Which question should they leave out, though? Or, to be more concise, which question should they ask? Should they only ask about credit? What if you're also buying kid's clothes? Should they leave out the fact that they're eligible for KidVantage? If you don't know about the program, and it's something you'd like, you'd be disappointed if you later found out nobody asked you about it. Likewise, what if you buy tools often and nobody asks you about Craftsman Club? You could be saving all kinds of money and learning about new tools that you might want to buy, but you'd be missing out on that because nobody mentioned it. Everyone wants full disclosure, but nobody wants to hear it. If they don't ask, they're depriving customers of information. If they do, they're being pests. It's always to err on the side of too much information, so nobody can say they were never asked. I'd rather there was too much service than too little.

I know it's part of the cashiers jobs and probably a big money maker for Sears, but I loathe being asked if I want to open a Sears Credit card account every single time I buy something. Sometimes the cashiers push the credit cards so hard, that they give off the impression that my purchase (with cash or my Visa card) doesn't even count for anything. They aren't happy that I chose to shop there, they are just disappointed that I didn't sign up for the credit card.

bring back the jeans that don't look like you puled them from the trash, (worn out faded,holes, yellow looking) Bring back the US polo Assn. kids jeans that don't look like they haven't been washed for 10 years. Then I will come back to shop and my lady friends will come back to Sears.

I think a credit card should only be offered when a person is making a huge purchase, but to limit the cashier to asking only one question seems ridiculous.

I think a credit card should only be offered when a person is making a huge purchase, but to limit the cashier to asking only one question seems ridiculous.

First, you'd have to define "huge." Then, you'd have to change the law, because we'd be discriminating against everyone not making "huge" purchases, and that would be illegal. While you may not like it, the fact is that if we only ask certain customers if they'd like to open a Sears card, we are opening ourselves up to discrimination lawsuits and breaking the law. The associate would be fired and the company would be fined huge sums of money. We don't do it to bug you; we do it because we are obligated by law to do so.

We are obligated, by law, to ask every single customer that passes through checkout. If they're pushy, that's not good, but we must politely ask every single customer.

Blue Crew Guy,,Remind me again what law that requires me to make a purchase. I am not familiar with it,,I may need to contact my legislator about this ! :)

It's part of the stimulus package. Now, get out to your local store, open a credit card, and max that mother out!

I totallly agree with you Julie! And it is not just Sears. Been to Bealls lately?

always found it funny that when i worked at MPU for sears that we gave a $5 coupon if you waited more then 5min but there wasant any kind of guarantee on how fast youd get through the line which was usualy a while with all those questions

It actually is important info that would actually help Sears serve us better. Really it takes not even a minute, and they do send you coupons which are valuable. As for the Sears card I get that right out of the way when I walk up to the register, I tell them no I do not have a Sears card but I will sign up if you give me addition 10% off even if I do not get approved. Which I won't because of a nasty divorce a few years back. Honestly, I usually get the discount without having to sign anything.

It seems like whenever I am at a store like Sears, Kohl's or whatever, that they to are always trying to get me to get one of their credit cards, it gets annoying after awhile, but I guess it is part of their job to ask customers these questions.

First of all I work at Sears started out as a cashier now im in the shoe department although I do help out as needed working the cashwraps. Sears credit is a big thing with our company why? Because it not only helps Sears profit it also helps our customers that need things but dont have the cash at that time to purchase the items. Also Sears has brought layaway into our program for people who chose not to open a charge account. We offer a incentive of $10 or $15 off your first bill when approved for our cards. And yes as a cashier speaking we get tired of saying the same thing over and over to every single customer just like our customers get tired of hearing the same thing everytime they make a purchase at our stores. But you know I have helped people whom didnt know how easy it was to get a card or was worried about how they were going to buy school clothes for their kids, buy christmas, or a young couple purchase their wedding rings and its seems funny that those customers left the store with smiles on their faces and no complalints. If the our long sell speeches really bother you and make you feel upset to the point of not doing business in the future please tell the cashier no your in a hurry, Im sure the cashier will back off if they dont then when you get your receipt there is a customer survery link at the bottom go home and fill out the survey on your experience. People think its a waist of time but its not thats how our customer service skills are graded monthly, Sears management takes those surveys seriously and they can either make your job better or you can lose your job.

Thats because MPU is pickup that item has been sold....the cashiers are still selling and satisfying customers. No reason for a pickup to take a hour right?

so your saying its ok for customers to have to wait and get annoyed to the point of leaving with out buying anything but after the sale has been made suddenly we have to hurry and help them?

me thinks the joke went over someones head

well think of it like this if the cashier makes the customer mad to the point of leaving then that means a sale was lost and then that means you can continue to play your ipod and dont have to get up and load a big tool box or a fridge......And yes if there is a sale made then that means you have to put your ipod or gameboy up and hurry to get the item from stock and load it into the customers vehicle...You dont have to i dont guess but I wouldnt want to be the reason my store had to issue the 5 dollar coupons...remember pruning season is still in that means all bad fruit will be picked and discarded...even ones with bad attitudes.

pretty server case of cranial rectosis you've got there but that's ok id expect it from someone in your position

They make signs oooohh and wait what's that I hear over the loud speakers??? Let us pay in peace.

The law doesn't recognize signs or announcements as offers for credit during the transaction, and those signs or announcements don't guarantee that every customer would hear all the pertinent announcements or see all the signs. We must follow the law. It's not that we want to give our customers a hard time, but we must comply with the law, or risk lawsuits (which only serve to raise prices).

Maybe sears should only ask question that fulfill the law requirements. Surely the law doesn't require all of the questions. Put the rest in a flier or something else less annoying when you're trying to leave.

NADA AQUI PRESENTANDO MI RESUME Q QUIERO TRABAJAR EN SEARS PQ ME GUSTARIA PUES TENGO ESPERIENSIA EN ELECTRONICA I ESPERO Q ME CONTRATEN

Don't ask for zip codes. For some reason this is utterly useless to obtain (and as un-revealing as it is, I cringe at having to spit it out) because no database of zip codes is going to tell you anything. Is it surprising that a majority of customers are from the nearest several zip codes? Wow a few from the next state over? How about when I lie and say I live in Florida? No way, just give up the zip code question.

I don't think those questions should be asked of anyone shopping at Sears or any other dept. store for that matter. Most people who shop at department stores either have cash on hand, check book, credit cards or charge cards of some type and usually know up front how they are going to pay for their purchase before they get there. I feel intelligent people know what they want and will ask about signing up for a charge if they so choose without prompting from a cashier behind the desk. It is almost insulting to me and I wish they would stop.

I have another comment about stores asking shopper at check out about charge cards. I have an idea. Sears can put an ad to run on TV---and you too can have a Sear Credit card...just see your cashier today...just like the pharmaceutical companies who make you think you need xyz medication today and ask your doctor. In today's world of technology, people have access to everything or have even the slightest to great knowledge of charge cards, gift cards and credit cards. that information is available everywhere. Again, there is no reason to question customers at the check out lane if they have a charge card and if not, would you care to sign up for one......it's just not necessary.

You are right, if I want a Sears Credit card I should ask for one, I do like it when they say "Thank you for shopping at SEARS"

I feel the same way! It happens all the time here in Salem, Oregon too.

I'm not sure what this person, Julie does for a living but asking for the stores credit cards and getting marketing information is all part of life. It is an age old practice that has been going on for decades. Heck, you can't even go to a sporting event without getting plummeted with sales opportunities. It is just part of shopping no matter where you are in the world. If this was YOUR store you would find ways of linking your customers back to you.

that's because it doesnt, when I worked for Sears they didnt give a crap if you sold anything, it was "did you get an mpa?" "did you get them to open a credit card account?" "if they had the regular sears card did you get them to open the mastercard account?" over and over and if you didnt get these they'd make you go to meetings at 8 in the morning before the stores opened. Who wants to continuously go to meetings that early because people dont want a stupid credit card that has 25% interest or whatever it's gone up to now?

I totally agree, Sears associates are asked ALOT!!! In the perfect transaction the following must be stated. 1. Did you want a Sears Card? 2. - if approved, did you want to sign up for account care? 3. Do you want to donate to... Hero's at home? (charity, during some months) 4. Is there an email address we can get for coupons? 5. Please fill out this survey.... (not including protection agreements, craftman's club, "do you want a gift reciept")

I totally agree, it especially buggs me when u say no and they keep going on about the deals u can get with the sears card. haha i love the store but maybe they should just stick with leaving the flires where everyone can see, and if someone wants one they can just ask. :/

I have to agree on this one - leave me alone!!! hehehehe. Why not ask if you MUST have a question to throw out at the customer: Would you like to hear about our surveys, special financing, or other marketing offers? I say NO, Thank you. The question is answered and the cashier need not proceed with all the stuff they don't want to repeat and I don't want to hear. :-) I KNOW where to go for a survey as it's on my receipt. I KNOW about fiancing because I see the sign and flyers all about the credit card. I have NO further questions or I would have asked. We have all points covered. Schweet.

i so agree with you y ask about survey n all this things when something all we want to do is get home to strat on dinner.......

Some stores have started to ask many of these type of questions via the credit card pad: i.e. Dis the cashier/associate os of your interest in (programmed based on interest (tool club, layaway?, discounted inhose credit card) --- believe it or not allows that cashier associate to take role to advise you as your advocate, seemingly not the Store's trained (programmed sales bot who can tell you to participate, but not seeming to have time to care how it might benefit you.

All n9f my transactions are cash. I do not use credit cards, The employees whom I see regularly know this and do not ask - at my request. Simplest answer usually works best.

Pay attention to each customer - they are unique. You might make a sale with me, but deluge me with multiple questions like that, it'll be the last. Take each customer at face value - let them tell you which question(s) to ask.

Your history of responses within this thread has been to err on the side of more information, whether speaking of credit marketing law or your customers telling you they suffrer fromn information overload. You assume that you will see these customers only once and that will be your companys downdfall. Build relationships! LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!Do you honestly think that, if I tell you that I will not return if the informastion overload continues, I will return anyway? Not this little grey duck!! Ignore what your customers tell you they want and they go elsewhere! Period!

By law, we MUST ask every customer if they would like to apply for a Sears card. That is the law. If we don't do that, we could be sued for discrimination based on the Equal Credit Opportunity laws. As for asking a blanket question, as someone else proposed, the automatic answer to yes/no questions like that is "no." Don't believe me? Answer this question as you would in a store if I was an employee asking it to you: Can I help you with anything?"

One question at a time: 1. Sears legal department may have chosen to limit their rpotential risk for lawsuits based upon the Equal Credit Opportunity laws, but that is NOT the same as laws that mandate, under threat of legal action whether civil or criminal, offering every Sears customer that walks through the doors the opportunity to obtain Sears credit services. Please provide the specifics of the law that back up your argument. You're making the claim about what law demands - back it up. 2. You are now,or have been in the past, a commission salesperson. Your presentation of what the 'automatic answer' will be is your opinion no doubt based in marketing, not fulfilling your customers needs. the question "Can I help you with anything?" is not only a valid question to ask a customer, it is one of the best ways to find out what your customer needs. 99 percent of my visits to Sears stores are made only after I have determined my actual need. My first answer might be ' Give me some time to look around, it might be "No" or it might be "yes after which I would outline my need.

By law, we must either ask every single customer if they'd like to apply for a Sears card, or ask absolutely no customers if they'd like to apply for a Sears card. If we ask none, the odds of customers applying drop precipitously. If we ask only some, then those not asked may think they were being discriminated against. Therefore, we must ask every single customer, even if they're clearly under legal age. Yes, I've worked as a commissioned salesperson, and I don't base the automatic answer on marketing, I base it on first-hand experience. The best way to elicit a "no" out of someone is to ask "Can I help you with anything?" Rhetorically, one may make the argument that they'd answer "no" or "yes," but the reality is that people will automatically answer "no" (or, to be more specific regarding the question at hand, "no, just looking) without even thinking about it. It's a defense mechanism that people use without consciously doing it to protect themselves from the perceived threat of someone trying to take their money or rip them off or push them into doing something they may not want to do (whether that perception is accurate or not). In fact, often customers don't even LISTEN to what is being asked of them. Many times I'll just ask if they're finding everything ok, and they'll say "no" or "no thanks" and keep on walking, unaware of the question asked of them. So, why waste time with a non-starter like that? The best way to open a dialog is not by asking someone a question that will almost always result in a "no" response, but to ask something that either elicits a "yes," starting a friendly conversation, or asking an open-ended question. But questions like "can I help you with anything?" will generally result in the conversation being closed before it gets a chance.

So, sir, 'the Law' gives you two options - ask all or ask none. Businesses offering credit services must make the offer to all Sears customers or to no Sears customers. Sears CHOOSES to ask all, but that is NOT not the same as saying '.. 'the Law requires that Sears to ask all customers" as you have repeatedly stated - incorrectly - in this thread.. It is a marketing decision made by Sears, plain and simple. And, no, this isn't splitting hairs or semantics at their best. It is the simple truth of this issue plainly stated. . ing that has been issued against Sears - anything specific that backs up your position. Being an licensed electrician, I daily hear people toss around "Code requires" or "The Code says" when, in fact, 'he Code' says nothing of the sort. If I make statements refering to what 'the Code' says, I provide the specifics of where it can be found and what exceptions are allowed. Does this mean I have it all memorized?

You're right. Sears can either be foolish and never make the offer, or wise and make the offer. It's kind of like saying you can either choose to breathe or choose not to breathe, but you are not compelled to breathe. Treating the incredibly foolish alternative as an equal option is not being honest. It's a marketing decision in so much as Sears would rather make money than not make money. By that same token, deciding to actually open stores for business rather than keeping them closed is technically also a marketing decision. This practice of picking nits is tedious and pointless. A foolish business never offers its customers additional products or services that it has at its disposal, while waiting for customers to take the initiative to ask for everything themselves (which, let's face it, would seldom happen, if ever). If your position is that Sears can either choose a worthwhile pursuit or a detrimental pursuit, you're technically correct, but it's merely an academic dichotomy, not a pragmatic one. If rhetorical exercise is the goal, well done. I enjoy a good spar. However, it does nothing to diminish the pragmatic need to ask every customer to apply for a Sears card to comply with the law.

Your response makes my point for me You have just said that applicable law gives Sears a choice to either ask all customers or ask none. Sears choice is a marketing issue - nothing more and nothing less. . That isn't 'splitting hairs' or semantics. It is the plainly stated, simple truth. While I am sure you did not intend to make misleading statements, you certainly should have stated what 'the Law' said and not your interpretation which blames the choice on 'the Law and relieve Sears of the responsibility for their choice. Same thing applies to your opinion about asking " May I help you with anything" . 'Your opinion' based on 'your experience' is entirely that - yours. That means that others have had different experiences - including me.

What you call 'picking nits'as well as 'tedious and pointless' is what I call clarity of thought and speech. Don't blame the law for the choices Sears made. It IS that simple.

its not the law to pitch your card everytime, its only that if you intend to pitch it to most people you cant cherry pick who they are and have to offer everyone. However you dont have to pitch it to anyone in the first place, a great example of that is Ikea, they dont pester you about the card or even bring it up unless you inquire its not discrimination because they dont ask anyone that doesnt ask them first, so nobodys left out. And its not even really the "law" its just sears has been sued over that issue in the past.

Almost: you must either offer to every single customer, or never offer it to any customer. Never offering it is a good way to keep customers from getting something they may actually want. And, retail credit cards also make some money for the retailer, so actively pursuing a non-profitable way of business probably wouldn't rub shareholders the right way. The law requires 100% or 0%. Anything else can be interpreted as discrimination and opens the retailer up to a lawsuit. I don't know why there's so much controversy over this. It's pretty darn simple, yet people get so worked up over it. It's been this way for years. I simply don't get what all the furor is about. Sears chooses to do business in a profitable manner. Somehow that is a bad thing. If anyone can tell me why it's wrong for Sears to offer products and services to their customers (many of whom actually do want them when offered), and run its business in a profit-focused manner, please explain, because I can't wrap my head around all the hostility.

amen to that my freind. I don't appreicate that either.

I think that the employes At sears have To ask theses questions its Apart of their job. but here is A suggestion for sears or anyother store that does this To their customers. why not have each cashier ask just one question. with all the regesters in the store. I think they could share the questions To be asked by the company. then they wouldn't have unhappy customers by keeping them inline so long. And all question would be asked within the store but not all to the same customer. I know as a customer I would be very pleased for not waiting long in line. Our time is just as preicous as the stores time .

The checkout line is the choke point of retailing. As a customer, I hate to see the accumulation of small delays caused by the silly questions that cashiers are required to ask. It's clear to me that chains like Kmart have skeletal staffs and perhaps they must do this to remain profitable. So there aren't going to be enough checkout lines open. No customer wants to watch a drama of negotiations about coupons, price checks, people searching for pennies in their change purses, writing checks long hand etc. But the customer can blame other customers, in part, for such log jams. The interrogations by the cashier will be blamed completely on the store.

THANK YOU!!!!!! WAY TO MANY!!! It makes people mad.

Have your (not at this store) sales associates not to assume that well dressed means "loaded" and cut offs and t shirts don't mean on welfare. I've seen our sales person (Tracy) on other occasions and she always has a smile, well groomed, well dressed and knowledgeable. Because of your sales associates attitudes, I have been shopping at the same Sears store for the past 22 years (Chapel Hills Mall, Colorado Springs, CO). As a retiree, my retirement is precious and I shop various stores, personally, mainly because I have the time. Tracy gave us more information than any other stores we visited, She also informed us of the (Energy Star) benefits and the Sears Warranties. To not assume we knew everything, but we expect our sales associates to know their merchandise and Tracy did.

I'm in retail and I like your honesty. It is something most people don't realize. It is not necessary to get approved for the new charge application to receive the discount.

AMEN!

Pick one, lol. I agree, getting bombarded every time I try to pay for something is a bit of a turn off.

Just a constructive comment, rather than my initial criticism: Ask the question that most relates to the purchase ( I buy kids close, ask about Kidvantage. I buy a Craftsman tool, remind me about the warranty.) Then stick a pamphlet about the Sears credit card in my bag to legally CYA, along with all the other awesome things Sears can do FOR me. At least disguise it as being helpful, rather than being something that is a legal requirement, and find a less agitating way to tell me about your products. I might have also learned about the website a lot sooner if information like that was given.

I so agree! one quick question at most is all that people should have to endure. people are very busy now days and need to get in and out quick.

well I feel that what ever department they are purchasing from is the type of info the cashier shoud give. If Im buying childrens or baby stuff then thats when the kids advantage should be mentioned and so on for each department. that way its not to much at once

Thank you, Iloveshoes!! Customers do not realize that we have to ask all those questions every time! Yes, we do get tired of asking them for sure. Especially when the customer gets really rude with us, like one yesterday telling me I was lying to her about the 'shop your way rewards' being free! Some days I just want to give up. BUT, I keep on smiling.

checkout should be CHECKOUT - NO questions, just CHECKOUT - post an advertisement coming in or going out or at the register, but no questions - PLEASE!

checkout should be CHECKOUT - NO questions, just CHECKOUT - post an advertisement coming in or going out or at the register, but no questions - PLEASE!

checkout should be CHECKOUT - NO questions, just CHECKOUT - post an advertisement coming in or going out or at the register, but no questions - PLEASE!

checkout should be CHECKOUT - NO questions, just CHECKOUT - post an advertisement coming in or going out or at the register, but no questions - PLEASE!

I am a Sears associate, and I am ashamed that my company makes money this way. Questions, questions, questions - no customer wants to be hassled by all this. Sears and Citi are bedfellows; if an associate doesn't sign up for direct deposit, guess what he's paid in? A prepaid Citi Mastercard. This is horrible and embarrassing.

i agree with you they need stop that let the coustomors say what ever they want

we must ask all those questions. it's an important part of our job

we must ask all those questions. it's an important part of our job

I like limiting the questions to "One" they can rotate the question if that is what management wants but too many questions can be frustrating.

i work for sears and even i hate the mandatory question portion at the cash wrap(register). some customers don't mind, but most people just want to make their purchase and get the heck out of the store! it's a hassle, and as cashiers we HAVE to ask each of "THE QUESTIONS" or we are chastised...in some cases the outcome of the questions effects our pay so...

Here's the deal though, as soon as someone realizes they missed out on something (for example, the Shop Your Way Rewards card), they call the poor folks at Rewards (that's me) complaining that they were never offered the membership earlier, and that they would like to add transactions from prior to their enrollment date, because our associated never offered. You can't win....

Here's the deal though, as soon as someone realizes they missed out on something (for example, the Shop Your Way Rewards card), they call the poor folks at Rewards (that's me) complaining that they were never offered the membership earlier, and that they would like to add transactions from prior to their enrollment date, because our associated never offered. You can't win....