have on this board, when you do return to SoWal you'll have a built in network of friends down here...and there will always be a smile in sowal for you
I might feel the same about the tourists if I were a resident. And, I would count myself lucky if I were living my and countless others dream of living on/near the beach (and not just any beach but the BSW.) It must be a never ending fight to maintain the beauty and feel of SoWal.
As we contemplate our return next year, we will keep in mind it is incumbent upon us to offer the first smile, the first hello when walking in the door, remember to say thank you even though it was me who put the money in the cash register, consider rude treatment on the first visit as merely a matter of someone having an "off" day and where continued rudeness exists, it would place the shop or store on our do not patronize list.
None of this is written with any hidden meaning. We will again endeavor to be a good tourist. I thought we did that this trip (and BTW this is about our 5th trip to SoWal) but next year we will try harder. My hope is that the shop/store owners and their employees will too. You don't bite that hand that feeds you.
SoWal Insider
I just get allot of "Hey Bobby!" everywhere I go... It kinda gets old and I don't get it....
"Hey Bobby"
there is one guarantee tumules, and that is if you continue to post as thoughtfully and respectfully as you have on this board, when you do return to SoWal you'll have a built in network of friends down here...and there will always be a smile in sowal for you
What Hop said! He's right, keep posting like this and you will have more friends than you know what to do with in SoWal!
However, I don't think this is an exclusive SoWal problem. I see it everyday here in Birmingham. It seems a bit odd that I am always the one that says "thank you" when I am being handed whatever I purchased. Happens all the time in the shops I frequent, restaurant's and other places of business. I just keep saying "thank you" and hopefully one day it will catch on.
Sorry you had bad experiences here in SoWal...come back we will try again.
SoWal Expert
Maybe the store owners are trying to prepare us for the future by having their employees be uneventful. There will be a day when we roll our entire buggy, filled with groceries, through something like a metal detector at the airport, totalling our bill and swiping our credit info which is microchipped under our skin in order to control identity theft. We will just entere a security password and be on our way. By this time, they will also have a lovely voice announce as we exit the building, "Thank you for shopping at Publix. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."
Tumules, it is what it is. We can expect more, but typically we receive less, and it costs more, living at the beach. After living here for about a year, we just get used to it, or shop elsewhere. Unfortunately, there isn't many places left for shopping if you rule out stores with bad service, so we end up not frequenting many places, and treasure the good ones. We get more used to the more relaxed beach lifestyle, including many of the service staff. Pickles is the prime example of crappy and expensive food, but their line is still 20 people deep at 3pm. In general, it seems that service staff in the busier places just want to make it through the day, and if it weren't for us customers, they could go home and take a nap.
Tumules, it is what it is. We can expect more, but typically we receive less, and it costs more, living at the beach. After living here for about a year, we just get used to it, or shop elsewhere. Unfortunately, there isn't many places left for shopping if you rule out stores with bad service, so we end up not frequenting many places, and treasure the good ones. We get more used to the more relaxed beach lifestyle, including many of the service staff. Pickles is the prime example of crappy and expensive food, but their line is still 20 people deep at 3pm. In general, it seems that service staff in the busier places just want to make it through the day, and if it weren't for us customers, they could go home and take a nap.
Beach Fanatic
Tumules: Ideally you've made the business owners more aware of what goes on in their stores and they can remind the staff to appreciate the customers (if the owners appreciate the staff it makes it easier for staff to appreciate the customers, of course). And definitely keep posting. It's true that you'll make good friends and get good advice by staying connected to this board.
I went to two places this weekend that went the extra mile: The jewelry store at Seacrest: the people were great there - I just stopped in to ask for directions and though I wasn't planning to buy anything then, they were extra kind and helpful. I'll definitely stop by there next visit to buy jewelry and would support their business. Yianni's, as always, had fabulous food and service. I was there with Cork and Magnum (her friend who has a Tom Selleck look), and the food was so good I was melting -- from appetizers to the carrot cake dessert (huge piece of cake to share with 3 people). We were the last to leave and the staff patiently waited until we left, even though it was clear they were ready to go home (once we realized that we scooted out of there). No wonder Yianni's is so successful-they were relatively busy on an off-season Monday night (doesn't hurt that a lot of other restaurants are closed on Monday nights) and it looks like Yianni's now owns the seafood store next door to the restaurant. :clap_1
I went to two places this weekend that went the extra mile: The jewelry store at Seacrest: the people were great there - I just stopped in to ask for directions and though I wasn't planning to buy anything then, they were extra kind and helpful. I'll definitely stop by there next visit to buy jewelry and would support their business. Yianni's, as always, had fabulous food and service. I was there with Cork and Magnum (her friend who has a Tom Selleck look), and the food was so good I was melting -- from appetizers to the carrot cake dessert (huge piece of cake to share with 3 people). We were the last to leave and the staff patiently waited until we left, even though it was clear they were ready to go home (once we realized that we scooted out of there). No wonder Yianni's is so successful-they were relatively busy on an off-season Monday night (doesn't hurt that a lot of other restaurants are closed on Monday nights) and it looks like Yianni's now owns the seafood store next door to the restaurant. :clap_1
Beach Comber
Kurt, I don't automatically equate dropping money on a worker (in the form of a healthy tip) with an expectation of polite service. I start out expecting polite service because I am polite to cashiers, waiters, watresses, store clerks, etc.
I chat with them. I ask them questions. I say "please" and "thank you" -- all the while being aware that there are times when they're hurried and rushed and it's not appropriate to slow them down with idle chit-chat. When it comes to SoWal waiters, waitresses and bartenders, my tips pretty start out at about 33% because I understand many of these folks are working multiple jobs to make ends meet and I want them to know that I appreciate them. In Atlanta, I generally only tip 20-25%. As someone who has invested in a home here with plans to become a permanent resident, I want to do whatever I can to help out those service workers who do work hard and that extra $3-5 may actually make a difference.
I chat with them. I ask them questions. I say "please" and "thank you" -- all the while being aware that there are times when they're hurried and rushed and it's not appropriate to slow them down with idle chit-chat. When it comes to SoWal waiters, waitresses and bartenders, my tips pretty start out at about 33% because I understand many of these folks are working multiple jobs to make ends meet and I want them to know that I appreciate them. In Atlanta, I generally only tip 20-25%. As someone who has invested in a home here with plans to become a permanent resident, I want to do whatever I can to help out those service workers who do work hard and that extra $3-5 may actually make a difference.
Beach Comber
And while we're on this topic, why don't we spotlight some of the folks who are friendly as they go about their jobs? I'd like to start by saying Amore' at Amore' Pizza has always been friendly and polite even though he's often a one-man-band running the kitchen, taking money, serving drinks, delivering meals to your table, etc. He makes an effort to greet customers and his low-key, mellow demeanor is very engaging. The folks who work Goatfeathers (SRB) Fish Market are always smiling and pleasant.
I say we should establish a SoWal Service Award called the Charlie Modica SuperSmile Award. Mr. Modica (and the rest of his family) are the poster children for pleasant, polite, gracious service in our area.
OK, everyone, what say you?
I say we should establish a SoWal Service Award called the Charlie Modica SuperSmile Award. Mr. Modica (and the rest of his family) are the poster children for pleasant, polite, gracious service in our area.
OK, everyone, what say you?
SoWal Expert
And while we're on this topic, why don't we spotlight some of the folks who are friendly as they go about their jobs? I'd like to start by saying Amore' at Amore' Pizza has always been friendly and polite even though he's often a one-man-band running the kitchen, taking money, serving drinks, delivering meals to your table, etc. He makes an effort to greet customers and his low-key, mellow demeanor is very engaging. The folks who work Goatfeathers (SRB) Fish Market are always smiling and pleasant.
I say we should establish a SoWal Service Award called the Charlie Modica SuperSmile Award. Mr. Modica (and the rest of his family) are the poster children for pleasant, polite, gracious service in our area.
OK, everyone, what say you?
I'm in!!!
Fired Up Pottery and Sundogs in Seaside
Smiling Fish
Amore (slam dunk winner)
Grayton Starbucks
the employees of Banktrust in Grayton
SoWal Expert
I am not devuldging my favorite spots from fear of them being ruined. :funn:
Beach Fanatic
Borago 
Beach Fanatic
The whole point is: We all, no matter where we are or even who we are, need to learn to appreciate those around us. All it takes is a smile and thank you. Or a "Hi, how are you today?" Or, "Excuse me, please." when you are in someone's way. It doesn't matter if the person is a busboy or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or even Bill Gates himself. Nor does it matter who you are. Get rid of egos in regards to social status when dealing with others. Be nice. Smile. Make them feel like you care. Give them a big s*** eating grin that makes your face hurt... Like this Let them know that you appreciate them whether they are serving you or you are serving them.
After this, see how better your day is because you are making other people's day better. See how you can be of service in your kindness.
That's my lecture for the day. Have a beautiful one!
Let them know that you appreciate them whether they are serving you or you are serving them.After this, see how better your day is because you are making other people's day better. See how you can be of service in your kindness.
That's my lecture for the day. Have a beautiful one!
Beach Fanatic
The whole point is: We all, no matter where we are or even who we are, need to learn to appreciate those around us. All it takes is a smile and thank you. Or a "Hi, how are you today?" Or, "Excuse me, please." when you are in someone's way. It doesn't matter if the person is a busboy or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or even Bill Gates himself. Nor does it matter who you are. Get rid of egos in regards to social status when dealing with others. Be nice. Smile. Make them feel like you care. Give them a big s*** eating grin that makes your face hurt... Like thisGo mama, go mama, go mama! Can you see me dancing???
After this, see how better your day is because you are making other people's day better. See how you can be of service in your kindness.
That's my lecture for the day. Have a beautiful one!
SoWal Expert
The whole point is: We all, no matter where we are or even who we are, need to learn to appreciate those around us. All it takes is a smile and thank you. Or a "Hi, how are you today?" Or, "Excuse me, please." when you are in someone's way. It doesn't matter if the person is a busboy or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or even Bill Gates himself. Nor does it matter who you are. Get rid of egos in regards to social status when dealing with others. Be nice. Smile. Make them feel like you care. Give them a big s*** eating grin that makes your face hurt... Like this
After this, see how better your day is because you are making other people's day better. See how you can be of service in your kindness.
That's my lecture for the day. Have a beautiful one!
:clap_1: ...and if that doesn't work, you can always put some extra items in their grocery cart as they block the isle. :funn:
Beach Fanatic
Go mama, go mama, go mama! Can you see me dancing???
Can you tell this is one of my pet peeves?
I watch people and how there is a ton of people standing in line at grocery stores, all the baggers are busy, and they are standing there looking at the cashier busting their a$$ to get done and they can't even help bag the groceries. This isn't just here. It's everywhere. I love it here because the people working in places we frequent know we care about them & they respond in a similar fashion.
:clap_1: ...and if that doesn't work, you can always put some extra items in their grocery cart as they block the isle. :funn:
Yep!
And, yes, to the original poster, I do feel very blessed to live here. Mr OM & I talk about that every morning over coffee.
bean
The whole point is: We all, no matter where we are or even who we are, need to learn to appreciate those around us. All it takes is a smile and thank you. Or a "Hi, how are you today?" Or, "Excuse me, please." when you are in someone's way. It doesn't matter if the person is a busboy or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or even Bill Gates himself. Nor does it matter who you are. Get rid of egos in regards to social status when dealing with others. Be nice. Smile. Make them feel like you care. Give them a big s*** eating grin that makes your face hurt... Like this
After this, see how better your day is because you are making other people's day better. See how you can be of service in your kindness.
That's my lecture for the day. Have a beautiful one!
:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:
SoWal Expert
By the way, seabreezer, you are spot on about the Modica Award. Mr Modica sets the pace, and he would be honored to read that you think so, too.
bean
Tumules: Ideally you've made the business owners more aware of what goes on in their stores and they can remind the staff to appreciate the customers (if the owners appreciate the staff it makes it easier for staff to appreciate the customers, of course). And definitely keep posting. It's true that you'll make good friends and get good advice by staying connected to this board.
I went to two places this weekend that went the extra mile: The jewelry store at Seacrest: the people were great there - I just stopped in to ask for directions and though I wasn't planning to buy anything then, they were extra kind and helpful. I'll definitely stop by there next visit to buy jewelry and would support their business. Yianni's, as always, had fabulous food and service. I was there with Cork and Magnum (her friend who has a Tom Selleck look), and the food was so good I was melting -- from appetizers to the carrot cake dessert (huge piece of cake to share with 3 people). We were the last to leave and the staff patiently waited until we left, even though it was clear they were ready to go home (once we realized that we scooted out of there). No wonder Yianni's is so successful-they were relatively busy on an off-season Monday night (doesn't hurt that a lot of other restaurants are closed on Monday nights) and it looks like Yianni's now owns the seafood store next door to the restaurant. :clap_1
Paula, I also stopped in here and was impressed with their service. One of the guys working there is from Ohio. He just moved down the week before my visit. Does anyone have their name and phone number? I lost their business card I picked up. I had my eye on something and I may request if for Mum's Day.;-)
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.